2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[Flames24Rulz]

I hope Jay Cutler is also a great receiver, offensive lineman, and every position on defense.

 

 

HAHA bitter Packer fan face, I LOVE IT!

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Well with that ridiculous comment I could only assume you were a Packer fan. If thats not the case, then it must just be that you dont know much about the Bears or football.

 

Really? Is it that ridiculous to be concerned that the upgrade at quarterback might not help enough to offset the poor group of receivers, questionable offensive line, and average and aging defense? It is also reasonable to doubt that Cutler will be a perennial All Pro with the Bears. I hope it happens, but I don't think it's the slam dunk like most seem to think.

 

For all the crap some Bears fans give Lovie, I think he did an excellent job last year (all things considered). To finish 9-7 with an unknown at RB, an average QB at best, and absolutely no WR's was pretty impressive. Now they add a QB that is legitimately good. Sure the Bears gave up two first round picks, but to land a player like Cutler, you really can't complain about that.

 

I think it's a trade that should benefit both teams in the long run.

[Keener98]

I hope Jay Cutler is also a great receiver, offensive lineman, and every position on defense.

 

 

HAHA bitter Packer fan face, I LOVE IT!

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Well with that ridiculous comment I could only assume you were a Packer fan. If thats not the case, then it must just be that you dont know much about the Bears or football.

 

Really? Is it that ridiculous to be concerned that the upgrade at quarterback might not help enough to offset the poor group of receivers, questionable offensive line, and average and aging defense? It is also reasonable to doubt that Cutler will be a perennial All Pro with the Bears. I hope it happens, but I don't think it's the slam dunk like most seem to think.

 

Theyve addressed the offensive line already for one. Recievers we will see, but they have weapons in Hester, Olsen, and Clark with Bennet being an unknown at this point, but hes got history with Cutler. Your comment was "every defensive postion" and that is just plain ridiculous and you know it. Its hyperbole at its finest. Oh and they still have 8 picks to use and Angelo has a history with drafting starters later in the draft on defense. So yes your comment was ridiculous Im sorry.

[Butterscup1679666578]

man, it sucks that this is cutler's only year with the bears and we won't have the chance to upgrade the WR and OL and reload the D while he's here.

[Illini Iceman]

I hope Jay Cutler is also a great receiver, offensive lineman, and every position on defense.

 

 

HAHA bitter Packer fan face, I LOVE IT!

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Well with that ridiculous comment I could only assume you were a Packer fan. If thats not the case, then it must just be that you dont know much about the Bears or football.

 

Really? Is it that ridiculous to be concerned that the upgrade at quarterback might not help enough to offset the poor group of receivers, questionable offensive line, and average and aging defense? It is also reasonable to doubt that Cutler will be a perennial All Pro with the Bears. I hope it happens, but I don't think it's the slam dunk like most seem to think.

 

The #1 and #3 pick this year and #1 pick next year also weren't going to offset those things if they really do exist. The point it is a lot easier to fix those issues through FA and/or mid round draft picks then it is to get a potential franchise QB that has NFL experience. A chance like that may only come along once a decade, which is why teams were lined up to make a deal with Denver.

[Keener98]

man, it sucks that this is cutler's only year with the bears and we won't have the chance to upgrade the WR and OL and reload the D while he's here.

 

Exactly also sucks all WR's are gone from Free agency already, and we dont have any picks in the draft to use to upgrade the team either....

[JLN]

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Well with that ridiculous comment I could only assume you were a Packer fan. If thats not the case, then it must just be that you dont know much about the Bears or football.

 

Really? Is it that ridiculous to be concerned that the upgrade at quarterback might not help enough to offset the poor group of receivers, questionable offensive line, and average and aging defense? It is also reasonable to doubt that Cutler will be a perennial All Pro with the Bears. I hope it happens, but I don't think it's the slam dunk like most seem to think.

 

For all the crap some Bears fans give Lovie, I think he did an excellent job last year (all things considered). To finish 9-7 with an unknown at RB, an average QB at best, and absolutely no WR's was pretty impressive. Now they add a QB that is legitimately good. Sure the Bears gave up two first round picks, but to land a player like Cutler, you really can't complain about that.

 

I think it's a trade that should benefit both teams in the long run.

 

I'd agree with that and I would expect the offense to get better next year. I have a lot of concerns about what the offensive line and the defense as a whole will look like over the next several years. I could see Cutler needing to put up a ton of points while constantly on his back because of a poor offensive line and defense

[Keener98]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

[JLN]

 

HAHA bitter Packer fan face, I LOVE IT!

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Well with that ridiculous comment I could only assume you were a Packer fan. If thats not the case, then it must just be that you dont know much about the Bears or football.

 

Really? Is it that ridiculous to be concerned that the upgrade at quarterback might not help enough to offset the poor group of receivers, questionable offensive line, and average and aging defense? It is also reasonable to doubt that Cutler will be a perennial All Pro with the Bears. I hope it happens, but I don't think it's the slam dunk like most seem to think.

 

Theyve addressed the offensive line already for one. Recievers we will see, but they have weapons in Hester, Olsen, and Clark with Bennet being an unknown at this point, but hes got history with Cutler. Your comment was "every defensive postion" and that is just plain ridiculous and you know it. Its hyperbole at its finest. Oh and they still have 8 picks to use and Angelo has a history with drafting starters later in the draft on defense. So yes your comment was ridiculous Im sorry.

 

Sure, that comment was hyperbole, but the defense was not very good last year. I think Babich was awful as a defensive coordinator and I hope there will be improvements there. I also hold out hope that Marinelli is a great defensive line coach and help what I think should be the strength of the defense actually produce this year.

 

This still looks like a defense that is getting worse recently rather than better. I know Angelo tends to have more success finding starters later in the draft, and he has a ton of pressure to find those guys late if he wants a complete enough team to win a Super Bowl with Cutler.

[JLN]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

 

I hope they are not done upgrading the line. In particular, I'd like to see them still look at tackles. I don't feel like we know enough about Williams yet and I don't trust Pace to stay healthy.

 

If Angelo is going to ignore one side of the ball in the draft I hope he ignores the offense, but of course I don't think he'll ignore the draft. I would still expect better players in rounds 1-3 than rounds 4-7 though.

[minnesotacubsfan]

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Your new around here, arent you?

 

This was a good trade for the Bears. yes granted, they still need a WR, the hardest button to button is QB, and with a few hours of negotiating, they seem to have tied that up for a few years.

[YearofDaCubs]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

 

I hope they are not done upgrading the line. In particular, I'd like to see them still look at tackles. I don't feel like we know enough about Williams yet and I don't trust Pace to stay healthy.

 

If Angelo is going to ignore one side of the ball in the draft I hope he ignores the offense, but of course I don't think he'll ignore the draft. I would still expect better players in rounds 1-3 than rounds 4-7 though.

I disagree. We have Pace, Williams, Schafer, and Omiyale. More than fine.

[Guest]

Jerry Angelo? Two words - mob ties.

Na - that's Jerry Col-angelo.

 

Really. :)

[Soul]

Sure, that comment was hyperbole, but the defense was not very good last year. I think Babich was awful as a defensive coordinator and I hope there will be improvements there. I also hold out hope that Marinelli is a great defensive line coach and help what I think should be the strength of the defense actually produce this year.

 

This still looks like a defense that is getting worse recently rather than better. I know Angelo tends to have more success finding starters later in the draft, and he has a ton of pressure to find those guys late if he wants a complete enough team to win a Super Bowl with Cutler.

 

Well yeah, but Lovie did effectively fire Babich. He's back doing what he was actually decent at.

 

Marinelli is well-known as a great D-Line coach. No problems there.

 

I agree with some other posters. When you are consistently going 3-and-out, it puts much more pressure on the defense. Though I do agree with your overall point -- the Bears D has been declining. It's still far better than a D like Denver's, where Cutler spent his first 3 years. If he can put a few more points on the board it will go a long way towards keeping the D fresh and snappy.

 

The Bears are putting some eggs in the coaching basket when it comes to D. It's a valid strategy if you think you've got talent that isn't being utilized. We'll see how that turns out. I still think they need pass rush, and that will be tough to find.

[Magnetic Curses]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

 

I hope they are not done upgrading the line. In particular, I'd like to see them still look at tackles. I don't feel like we know enough about Williams yet and I don't trust Pace to stay healthy.

 

If Angelo is going to ignore one side of the ball in the draft I hope he ignores the offense, but of course I don't think he'll ignore the draft. I would still expect better players in rounds 1-3 than rounds 4-7 though.

I disagree. We have Pace, Williams, Schafer, and Omiyale. More than fine.

 

not only do we have them, but we have beekman, garza, buenning, draft pick on the bench. while those names aren't anything special as starters, they're experienced lineman that give us excellent depth. the line is an area of strength this year, so we can stop pretending like it's still a weakness and actually now focus on the weaknesses.

 

jeez, we patch a hole that has existed since the 1950's andpeople are still complaining. if we upgraded the defense, people would be whining about the quarterback and offensive line. come to think of it, we've upgraded the offensive line, greatly, and people are still complaining about it.

[jersey cubs fan]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

 

I hope they are not done upgrading the line. In particular, I'd like to see them still look at tackles. I don't feel like we know enough about Williams yet and I don't trust Pace to stay healthy.

 

If Angelo is going to ignore one side of the ball in the draft I hope he ignores the offense, but of course I don't think he'll ignore the draft. I would still expect better players in rounds 1-3 than rounds 4-7 though.

I disagree. We have Pace, Williams, Schafer, and Omiyale. More than fine.

 

not only do we have them, but we have beekman, garza, buenning, draft pick on the bench. while those names aren't anything special as starters, they're experienced lineman that give us excellent depth. the line is an area of strength this year, so we can stop pretending like it's still a weakness and actually now focus on the weaknesses.

 

jeez, we patch a hole that has existed since the 1950's andpeople are still complaining. if we upgraded the defense, people would be whining about the quarterback and offensive line. come to think of it, we've upgraded the offensive line, greatly, and people are still complaining about it.

 

It has been upgraded, but it is a patch job, nothing more. Going into 2010 they are likely to be very desperate for linemen. The guards are all questionable, and Kreutz is not worth his cap number.

[Jehrico]

I hope Jay Cutler is also a great receiver, offensive lineman, and every position on defense.

 

 

HAHA bitter Packer fan face, I LOVE IT!

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Well with that ridiculous comment I could only assume you were a Packer fan. If thats not the case, then it must just be that you dont know much about the Bears or football.

 

Really? Is it that ridiculous to be concerned that the upgrade at quarterback might not help enough to offset the poor group of receivers, questionable offensive line, and average and aging defense? It is also reasonable to doubt that Cutler will be a perennial All Pro with the Bears. I hope it happens, but I don't think it's the slam dunk like most seem to think.

Considering we have a [expletive] for an O-Coordinator and had a not a very good passing QB, it's hard to say how good or bad our WR corp is. We can make a pretty good guess on Lloyd (loads of unfulfilled potential, probably never going to get anywhere close to reaching it), but that was Hester's first year at WR (with a good QB he could be a great deep thread), and Bennet and Davies could be decent. Plus, you never know who they'll get in the draft. I'm not saying our WR corps will be good, bad or mediocre next year...just that it's not really fair to declare it one way or another at this point. It's an unknown, and that's about all you can say.

 

 

edit: You have to be kidding me...ret@rd is filtered out above? Come on now...

[rawaction]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

 

I hope they are not done upgrading the line. In particular, I'd like to see them still look at tackles. I don't feel like we know enough about Williams yet and I don't trust Pace to stay healthy.

 

If Angelo is going to ignore one side of the ball in the draft I hope he ignores the offense, but of course I don't think he'll ignore the draft. I would still expect better players in rounds 1-3 than rounds 4-7 though.

I disagree. We have Pace, Williams, Schafer, and Omiyale. More than fine.

 

not only do we have them, but we have beekman, garza, buenning, draft pick on the bench. while those names aren't anything special as starters, they're experienced lineman that give us excellent depth. the line is an area of strength this year, so we can stop pretending like it's still a weakness and actually now focus on the weaknesses.

 

jeez, we patch a hole that has existed since the 1950's andpeople are still complaining. if we upgraded the defense, people would be whining about the quarterback and offensive line. come to think of it, we've upgraded the offensive line, greatly, and people are still complaining about it.

 

It has been upgraded, but it is a patch job, nothing more. Going into 2010 they are likely to be very desperate for linemen. The guards are all questionable, and Kreutz is not worth his cap number.

 

You keep saying this and I still don't know where you are coming from. What should the Bears have done that wasn't, in your opinion, a patch job? There was not a single free agent that they could have signed that would have been a long-term solution on the line. There has not been a single lineman traded that could have been a long-term solution on the line. The best they could have done to upgrade the line and not patch it up is the draft, which hasn't even happened yet.

 

If you are still upset that the line wasn't upgraded for the last few years, then that's a completely different issue. But the fact is, they got MUCH better at LT, while getting just 1 year older. They probably got better at RT, and got 7-8 years younger. They got bigger at LG, and stayed young. They have 4 lineman 27 or younger, with a decent chance of 3 of them starting.

 

I don't see how they are likely going be "very" desperate for lineman either way. Worst case scenario is Pace being forced to retire, Williams and Omiyale both failing miserably. I'd say it's a longshot that all 3 happens. They have a solid backup OT in Shaffer. They have Kruetz's replacement in Beekman. I could see them needing a guard, but it won't be out of desperation.

[JLN]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

 

I hope they are not done upgrading the line. In particular, I'd like to see them still look at tackles. I don't feel like we know enough about Williams yet and I don't trust Pace to stay healthy.

 

If Angelo is going to ignore one side of the ball in the draft I hope he ignores the offense, but of course I don't think he'll ignore the draft. I would still expect better players in rounds 1-3 than rounds 4-7 though.

I disagree. We have Pace, Williams, Schafer, and Omiyale. More than fine.

 

not only do we have them, but we have beekman, garza, buenning, draft pick on the bench. while those names aren't anything special as starters, they're experienced lineman that give us excellent depth. the line is an area of strength this year, so we can stop pretending like it's still a weakness and actually now focus on the weaknesses.

 

jeez, we patch a hole that has existed since the 1950's andpeople are still complaining. if we upgraded the defense, people would be whining about the quarterback and offensive line. come to think of it, we've upgraded the offensive line, greatly, and people are still complaining about it.

 

You're probably right, but the problem is that there are a lot of areas in need of an upgrade and in upgrading quarterback it has become a lot more difficult to upgrade those other areas of need. I do appreciate that Angelo has actually done something big this offseason and I hope it works out even if I have my doubts.

[Magnetic Curses]

It has been upgraded, but it is a patch job, nothing more. Going into 2010 they are likely to be very desperate for linemen. The guards are all questionable, and Kreutz is not worth his cap number.

 

You keep saying this and I still don't know where you are coming from. What should the Bears have done that wasn't, in your opinion, a patch job? There was not a single free agent that they could have signed that would have been a long-term solution on the line. There has not been a single lineman traded that could have been a long-term solution on the line. The best they could have done to upgrade the line and not patch it up is the draft, which hasn't even happened yet.

 

If you are still upset that the line wasn't upgraded for the last few years, then that's a completely different issue. But the fact is, they got MUCH better at LT, while getting just 1 year older. They probably got better at RT, and got 7-8 years younger. They got bigger at LG, and stayed young. They have 4 lineman 27 or younger, with a decent chance of 3 of them starting.

 

I don't see how they are likely going be "very" desperate for lineman either way. Worst case scenario is Pace being forced to retire, Williams and Omiyale both failing miserably. I'd say it's a longshot that all 3 happens. They have a solid backup OT in Shaffer. They have Kruetz's replacement in Beekman. I could see them needing a guard, but it won't be out of desperation.

 

couldn't have said it better.

[Keener98]

Do you honestly think they havent upgraded the offensive line? Having a real QB is only going to help our D. Our D was on the field so much last year in some games, that its understandable they gave up some points. Do you think Angelo is going to ignore the D in the draft?

 

I hope they are not done upgrading the line. In particular, I'd like to see them still look at tackles. I don't feel like we know enough about Williams yet and I don't trust Pace to stay healthy.

 

If Angelo is going to ignore one side of the ball in the draft I hope he ignores the offense, but of course I don't think he'll ignore the draft. I would still expect better players in rounds 1-3 than rounds 4-7 though.

I disagree. We have Pace, Williams, Schafer, and Omiyale. More than fine.

 

not only do we have them, but we have beekman, garza, buenning, draft pick on the bench. while those names aren't anything special as starters, they're experienced lineman that give us excellent depth. the line is an area of strength this year, so we can stop pretending like it's still a weakness and actually now focus on the weaknesses.

 

jeez, we patch a hole that has existed since the 1950's andpeople are still complaining. if we upgraded the defense, people would be whining about the quarterback and offensive line. come to think of it, we've upgraded the offensive line, greatly, and people are still complaining about it.

 

You're probably right, but the problem is that there are a lot of areas in need of an upgrade and in upgrading quarterback it has become a lot more difficult to upgrade those other areas of need. I do appreciate that Angelo has actually done something big this offseason and I hope it works out even if I have my doubts.

 

Please tell me where there are "a lot" of areas that need upgraded? I think you are looking wayyyy to deep into last years defense, instead of keeping it in perspective a little. The D wasnt very good last year, but they have been very good in the past and its not like all the guys on D suddenly got old. They had a bad year, and had a [expletive] for a D coordinator. We have Marinelli who many NFL guys and players regard as the best DLine coach in the game.

[Keener98]

And yes there are some areas that need upgraded, but every team could always use an upgrade, but they guys we have on our D are solid. Question marks being safety, and Tommie Harris, everybody else is at least league average or better at their position on defense. I dont think you understand how much better the D could be just from not being on the field ALL the time.

[UMFan83]

I hope Jay Cutler is also a great receiver, offensive lineman, and every position on defense.

 

 

HAHA bitter Packer fan face, I LOVE IT!

 

I realize I am really late in reading this, but after being called a Packer fan I have never been so offended.

 

 

Well with that ridiculous comment I could only assume you were a Packer fan. If thats not the case, then it must just be that you dont know much about the Bears or football.

 

Really? Is it that ridiculous to be concerned that the upgrade at quarterback might not help enough to offset the poor group of receivers, questionable offensive line, and average and aging defense? It is also reasonable to doubt that Cutler will be a perennial All Pro with the Bears. I hope it happens, but I don't think it's the slam dunk like most seem to think.

 

I must have missed the quote from Angelo where he said that the Cutler move was going to address every hole the Bears have and that there would be no other moves for the Bears. You realize that camp doesn't start until July right?

 

There is no reason to bring up the other holes on the team when evaluating this move. We filled the biggest hole the team has had for decades, and your first reaction is to attack the Bears for not filling all their holes in one move?

[jersey cubs fan]

It has been upgraded, but it is a patch job, nothing more. Going into 2010 they are likely to be very desperate for linemen. The guards are all questionable, and Kreutz is not worth his cap number.

 

You keep saying this and I still don't know where you are coming from. What should the Bears have done that wasn't, in your opinion, a patch job? There was not a single free agent that they could have signed that would have been a long-term solution on the line. There has not been a single lineman traded that could have been a long-term solution on the line. The best they could have done to upgrade the line and not patch it up is the draft, which hasn't even happened yet.

 

If you are still upset that the line wasn't upgraded for the last few years, then that's a completely different issue. But the fact is, they got MUCH better at LT, while getting just 1 year older. They probably got better at RT, and got 7-8 years younger. They got bigger at LG, and stayed young. They have 4 lineman 27 or younger, with a decent chance of 3 of them starting.

 

I don't see how they are likely going be "very" desperate for lineman either way. Worst case scenario is Pace being forced to retire, Williams and Omiyale both failing miserably. I'd say it's a longshot that all 3 happens. They have a solid backup OT in Shaffer. They have Kruetz's replacement in Beekman. I could see them needing a guard, but it won't be out of desperation.

 

They needed to draft lineman early in previous years and draft them early this year. I'm not complaining about what they've done this year, but you're deluding yourself if you think they are set longterm. None of the guards are sure things, and Pace is a lock to miss time and/or deteriorate. Williams is still unknown. If he is anything short of franchise tackle, this team will have huge holes by 2010, let alone 2011. Shafer isn't young at all, and he's nothing but a backup, a placeholder, a guy you'd like to replace almost immediately after he'd take the job.

 

For now, they are fine. But they probably need a lineman in this year's top 4/5 rounds, and another in next year's as well. Now that they have a franchise QB, they are no longer going to have the freedom to go out and sign multiple free agent linemen, they are going to have to draft guys they can control and reasonable cost, because by the end of this season, they are probably going to have to talk extension with Cutler. And I'm not sure how long Forte is going to be happy under his very cheap rookie contract. Plus, Olsen is going to get a big deal if he starts getting real numbers under Cutler.

 

The defense is already deteriorating, and the best way to make up for that is with an elite offensive line that can control games. This line might be able to do that in the short term, but there's a lot of age and uncertainty there.

[jersey cubs fan]

To clarify, it's not that what they've done this offseason has been a mistake. It's just that it's all in an effort to patch their previous mistakes, not solve them longterm. There's one guy on the roster who is a likely longterm stable lineman, and he's still relatively unknown. Their patches are probably fine, in the shortterm, but just like the 2004/2005 patch jobs, they will need to be replenished quickly.

[rawaction]

It has been upgraded, but it is a patch job, nothing more. Going into 2010 they are likely to be very desperate for linemen. The guards are all questionable, and Kreutz is not worth his cap number.

 

You keep saying this and I still don't know where you are coming from. What should the Bears have done that wasn't, in your opinion, a patch job? There was not a single free agent that they could have signed that would have been a long-term solution on the line. There has not been a single lineman traded that could have been a long-term solution on the line. The best they could have done to upgrade the line and not patch it up is the draft, which hasn't even happened yet.

 

If you are still upset that the line wasn't upgraded for the last few years, then that's a completely different issue. But the fact is, they got MUCH better at LT, while getting just 1 year older. They probably got better at RT, and got 7-8 years younger. They got bigger at LG, and stayed young. They have 4 lineman 27 or younger, with a decent chance of 3 of them starting.

 

I don't see how they are likely going be "very" desperate for lineman either way. Worst case scenario is Pace being forced to retire, Williams and Omiyale both failing miserably. I'd say it's a longshot that all 3 happens. They have a solid backup OT in Shaffer. They have Kruetz's replacement in Beekman. I could see them needing a guard, but it won't be out of desperation.

 

They needed to draft lineman early in previous years and draft them early this year. I'm not complaining about what they've done this year, but you're deluding yourself if you think they are set longterm. None of the guards are sure things, and Pace is a lock to miss time and/or deteriorate. Williams is still unknown. If he is anything short of franchise tackle, this team will have huge holes by 2010, let alone 2011. Shafer isn't young at all, and he's nothing but a backup, a placeholder, a guy you'd like to replace almost immediately after he'd take the job.

 

For now, they are fine. But they probably need a lineman in this year's top 4/5 rounds, and another in next year's as well. Now that they have a franchise QB, they are no longer going to have the freedom to go out and sign multiple free agent linemen, they are going to have to draft guys they can control and reasonable cost, because by the end of this season, they are probably going to have to talk extension with Cutler. And I'm not sure how long Forte is going to be happy under his very cheap rookie contract. Plus, Olsen is going to get a big deal if he starts getting real numbers under Cutler.

 

The defense is already deteriorating, and the best way to make up for that is with an elite offensive line that can control games. This line might be able to do that in the short term, but there's a lot of age and uncertainty there.

 

When did I ever say they were set longterm? I'm just arguing against you constantly bringing up that the line is a patch job like there was another alternative. They do still need to draft a lineman this year (probably a G in the 3rd or 4th). They still do need to spend a high draft pick on OL next year. I never said otherwise.

 

You keep going on about Shaffer being a backup, but he was part of one of the best OLs in the league in 2007. He regressed some in 08', but still gave up just 2.5 sacks and Cleveland was 8th in the NFL in rushing to the right side of the formation. If Pace goes down and Williams is ineffective, I have no problem with him stepping in. I still think he'll compete at RG. And no he is not young, but he's not old either at 29.

 

"If Williams is anything short of franchise tackle, this team will have huge holes by 2010". That's not even close to being true. There are plenty of teams that win a whole bunch of games without franchise tackles on either side (last year's superbowl teams to name two). Plus, if Williams is even a little better than servicable this year, that doesn't mean he can't be a franchise tackle in the future. If he falls flat on his face, you may have an argument here, but still I think Shaffer/Pace can hold the fort while the Bears bring in someone else.