Re: The Chicago Bears Offseason Thread

[YearofDaCubs]

The Bears need to sign a RB. Forte was drafted by Angelo, so he will probably be a Benson clone. Peterson is not NFL level talent.

Yeah, on paper Forte sounds like he's another Benson clone. Call me crazy for not having too much faith on us drafting good offensive players.

 

On paper?

 

Forte is faster than Benson. He's longer and leaner. And most importantly he's not a beeyotch.

Maybe so but at least when reading the scouting reports it sounds very similar to Benson. Strengths and weaknesses.

 

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1296

[David]

I don't see anyone (including the Raiders) gambling on an alcoholic, injury prone RB. Not to mention that I don't know of any alcoholic, injury prone RB's that ever amounted to anything decent in an NFL uniform.

 

 

Alcoholic?

 

 

There's a big difference between being a young person that "parties" too much and actually being an alcoholic....

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't see anyone (including the Raiders) gambling on an alcoholic, injury prone RB. Not to mention that I don't know of any alcoholic, injury prone RB's that ever amounted to anything decent in an NFL uniform.

 

 

Alcoholic?

 

 

There's a big difference between being a young person that "parties" too much and actually being an alcoholic....

 

If you let alcohol cause problems with your worklife, there's a good chance you are an alcoholic. Multiple alcohol related arrests, there's a strong correlation.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears need to sign a RB. Forte was drafted by Angelo, so he will probably be a Benson clone. Peterson is not NFL level talent.

Yeah, on paper Forte sounds like he's another Benson clone. Call me crazy for not having too much faith on us drafting good offensive players.

 

On paper?

 

Forte is faster than Benson. He's longer and leaner. And most importantly he's not a beeyotch.

Maybe so but at least when reading the scouting reports it sounds very similar to Benson. Strengths and weaknesses.

 

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?Prospect_ID=1296

 

I think there are some similarities on the field. But Forte didn't cry when he was drafted did he? That freaked me out with Benson, as did the "I'm not Ricky" me thinks thou doth protest too much stories. I think Benson was physically capable of being a good back, he was just messed up in the head. Hopefully Forte won't screw it up.

 

I don't really have a problem with a 2nd round rookie being the de facto starter. I would like to see them bring in more talent though.

[MPC]

I think there are some similarities on the field. But Forte didn't cry when he was drafted did he? That freaked me out with Benson, as did the "I'm not Ricky" me thinks thou doth protest too much stories.

 

 

i've seen benson's crying on draft day being mentioned on here a few times as a possible red flag into his mindsight, attitude, maturity, etc. here's the lead from david haugh's piece in yesterday's piece on cedric benson's release. he said it's from a source familiar with the story.

 

He wasn't crying because he was overcome with joy or pride.

 

He wasn't crying over the honor of running in the city where Walter Payton ran or playing for a proud franchise that reveres its football stars or any other reason he has offered the past three years.

 

No, Cedric Benson cried on the day of the NFL draft in 2005 because he was upset the Bears took him with the fourth overall selection.

 

Benson was bugged that Jerry Angelo decided to draft him despite Benson's representatives making clear in a last-minute phone call that they and the Bears weren't on the same page regarding fundamental contract demands.

 

Benson was so filled with fury and frustration over the contentious contract battle he knew awaited him, one that eventually led to a 36-day holdout, that he couldn't fight back the tears rolling down his cheek.

[Soul]

So Forte' and Benson are essentially the same back, yet we got Forte' for a 2nd round contract and Benson for a King's ransom.

 

This is one reason why I'm not all that big on mega-bucks RBs. Too much value can be found later, for cheaper, at that position.

[Balsa]

So Forte' and Benson are essentially the same back, yet we got Forte' for a 2nd round contract and Benson for a King's ransom.

 

This is one reason why I'm not all that big on mega-bucks RBs. Too much value can be found later, for cheaper, at that position.

Or anyone in the first round for that matter. TRADE DOWN!

[Derwood]

Benson cleared waivers. Adios [expletive]

[Soul]

Benson cleared waivers, and APete had emergency appendectomy surgery.

 

Our RB position is under full assault!

[BigSlick]

I'm awaiting the Angelo phone call to get me in uniform.

 

I don't understand how the Packers can annually strike gold with scrub Running Backs year after year and we can't even get production from our 4th overall pick

[Flames24Rulz]

I'm awaiting the Angelo phone call to get me in uniform.

 

I don't understand how the Packers can annually strike gold with scrub Running Backs year after year and we can't even get production from our 4th overall pick

 

The offensive line is the most important part of a football team. I'll continue to harp on that forever.

 

I was never a huge Ahman Green fan, yet some of those lines he ran behind made him look monstrous (especially in '03 when he nearly ran for 1900 yards). Gado was a three game wonder, nothing more than that. Ryan Grant's running style fits the zone blocking scheme perfectly.

 

It's all about schemes and the line you're running behind. Almost any running back in the NFL can have good success if he's thrown into the right situation.

[Jon]

On Kevin Jones:

Trib[/url]"]The Bears might not need Harris' prodding to make a move on Jones. His agent, Blake Baratz, called the Bears shortly after Cedric Benson was arrested for the second time in five weeks. Benson was released Monday, leaving the starting job in the hands of rookie Matt Forte.

 

Jones might not be bad insurance.

 

"Chicago would be the perfect situation," Jones said. "I'm familiar with the division. The Bears, they know what I have. I've made plays against them. I made plays against other teams in the league. Chicago would just be perfect. And I hope they know it would be perfect too."

 

The feedback Jones received through his agent is that the Bears like his ability but are in no rush to make a decision.

 

Also, Bears tickets will go on sale a week earlier this year, July 12th at noon.

[soapy]

I think there are some similarities on the field. But Forte didn't cry when he was drafted did he? That freaked me out with Benson, as did the "I'm not Ricky" me thinks thou doth protest too much stories.

 

 

i've seen benson's crying on draft day being mentioned on here a few times as a possible red flag into his mindsight, attitude, maturity, etc. here's the lead from david haugh's piece in yesterday's piece on cedric benson's release. he said it's from a source familiar with the story.

 

He wasn't crying because he was overcome with joy or pride.

 

He wasn't crying over the honor of running in the city where Walter Payton ran or playing for a proud franchise that reveres its football stars or any other reason he has offered the past three years.

 

No, Cedric Benson cried on the day of the NFL draft in 2005 because he was upset the Bears took him with the fourth overall selection.

 

Benson was bugged that Jerry Angelo decided to draft him despite Benson's representatives making clear in a last-minute phone call that they and the Bears weren't on the same page regarding fundamental contract demands.

 

Benson was so filled with fury and frustration over the contentious contract battle he knew awaited him, one that eventually led to a 36-day holdout, that he couldn't fight back the tears rolling down his cheek.

 

i thought i remembered him crying about the whole draft/combine process. something about "I'm not a piece of meat like they treated me through this process" or something like that.

 

i just remember thinking, "oh...no......"

[SpongeWorthy]

How do you guys see the WR position shaking out? I've been flipping through some of the preview mags and they seem to put Booker and Lloyd at the top for flanker and split end. I'm sure the reasoning there is because they're veterans and it's probably a stab in the dark anyway. Booker probably has the inside track on a starting job but I can't imagine Lloyd is ahead of anyone.

 

Personally, I'm fine with Booker but I'd like to see the young guys get lots of snaps. Physically I think we have a talented group and I'm hoping Monk can step up because we'd have a good mixture of speed/possession/size if he did.

 

Also Mark Bradley not shattering like a piece of glass would be nice.

[jersey cubs fan]

How do you guys see the WR position shaking out? I've been flipping through some of the preview mags and they seem to put Booker and Lloyd at the top for flanker and split end. I'm sure the reasoning there is because they're veterans and it's probably a stab in the dark anyway. Booker probably has the inside track on a starting job but I can't imagine Lloyd is ahead of anyone.

 

Personally, I'm fine with Booker but I'd like to see the young guys get lots of snaps. Physically I think we have a talented group and I'm hoping Monk can step up because we'd have a good mixture of speed/possession/size if he did.

 

Also Mark Bradley not shattering like a piece of glass would be nice.

 

If I had to guess, I'd say Booker and Bradley become the most prominent receivers, with Hester the third wheel. Lloyd is probably going to be worthless. All in all, it's going to be an extremely weak group.

[Soul]

I think there are some similarities on the field. But Forte didn't cry when he was drafted did he? That freaked me out with Benson, as did the "I'm not Ricky" me thinks thou doth protest too much stories.

 

 

i've seen benson's crying on draft day being mentioned on here a few times as a possible red flag into his mindsight, attitude, maturity, etc. here's the lead from david haugh's piece in yesterday's piece on cedric benson's release. he said it's from a source familiar with the story.

 

He wasn't crying because he was overcome with joy or pride.

 

He wasn't crying over the honor of running in the city where Walter Payton ran or playing for a proud franchise that reveres its football stars or any other reason he has offered the past three years.

 

No, Cedric Benson cried on the day of the NFL draft in 2005 because he was upset the Bears took him with the fourth overall selection.

 

Benson was bugged that Jerry Angelo decided to draft him despite Benson's representatives making clear in a last-minute phone call that they and the Bears weren't on the same page regarding fundamental contract demands.

 

Benson was so filled with fury and frustration over the contentious contract battle he knew awaited him, one that eventually led to a 36-day holdout, that he couldn't fight back the tears rolling down his cheek.

 

i thought i remembered him crying about the whole draft/combine process. something about "I'm not a piece of meat like they treated me through this process" or something like that.

 

i just remember thinking, "oh...no......"

 

I still can't figure out why Angelo was so hell bent on drafting Benson. He was a very good college player, of course. But his skills -- they never seemed really "plus" to me. His endurance was impressive -- not a reason to spend a top 5 pick though. And I don't think having a great college career at a top university is a reason either. To be honest I thought a guy like Ron Dayne should have been picked much lower than #11 too, despite his monster numbers at Wisconsin.

 

I'm no draft expert though. It just frustrates me when I think I see failure coming and then it happens.

[YearofDaCubs]

2005 was a terrible draft year for players on Offense. We were 1 pick away from Braylon but after the 3rd pick it gets brutal.

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?season=2005

[rawaction]

I don't know if this has been posted in here, but Adrian Peterson had emergency apendectomy surgery on Monday.

[NCCubFan]

I don't know if this has been posted in here, but Adrian Peterson had emergency apendectomy surgery on Monday.

Look up 9 posts.

Benson cleared waivers, and APete had emergency appendectomy surgery.

 

Our RB position is under full assault!

[YearofDaCubs]

Anybody else pissed at what Angelo said:

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080618-kevin-jones-lovie-smith-chicago-bears,1,7653761.story

 

I don't know about you guys but I sure as heck don't feel good about going into the season with Forte, Peterson and Wolfe as our RBs.

[Jon]

Anybody else pissed at what Angelo said:

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080618-kevin-jones-lovie-smith-chicago-bears,1,7653761.story

 

I don't know about you guys but I sure as heck don't feel good about going into the season with Forte, Peterson and Wolfe as our RBs.

If they're not bluffing, that would be a bad, bad idea.

[Banedon]

Anybody else pissed at what Angelo said:

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080618-kevin-jones-lovie-smith-chicago-bears,1,7653761.story

 

I don't know about you guys but I sure as heck don't feel good about going into the season with Forte, Peterson and Wolfe as our RBs.

 

That was Lovie, not Angelo. And I still expect to see Kevin Jones signed at some point.

[jersey cubs fan]

Anybody else pissed at what Angelo said:

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080618-kevin-jones-lovie-smith-chicago-bears,1,7653761.story

 

I don't know about you guys but I sure as heck don't feel good about going into the season with Forte, Peterson and Wolfe as our RBs.

 

That was Lovie, not Angelo. And I still expect to see Kevin Jones signed at some point.

 

I don't know. It would be nice to have more depth at RB. However, if the Bears are going to be good in 2008, it's going to be because the line improves, QB is steady and the defense gets strong again. It's not going to be because they signed Kevin Jones. I think Forte & Co can be good if the line is good and QB is steady. I don't think it will matter who is at RB if the line struggles and QB stays a mess.

[Banedon]

Anybody else pissed at what Angelo said:

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080618-kevin-jones-lovie-smith-chicago-bears,1,7653761.story

 

I don't know about you guys but I sure as heck don't feel good about going into the season with Forte, Peterson and Wolfe as our RBs.

 

That was Lovie, not Angelo. And I still expect to see Kevin Jones signed at some point.

 

I don't know. It would be nice to have more depth at RB. However, if the Bears are going to be good in 2008, it's going to be because the line improves, QB is steady and the defense gets strong again. It's not going to be because they signed Kevin Jones. I think Forte & Co can be good if the line is good and QB is steady. I don't think it will matter who is at RB if the line struggles and QB stays a mess.

 

I agree with you, except that I think we're very weak at RB after Forte. I have no faith that AP or Wolfe would be a good every down back if something happened for Forte. Jones to me is just insurance. But yes...the line being good will go a long way to solving a lot of offensive problems.

[jersey cubs fan]

Anybody else pissed at what Angelo said:

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080618-kevin-jones-lovie-smith-chicago-bears,1,7653761.story

 

I don't know about you guys but I sure as heck don't feel good about going into the season with Forte, Peterson and Wolfe as our RBs.

 

That was Lovie, not Angelo. And I still expect to see Kevin Jones signed at some point.

 

I don't know. It would be nice to have more depth at RB. However, if the Bears are going to be good in 2008, it's going to be because the line improves, QB is steady and the defense gets strong again. It's not going to be because they signed Kevin Jones. I think Forte & Co can be good if the line is good and QB is steady. I don't think it will matter who is at RB if the line struggles and QB stays a mess.

 

I agree with you, except that I think we're very weak at RB after Forte. I have no faith that AP or Wolfe would be a good every down back if something happened for Forte. Jones to me is just insurance. But yes...the line being good will go a long way to solving a lot of offensive problems.

 

And I agree with that. Forte may or may not be a quality NFL RB, but I'm pretty sure none of the others will be. If anything, I would like depth to save Forte's legs for 2009 and beyond, when the team is hopefully better. I sure as heck don't want to see him rack up 280 carries in a losing season.