Re: The Chicago Bears Offseason Thread

[jersey cubs fan]

Bears agree to terms with Urlacher

 

what a selfless act it is to sacrifice his own dream of winning a superbowl for a virtual feather in his cap.

 

i really hope this new contract assures his continued cooperation with the media and openness with the fans who have helped make him the face of the bears franchise. he's such a thoughtful person, kudos to you, brian, you steaming pile of excrement. i hope age doesn't begin to restrict your amazing ability to shed blocks.

 

I semi agree with this post

 

I don't really agree with any of it. Brian doesn't appear to be an enlightened person, but he doesn't seem to be much of a bad guy either. He's ruined his own marriage and made a baby or two with a stranger, but it appears he's holding up his end of the bargain with those situations. I don't recall him getting into any meaningful trouble. I don't give a crap about his openness with the media or fans. He's been an elite player with the Bears for several years, and has only been slowed by the occasional injury, while playing probably one of the two most physically punishing positions in the game (RB being the most).

[Magnetic Curses]

Bears agree to terms with Urlacher

 

what a selfless act it is to sacrifice his own dream of winning a superbowl for a virtual feather in his cap.

 

i really hope this new contract assures his continued cooperation with the media and openness with the fans who have helped make him the face of the bears franchise. he's such a thoughtful person, kudos to you, brian, you steaming pile of excrement. i hope age doesn't begin to restrict your amazing ability to shed blocks.

 

I semi agree with this post

 

I don't really agree with any of it. Brian doesn't appear to be an enlightened person, but he doesn't seem to be much of a bad guy either. He's ruined his own marriage and made a baby or two with a stranger, but it appears he's holding up his end of the bargain with those situations. I don't recall him getting into any meaningful trouble. I don't give a crap about his openness with the media or fans. He's been an elite player with the Bears for several years, and has only been slowed by the occasional injury, while playing probably one of the two most physically punishing positions in the game (RB being the most).

 

i'd like a meaningful sound bite from him once in a while, other than a surly "yes", "no", or "i don't know". that's not simply being an un-"enlightened person", that's being intentionally disrespectful to the people who help pay his salary.

 

i couldn't care less about his ruined marriage or his trail of illegitimate children. but, i don't like that fact that he tried to hold the franchise hostage after he volunteered to restructure his contract in order to re-sign briggs. it makes me think that he's given up on the team's success and wants to smash and grab whatever he can before he can't play anymore.

[jersey cubs fan]

i'd like a meaningful sound bite from him once in a while, other than a surly "yes", "no", or "i don't know". that's not simply being an un-"enlightened person", that's being intentionally disrespectful to the people who help pay his salary.

 

i couldn't care less about his ruined marriage or his trail of illegitimate children. but, i don't like that fact that he tried to hold the franchise hostage after he volunteered to restructure his contract in order to re-sign briggs. it makes me think that he's given up on the team's success and wants to smash and grab whatever he can before he can't play anymore.

 

Why do you care about sound bites? And how many sound bites provided by others are actually meaningful? The guys that talk the most have nothing to say. I don't care what Urlacher thinks about the world, I just want him to play football well enough to help the Bears win games.

 

I don't think anybody can reasonably call what he did as holding the team hostage.

[Soul]

Bears agree to terms with Urlacher

 

what a selfless act it is to sacrifice his own dream of winning a superbowl for a virtual feather in his cap.

 

i really hope this new contract assures his continued cooperation with the media and openness with the fans who have helped make him the face of the bears franchise. he's such a thoughtful person, kudos to you, brian, you steaming pile of excrement. i hope age doesn't begin to restrict your amazing ability to shed blocks.

 

I semi agree with this post

 

I don't really agree with any of it. Brian doesn't appear to be an enlightened person, but he doesn't seem to be much of a bad guy either. He's ruined his own marriage and made a baby or two with a stranger, but it appears he's holding up his end of the bargain with those situations. I don't recall him getting into any meaningful trouble. I don't give a crap about his openness with the media or fans. He's been an elite player with the Bears for several years, and has only been slowed by the occasional injury, while playing probably one of the two most physically punishing positions in the game (RB being the most).

 

i'd like a meaningful sound bite from him once in a while, other than a surly "yes", "no", or "i don't know". that's not simply being an un-"enlightened person", that's being intentionally disrespectful to the people who help pay his salary.

 

i couldn't care less about his ruined marriage or his trail of illegitimate children. but, i don't like that fact that he tried to hold the franchise hostage after he volunteered to restructure his contract in order to re-sign briggs. it makes me think that he's given up on the team's success and wants to smash and grab whatever he can before he can't play anymore.

 

Not to totally defend Brian (because I understand what you are saying), but I've seen interviews where he will give a little more info than normal. I think it's the day-to-day grind with the media that he gets tired of. Not an excuse, but that's my observation anyway.

[Banedon]

I thought it was just the media that was mad at Brian for his "curt" answers. It was his way of expressing anger with them over some stories that were written. I'm not sure why fans would be too upset about that. Even when he is talking, Brian isn't a really awesome interview or anything.

[cubweiser03]

Sometimes I actually find Brian entertaining when being interviewed. Its not like guys who are 'really insightful' give out much anyway. He doesnt like talking to the media a whole lot after the games in his locker, its not like he is a jerk to those guys. He could do a lot worse.

[Wilson A2000]

While Urlacher technically deserves more money, he would have gotten more if the hadn't had his rookie contract renegotiated. He is the only defensive player the Bears have had who they did this too. If he hadn't done this, his contract would be bigger now. But Urlacher wanted it both ways. It was pretty ridiculous for him to ask for a new contract coming off one of his worst years and sustaining injuries that could plague the rest of his career. I just hope the Bears' doctors checked him out well before doing this.

[Soul]

I just hope the Bears' doctors checked him out well before doing this.

 

I would hope they did too. Unfortunately I've seen this franchise fail in their due diligence before so I can't take it on faith.

 

Brian's at the age now where it's not only about his current injuries. It's also about whether his body is now apt to break down with new injuries much more often.

 

I guess I still don't see why we just upped the pay of a guy who we still controlled for 4 more years and is showing many signs of serious dropoffs in production. Especially since Angelo's the "we don't renegotiate early" -- I guess that was all crap too.

[Magnetic Curses]

i'd like a meaningful sound bite from him once in a while, other than a surly "yes", "no", or "i don't know". that's not simply being an un-"enlightened person", that's being intentionally disrespectful to the people who help pay his salary.

 

i couldn't care less about his ruined marriage or his trail of illegitimate children. but, i don't like that fact that he tried to hold the franchise hostage after he volunteered to restructure his contract in order to re-sign briggs. it makes me think that he's given up on the team's success and wants to smash and grab whatever he can before he can't play anymore.

 

Why do you care about sound bites? And how many sound bites provided by others are actually meaningful? The guys that talk the most have nothing to say. I don't care what Urlacher thinks about the world, I just want him to play football well enough to help the Bears win games.

 

I don't think anybody can reasonably call what he did as holding the team hostage.

 

as the face of the franchise, he has an obligation to the fans to give them something. i don't care what it is, just don't go out there and be an ass. say something canned for all i care, just don't comport yourself like a fool and embarass the franchise.

 

i think it unreasonable to be so surprised that someone would take offense at his boorish actions toward a city that's done nothing but support him and make him it's poster boy.

 

if he's going to be an ass, he should play better than he did last year.

[David]

And we have the annual pictures of players arriving and carrying TV's and stuff. Breaking news - They're finally bringing flat panels instead of lugging huge tubes around.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41169029.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41169051.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41169149.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165501.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165500.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165496.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165494.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165493.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165492.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165469.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165470.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41165484.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163513.jpg

Mike Brown :beg:

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163490.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163488.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163481.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163480.jpg

Rookie Bus

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163529.jpg

Kevin Jones

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163527.jpg

Dusty D

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163524.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163523.jpg

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163515.jpg

Craig Stetz

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163514.jpg

Kevin Jones

[David]

All that's missing is the pics of them riding around on bikes.

[Butterscup1679666578]

man, I'd sure love to see Dusty and Brown stay healthy all year this year.

[rawaction]

man, I'd sure love to see Dusty and Brown stay healthy all year this year.

 

Seriously. That could be the difference between a playoff team and a non-playoff team. I am assuming nagging injuries to both. Neither has played much football in 2 years, they aren't going to play 16 this year. But if neither get season enders, I think the Bears have a shot to compete as their D will most likely be elite if that is the case and obviously no other huge parts get a major injury.

[rawaction]

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163524.jpg

 

Nice to see the Bears are so family oriented, letting the players bring their kids to camp with them. Who's old enough on the Bears to have a 12-year old though?

[Banedon]

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-07/41163524.jpg

 

Nice to see the Bears are so family oriented, letting the players bring their kids to camp with them. Who's old enough on the Bears to have a 12-year old though?

 

That Ron Howard is just perpetually young.

 

Man I'm pumped for football...even if the Bears are sketchy at best.

[UMFan83]

God someone at least help Mike Brown carry his damn stuff. Are the trying to injure him?

[Soul]

God someone at least help Mike Brown carry his damn stuff. Are the trying to injure him?

 

No, they're trying to strengthen him.

[CuseCubFan69]

What's the deal with the dude with the Sox hat?

[Derwood]

would it be that hard for the Bears to just provide TV's for these guys?

[woodchip2153]

What's the deal with the dude with the Sox hat?

 

That's Bradley

[Transmogrified Tiger]

would it be that hard for the Bears to just provide TV's for these guys?

 

What, you don't think that Best Buy brand LCD came from Brown's living room?

[jersey cubs fan]

i'd like a meaningful sound bite from him once in a while, other than a surly "yes", "no", or "i don't know". that's not simply being an un-"enlightened person", that's being intentionally disrespectful to the people who help pay his salary.

 

i couldn't care less about his ruined marriage or his trail of illegitimate children. but, i don't like that fact that he tried to hold the franchise hostage after he volunteered to restructure his contract in order to re-sign briggs. it makes me think that he's given up on the team's success and wants to smash and grab whatever he can before he can't play anymore.

 

Why do you care about sound bites? And how many sound bites provided by others are actually meaningful? The guys that talk the most have nothing to say. I don't care what Urlacher thinks about the world, I just want him to play football well enough to help the Bears win games.

 

I don't think anybody can reasonably call what he did as holding the team hostage.

 

as the face of the franchise, he has an obligation to the fans to give them something. i don't care what it is, just don't go out there and be an ass. say something canned for all i care, just don't comport yourself like a fool and embarass the franchise.

 

i think it unreasonable to be so surprised that someone would take offense at his boorish actions toward a city that's done nothing but support him and make him it's poster boy.

 

if he's going to be an ass, he should play better than he did last year.

 

I'm not surprised in the least, I just think it's absurd, especially coming from the guy who rants about Cubs fans who don't like Jim Edmonds being on the team for irrational reasons.

 

Urlacher hasn't comported himself like a fool or embarrassed the franchise.

[Soul]

I'm having a little difficulty mustering up the same level of excitement for the Bears as I've had in recent years. Just having trouble seeing the plan here, the direction. It's like -- OK fine, we have a good defense. When will we get some O on this squad? Why are we wasting yet another year of career off this defense with near-league-worst offense?

 

It's starting to wear on me a little. We need more points being scored on offense, that's the end of it for me. Glad the defense will be good n' all, but that's only half the equation and it doesn't even look like the org is really trying to remedy the other half.

 

Frustrating. And we haven't played a single preseason game yet.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm having a little difficulty mustering up the same level of excitement for the Bears as I've had in recent years. Just having trouble seeing the plan here, the direction. It's like -- OK fine, we have a good defense. When will we get some O on this squad? Why are we wasting yet another year of career off this defense with near-league-worst offense?

 

It's starting to wear on me a little. We need more points being scored on offense, that's the end of it for me. Glad the defense will be good n' all, but that's only half the equation and it doesn't even look like the org is really trying to remedy the other half.

 

Frustrating. And we haven't played a single preseason game yet.

 

Shouldn't be a surprise. Last offseason they were coming off a Super Bowl run, the year before they were looking to build on a playoff appearance. I don't think they are purposefully wasting the best years of the defense, the problem is they haven't found a quality offensive coach or the correct quality offensive personel. They've drafted RB and QB in the first round. They've spent big on free agent lineman and WR. They just aren't good at picking the right guys and developing them.

 

I have a hard time envisioning this team being in the same picture as the 2005 and 2006 versions, but I'm still somewhat excited for football season. It's not a hopeless season, like the 2005 and 2006 Cubs. They could make some noice.

[Soul]

I'm having a little difficulty mustering up the same level of excitement for the Bears as I've had in recent years. Just having trouble seeing the plan here, the direction. It's like -- OK fine, we have a good defense. When will we get some O on this squad? Why are we wasting yet another year of career off this defense with near-league-worst offense?

 

It's starting to wear on me a little. We need more points being scored on offense, that's the end of it for me. Glad the defense will be good n' all, but that's only half the equation and it doesn't even look like the org is really trying to remedy the other half.

 

Frustrating. And we haven't played a single preseason game yet.

 

Shouldn't be a surprise. Last offseason they were coming off a Super Bowl run, the year before they were looking to build on a playoff appearance. I don't think they are purposefully wasting the best years of the defense, the problem is they haven't found a quality offensive coach or the correct quality offensive personel. They've drafted RB and QB in the first round. They've spent big on free agent lineman and WR. They just aren't good at picking the right guys and developing them.

 

I have a hard time envisioning this team being in the same picture as the 2005 and 2006 versions, but I'm still somewhat excited for football season. It's not a hopeless season, like the 2005 and 2006 Cubs. They could make some noice.

 

That pretty much nails it. I'm still anxious to see how it turns out, but I'm not going to be driving all the way down to TC this year (for the first time in about 5 years). I'll be seeing 1 game for sure, probably 2.

 

I'm still ready for football, just not jumping out of my seat :)