The Chicago Bears Preseason Thread

[Soul]

Wow, '09 draft discussions for a team that's played one preseason game.

 

I think that says it all on how ppl are feeling about this Bears team. Yikes.

[jersey cubs fan]

If you didn't already bet the under on wins this year, do it now before they move the line to 5.5.

[Banedon]

I thought Hanie looked pretty decent. I know it was against 3rd string D, but he looked like he was making quick decisions and sharp throws.

 

The rest of the night was not encouraging.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Well, I wasn't huge on Williams like a lot of people. I was big on Branden Albert, but he's hurt too. This year should be fun. Henie looked good. I wish we could see him against a first team defense just to see how good he actually is (not very I'm sure), but he made some nice passes and seemed to have a really tight spiral.

[cubweiser03]

I didnt like St. Clair at right tackle how is he going to be better at LT.

Move Tait back to LT, he is at least serviceable and much better than JSC.

 

Agent Harold Lewis said Miller, 35, is mulling whether to sign with the Bears, Texans or Ravens. The decision could be finalized in the next day. His preference would be to return to the Bears,"

 

Its a good thing they put this bit at the end of the article because you could stop reading right here when refering to Miller...

If Miller is in shape

[jersey cubs fan]

I didnt like St. Clair at right tackle how is he going to be better at LT.

Move Tait back to LT, he is at least serviceable and much better than JSC.

 

I'd rather keep Tait at RT and play with a TE lined up outside the LT at all times. Tait at RT might actually be relatively good. At LT he's likely to struggle. Just give St. Clair help as much as possible.

[jersey cubs fan]

David Haugh reports Williams will be inactive for 10-12 weeks, suggesting he could be back for the November 2 game.

 

I think that's completely unrealistic. He would essentially have a week's worth of practice under his belt by then. I don't care how NFL ready he was, we would have been lucky for him to be ready to start week 1 even if he got to practice throughout training camp. I don't see him being a factor this year, and may only contribute starting in December.

[Banedon]

David Haugh reports Williams will be inactive for 10-12 weeks, suggesting he could be back for the November 2 game.

 

I think that's completely unrealistic. He would essentially have a week's worth of practice under his belt by then. I don't care how NFL ready he was, we would have been lucky for him to be ready to start week 1 even if he got to practice throughout training camp. I don't see him being a factor this year, and may only contribute starting in December.

 

Might even consider just putting him on the IR, and get him healthy for next season. Especially if the season starts off poorly.

[RedFlash]

Wow, '09 draft discussions for a team that's played one preseason game.

 

I think that says it all on how ppl are feeling about this Bears team. Yikes.

 

That wasn't my intentions. My intentions was to laugh at the suggestion that this "walter" website had us taking Tebow, right now. I was looking at the comical side of ealry mock drafts.

[Guest]

David Haugh reports Williams will be inactive for 10-12 weeks, suggesting he could be back for the November 2 game.

 

I think that's completely unrealistic. He would essentially have a week's worth of practice under his belt by then. I don't care how NFL ready he was, we would have been lucky for him to be ready to start week 1 even if he got to practice throughout training camp. I don't see him being a factor this year, and may only contribute starting in December.

 

Might even consider just putting him on the IR, and get him healthy for next season. Especially if the season starts off poorly.

 

It'd be valuable to get his feet wet at least.

[Soul]

David Haugh reports Williams will be inactive for 10-12 weeks, suggesting he could be back for the November 2 game.

 

I think that's completely unrealistic. He would essentially have a week's worth of practice under his belt by then. I don't care how NFL ready he was, we would have been lucky for him to be ready to start week 1 even if he got to practice throughout training camp. I don't see him being a factor this year, and may only contribute starting in December.

 

Might even consider just putting him on the IR, and get him healthy for next season. Especially if the season starts off poorly.

 

It'd be valuable to get his feet wet at least.

I hate to say it, but this is probably heading towards the inevitable IR announcement. But oh well. It's water under the bridge now gents. Look at it this way: even with Williams there are serious doubts about the football season. I pretty much knew going into this year that it would be a transitional season for the Oline. The situation was allowed to deteriorate too far before it was even addressed.

[rawaction]

I didn't think the team looked that bad. I thought St. Clair and Beekman were pretty decent. When JSC got beat he kept his man to the outside and away from the QB. Tait was pretty good on the right side. I agree with Goony that you keep him there. When the offense was stopped it was dropped passes, a couple poor throws, and WRs not getting open. The least encouraging thing about the offense was again the lack of creative plays. 11 of 20 completions went to backs. Several other throws went to backs incomplete for very short yardage. Still can't execute a screen pass properly. Hester ran a great route for his only catch. The curl is going to be there for him all season as teams have to respect his deep ball ability. Forte looked solid.

 

The defense was bad in the first drive. But the key plays were a 3rd down broken play QB scramble and a perfect pass between the 2-deep coverage. The starting LBs were pretty horrible. Briggs missed key tackles on the first 2 drives and was out of position on a 2-3 other plays, including getting ran over on the Johnson TD run. Urlacher and Williams were pretty much M.I.A. Tillman was lackluster and Tommie didn't do much. I was encouraged that Alex Brown and Anderson abused a LT they should abuse. Adams had a decent game. McGowan looks to be a very good safety this year. Probably will never be a star, but I could see him being like Shaun Gayle was for the Bears. Very strong run support, won't kill you vs. the pass. Mike Brown looked pretty good moving to the ball. Payne was similar flowing to the ball, but a step late vs. the pass.

[Soul]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

[rawaction]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

 

It's a waste throwing to the RB if you are not designing plays to get them the ball in space. Not including the last drive vs. the prevent defense, 4 of the 8 completions to RBs went for 4 yards or less, and two more went for less than 8. That's not even worth throwing. The WRs suck, but an offense moves the ball by getting it to their WRs down the field. I do agree that the ball needs to go to the TEs more, but it's going to have to be down the field to make any difference.

[minnesotacubsfan]

awesome. leave it to the Bears to draft a LT int he 1st rd only to have them loose him for the season with and injury before he even practices. in a tackle rich draft even.

 

I thought the Williams pick was solid. man. I was way off.

 

man this burns. Angelo should ALWAYS trade his #1 for as many 3-4 rds as he can get. just take the 1st out of his hands

 

Williams didn't miss one practice or game while in college. The back issue was very minor. Regardless, this is a different back issue.

 

it was 1/2 frustration and 1/2 anger in my response. I am just livid at the idea of a Fred Miller return

[Soul]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

 

It's a waste throwing to the RB if you are not designing plays to get them the ball in space. Not including the last drive vs. the prevent defense, 4 of the 8 completions to RBs went for 4 yards or less, and two more went for less than 8. That's not even worth throwing. The WRs suck, but an offense moves the ball by getting it to their WRs down the field. I do agree that the ball needs to go to the TEs more, but it's going to have to be down the field to make any difference.

 

There's potential there with throwing to Forte. He's the best looking pass receiving RB I've seen here in awhile, albeit only one performance to judge by. It's not hard to judge when a guy has good hands though. I'm not saying the Bears did a good job of it yesterday, but it would be a mistake to abandon the proposition when there's talent there to be exploited just because the first few plays in the preseason didn't yield big gains.

 

Plenty of offenses have been successful throwing primarily to their RB's and TE's. Look at the Chiefs a few years go. It can work. You don't need to necessarily make the WRs the go-to weapons. Especially when the WR corps is as doubtful as ours. Outside of Hester, who is going to consistently get deep?

[minnesotacubsfan]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

 

It's a waste throwing to the RB if you are not designing plays to get them the ball in space. Not including the last drive vs. the prevent defense, 4 of the 8 completions to RBs went for 4 yards or less, and two more went for less than 8. That's not even worth throwing. The WRs suck, but an offense moves the ball by getting it to their WRs down the field. I do agree that the ball needs to go to the TEs more, but it's going to have to be down the field to make any difference.

 

 

considering the lack of a true #1 wr and development there of, they will have to use the RB more often.

[rawaction]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

 

It's a waste throwing to the RB if you are not designing plays to get them the ball in space. Not including the last drive vs. the prevent defense, 4 of the 8 completions to RBs went for 4 yards or less, and two more went for less than 8. That's not even worth throwing. The WRs suck, but an offense moves the ball by getting it to their WRs down the field. I do agree that the ball needs to go to the TEs more, but it's going to have to be down the field to make any difference.

 

There's potential there with throwing to Forte. He's the best looking pass receiving RB I've seen here in awhile, albeit only one performance to judge by. It's not hard to judge when a guy has good hands though. I'm not saying the Bears did a good job of it yesterday, but it would be a mistake to abandon the proposition when there's talent there to be exploited just because the first few plays in the preseason didn't yield big gains.

 

Plenty of offenses have been successful throwing primarily to their RB's and TE's. Look at the Chiefs a few years go. It can work. You don't need to necessarily make the WRs the go-to weapons. Especially when the WR corps is as doubtful as ours. Outside of Hester, who is going to consistently get deep?

 

I'm not talking about making the WRs the go-to weapons. But they have to be threats. Most of those throws to the RBs were designed checkdowns. There were 3 throws to WRs that weren't 7 yard outs (Lloyd catch, Hester catch, Grossman overthrow to a wide open Booker, was it?). That's not gonna get it done. And nobody has to consistently get deep. I'm not asking for that. The 3 plays above is more of what I'm talking about. Lloyd caught an 18 yard out pattern on a 5-step drop. That was the biggest play of the game, outside of the Wolfe catch and run when anyone who is gonna play this year was on the field. The Bears offense may not have the most talent in the league, but they can't call plays like it. Teams will take advantage of that. Eight in the box not only stops the run, it stops the short passing game also because of all the bodies around the line of scrimmage.

[rawaction]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

 

It's a waste throwing to the RB if you are not designing plays to get them the ball in space. Not including the last drive vs. the prevent defense, 4 of the 8 completions to RBs went for 4 yards or less, and two more went for less than 8. That's not even worth throwing. The WRs suck, but an offense moves the ball by getting it to their WRs down the field. I do agree that the ball needs to go to the TEs more, but it's going to have to be down the field to make any difference.

 

 

considering the lack of a true #1 wr and development there of, they will have to use the RB more often.

 

Again, that's not the point. The Chiefs of a few years ago were mentioned earlier as a team that threw to the TEs and RBs a lot and were successful. Well, those teams were able to get the ball to the RBs and TE (Tony Gonzalez) because they weren't afraid to throw the ball down the field some. Eddie Kennison average 17.5 per reception in 04. Johnnie Morton 14.5. Samie Parker only had 9 catches, but averaged over 15 yards per catch. Kennison and Parker got 16 and 15 ypc respectively the next season.

 

San Diego last year, Gates and LT caught 135 balls between them. Their top 3 WRs caught a combined 96. But 2 of the 3 WRs averaged well over 15 ypc. Their 4th leading WR got 14 ypc. Not a #1 WR between the 2 teams.

 

The Bears with Rex and Orton had 2 plays over 15 yards, one was due to Hester getting 16 with a RAC. Berrian was by far the Bears leading WR last year, and the closest thing they had to a #1, and averaged 13.4 per catch. That's not gonna get it done, especially now when you have to respect the WRs even less.

[minnesotacubsfan]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

 

It's a waste throwing to the RB if you are not designing plays to get them the ball in space. Not including the last drive vs. the prevent defense, 4 of the 8 completions to RBs went for 4 yards or less, and two more went for less than 8. That's not even worth throwing. The WRs suck, but an offense moves the ball by getting it to their WRs down the field. I do agree that the ball needs to go to the TEs more, but it's going to have to be down the field to make any difference.

 

 

considering the lack of a true #1 wr and development there of, they will have to use the RB more often.

 

Again, that's not the point. The Chiefs of a few years ago were mentioned earlier as a team that threw to the TEs and RBs a lot and were successful. Well, those teams were able to get the ball to the RBs and TE (Tony Gonzalez) because they weren't afraid to throw the ball down the field some. Eddie Kennison average 17.5 per reception in 04. Johnnie Morton 14.5. Samie Parker only had 9 catches, but averaged over 15 yards per catch. Kennison and Parker got 16 and 15 ypc respectively the next season.

 

San Diego last year, Gates and LT caught 135 balls between them. Their top 3 WRs caught a combined 96. But 2 of the 3 WRs averaged well over 15 ypc. Their 4th leading WR got 14 ypc. Not a #1 WR between the 2 teams.

 

The Bears with Rex and Orton had 2 plays over 15 yards, one was due to Hester getting 16 with a RAC. Berrian was by far the Bears leading WR last year, and the closest thing they had to a #1, and averaged 13.4 per catch. That's not gonna get it done, especially now when you have to respect the WRs even less.

 

 

if I am a D-cord approaching a game with KC or SD, Kennison, Morton, Parker, or any of the SD WR's are not the guys I would key on. I would concentrate on stopping the likes of Gonzalez, Holmes, LT, and Gates. The high averages for htose WR's were a result of knowing how to use the RB's and TE's. non of the WR"s were pro-bowl material, except for a career year here and there. the RB's and TE's mentioned above border on HOF, however. you cant tell me the WR production created the careers of LT and Gonzalez?!

 

I guess my point is simply if you have talent at RB and TE, why not use them as the features?

[minnesotacubsfan]

I am watching the Vikings pre-season game. they interviewed BB and asked him what is the dif between the Bears offense and the Vikings. his response was something to the effect that in MN, they have a lot of freedom on their pass routes while in Chicago you pretty much do what you are told. I thought that was interesting. Turner always was an immovable object mentally.

 

he also mentioned that he was excited to FINALLY be a #1 WR.whatever man. I hope Brown breaks your heart.

[Soul]

Personally I'm hoping they find more ways to throw to the RBs, especially Forte. He's got great hands. I saw a couple nice screen plays last night -- I'm really hoping they can finally start getting that play right. It's a very useful one, from more than one standpoint.

 

More use from our TEs too, plz

 

It's a waste throwing to the RB if you are not designing plays to get them the ball in space. Not including the last drive vs. the prevent defense, 4 of the 8 completions to RBs went for 4 yards or less, and two more went for less than 8. That's not even worth throwing. The WRs suck, but an offense moves the ball by getting it to their WRs down the field. I do agree that the ball needs to go to the TEs more, but it's going to have to be down the field to make any difference.

 

 

considering the lack of a true #1 wr and development there of, they will have to use the RB more often.

 

Again, that's not the point. The Chiefs of a few years ago were mentioned earlier as a team that threw to the TEs and RBs a lot and were successful. Well, those teams were able to get the ball to the RBs and TE (Tony Gonzalez) because they weren't afraid to throw the ball down the field some. Eddie Kennison average 17.5 per reception in 04. Johnnie Morton 14.5. Samie Parker only had 9 catches, but averaged over 15 yards per catch. Kennison and Parker got 16 and 15 ypc respectively the next season.

 

San Diego last year, Gates and LT caught 135 balls between them. Their top 3 WRs caught a combined 96. But 2 of the 3 WRs averaged well over 15 ypc. Their 4th leading WR got 14 ypc. Not a #1 WR between the 2 teams.

 

The Bears with Rex and Orton had 2 plays over 15 yards, one was due to Hester getting 16 with a RAC. Berrian was by far the Bears leading WR last year, and the closest thing they had to a #1, and averaged 13.4 per catch. That's not gonna get it done, especially now when you have to respect the WRs even less.

 

Yeah, I don't think I remember anyone saying "don't throw downfield to receivers." For my part, all I said was I'd like to see the RB's and TE's get worked in more because there appears to be more talent there than in past years. That doesn't mean they shouldn't ever use the receivers, or ever throw deep to receivers.

 

There are also ways to throw deep to RBs too, as you know. Or at least deeper.

[Soul]

I am watching the Vikings pre-season game. they interviewed BB and asked him what is the dif between the Bears offense and the Vikings. his response was something to the effect that in MN, they have a lot of freedom on their pass routes while in Chicago you pretty much do what you are told. I thought that was interesting. Turner always was an immovable object mentally.

 

he also mentioned that he was excited to FINALLY be a #1 WR.whatever man. I hope Brown breaks your heart.

 

That's pretty funny to hear, because the Vikings finished 28th in pass offense last year. I don't think I'd consider it a good thing that they let receivers improvise more when they're bottom-feeders in the pass game.

 

Whatever they're doing up there, last year it didn't work. They were almost totally reliant on their admittedly great run game. When that didn't come through, they lost critical games and ended out of the playoffs.

 

Personally I don't think just Bernard Berrian would do it for them. But him, along with other acquisitions + another year in the same system, probably will.

[minnesotacubsfan]

I am watching the Vikings pre-season game. they interviewed BB and asked him what is the dif between the Bears offense and the Vikings. his response was something to the effect that in MN, they have a lot of freedom on their pass routes while in Chicago you pretty much do what you are told. I thought that was interesting. Turner always was an immovable object mentally.

 

he also mentioned that he was excited to FINALLY be a #1 WR.whatever man. I hope Brown breaks your heart.

 

That's pretty funny to hear, because the Vikings finished 28th in pass offense last year. I don't think I'd consider it a good thing that they let receivers improvise more when they're bottom-feeders in the pass game.

 

Whatever they're doing up there, last year it didn't work. They were almost totally reliant on their admittedly great run game. When that didn't come through, they lost critical games and ended out of the playoffs.

 

Personally I don't think just Bernard Berrian would do it for them. But him, along with other acquisitions + another year in the same system, probably will.

 

your right, they were atrocious passing the ball, but I was thinking more of how it implicates Turner. Turner is famous for not adjusting well to things. it seems his intire playbook replicates his own demeanor.

 

o, and the Seahawks ate the Vikings 1st team D ALIVE tonite.

[hawkeyecub]

I am watching the Vikings pre-season game. they interviewed BB and asked him what is the dif between the Bears offense and the Vikings. his response was something to the effect that in MN, they have a lot of freedom on their pass routes while in Chicago you pretty much do what you are told. I thought that was interesting. Turner always was an immovable object mentally.

 

he also mentioned that he was excited to FINALLY be a #1 WR.whatever man. I hope Brown breaks your heart.

 

That's pretty funny to hear, because the Vikings finished 28th in pass offense last year. I don't think I'd consider it a good thing that they let receivers improvise more when they're bottom-feeders in the pass game.

 

Whatever they're doing up there, last year it didn't work. They were almost totally reliant on their admittedly great run game. When that didn't come through, they lost critical games and ended out of the playoffs.

 

Personally I don't think just Bernard Berrian would do it for them. But him, along with other acquisitions + another year in the same system, probably will.

 

They also had a first-year starter at QB and (when Rice was injured) had Troy Williamson, Bobby Wade, Robert Ferguson as their top 3 WR's. You could have the best scheme in the history of football and you weren't going to have a productive pass offense with that group.

 

This year we'll see. Berrian is a major upgrade, Tarvaris has that first year under his belt, Sidney Rice (along with Aundre Allison) are in their second year, Wade gets to be a slot guy again where he can be successful. The group overall still doesn't have enough to be great but they do need to make teams pay for completely selling out against the run.