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All I Want For Christmas For The Chicago Bears Is…
Published: December 24, 2009
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1. A new general manager and coaching staff .
Bears GM Jerry Angelo still states that he likes the team’s roster, but he put it together and might be the only one who likes it.
The Bears have more holes than swiss cheese and sorely lack playmakers on offense.
Angelo’s poor drafts and lack of aggressiveness in free agency have hindered the Bears at a time when several of those players selected should be heavy contributors entering the prime of their careers.
For his part, Smith seems inflexible in adjusting his defensive system to the personnel available. His constant shuffling of assistant coaches and their relative lack of NFL experience, combined with his inability to develop/nurture young players is damning.
The Bears slide from a Super Bowl appearance to three straight non-playoff appearances comes on his watch.
2. An aggressive approach to free agency .
Without a first and second round selection, the Bears must be creative.
With the collective bargaining agreement up in the air and the possibility of an uncapped year, there may be a limited amount of plum free agents available.
No matter, there will still be a core of solid players unrestricted who can contribute. The Bears need to sign a group of mid-tier players and target one blue chip talent.
3. A big play wide receiver .
Preferably, a big target for Jay Cutler to throw to (read Anquan Boldin, Plaxico Burress, Brandon Marshall).
The Bears sorely lack a number one receiver, someone who Cutler can depend upon.
4. An offensive line.
The fact the Bears rank last in the NFL in rushing and Cutler has been under siege says it all.
Olin Kreutz’s game has slipped, Orlando Pace is over the hill, Roberta Garza is just a guy, and second year man Chris Williams remains unproven and leads the unit in penalties.
5. A pass rush.
Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was hailed as a defensive line guru, but the Bears have a unit filled with past their prime performers (Adewale Ogunleye & Alex Brown), underachievers (Tommie Harris and Marcus Harrison), and unrealized potential (Mark Anderson).
Now, with the stockings hung by the chimney with care, the wish is that Saint Nick can help bring back the Bears.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
All I Want For Christmas For The Chicago Bears Is…
Published: December 24, 2009
No Comments
1. A new general manager and coaching staff .
Bears GM Jerry Angelo still states that he likes the team’s roster, but he put it together and might be the only one who likes it.
The Bears have more holes than swiss cheese and sorely lack playmakers on offense.
Angelo’s poor drafts and lack of aggressiveness in free agency have hindered the Bears at a time when several of those players selected should be heavy contributors entering the prime of their careers.
For his part, Smith seems inflexible in adjusting his defensive system to the personnel available. His constant shuffling of assistant coaches and their relative lack of NFL experience, combined with his inability to develop/nurture young players is damning.
The Bears slide from a Super Bowl appearance to three straight non-playoff appearances comes on his watch.
2. An aggressive approach to free agency .
Without a first and second round selection, the Bears must be creative.
With the collective bargaining agreement up in the air and the possibility of an uncapped year, there may be a limited amount of plum free agents available.
No matter, there will still be a core of solid players unrestricted who can contribute. The Bears need to sign a group of mid-tier players and target one blue chip talent.
3. A big play wide receiver .
Preferably, a big target for Jay Cutler to throw to (read Anquan Boldin, Plaxico Burress, Brandon Marshall).
The Bears sorely lack a number one receiver, someone who Cutler can depend upon.
4. An offensive line.
The fact the Bears rank last in the NFL in rushing and Cutler has been under siege says it all.
Olin Kreutz’s game has slipped, Orlando Pace is over the hill, Roberta Garza is just a guy, and second year man Chris Williams remains unproven and leads the unit in penalties.
5. A pass rush.
Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was hailed as a defensive line guru, but the Bears have a unit filled with past their prime performers (Adewale Ogunleye & Alex Brown), underachievers (Tommie Harris and Marcus Harrison), and unrealized potential (Mark Anderson).
Now, with the stockings hung by the chimney with care, the wish is that Saint Nick can help bring back the Bears.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Bears Blitz: Training Camp Brings Competition
Published: July 12, 2009
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Counting the days until the Bears report to training camp at Olivet Nazarene University while thinking about these position battles:
Safety: After jettisoning the popular, but oft-injured Mike Brown, Chicago has an opening opposite the hard-hitting Kevin Payne. Second-year man Craig Steltz appears to have the first crack, but his limited play in ’08 didn’t inspire.
Steltz was highly regarded at LSU as an active player with fine instincts and range, so the hope is that the light will come on. Free agent and You Tube sensation Josh Bullocks and former Notre Damer and Texan Glenn Earl have been brought in to compete.
Corey Graham was shifted from corner during organized team activities (OTA’s), but word is the coaching staff wasn’t thrilled with the results and has scrapped that experiment.
Sixth round pick Al Afalava of Oregon State has a reputation for throwing his body around, and will need to, in order to make the team as a special teamer and provide depth.
As a Bears fan, this unit is a major concern. There’s not enough productivity or solid depth. It wouldn’t be a stretch to see the Bears make a move during the preseason to bolster the position.
Wide Receiver: Not to slight workhorse running back Matt Forte, who led the Bears in receptions last season, but the Chicago receiving corps lacks proven weapons. It’s scary to think that Devin Hester’s three touchdowns and 665 yards headline the group, but it is what it is.
Hester can be a highlight reel, but needs to become more consistent running routes and learning the nuances of the position. Earl Bennett was a huge disappointment as a rookie, but being reunited with his former Vanderbilt teammate Jay Cutler should help.
Bennett still holds the Southeastern conference record for career receptions, a surprising fact on two fronts: 1. it shows he can play against elite competition, albeit in college, and 2. he came out of school a year early.
Journey man Rashied Davis returns, but he’s become a liability with more frequent drops. Annual practice squad member Brandon Rideau flashes in practice, yet never seems to translate potential into production. There is room for rookie wideouts Juaquin Iglesias, Johnny Knox, and Derek Kinder to contribute early.
Iglesias appears to be the most ready of the three, though Knox possesses exciting measurables. Keep an eye on Kinder, a decent prospect prior to suffering a knee injury his junior season.
Logic would seem to dictate that General Manager Jerry Angelo pull the trigger on signing a veteran receiver, but to date, the Bears have been quiet. From this vantage point, ex-Giant Amani Toomer would look good in navy blue and orange.
Toomer is a high character (read “turd free”) veteran who still has mileage left on his 35 year old legs and would fit well in the Chicago lockerroom.
Linebacker: Arguably, Chicago boasts one of the strongest starting linebacking trios in the league. While the starting spots are locked-up with Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, and newcomer Pisa Tinoisamoa, the competition is fiece for the backup roles.
Veterans Nick Roach and Hunter Hillenmeyer appear to have lost out after the Tinoisamoa signing. Hillenmeyer, in particular, may be hard pressed to gain a roster spot. He appears to have lost a step.
Roach is athletic and can run, but doesn’t show up much on gameday. Fourth year man Jamar Williams is also in the mix. Williams impressed the Bears defensive coaching staff with his work this spring.
The guess here is that Roach and Williams get the nod based on their special teams play and relative youth. A free agent like Rutger’s blue-collar Kevin Malast could land on the practice squad with a solid camp.
Defensive Line: Ex-Lions boss Rod Marinelli has a reputation as one of the game’s best defensive line coach’s. He’ll be challenged to revive a dormant pass rush. On paper, the Bears have talent. Veterans Alex Brown, Adewale Ogunleye, and Tommie Harris must produce.
Israel Idonjie is versatile and can play inside or on the edge. Mark Anderson enters a important career crossroads. Is he the double-digit sack man of ’06 or the invisible man of the last two seasons? Inside, Marcus Harrison oozes potential, but isn’t consistent enough.
Anthony Adams, Dusty Dvorachek, Matt Toenia, and third round pick Jarron Gilbert will battle for two spots. Adams is often overlooked, but earns playing time. Dvorachek is a high motor tough guy who has never been able to stay healthy. This may be his last chance with the Bears. Toenia simply isn’t good enough to break into the rotation.
A longshot worth watching is second year defensive end Ervin Baldwin from Michigan State. A seventh-round selection in ’08, Baldwin spent last season on the practice squad and flashes a quick first step.
Backup Quarterback: Playing the ultimate “what if” card, are the Bears comfortable with either youngsters Caleb Hanie or Brett Basanez playing? Jay Cutler’s durability has never been questioned, but I’d feel a whole lot better with a veteran QB on the sidelines.
Hanie has a strong arm and has impressed the coaching staff, but he seems better suited to a third string role. Basanez bounced around the Carolina practice squad and posesses limited upside.
Other postions: Behind emerging Greg Olsen and dependable Desmond Clark, Michael Gaines, Kellen Davis, and Fontel Mines compete at tight end. Gaines adds versatility as he can play fullback. Davis is a decent special teams player with fine athletic ability.
Adrian Petersen and Garret Wolfe may be battling for one spot behind starter Matt Forte and backup Kevin Jones, depending on the final roster composition. Both are solid special teamers, and Petersen has developed a solid niche as contributing back when called upon.
As Lovie Smith prepares his most talented squad, at least on paper, for the season opener in Green Bay, these positional battles “bear” watching.
Upstart United Football League Prepares to Press Play
Published: July 6, 2009
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Hoping to learn from its predecessors’ mistakes while carving out a niche amongst football starved fans, the fledgling United Football League (UFL) continues to make progress toward its October debut.
Led by former National Football League (NFL) executive Michael Huyghue, the UFL has been a whirlwind of activity lately, ranging from conducting its first player draft to exploring possible European expansion.
Already, the league has broken ground on a training camp/practice facility in Casa Grande, Ariz., filled out the coaching staffs of former NFL head coaches Dennis Green (San Francisco), Jim Fassel (Las Vegas), Jim Haslett (Orlando) and former defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell (New York), negotiated a television deal with Versus, and broached the subject of Michael Vick being invited to play.
“We are optimistic, on target and continuing to move forward with our plan” stated Commissioner Michael Huyghue in response to a question I posed via Twitter.
The UFL’s premiere season consists of a scaled-down launch with four teams (San Francisco, Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York) playing a limited schedule, culminating with a championship game in Las Vegas over the November Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The downturn in the economy may have forced the UFL’s hand to start slowly, but could be a blessing in the long run, allowing the league to build a solid foundation and develop a fan base.
The plan is for the UFL’s four inaugural teams to play in seven different cities, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Hartford, Conn., thereby “testing” potential expansion markets for a full-scale launch in the fall of 2010.
Seeking to avoid the mistakes of forerunners like the United States Football League (USFL) and the World League of American Football (WLAF), the UFL will play in the fall, primarily on Thursday and Friday evenings, indirectly competing with college football and the NFL.
Whether the busy fall sports calendar has room for another entry is another question. The UFL promotes itself as “fulfilling the unmet needs of football fans in major markets currently underserved by professional football”.
Those fans will likely initially see a collection of former NFL castoffs (the likes of a JP Losman or Peter Warrick), late NFL cuts, and former stars seeking a second change (see Michael Vick).
The veteran head coaches and their staffs will undoubtedly be challenged in assembling their rosters into a “reasonable facsimile” of professional football talent.
Curiously, “invitation only” tryout camps recently staged in both Orlando and Las Vegas drew a handful of recognizable names, including former Bears starting quarterback Rex Grossman (who signed in June with the NFL Texans).
Given a chance to mature, the hope is that the league can develop their own stars who may need further refinement and playing opportunity outside of the NFL spotlight.
Besides fielding a competitive and entertaining product, the UFL faces other challlenges, such as attracting fans and media attention while generating sponsorship dollars in a shaky economy.
To its credit, the league is attempting to be fan-friendly, making itself accessible via various social media outlets, and commissioner Huyghue regularly provides updates via Twitter.
The UFL also solicits fan feedback on a variety of logistical issues. In addition, it helps that the league’s investors include heavyweights Bill Hambrecht, Chairman and CEO of WR Hambrecht + Co.; Tim Armstrong, President of Advertising and Commerce, North America & Vice President, Google, Inc; Paul Pelosi, President of FLS, Inc. (and husband of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi) and a consortium of others.
UFL leadership is planning on future expansion, with six to eight teams scheduled for 2010, and possible inroads into Europe following.
As training camps draw nearer for NFL teams, football fans interested in the sport should also keep a watchful eye on the UFL’s activity. It promises to be an eventful storyline.
Black and Blue Divison Turning Glitzy
Published: June 11, 2009
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After years of being depicted as a division of stodgy, ground-controlled running attacks and dominant defenses, the NFC North is rapidly becoming the playground for strong-armed, gun-slinging quarterbacks.
The Bears’ blockbuster trade for Jay Cutler and the Lions’ selection of Matthew Stafford as the top overall draft pick, coupled with Aaron Rodgers’ presence in Green Bay, has turned this once conservative group into potentially, a wide-open aerial circus.
If Brett Favre, as many expect, announces his un-retirement, the “black and blue” division will arguably boast as fine a quarterback quartet as any in the NFL.
The offseason maneuvers should make for an interesting division race. The defending champion Vikings return a solid nucleus, led by standout RB Adrian Petersen, sack artist Jared Allen, and defenders Pat and Kevin Williams.
Minnesota’s key additions include the acquisition of quarterback Sage Rosenfels and the first round selection of speedy wide receiver Percy Harvin, the former Florida Gator. Harvin possesses game-breaking abilities, but is considered a character risk due to his litany of off-field miscues.
Viking coach Brad Childress will be under the gun to deliver a deep playoff run to meet ownership and fan expectations. The play at the QB position, with or without Favre, along with the development of Harvin, should provide the key to Minnesota’s hopes. One other potential distraction to monitor is the current “starcaps” case involving Pat & Kevin Williams. The duo could be forced to sit out the season’s first four contests, a potentially damaging blow to the Vikes title hopes.
Chicago enters the ’09 campaign with a radically changed offensive look. Jay Cutler settles in as the Bears’ signal caller following one of the biggest trades in NFL history. The trade for Cutler should provide the Bears with long-term stability at the position, while also improving short-term prospects for an energized passing attack.
Cutler’s weapons won’t resemble his former Denver mates, but the hope is that the exciting Devin Hester, reliable tight end tandem of Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark, and the emergence of either Earl Bennett, rookie Juaquin Iglesias, or as of yet to be signed veteran wideout can solidify the receiving corps.
Not to be forgotten, second year man Matt Forte will once again be counted on to carry the Bears running game and provide a pass catching threat out of the backfield. Forte was a rock in ’08, leading the team in rushing yards and receptions, while seeing the field for 85 percent of Chicago’s offensive plays.
The Bears’ other notable offseason addition was left tackle and former Pro Bowler Orlando Pace. If healthy, Pace will anchor Chicago’s offensive line and protect Cutler.
Defensively, the Bears have question marks in the secondary and must hope that veteran Tommie Harris regains his form of a couple seasons ago. Chicago has become increasingly susceptible to giving up big plays on defense, and this unit must bounce back for the Bears to once again become factors in ’09.
Green Bay looks to bounce back following last season’s disappointing 6-10 record. Though the Pack faltered, Aaron Rodgers played well after getting the keys to the Green Bay offense.
Following in Brett Favre’s enormous foot prints, Rodgers threw for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns, and appeared to demonstrate the necessary traits to be the long-term answer. It helps that he has a talented receiving group, led by veteran Donald Driver and emerging Greg Jennings.
Green Bay’s ground attack looks to rebound with Ryan Grant trying to recapture his 2007 form. The Packers have drafted in recent years to bolster the offensive line, and need to receive more consistent play from that unit.
On the other side of the ball, Green Bay will shift to a 3-4 alignment. Former Carolina and Houston coach Dom Capers comes aboard to direct a unit that was easy to run against in ’08. The Packers hope that a healthy linebacker Nick Barnett can help veteran defenders Aaron Kampman, A.J. Hawk, and first round pick Clay Matthews.
Green Bay lost several close contests last year, and with good fortune health-wise, the Packers could once again be knocking on the NFC North title door.
Following last year’s winless season, Detroit has turned over about everything—from the front office and coaching staff right down to the team’s logos and uniforms. Whether the changes will be reflected in the standings is anybody’s guess.
Jim Schwartz, the former Tennessee defensive boss, got the head gig and will attempt to rebuild the Lions. His first pick, top selection Matthew Stafford of Georgia, has a chance to play early. The strong-armed Stafford does have some weapons, notably stud wide out Calvin Johnson, who may be ready to fully blossom in his third season.
He also has second year running back Kevin Smith, a powerful back who runs through tacklers.
Detroit’s line play on both sides was porous in ’08, something that might not be easily remedied. Linebacker Ernie Sims is a tackling machine, but the Lions suffer with too few play makers to make a major leap in the standings and are clearly behind the Vikings, Bears, and Packers. The drafting of Stafford and his fellow rookie class does offer hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Chicago Bears 2009: Offseason Makeover Sparks Playoff Talk
Published: June 7, 2009
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When the Bears walked off the field at Houston’s Reliant Stadium last December 28th, following a disappointing season-ending loss that left them 9-7 and out of the playoffs, little did they know what the offseason had in store for them.
Despite their usual low-key approach to free agency, the Bears reeled in arguably the biggest catch with the acquisition of Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, a move that both shocked NFL insiders and delighted Bears fans. The bold trade, engineered by Jerry Angelo forced Chicago to part with coveted first round picks this year and next, along with this year’s third rounder and starting quarterback Kyle Orton.
While seemingly wearing out his welcome in Denver and with new Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels, Cutler brings immediate hope for offensive improvement and breathes new life into a position Chicago has struggled with since the franchises’ early glory days of the 1940’s.
Fresh from a Pro Bowl season where he threw for over 4,000 yards, Cutler’s arm strength, competitiveness, and penchant for big plays should complement the power running of Matt Forte and open up the passing attack. Forte put together an outstanding rookie campaign, contributing as both a runner and receiver. In fact, the former Tulane product amassed 37 percent of the Bears total offense in ’08.
Not content to stop there, Angelo signed former Pro Bowler Orlando Pace to anchor the offensive left tackle spot, following earlier attempts to bolster the line with the additions of Frank Omiyale and ex-Brown Kevin Schaffer. The signing of Pace will allow the Bears to shift last year’s top pick, Chris Williams, to the right offensive tackle spot vacated by the retirement of John Tait. Chicago hopes the shuffling will not only protect their franchise quarterback in Cutler, but also produce better results in short-yardage situations, which stymied several drives last season.
While the Bears have retooled the front line and quarterback position, major question marks still dot the receiving corps where the game breaking, but still unfinished, Devin Hester headlines an inexperienced group. Chicago hopes that Hester continues to make strides in improving his consistency and route running, yet also regains his form as a returner.
The other receiver positions are up for grabs between Earl Bennett, last year’s third-round choice who rarely saw the field, but clicked with Cutler at Vanderbilt, Rashied Davis. Also competing will be the former arena league player who struggled in ’08, the unproven Brandon Rideau. Chicago added depth by grabbing three receivers in the draft, including third rounder Juaquin Iglesias of Oklahoma, fifth-round speedster Johnny Knox from Abilene Christian, and Pittsburgh’s Derek Kinder in the seventh round.
The Bears do boast a quality tandem at tight end however, with former first rounder Greg Olsen, an emerging talent, and solid veteran Desmond Clark.
Defensively, the big hope is that Chicago will regain the swagger from the Super Bowl season. Enter ex-Lions coach Rod Marinelli, who will try to motivate and increase the production from a veteran defensive line that seldom produced consistent pass rusher pressure. Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye will once again anchor the defensive end spots, with Ogunleye especially needing an impressive bounce back campaign.
Versatile Israel Indonije and enigma Mark Anderson provide depth on the defensive side for the Bears. Anderson has all but disappeared after his double-digit sack total his rookie year. On the interior, all eyes focus on oft-injured Tommie Harris, who can dominate when healthy. Bears’ fans must hope that Harris is finally right, although his penchant for sitting out practices is not an encouraging sign.
Another injury risk, Dusty Dvorachek, may get his final chance to line up next to his former Oklahoma teammate. Dvorachek’s pro career has ended prematurely in each of his first three seasons. He’s a try-hard player who may not be gifted enough to be a full time starter.
Veteran Anthony Adams has been impressive in spot duty and always seems to earn playing time. Second year man Marcus Harrison flashes exciting potential, but must become more consistent.
The Bears’ selection of San Jose State’s Jarron Gilbert provides insurance up front. Gilbert demonstrates game-changing abilities, but some scouts question his work habits and dedication. The hope with this unit is that Chicago will once again be a difficult team to run upon.
The linebacking corps is solid, with the expected return to health of linebacker Brian Urlacher. Reports from Halas Hall this offseason indicate the former Pro Bowler is in outstanding shape and ready to regain form following last years’ uninspired performance. Another Pro Bowler, and arguably the team’s top defender, Lance Briggs, anchors the weak linerbacker spot.
Newcomer Pisa Tinoisamoa, the Rams’ leading tackler in four of his six seasons there, seems ticketed for strong linebacker, although he will need to hold off Nick Roach, who saw limited starting duty in ’08, and veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer, who may be fighting for his roster spot.
The Bears deep patrol is not nearly as set, with question marks at both the corner and safety positions. Veteran Charles Tillman struggled through an injury-plagued year, but remains Chicago’s best defensive back when healthy. He should handle one corner slot.
The other spot up for grabs is between a handful of contenders, including former starter Nathan Vasher, rookie fourth rounder D.J. Moore, and third-year man Truman McBride.
The safety position contains more question marks, especially with the decision not to resign the popular (but injury-prone) Mike Brown. Hard hitting Kevin Payne is assured one spot, while Danieal Manning, second year player Craig Stelz, converted corners Corey Graham and Zachary Bowman battle with free agent signees Josh Bullocks and Glenn Earl for the other safety position.
Manning may be better suited for the nickel spot. However, Graham and Bowman showed some promise in limited play at corner in ’08, while Stelz seemed over his skis, and Bullocks and Earl seek a chance to repair their playing reputations.
Chicago’s special teams appear set, with dependable veterans Brad Maynard and Robbie Gould handling the punting and kicking chores respectively. Maynard is quietly consistent and Gould has emerged as an excellent pressure kicker.
Danieal Manning has overtaken Hester as the Bears’ primary kickoff returner. Manning’s 31-yard average led the league and his return style of hitting the crease hard and exploding upfield are better suited for the important battle of field position, rather than the high risk/reward with Hester. Hester though, will be given the task of returning punts, with hopefully, more upfield movement than lateral.
Bears head coach Lovie Smith has taken over the defensive play calling duties, and should, on paper, have his best team. How quickly the offense jells with Cutler at the helm, the play of the receivers, and the return to prominence of the Chicago defense will answer where the Bears stand as the calendar turns to January.
