2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[jersey cubs fan]

This offseason seems to be getting more and more painful by the day.

 

Larry Mayer on chicagobears.com responded to a reader's question about the lack of free agent signings by saying, "well Indy and Pittsburgh" haven't signed any guys either. Obviously he's implying that good teams don't waste their money on free agents. The problem is those are good teams that don't need free agents. The Bears aren't a good team and do need a hunge influx of talent. They need to get them through free agency because they've thrown away so many draft selections in recent years.

 

Just this year they released a late draft pick (who signed elsewhere) so they could bring back Fred Miller's corpse to bring absolutely nothing to the team.

[Soul]

Kind of hard to watch as needs go unaddressed.

 

But, in fairness it was a fairly junky FA class this year. There's still the draft, still the June 1 cuts, still time to do things.

 

I do like that we're now away from the Tait/Miller geriatric committe at OT. Still need one more big body on that line for me to feel like we're on our way though.

 

QB is always a mess, and looks to continue to be as the Bears have no clue what they're doing and apparently no desire to go after big time players at the position even when an opportunity presents itself. In short, they can't coach one, and they won't sign one that someone else has already coached. A recipe for continued disaster.

[jersey cubs fan]

Kind of hard to watch as needs go unaddressed.

 

But, in fairness it was a fairly junky FA class this year. There's still the draft, still the June 1 cuts, still time to do things.

 

I do like that we're now away from the Tait/Miller geriatric committe at OT. Still need one more big body on that line for me to feel like we're on our way though.

 

QB is always a mess, and looks to continue to be as the Bears have no clue what they're doing and apparently no desire to go after big time players at the position even when an opportunity presents itself. In short, they can't coach one, and they won't sign one that someone else has already coached. A recipe for continued disaster.

 

If they had a good line and brought in one good receiver, I think Orton would be fine. The problem isn't really settling on Orton, but not giving him much of anything to work with. Olsen and Hester are his only real weapons.

[Soul]

Kind of hard to watch as needs go unaddressed.

 

But, in fairness it was a fairly junky FA class this year. There's still the draft, still the June 1 cuts, still time to do things.

 

I do like that we're now away from the Tait/Miller geriatric committe at OT. Still need one more big body on that line for me to feel like we're on our way though.

 

QB is always a mess, and looks to continue to be as the Bears have no clue what they're doing and apparently no desire to go after big time players at the position even when an opportunity presents itself. In short, they can't coach one, and they won't sign one that someone else has already coached. A recipe for continued disaster.

 

If they had a good line and brought in one good receiver, I think Orton would be fine. The problem isn't really settling on Orton, but not giving him much of anything to work with. Olsen and Hester are his only real weapons.

And Forte. I agree he doesn't have the weapons, but I also feel he's not going to be a top level QB regardless.

[jersey cubs fan]

Kind of hard to watch as needs go unaddressed.

 

But, in fairness it was a fairly junky FA class this year. There's still the draft, still the June 1 cuts, still time to do things.

 

I do like that we're now away from the Tait/Miller geriatric committe at OT. Still need one more big body on that line for me to feel like we're on our way though.

 

QB is always a mess, and looks to continue to be as the Bears have no clue what they're doing and apparently no desire to go after big time players at the position even when an opportunity presents itself. In short, they can't coach one, and they won't sign one that someone else has already coached. A recipe for continued disaster.

 

If they had a good line and brought in one good receiver, I think Orton would be fine. The problem isn't really settling on Orton, but not giving him much of anything to work with. Olsen and Hester are his only real weapons.

And Forte. I agree he doesn't have the weapons, but I also feel he's not going to be a top level QB regardless.

 

No, he'll never be Manning. But look at Pittsburgh, they win with regularity without a guy at QB who lights it up. Obviously I'd prefer to have a solid franchise QB. But Orton can get the job done if he has better receivers. I don't really consider Forte a weapon in the passing game. It's fine to dump off to the guy every once in a while, but when i'm talking weapon, I mean guys who can get you 10-20+ yards on a somewhat regular basis.

[dew1679666265]

Kind of hard to watch as needs go unaddressed.

 

But, in fairness it was a fairly junky FA class this year. There's still the draft, still the June 1 cuts, still time to do things.

 

I do like that we're now away from the Tait/Miller geriatric committe at OT. Still need one more big body on that line for me to feel like we're on our way though.

 

QB is always a mess, and looks to continue to be as the Bears have no clue what they're doing and apparently no desire to go after big time players at the position even when an opportunity presents itself. In short, they can't coach one, and they won't sign one that someone else has already coached. A recipe for continued disaster.

 

If they had a good line and brought in one good receiver, I think Orton would be fine. The problem isn't really settling on Orton, but not giving him much of anything to work with. Olsen and Hester are his only real weapons.

And Forte. I agree he doesn't have the weapons, but I also feel he's not going to be a top level QB regardless.

 

No, he'll never be Manning. But look at Pittsburgh, they win with regularity without a guy at QB who lights it up. Obviously I'd prefer to have a solid franchise QB. But Orton can get the job done if he has better receivers. I don't really consider Forte a weapon in the passing game. It's fine to dump off to the guy every once in a while, but when i'm talking weapon, I mean guys who can get you 10-20+ yards on a somewhat regular basis.

 

The Titans won 13 games last year with Kerry Collins at QB. If the Bears' running game and defense are strong enough, Orton can do enough. The key is the defense has to be stellar and the running game has to be very strong.

[Soul]

Kind of hard to watch as needs go unaddressed.

 

But, in fairness it was a fairly junky FA class this year. There's still the draft, still the June 1 cuts, still time to do things.

 

I do like that we're now away from the Tait/Miller geriatric committe at OT. Still need one more big body on that line for me to feel like we're on our way though.

 

QB is always a mess, and looks to continue to be as the Bears have no clue what they're doing and apparently no desire to go after big time players at the position even when an opportunity presents itself. In short, they can't coach one, and they won't sign one that someone else has already coached. A recipe for continued disaster.

 

If they had a good line and brought in one good receiver, I think Orton would be fine. The problem isn't really settling on Orton, but not giving him much of anything to work with. Olsen and Hester are his only real weapons.

And Forte. I agree he doesn't have the weapons, but I also feel he's not going to be a top level QB regardless.

 

No, he'll never be Manning. But look at Pittsburgh, they win with regularity without a guy at QB who lights it up. Obviously I'd prefer to have a solid franchise QB. But Orton can get the job done if he has better receivers. I don't really consider Forte a weapon in the passing game. It's fine to dump off to the guy every once in a while, but when i'm talking weapon, I mean guys who can get you 10-20+ yards on a somewhat regular basis.

 

The Titans won 13 games last year with Kerry Collins at QB. If the Bears' running game and defense are strong enough, Orton can do enough. The key is the defense has to be stellar and the running game has to be very strong.

 

I don't know. I'm getting older and just want to see a Manning-type era once in Chicago. Just once. I think it would be bombastic. The whole city would be on fire with Bears bloodlust.

[rawaction]

The one position I wanted the Bears to upgrade in free agency was FS. I don't see any rookie ready to step in and be a good FS on a good defensive team. Plus, I don't see any FS being worth the 18th pick, or any of the best ones being around at 49.

 

I still think they will get a veteran OL to play RT, since they seem to want Omiyale to play LG. I'm sure they will go bargain shopping w/ a guy like Shaffer, but that should be fine. I hope they also draft an OL day 1.

[jersey cubs fan]

The one position I wanted the Bears to upgrade in free agency was FS. I don't see any rookie ready to step in and be a good FS on a good defensive team. Plus, I don't see any FS being worth the 18th pick, or any of the best ones being around at 49.

 

I think they think they did this. Apparantly they feel Bullocks problems were related to the largely man coverage he played in New Orleans and that he'll be fine in a cover-2 scheme.

[dew1679666265]

Kind of hard to watch as needs go unaddressed.

 

But, in fairness it was a fairly junky FA class this year. There's still the draft, still the June 1 cuts, still time to do things.

 

I do like that we're now away from the Tait/Miller geriatric committe at OT. Still need one more big body on that line for me to feel like we're on our way though.

 

QB is always a mess, and looks to continue to be as the Bears have no clue what they're doing and apparently no desire to go after big time players at the position even when an opportunity presents itself. In short, they can't coach one, and they won't sign one that someone else has already coached. A recipe for continued disaster.

 

If they had a good line and brought in one good receiver, I think Orton would be fine. The problem isn't really settling on Orton, but not giving him much of anything to work with. Olsen and Hester are his only real weapons.

And Forte. I agree he doesn't have the weapons, but I also feel he's not going to be a top level QB regardless.

 

No, he'll never be Manning. But look at Pittsburgh, they win with regularity without a guy at QB who lights it up. Obviously I'd prefer to have a solid franchise QB. But Orton can get the job done if he has better receivers. I don't really consider Forte a weapon in the passing game. It's fine to dump off to the guy every once in a while, but when i'm talking weapon, I mean guys who can get you 10-20+ yards on a somewhat regular basis.

 

The Titans won 13 games last year with Kerry Collins at QB. If the Bears' running game and defense are strong enough, Orton can do enough. The key is the defense has to be stellar and the running game has to be very strong.

 

I don't know. I'm getting older and just want to see a Manning-type era once in Chicago. Just once. I think it would be bombastic. The whole city would be on fire with Bears bloodlust.

 

Yeah, the Titans at least had Steve McNair for a few years (no Peyton, but a really good QB) and tried again with Vince. Orton's the best the Bears have had for a while.

[dew1679666265]

The one position I wanted the Bears to upgrade in free agency was FS. I don't see any rookie ready to step in and be a good FS on a good defensive team. Plus, I don't see any FS being worth the 18th pick, or any of the best ones being around at 49.

 

I think they think they did this. Apparantly they feel Bullocks problems were related to the largely man coverage he played in New Orleans and that he'll be fine in a cover-2 scheme.

 

Glenn Earl may also be an option as well. He was a fairy well regarded young safety with the Texans before his injury.

[Soul]

NFL draftcountdown has us doing this:

 

1 - Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland (great speed, great size, possibly not great hands)

2 - Duke Robinson OL (he's listed as an OG though, might not satisfy the need for another T)

[rawaction]

The one position I wanted the Bears to upgrade in free agency was FS. I don't see any rookie ready to step in and be a good FS on a good defensive team. Plus, I don't see any FS being worth the 18th pick, or any of the best ones being around at 49.

 

I think they think they did this. Apparantly they feel Bullocks problems were related to the largely man coverage he played in New Orleans and that he'll be fine in a cover-2 scheme.

 

I actually forgot about Bullocks, but I don't think he's any better than Danieal.

[rawaction]

NFL draftcountdown has us doing this:

 

1 - Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland (great speed, great size, possibly not great hands)

2 - Duke Robinson OL (he's listed as an OG though, might not satisfy the need for another T)

 

Sign an OT in the next couple weeks and I love Duke in the 2nd. I'd still rather get a DE in the first (Ayres), rather than waiting for the 3rd. I think the 3rd round WR is closer to the 1st round talent than the 3rd round DE talent is to the 1st round talent. I'd take Iglesias, Louis Murphy, etc along w/ Ayres over DHB and a DE like Shaunessey (sp?).

[jersey cubs fan]

NFL draftcountdown has us doing this:

 

1 - Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland (great speed, great size, possibly not great hands)

2 - Duke Robinson OL (he's listed as an OG though, might not satisfy the need for another T)

 

Sign an OT in the next couple weeks and I love Duke in the 2nd. I'd still rather get a DE in the first (Ayres), rather than waiting for the 3rd. I think the 3rd round WR is closer to the 1st round talent than the 3rd round DE talent is to the 1st round talent. I'd take Iglesias, Louis Murphy, etc along w/ Ayres over DHB and a DE like Shaunessey (sp?).

 

Considering they already have 3 defensive ends and a defensive line coach they expect to improve what's there, couldn't the argument be made to just find a pass rush specialist later? Sure, it would be nice to get a stud. But they got Brown in the 4th and Anderson in the 5th, and Ogunleye was an undrafted free agent. My bet is they'd stand a much better chance of turning a project or one dimensional low round end into a valuable player than they would a receiver.

[jersey cubs fan]

The one position I wanted the Bears to upgrade in free agency was FS. I don't see any rookie ready to step in and be a good FS on a good defensive team. Plus, I don't see any FS being worth the 18th pick, or any of the best ones being around at 49.

 

I think they think they did this. Apparantly they feel Bullocks problems were related to the largely man coverage he played in New Orleans and that he'll be fine in a cover-2 scheme.

 

I actually forgot about Bullocks, but I don't think he's any better than Danieal.

 

But he still allows Danieal to stay at nickel and provides depth.

[Soul]

Editorial plea to Angelo from the Suntimes on Cutler:

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hayes/1491096,hayes-bears-cutler-letter-032309.article

[Mark Priors Calves]

i didn't see this posted anywhere, but the bears open the season at green bay on sunday night football.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Heyward-Bey would be a brutal pick.

[Guest]

Editorial plea to Angelo from the Suntimes on Cutler:

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hayes/1491096,hayes-bears-cutler-letter-032309.article

 

Quoted for hilarity and for Truthiness:

 

"Did you know, Jerry, that generations of Chicago kids have grown up not realizing that quarterback ratings go higher than 70.0? You see them in parks and backyards across the region emulating their heroes by throwing wobbly passes and practicing hand-offs."

[XZero771679666304]

Editorial plea to Angelo from the Suntimes on Cutler:

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hayes/1491096,hayes-bears-cutler-letter-032309.article

 

Quoted for hilarity and for Truthiness:

 

"Did you know, Jerry, that generations of Chicago kids have grown up not realizing that quarterback ratings go higher than 70.0? You see them in parks and backyards across the region emulating their heroes by throwing wobbly passes and practicing hand-offs."

 

God, is that ever the truth. I only really started following the team closely at the beginning of the Harbaugh era, and it has been mediocrity at QB the entire time. You'd think at some point Angelo would at least blindly stumble his way into acquiring a good QB, but no. I'm trying to think of another team that has spent the last 20 years without having had a good-great QB at any point during, but I am having a hard time.

[dew1679666265]

I'm trying to think of another team that has spent the last 20 years without having had a good-great QB at any point during, but I am having a hard time.

 

The Lions come to mind immediately. Otherwise, I can't think of any either.

[dew1679666265]

Heyward-Bey would be a brutal pick.

 

Why do you think that?

[Illini Iceman]

Editorial plea to Angelo from the Suntimes on Cutler:

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/hayes/1491096,hayes-bears-cutler-letter-032309.article

 

Quoted for hilarity and for Truthiness:

 

"Did you know, Jerry, that generations of Chicago kids have grown up not realizing that quarterback ratings go higher than 70.0? You see them in parks and backyards across the region emulating their heroes by throwing wobbly passes and practicing hand-offs."

 

God, is that ever the truth. I only really started following the team closely at the beginning of the Harbaugh era, and it has been mediocrity at QB the entire time. You'd think at some point Angelo would at least blindly stumble his way into acquiring a good QB, but no. I'm trying to think of another team that has spent the last 20 years without having had a good-great QB at any point during, but I am having a hard time.

 

Quit complaining. I grew up in the Bob Avellini era.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Heyward-Bey would be a brutal pick.

 

Why do you think that?

 

He really doesn't have good hands, and we don't need ANOTHER fast WR who can't catch. Sure he has a lot of potential, but I think it'd be a terrible first round pick when there will surely be better bets at other positions of need available.