Week 7 Vikings @ Bears Noon CST FOX

[jersey cubs fan]

Their biggest need on the OL right now (assuming Williams comes back healthy) is at guard. How often do you really see a guard taken in the 1st round of the draft? Even the guys who end up being great OGs are taken in rounds 2-4. You can get good value there, so unless you're getting another tackle, I see no reason to go OL in round 1.

 

Tait is going to need to be replaced. He's old and pretty much nothing more than a servicable RT at this point. 10 years into his career at 33, I wouldn't hesitate to draft a tackle in the first next year to be ready to replace him by 2010, if not sooner. Next season, Tait will be as old, with as much mileage as Fred Miller was when he fell apart.

 

Ideally they are picking in the late 20's, which would mean you are less likely to finding a guy ready to start right away, and can afford to take a guy who is a little more of a project (as opposed to the safe/ready pick of Williams this year). You also have an aging Kreutz to think about replacing soon.

[Soul]

Their biggest need on the OL right now (assuming Williams comes back healthy) is at guard. How often do you really see a guard taken in the 1st round of the draft? Even the guys who end up being great OGs are taken in rounds 2-4. You can get good value there, so unless you're getting another tackle, I see no reason to go OL in round 1.

 

Tait is going to need to be replaced. He's old and pretty much nothing more than a servicable RT at this point. 10 years into his career at 33, I wouldn't hesitate to draft a tackle in the first next year to be ready to replace him by 2010, if not sooner. Next season, Tait will be as old, with as much mileage as Fred Miller was when he fell apart.

 

Ideally they are picking in the late 20's, which would mean you are less likely to finding a guy ready to start right away, and can afford to take a guy who is a little more of a project (as opposed to the safe/ready pick of Williams this year). You also have an aging Kreutz to think about replacing soon.

 

Should be able to pick up Tait's replacement outside the 1st if you do it right. A big ol' OG too.

 

It's pretty hard to project that far into the future, but the way things are looking now, I'm starting to think we should look for a stud DB, or DE in the 1st round. Especially after watching how slow Mike Brown has become, and how ineffective Ogun is.

[Guest]

Their biggest need on the OL right now (assuming Williams comes back healthy) is at guard. How often do you really see a guard taken in the 1st round of the draft? Even the guys who end up being great OGs are taken in rounds 2-4. You can get good value there, so unless you're getting another tackle, I see no reason to go OL in round 1.

 

Tait is going to need to be replaced. He's old and pretty much nothing more than a servicable RT at this point. 10 years into his career at 33, I wouldn't hesitate to draft a tackle in the first next year to be ready to replace him by 2010, if not sooner. Next season, Tait will be as old, with as much mileage as Fred Miller was when he fell apart.

 

Ideally they are picking in the late 20's, which would mean you are less likely to finding a guy ready to start right away, and can afford to take a guy who is a little more of a project (as opposed to the safe/ready pick of Williams this year). You also have an aging Kreutz to think about replacing soon.

 

Beekman could conceivably replace Kreutz.

[jersey cubs fan]

Their biggest need on the OL right now (assuming Williams comes back healthy) is at guard. How often do you really see a guard taken in the 1st round of the draft? Even the guys who end up being great OGs are taken in rounds 2-4. You can get good value there, so unless you're getting another tackle, I see no reason to go OL in round 1.

 

Tait is going to need to be replaced. He's old and pretty much nothing more than a servicable RT at this point. 10 years into his career at 33, I wouldn't hesitate to draft a tackle in the first next year to be ready to replace him by 2010, if not sooner. Next season, Tait will be as old, with as much mileage as Fred Miller was when he fell apart.

 

Ideally they are picking in the late 20's, which would mean you are less likely to finding a guy ready to start right away, and can afford to take a guy who is a little more of a project (as opposed to the safe/ready pick of Williams this year). You also have an aging Kreutz to think about replacing soon.

 

Beekman could conceivably replace Kreutz.

 

Conceivably, but that just opens another G hole.

[Magnetic Curses]

centers are pretty easy to replace.

[rawaction]

There are plenty of guys who could play G or RT. I'd take a guy who can compete w/ the players the Bears have now at OG. Preferably, he would also be big enough to move to RT at a moment's notice and most certainly be penciled in there in the future.

[jersey cubs fan]

centers are pretty easy to replace.

 

If all you want is a guy who snaps the ball to the QB, sure. But pro bowl caliber centers are not easy to replace. The Bears have gotten by with less than great lineman in part because they have had a really good center. As Kreutz ages and declines, they will have to rely on the guards that much more going forward.

 

 

The point is offensive line is still a huge work in progress. It's essentially a 5 man position that needs a constant influx of young able bodied players to fill it. The Bears are still playing with fire by going with status quo on the line.

[Balsa]

Oh [expletive].

Zackary Bowman-DB-Bears Oct. 20 - 6:36 pm et

 

Bears CB Zackary Bowman needs surgery to repair an injury to his biceps and will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Bowman, signed off the practice squad just last week, picked off a pass in his only game of the year. Chicago's secondary remains dangerously thin.

Source: Chicago Tribune

[Handlebar McSkullet]

Oh Howry.

Zackary Bowman-DB-Bears Oct. 20 - 6:36 pm et

 

Bears CB Zackary Bowman needs surgery to repair an injury to his biceps and will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Bowman, signed off the practice squad just last week, picked off a pass in his only game of the year. Chicago's secondary remains dangerously thin.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

Hopefully Bowman takes the time to stay on the sidelines, and learn how to play the position. It will also help him recover from his past knee injuries. With his size and ridiculous speed, he can be a really good player next year.

 

About the O-Line

Garza can also play Center and move Buenning to right guard. Even though Kruetz and Garza have yet to show they can run block with any push, they are solid pass blockers. I think St. Clair is showing that he can be a valuable asset as a swing backup lineman. I see the Bears moving Williams to LT after the season with Beekman and Kruetz penciled in. We will probably see Buenning/ St. Clair/ Garza play for right guard with a new player at RT. Tait is the weakest link on that line as of right now. If they can find a RT in the first or second round, they should do it. Beekman has improved leaps and bounds from week one.

Edited October 20, 2008 by Handlebar McSkullet

[UMFan83]

Oh Howry.

Zackary Bowman-DB-Bears Oct. 20 - 6:36 pm et

 

Bears CB Zackary Bowman needs surgery to repair an injury to his biceps and will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Bowman, signed off the practice squad just last week, picked off a pass in his only game of the year. Chicago's secondary remains dangerously thin.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

Ryan O'Malley?

[cubweiser03]

Blabber time.

I liked RT game plan, KO gets the most credit though. I like the 3rd and 8 reverse to Rashied at the end. They werent going to get 8 with Forte and there was a possiblity that the Vikes might over pursue that play, it didnt work out but i liked it. RT offense is exceding the talent, you cant knock the overall performance of his O.

 

Bears are going to get a sup 3rd for Berrian. Another Oline spot. They need RT or any guard. Pass rushing DE could be anywhere from rd 1 to 4. Ogun isnt quite Phillips Daniels but he is getting close. He played really good last year so i have hope, he shouldnt of fallen that far in one year.

 

Urlachers coverage in the flat on Peterson on the 4th an 1 was fantastic.

 

Parity. Can we call it parity at the top, (is that a john maddenism?). There is always going to be doormats but i dont see a runaway winner in the NFC. I really thought the cowboys had it with their offense (its not too late) but their defense needs to be at least top 15 for it to come together for 2-3 playoff games.

[minnesotacubsfan]

centers are pretty easy to replace.

 

If all you want is a guy who snaps the ball to the QB, sure. But pro bowl caliber centers are not easy to replace. The Bears have gotten by with less than great lineman in part because they have had a really good center. As Kreutz ages and declines, they will have to rely on the guards that much more going forward.

 

 

The point is offensive line is still a huge work in progress. It's essentially a 5 man position that needs a constant influx of young able bodied players to fill it. The Bears are still playing with fire by going with status quo on the line.

 

I dont think you draft a rt in rd 1 unless the guy is a stud this year. as you pointed out yourself, they arent likely to get anyone who would make an immediate impact where they figure to draft in rd 1, so why even bother unless the guy is ready now? and since Tait is till around next year, why not find a good prospect in rds 2-4? rd 1 might provide a much better option at gaurd, or even DL, DB,

[minnesotacubsfan]

Oh Howry.

Zackary Bowman-DB-Bears Oct. 20 - 6:36 pm et

 

Bears CB Zackary Bowman needs surgery to repair an injury to his biceps and will likely miss the remainder of the season.

Bowman, signed off the practice squad just last week, picked off a pass in his only game of the year. Chicago's secondary remains dangerously thin.

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

oh howry is right, he played well. at least we got a bye week, then the lambs to rest up with...

[Soul]

Sheed's going to be playing both sides of the ball yet.

[rawaction]

centers are pretty easy to replace.

 

If all you want is a guy who snaps the ball to the QB, sure. But pro bowl caliber centers are not easy to replace. The Bears have gotten by with less than great lineman in part because they have had a really good center. As Kreutz ages and declines, they will have to rely on the guards that much more going forward.

 

 

The point is offensive line is still a huge work in progress. It's essentially a 5 man position that needs a constant influx of young able bodied players to fill it. The Bears are still playing with fire by going with status quo on the line.

 

I dont think you draft a rt in rd 1 unless the guy is a stud this year. as you pointed out yourself, they arent likely to get anyone who would make an immediate impact where they figure to draft in rd 1, so why even bother unless the guy is ready now? and since Tait is till around next year, why not find a good prospect in rds 2-4? rd 1 might provide a much better option at gaurd, or even DL, DB,

 

See, I would draft the best OL in the draft in the 1st (again provided no defensive playmaker of my liking is there). Whether he plays LT, RT, or G. We don't even know if Williams can play LT at this point. If you can draft a stud who can definitely play there, you move Williams to the right side or inside to guard. If you get an OT who doesn't prove to be as good as Williams, you let him compete at RT w/ Tait or inside w/ the guards. I'd love a line of interchangeable parts who can all play.

 

Assuming the line is the same the rest of the year, (l to r) JSC, Beekman, Kreutz, Garza, Tait w/ Buenning, rookie, Williams on the bench should be able to change to:

 

Williams, Beekman, Kreutz, Rookie, Tait

Rookie, Williams, Beekman, Buenning, JSC

Rookie, Buenning, Beekman, JSC, Williams

 

or whatever the Bears need on any given week.

[Jon]

ChicagoTribune.com[/url]"]Nathan Vasher spent Saturday night in a local hospital receiving treatment for a swollen right hand near the area where he had wrist surgery, sources said.

 

Vasher was released Sunday after antibiotics had reduced the swelling and quelled any fears of a serious infection.

 

The Bears excused Vasher from attending the Vikings game due to the scare. He was said to be doing fine Monday and still is hopeful of returning in time to face the Lions after the off week.

[Banedon]

ChicagoTribune.com[/url]"]Nathan Vasher spent Saturday night in a local hospital receiving treatment for a swollen right hand near the area where he had wrist surgery, sources said.

 

Vasher was released Sunday after antibiotics had reduced the swelling and quelled any fears of a serious infection.

 

The Bears excused Vasher from attending the Vikings game due to the scare. He was said to be doing fine Monday and still is hopeful of returning in time to face the Lions after the off week.

 

I saw that Lovie hesitated when talking about Vasher yesterday, and said he gave him Sunday off for "we'll call it...personal reasons".

[Soul]

Vash has developed a bad tendency of not being able to recover from injuries, and then not being able to get back up to speed in time for the *next* injury.

[David]

Corey Graham is a better corner than Vasher anyway.

 

*meh*

[Butterscup1679666578]

Corey Graham is a better corner than Vasher anyway.

 

*meh*

 

I apparently lost my Vasher jersey at the beginning of this season. Somewhat fitting, I think.

[Guest]

Corey Graham is a better corner than Vasher anyway.

 

*meh*

 

I'm a big fan (as many should know by now). I think he'll be a great second corner to P-Nut by next season.

 

By the way, where's Brinoch?

[rawaction]

Wow, how the mighty have fallen. At one time, people were arguing that Vasher was a better CB than Tillman. Now he's not as good as Graham?

 

Tillman and Vasher are still the best 2 CBs on the roster. Graham has been better this season, so far though.

[Guest]

Wow, how the mighty have fallen. At one time, people were arguing that Vasher was a better CB than Tillman. Now he's not as good as Graham?

 

Tillman and Vasher are still the best 2 CBs on the roster. Graham has been better this season, so far though.

 

Those people were silly (cough, Brinoch).

[brinoch]

Corey Graham is a better corner than Vasher anyway.

 

*meh*

 

I'm a big fan (as many should know by now). I think he'll be a great second corner to P-Nut by next season.

 

By the way, where's Brinoch?

 

Eh? You rang?

 

I'll be on more come November... for obvious reasons. :)

[brinoch]

Wow, how the mighty have fallen. At one time, people were arguing that Vasher was a better CB than Tillman. Now he's not as good as Graham?

 

Tillman and Vasher are still the best 2 CBs on the roster. Graham has been better this season, so far though.

 

Those people were silly (cough, Brinoch).

 

I haven't had a chance to really take a good look at Graham; I'm still a big Vasher fan. And Peanut still sucks, though Vasher sucks more right now. :P (j/k)

 

In general, I believe Vasher and Tillman are a very good set of corners. They've looked bad on more than one occasion because the line has had a tough time getting to the quarterback. That usually starts happening in the late third quarter or fourth quarter... and that's because they are tired. The Bears defense spends too much time on the field. The offense needs to do a better, more consistent job controlling the clock.