The Chicago Bears Preseason Thread

[Flames24Rulz]

Look at the talent around Rodgers. He's more mobile than Favre, that's not even a comparison. Sure Favre had an ability to get away from sacks. If you remember the 4-12 season a couple of years ago, he should've been sacked numerous times. Instead, plenty of his 29 interceptions came from avoiding sacks and flinging the ball right into the secondary.

 

The talent is around Rodgers to succeed. He's got a decent offensive line, a running back that hits holes harder than any other RB in the league, and most importantly he has great playmakers around him at the WR and TE positions. We led the league in YAC last year. That's what happens when you have guys at those positions that can make plays on their feet. That's also what happens when you have a quarterback that finally buys into a system that his coach was preaching on him to learn for the last few years and look what happened to Favre. He had one of his best years in his career last year. The west-coast offense is a very QB-friendly offense designed for the receivers to make plays once they get the ball. We have the wideouts to do that.

 

With the defense we have (even though we've struggled a bit in the preseason), all Rodgers has to do is be average and a 9 or 10 win season should come pretty easily. Sure losing Favre was big, but how did he do in 2005 and 2006? Not that great. People were saying how he should've retired those couple of years and many said Rodgers could have been better. Now that Favre had a great year, all the outsiders are skeptical of Rodgers. If Favre retires the year before, I doubt Rodgers is being questioned as much and as often as he is now. As long as he plays average, we'll be fine this year.

[Vanilla Ice]

Matt Ryan has been named the Falcons Week 1 starter!!! I hated the pick when it was made (Glenn Dorsey), but he has been very impressive in the practices and preseason games. This was the right decision IMO. I think he will eventually be a very good QB. Sam Baker, the other first-round pick of the Falcons, has also been very impressive. I was also against that trade. I am starting to believe in Thomas Dimitroff as our GM. He also made a very good pickup in Turner.

 

Michael Jenkins and Laurent Robinson have been good, also. Michael Jenkins has shown flashes of what made him a first-round pick. He is looking like a solid sleeper pick in a deep FFL league, this year. I am pretty optimistic about the future of the Falcons. I am hoping for a 6-10 season.

[CubbieBum]

the packers offense is about as unknown as it gets. the vikings have a great player and a great line. jackson just needs to not blow it, and i don't think the staff will let him.

 

Huh? They lost one player on offense. Yes it was a big player they lost but besides Rodgers how is it a unknown?

 

Grant? I could see. They have one of if not the best WR group in the NFL. A improving line, and Donald Lee is starting to come into his own as a TE.

 

I'm not sure I'd lavish that high of praise on them. They're one of the better WR cores, but they still are really 2nd tier. I can think of several teams off the top of my head that have better.

 

Like who?

 

Colts

Pats

Arizona

Cinci

 

After that there are a couple of teams that can be argued either way (Detriot, New Orleans, maybe one other that I can't think of right now).

 

Indy? Probably

Pats? No

Arizona? haha no

Cinci? No

 

Arizona? Seriously? Yes they have Boldin and Fitz but after that? Come on now

 

New England has Moss and Welker but Gaffney and co. would be battling it out with Ruvell Martin for the 5th WR spot on the Packers rosters.

 

Cinci? Johnson and TJ are both elite but Chris Henry is.. well blah. He has talent but he cant stay on the field to prove that. And Chatman wouldnt make the Packers roster.

 

The Packers 1-5 have the arguably most talent and depth in the NFL at the WR position. The Colts are probably the closest however. Gonzalez would probably start over Jones but after that... And Wayne and Harrison are obviously elite but after that it would be Nelson and Martin over Hall and whoever else they have. So I would probably give you the Colts.

 

I think a WR core has to be weighted according to projected playing time. You're right IMO on one thing: the Packers fifth wide receiver has proved more than pretty much any other team's 5th wide receiver. However, that isn't much benefit. Your 5th wide receiver only gets a small amount of playing time. So when looking at receiving cores, having a better 1st and 2nd wideouts are the most important thing. Then, having a good 3rd becomes important as they are on the field a lot. 4th and 5th are really not all that necessary most of the time (many teams don't even use a lot of 4 WR sets).

 

So I would agree with the Colts, Pats, Arizona, and Cincy. They all have 2 receivers who are gamechangers. Those are a lot more dangerous than 5 good receivers who are interchangable like the Packers have (2 of the receivers probably being classified as very good). If you look deeper into those teams, most of them have 3rd and 4th string guys who have enough talent to beat 1 on 1 coverage, which is all you need when having those top 2 guys. I know the Colts and Pats do.

 

I would then put the Packers on the next tier. Good WR cores that can burn you, but aren't the entire focus of a defense. Other teams on this tier include the Steelers (Ward/Homes/Washington/Sweed), Browns (Edwards/Stallworth/Jurevicius), Cowboys (Owens/Crayton), Saints (Colston/Henderson/Patten), and Lions (Williams/Johnson/Furrey).

 

I considered teams like the Giants, Rams, and Seahawks for the 2nd tier, but ultimately decided they were all 3rd tier.

 

You forgot the Saints have Meachum who supposedly play hurt all last year and has been dominanting camp (and done well in preseason). The stuff I have read has said he will likely be the No. 2.

[Soul]

The truth will out:

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1124028,williams082408.article

 

To be fair, some guys might have a herniated disk and it doesn't affect them. But it bothers me that after it flared up, the Bears continued with the lie that it wasn't a pre-existing injury even though they clearly knew that wasn't the case.

 

Why lie? Everyone else already knew. I want guys running my favorite team who are honest and straightforward. I can't say that about Angelo, and sometimes even Lovie, and that bothers me.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

Too Funny! I love how they tried to de-couple this current injury from the medical reports on draft day.

[salukifudd]

The truth will out:

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1124028,williams082408.article

 

To be fair, some guys might have a herniated disk and it doesn't affect them. But it bothers me that after it flared up, the Bears continued with the lie that it wasn't a pre-existing injury even though they clearly knew that wasn't the case.

 

Why lie? Everyone else already knew. I want guys running my favorite team who are honest and straightforward. I can't say that about Angelo, and sometimes even Lovie, and that bothers me.

 

Awful.

[UK1679666180]

Meh, they knew Williams had a bad back and left Albert on the table. Knowing he had a bad back would've been enough for me to go with Albert.

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

Then just say you assumed the risk given his talent/upside. Don't lie and treat your fans like they are retards(well, most Bear's fans are) but still....

[Wilson A2000]

According to Hub Arkush, 20/28 teams did not lower Williams' ranking on their board because of his pre-existing condition. Yes the Bears knew he had a herniated disc. He had it for 3-4 years and didn't miss any games. But according to the Bears' trainer, the injury to the disc was in a different spot in the disc that he previous injury was. Still, the herniated disc could have contributed to this new injury even though it was in a different spot. If Chris Williams is a solid LT for the second half of the year and for years to come, even if this was a bad call by Angelo for now, I won't be disappointed.

 

From my perspective, the Bears weren't going to make the playoffs this year and now we know what kind of player St. Clair will be. This will also get them closer to getting a good QB next year in the draft.

 

I hear rumblings that Hester might only be returning kick offs. They are doing that to get him more time as a WR and turn him into a #1 receiver, but if they take his punt returning away, I've had it with Lovie. How could they possibly do such a dumb thing?

 

What does Lovie bring to the table as a coach besides the Cover-Two which I am not all that impressed with?

[Banedon]

According to Hub Arkush, 20/28 teams did not lower Williams' ranking on their board because of his pre-existing condition. Yes the Bears knew he had a herniated disc. He had it for 3-4 years and didn't miss any games. But according to the Bears' trainer, the injury to the disc was in a different spot in the disc that he previous injury was. Still, the herniated disc could have contributed to this new injury even though it was in a different spot. If Chris Williams is a solid LT for the second half of the year and for years to come, even if this was a bad call by Angelo for now, I won't be disappointed.

 

From my perspective, the Bears weren't going to make the playoffs this year and now we know what kind of player St. Clair will be. This will also get them closer to getting a good QB next year in the draft.

 

I hear rumblings that Hester might only be returning kick offs. They are doing that to get him more time as a WR and turn him into a #1 receiver, but if they take his punt returning away, I've had it with Lovie. How could they possibly do such a dumb thing?

 

What does Lovie bring to the table as a coach besides the Cover-Two which I am not all that impressed with?

 

I'm getting pretty tired of Lovie myself.

[Soul]

According to Hub Arkush, 20/28 teams did not lower Williams' ranking on their board because of his pre-existing condition. Yes the Bears knew he had a herniated disc. He had it for 3-4 years and didn't miss any games. But according to the Bears' trainer, the injury to the disc was in a different spot in the disc that he previous injury was. Still, the herniated disc could have contributed to this new injury even though it was in a different spot. If Chris Williams is a solid LT for the second half of the year and for years to come, even if this was a bad call by Angelo for now, I won't be disappointed.

 

From my perspective, the Bears weren't going to make the playoffs this year and now we know what kind of player St. Clair will be. This will also get them closer to getting a good QB next year in the draft.

 

I hear rumblings that Hester might only be returning kick offs. They are doing that to get him more time as a WR and turn him into a #1 receiver, but if they take his punt returning away, I've had it with Lovie. How could they possibly do such a dumb thing?

 

What does Lovie bring to the table as a coach besides the Cover-Two which I am not all that impressed with?

 

I'm getting pretty tired of Lovie myself.

The bloom is definitely off the rose.

[jersey cubs fan]

How much rope does Angelo get after '06?

 

He would've likely been fired had the Bears not been to the SB, how long does that last?

 

Angelo is signed through 2013, Lovie is signed through 2011.

 

My guess is 2008 would have to be an utter disaster of a season for either to lose their job before 2009. If they lose 11-12 games, perhaps they will feel the need to make a change, but more likely than not, they will be given an opportunity to show improvement in 2009.

 

Lovie still has a very good overall w-l record as head coach, and the Bears never show a quick trigger finger.

 

The sad thing is, this team could be really successful if they could just achieve mediocrity on offense. Slightly below average would probably be enough for them to at least challenge for a playoff spot. I do think this could be a make or break year for Ron Turner's NFL future. If the defense is good, the offense stinks and the overall record is subpar, my guess is they will give Jerry and Lovie a chance to move forward with a new offensive mind at the helm and what should be a considerable amount of fresh blood on the offensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, by the time that happens, they will be in dire need of fresh blood on defense.

[Soul]

How much rope does Angelo get after '06?

 

He would've likely been fired had the Bears not been to the SB, how long does that last?

 

Angelo is signed through 2013, Lovie is signed through 2011.

 

My guess is 2008 would have to be an utter disaster of a season for either to lose their job before 2009. If they lose 11-12 games, perhaps they will feel the need to make a change, but more likely than not, they will be given an opportunity to show improvement in 2009.

 

Lovie still has a very good overall w-l record as head coach, and the Bears never show a quick trigger finger.

 

The sad thing is, this team could be really successful if they could just achieve mediocrity on offense. Slightly below average would probably be enough for them to at least challenge for a playoff spot. I do think this could be a make or break year for Ron Turner's NFL future. If the defense is good, the offense stinks and the overall record is subpar, my guess is they will give Jerry and Lovie a chance to move forward with a new offensive mind at the helm and what should be a considerable amount of fresh blood on the offensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, by the time that happens, they will be in dire need of fresh blood on defense.

Such is life in the NFL.

 

I hate windows :banghead: Especially when it's YOUR window and it looks like it just closed!

[rawaction]

The last 2 offseasons have been a sham. A decent offseason before last year could have put this team back in the playoffs in 2007. A decent offseason this year, could have had the team back to the best team in the NFC.

 

Should have brought in a couple lineman, one of whom could play LT. Should have drafted a QB, that way if Rex failed with a good line, you'd have a QB of the future, who could be ready to compete this year.

[jersey cubs fan]

The last 2 offseasons have been a sham. A decent offseason before last year could have put this team back in the playoffs in 2007. A decent offseason this year, could have had the team back to the best team in the NFC.

 

Should have brought in a couple lineman, one of whom could play LT. Should have drafted a QB, that way if Rex failed with a good line, you'd have a QB of the future, who could be ready to compete this year.

 

Last offseason was the killer. The draft was ridiculous, reaching for everybody, ignoring the line. By this season it was too late.

[rawaction]

The last 2 offseasons have been a sham. A decent offseason before last year could have put this team back in the playoffs in 2007. A decent offseason this year, could have had the team back to the best team in the NFC.

 

Should have brought in a couple lineman, one of whom could play LT. Should have drafted a QB, that way if Rex failed with a good line, you'd have a QB of the future, who could be ready to compete this year.

 

Last offseason was the killer. The draft was ridiculous, reaching for everybody, ignoring the line. By this season it was too late.

 

Yeah, the 07 draft was ignorant. None of the 2nd and 3rd round picks (Bazuin, Wolfe, and Okwo) are good enough to make this team, but they will because the Bears picked them in the top 100.

[jersey cubs fan]

The last 2 offseasons have been a sham. A decent offseason before last year could have put this team back in the playoffs in 2007. A decent offseason this year, could have had the team back to the best team in the NFC.

 

Should have brought in a couple lineman, one of whom could play LT. Should have drafted a QB, that way if Rex failed with a good line, you'd have a QB of the future, who could be ready to compete this year.

 

Last offseason was the killer. The draft was ridiculous, reaching for everybody, ignoring the line. By this season it was too late.

 

Yeah, the 07 draft was ignorant. None of the 2nd and 3rd round picks (Bazuin, Wolfe, and Okwo) are good enough to make this team, but they will because the Bears picked them in the top 100.

 

Looking back since 2004 is ugly. You had Harris, Tank, Vasher and Berrian that year. But since then, the only guys to contribute are Hester, D.Manning (sort of), Mark Anderson (one year) and Olsen (a little bit). Orton, Beekman, Dusty, Bradley, Payne and Forte might contribute in a positive fashion this year, but who knows. There's a handful of backups, but not one everydown player since 2004.

[Soul]

Should have drafted a QB, that way if Rex failed with a good line, you'd have a QB of the future, who could be ready to compete this year.

 

They brought in Hanie. Problem solved.

[cubweiser03]

2005 didnt turn out well. Bradley has been riddled with injuries. Orton at 4 and Harris at 6 were solid picks. But yeah, blah.

 

The Bazuin/Wolfe/Okwo looks real bad though. Oline was a need then. Not DE at 2nd round, not 3rd down Rb at 3 and not LB at 3 with Jamar Williams being drafted the year before. If they thought Briggs was going to leave after the year then handle that in FA. Now that Briggs is signed long term that was a wasted pick as they planned to far ahead of themselves. Rounds 2-4 are your bread and butter for building a team. I liked the Olson pick and still do but damn there had to be a good tackle in there at one of those other 3 picks.

[Soul]

Bazuin & Wolfe were sooooo disappointing.

 

When Jerry picked Okwo I thought, "ok maybe he's got some talent and we will likely need another LB." I wasn't so angry at that one at the time. In hindsight yes, it looks like it was another bad one.

[Wilson A2000]

Bazuin & Wolfe were sooooo disappointing.

 

When Jerry picked Okwo I thought, "ok maybe he's got some talent and we will likely need another LB." I wasn't so angry at that one at the time. In hindsight yes, it looks like it was another bad one.

 

Coming off of a Super Bowl appearance, Angelo obviously got a big head. He didn't go for fill-in guys who were safer picks, but went for splashy guys who you have to take an even bigger gamble on. I remember Boers and Bernstein last year saying that Angelo was on top of the football world during their pre-season interview with him. Angelo never sounds conceited, but his signings were fishy.

 

The Bears window has unfortunately closed and with all of the money they spent this offseason, they might be cash-strapped for a few years unless the salary cap is removed after 08.

[Wilson A2000]

I liked the Olson pick and still do but damn there had to be a good tackle in there at one of those other 3 picks.

 

First round picks like Olson shouldn't be sharing time. They should also be able to block. He is always going to have a quick guy on him because whenever he is in the game, you know he isn't there to block.

[Handlebar McSkullet]

I liked the Olson pick and still do but damn there had to be a good tackle in there at one of those other 3 picks.

 

First round picks like Olson shouldn't be sharing time. They should also be able to block. He is always going to have a quick guy on him because whenever he is in the game, you know he isn't there to block.

 

he isnt "sharing" time because he cant block, he is sharing time because he and dez clark are their two best receivers and both need to be on the field. this olson cant block thing is a myth.

[Wilson A2000]

I liked the Olson pick and still do but damn there had to be a good tackle in there at one of those other 3 picks.

 

First round picks like Olson shouldn't be sharing time. They should also be able to block. He is always going to have a quick guy on him because whenever he is in the game, you know he isn't there to block.

 

he isnt "sharing" time because he cant block, he is sharing time because he and dez clark are their two best receivers and both need to be on the field. this olson cant block thing is a myth.

 

No it's not a myth. They had to draft a blocking TE because Olson can't do it.

 

If Clark is better, then it was a mistake to draft him. First rounders aren't supposed to share time. Even if two TEs are on the field at the same time, Olson should be getting more time than Clark was at his draft position.

[CubbieBum]

I liked the Olson pick and still do but damn there had to be a good tackle in there at one of those other 3 picks.

 

First round picks like Olson shouldn't be sharing time. They should also be able to block. He is always going to have a quick guy on him because whenever he is in the game, you know he isn't there to block.

 

he isnt "sharing" time because he cant block, he is sharing time because he and dez clark are their two best receivers and both need to be on the field. this olson cant block thing is a myth.

 

No it's not a myth. They had to draft a blocking TE because Olson can't do it.

 

If Clark is better, then it was a mistake to draft him. First rounders aren't supposed to share time. Even if two TEs are on the field at the same time, Olson should be getting more time than Clark was at his draft position.

 

yep