2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[Soul]

I'm just really liking the fact that OL is being addressed, and being addressed wholeheartedly.

 

I would describe it more as addressing it halfheartedly (which is still better than completely ignoring it). The Bears preach building from the draft, yet the one spot they have most ignored via the draft, and have routinely brought in outside help, is the offensive line. Signing these stopgaps isn't really addressing the longterm question on the line. It's the same thing they did in 2004/05, when they acquired a couple guys who helped for a couple years. Kreutz isn't going to be around forever, and none of the people acquired this offseason are likely to be longterm stable solutions at right tackle.

 

If I remember correctly, Angelo's Tampa teams routinely struggled with finding the right fit on the offensive line. Maybe he just don't know how to draft/develop them, and can only sign others' castoffs.

 

Well......but they did make a big draft pick last year on OL, for the most important OL position.

 

I don't consider Omiyale a stopgap if he's moved to OG. Shaffer is less of a stopgap if viewed as a OG. That's yet to be determined.

 

What I really meant was that OL is obviously now taking up much of Jerry's brainspace, unlike the past several years. He's thinking about it, taking action. We'll see where it leads, but I like the effort.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm just really liking the fact that OL is being addressed, and being addressed wholeheartedly.

 

I would describe it more as addressing it halfheartedly (which is still better than completely ignoring it). The Bears preach building from the draft, yet the one spot they have most ignored via the draft, and have routinely brought in outside help, is the offensive line. Signing these stopgaps isn't really addressing the longterm question on the line. It's the same thing they did in 2004/05, when they acquired a couple guys who helped for a couple years. Kreutz isn't going to be around forever, and none of the people acquired this offseason are likely to be longterm stable solutions at right tackle.

 

If I remember correctly, Angelo's Tampa teams routinely struggled with finding the right fit on the offensive line. Maybe he just don't know how to draft/develop them, and can only sign others' castoffs.

 

Well......but they did make a big draft pick last year on OL, for the most important OL position.

 

I don't consider Omiyale a stopgap if he's moved to OG. Shaffer is less of a stopgap if viewed as a OG. That's yet to be determined.

 

What I really meant was that OL is obviously now taking up much of Jerry's brainspace, unlike the past several years. He's thinking about it, taking action. We'll see where it leads, but I like the effort.

 

I understand what you're saying, I'm just thinking this is more about catching up and patching holes, than actually building a longterm solution. They did spend one big pick on it last year. But it's a 5 position group that typically uses 6-7 on a fairly regular basis. You can't count both of those guys as guards until/unless they actually get a legit RT. And center is going to be an issue in the not-too-distant future. Omiyale is pretty much what Garza was when they signed him. Shafer is another team's castoff that they replaced with a Bears castoff. These guys are just filling space, they aren't securing positions for years to come.

[dew1679666265]

I'm just really liking the fact that OL is being addressed, and being addressed wholeheartedly.

 

I would describe it more as addressing it halfheartedly (which is still better than completely ignoring it). The Bears preach building from the draft, yet the one spot they have most ignored via the draft, and have routinely brought in outside help, is the offensive line. Signing these stopgaps isn't really addressing the longterm question on the line. It's the same thing they did in 2004/05, when they acquired a couple guys who helped for a couple years. Kreutz isn't going to be around forever, and none of the people acquired this offseason are likely to be longterm stable solutions at right tackle.

 

If I remember correctly, Angelo's Tampa teams routinely struggled with finding the right fit on the offensive line. Maybe he just don't know how to draft/develop them, and can only sign others' castoffs.

 

Well......but they did make a big draft pick last year on OL, for the most important OL position.

 

I don't consider Omiyale a stopgap if he's moved to OG. Shaffer is less of a stopgap if viewed as a OG. That's yet to be determined.

 

What I really meant was that OL is obviously now taking up much of Jerry's brainspace, unlike the past several years. He's thinking about it, taking action. We'll see where it leads, but I like the effort.

 

I understand what you're saying, I'm just thinking this is more about catching up and patching holes, than actually building a longterm solution. They did spend one big pick on it last year. But it's a 5 position group that typically uses 6-7 on a fairly regular basis. You can't count both of those guys as guards until/unless they actually get a legit RT. And center is going to be an issue in the not-too-distant future. Omiyale is pretty much what Garza was when they signed him. Shafer is another team's castoff that they replaced with a Bears castoff. These guys are just filling space, they aren't securing positions for years to come.

 

There are some good 3rd-4th round options in this draft on the offensive line, however. Angelo's thinking may be to patch the line with starters through free agency so that he's not forced to use a first rounder on a lineman, and then look at the Herman Johnsons, Jonathan Luigs and Antoine Caldwells of the draft who can be had later, but still project to be starters on the line after some development.

 

Adding guys like Shaffer, Pace and Omiyale give the Bears at least a couple years to play with before needing new starters - that's probably about the length of time a middle round lineman will need to develop into starter ability. And those later guys, honestly, aren't that much less talented than the first round guys - they just project later because they have issues that need to be developed more (better technique, more strength, etc).

 

I could be off on that, but it's certainly a possibility.

[rawaction]

The Bears could field an OL next year (2010) of:

 

Williams- 24, Omiyale- 27, Beekman- 26, Buenning- 28, Shaffer- 30

 

I don't understand how you think this is just patching up. Granted, none of them have proven to be great OL, but the 3 to the right have 8 years of starting experience between them at a league average to slightly above level. Plus, the Bears can draft a pretty good guard in the 2nd or 3rd round of this draft, and get even younger. Shaffer is not old by any means. Every year that Shaffer has started, his team has been top 7 in the NFL in rushing average behind his side of the line. His pass blocking is below average, but he can provide veteran experience for an otherwise young line in the future. He's only a stopgap if you consider 3 years a stopgap. This is similar to the Tait signing, and Tait gave the team 4 years (3 good ones).

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears could field an OL next year (2010) of:

 

Williams- 24, Omiyale- 27, Beekman- 26, Buenning- 28, Shaffer- 30

 

I don't understand how you think this is just patching up. Granted, none of them have proven to be great OL, but the 3 to the right have 8 years of starting experience between them at a league average to slightly above level. Plus, the Bears can draft a pretty good guard in the 2nd or 3rd round of this draft, and get even younger. Shaffer is not old by any means. Every year that Shaffer has started, his team has been top 7 in the NFL in rushing average behind his side of the line. His pass blocking is below average, but he can provide veteran experience for an otherwise young line in the future. He's only a stopgap if you consider 3 years a stopgap. This is similar to the Tait signing, and Tait gave the team 4 years (3 good ones).

 

You said that before, and it didn't make sense then, or now. Tait was a highly sought free agent who was paid big bucks to pry him away from his team. Shafer was passed over by his team for JSC.

 

If that's the Bears line in 2010, I predict they suck big time. Omiyale and Shafer are both backup caliber guys, or people you throw in to a line that is solid at the other spots.

[Soul]

Word has it Pace was already offered a contract by the Ravens, so we wouldn't be alone in our pursuit. I'm not so sure I want to get into any kind of a bidding war for Pace, but I'm pretty confident Jerry won't do that.

[rawaction]

The Bears could field an OL next year (2010) of:

 

Williams- 24, Omiyale- 27, Beekman- 26, Buenning- 28, Shaffer- 30

 

I don't understand how you think this is just patching up. Granted, none of them have proven to be great OL, but the 3 to the right have 8 years of starting experience between them at a league average to slightly above level. Plus, the Bears can draft a pretty good guard in the 2nd or 3rd round of this draft, and get even younger. Shaffer is not old by any means. Every year that Shaffer has started, his team has been top 7 in the NFL in rushing average behind his side of the line. His pass blocking is below average, but he can provide veteran experience for an otherwise young line in the future. He's only a stopgap if you consider 3 years a stopgap. This is similar to the Tait signing, and Tait gave the team 4 years (3 good ones).

 

You said that before, and it didn't make sense then, or now. Tait was a highly sought free agent who was paid big bucks to pry him away from his team. Shafer was passed over by his team for JSC.

 

If that's the Bears line in 2010, I predict they suck big time. Omiyale and Shafer are both backup caliber guys, or people you throw in to a line that is solid at the other spots.

 

So, you discount Shaffer teams' stats in the run game and Omiyale getting interest from 9 other teams? I'm not saying that those are major things, but Shaffer has been one of the top run blocking OTs in the league for 3-4 years. Omiyale only had 1 start, and got rave reviews. Shaffer is probably a middle of the pack starting RT. Omiyale has as much potential as anyone the Bears could draft at being an elite guard. To say they are both "backup quality guys" is inaccurate.

[jersey cubs fan]

So, you discount Shaffer teams' stats in the run game and Omiyale getting interest from 9 other teams? I'm not saying that those are major things, but Shaffer has been one of the top run blocking OTs in the league for 3-4 years. Omiyale only had 1 start, and got rave reviews. Shaffer is probably a middle of the pack starting RT. Omiyale has as much potential as anyone the Bears could draft at being an elite guard. To say they are both "backup quality guys" is inaccurate.

 

They are nice backups or fine plugging in with 2 or 3 other solid lineman. But they aren't core lineman.

[rawaction]

So, you discount Shaffer teams' stats in the run game and Omiyale getting interest from 9 other teams? I'm not saying that those are major things, but Shaffer has been one of the top run blocking OTs in the league for 3-4 years. Omiyale only had 1 start, and got rave reviews. Shaffer is probably a middle of the pack starting RT. Omiyale has as much potential as anyone the Bears could draft at being an elite guard. To say they are both "backup quality guys" is inaccurate.

 

They are nice backups or fine plugging in with 2 or 3 other solid lineman. But they aren't core lineman.

 

Well, that's where Williams, Beekman and hopefully one of the top 5 OGs (in a good guard draft) come in.

[jersey cubs fan]

So, you discount Shaffer teams' stats in the run game and Omiyale getting interest from 9 other teams? I'm not saying that those are major things, but Shaffer has been one of the top run blocking OTs in the league for 3-4 years. Omiyale only had 1 start, and got rave reviews. Shaffer is probably a middle of the pack starting RT. Omiyale has as much potential as anyone the Bears could draft at being an elite guard. To say they are both "backup quality guys" is inaccurate.

 

They are nice backups or fine plugging in with 2 or 3 other solid lineman. But they aren't core lineman.

 

Well, that's where Williams, Beekman and hopefully one of the top 5 OGs (in a good guard draft) come in.

 

Beekman is an unknown, and quite frankly, so is Williams at this point.

[Soul]

So, you discount Shaffer teams' stats in the run game and Omiyale getting interest from 9 other teams? I'm not saying that those are major things, but Shaffer has been one of the top run blocking OTs in the league for 3-4 years. Omiyale only had 1 start, and got rave reviews. Shaffer is probably a middle of the pack starting RT. Omiyale has as much potential as anyone the Bears could draft at being an elite guard. To say they are both "backup quality guys" is inaccurate.

 

They are nice backups or fine plugging in with 2 or 3 other solid lineman. But they aren't core lineman.

 

Well, that's where Williams, Beekman and hopefully one of the top 5 OGs (in a good guard draft) come in.

 

Beekman is an unknown, and quite frankly, so is Williams at this point.

 

Williams has core potential. Anyone we brought in would be of the potential variety. Nobody's going to give us their proven pro bowl LT.

 

I really think Omiyale can be a core guard. He's good enough to compete for tackle. He's young. He should be very solid @ OG, more than just a stopgap.

[minnesotacubsfan]

So, you discount Shaffer teams' stats in the run game and Omiyale getting interest from 9 other teams? I'm not saying that those are major things, but Shaffer has been one of the top run blocking OTs in the league for 3-4 years. Omiyale only had 1 start, and got rave reviews. Shaffer is probably a middle of the pack starting RT. Omiyale has as much potential as anyone the Bears could draft at being an elite guard. To say they are both "backup quality guys" is inaccurate.

 

They are nice backups or fine plugging in with 2 or 3 other solid lineman. But they aren't core lineman.

 

if they are unknowns, how do you know this?

 

I dont buy the Omiyale hype. I do think Shaffer is a solid RT. I dont know if any of them could be pro-bowlers, but I think combined, they make an interesting composition. to blow them all off as if Angelo was on a drug-induced lineman buying streak is idiotic.

[David]

Looks like the Broncos are going to trade Cutler.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4031893

[minnesotacubsfan]

ahhhhhhh! comon Jerry!!!

[Magnetic Curses]

stiffy

[rawaction]

So, you discount Shaffer teams' stats in the run game and Omiyale getting interest from 9 other teams? I'm not saying that those are major things, but Shaffer has been one of the top run blocking OTs in the league for 3-4 years. Omiyale only had 1 start, and got rave reviews. Shaffer is probably a middle of the pack starting RT. Omiyale has as much potential as anyone the Bears could draft at being an elite guard. To say they are both "backup quality guys" is inaccurate.

 

They are nice backups or fine plugging in with 2 or 3 other solid lineman. But they aren't core lineman.

 

Well, that's where Williams, Beekman and hopefully one of the top 5 OGs (in a good guard draft) come in.

 

Beekman is an unknown, and quite frankly, so is Williams at this point.

 

That's why I'm talking about 2010. Hopefully Williams will be "known" by then. I don't really know what your point is at this point, though. You say you want Pace, but then say the Bears have only halfheartedly addressed OL and signing stopgaps ins't addressing the long term question on the line. Of course they haven't wholeheartedly address OL because the draft hasn't happened yet and there was a bunch of crap FAs. The only good long-term option for the Bears was Vernon Carey, and he resigned with his team. Every other young OL that was available had major questions with ineffectiveness (Barnes) or injury (Andrews).

 

I just don't know what you expected them to "wholeheartedly" do about the OL.

[manbearcub]

oh god please.

 

 

 

maybe all the o-line and db signings were to free up draft picks? please pretty please

[Mark Priors Calves]

get on it, jerry.

[Soul]

Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler Get Cutler

 

GET CUTLER!

[cubweiser03]

Beekman had a good first year last as G, hes not quite an unknown. Shaffer is a better run blocker than pass blocker but thats what you look for in RT. IF he could play guard and Pace would play RT that would be sweet. RG is even more about run blocking than RT. And Pace isnt just a HOF LT because he can pass block to the extraordinaire, the dude has it all. Im sure he would be a very good RT if not great.

 

Jay Cutler. If Tommie didnt have the injury problems i think he would be a great chip, maybe he still is a good trade chip but it could be better. Briggs might work out as a good chip too, hed probably have to be the centerpiece.

[Magnetic Curses]

Beekman had a good first year last as G, hes not quite an unknown. Shaffer is a better run blocker than pass blocker but thats what you look for in RT. IF he could play guard and Pace would play RT that would be sweet. RG is even more about run blocking than RT. And Pace isnt just a HOF LT because he can pass block to the extraordinaire, the dude has it all. Im sure he would be a very good RT if not great.

 

Jay Cutler. If Tommie didnt have the injury problems i think he would be a great chip, maybe he still is a good trade chip but it could be better. Briggs might work out as a good chip too, hed probably have to be the centerpiece.

 

orton and picks should get it done.

[Soul]

I may have forgotten to mention that we should...........GET CUTLER.

[David]

BRONCOS BEGIN THE PROCESS OF ERASING CUTLER FROM THE TEAM

Posted by Mike Florio on March 31, 2009, 9:58 p.m.

To anyone who thinks that the Broncos’ announcement that quarterback Jay Cutler will be traded is an early April Fool’s Day gag, think again.

 

In addition to posting a statement from owner Pat Bowlen on the team’s web site, a reader points out that the franchise has removed Cutler from the online roster.

 

He also has been scrubbed from the online depth chart, which currently shows no starting quarterback despite expressly being dated as of December 22, 2008.

 

That said, his online bio still is live — but we have a feeling it won’t be for much longer.

[minnesotacubsfan]

the only April Fools here better be McDaniel and Co.

[Butterscup1679666578]

I have zero confidence that Angelo pursues Cutler at all, but man I sure am hoping.