2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[Soul]

I'm pretty surprised to hear something like that come from Dungy. I figured him to be a bit more thoughtful than that.

 

That's like something your average local radio hack would say. I don't even hear that coming from Mike & Mike, or Cowherd.

[manbearcub]

I'm pretty surprised to hear something like that come from Dungy. I figured him to be a bit more thoughtful than that.

 

That's like something your average local radio hack would say. I don't even hear that coming from Mike & Mike, or Cowherd.

Dungy will never say anything meaningful because he is afraid he will offend someone.

[David]

I really think there's a good chance we'll get Plaxico. Coupled with my post from before about the organization's mouthpiece, Larry Meyer, on the official website being very supportive of a potential Burress signing, I think there might be some fire with this smoke.

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1606293,CST-SPT-bear04.article

 

Jerry Angelo's door remains open when it comes to adding a veteran wide receiver. Bears players would like to say ''come on in'' to Plaxico Burress.

 

The general manager has not ruled out anything, and in an offseason like none the franchise has seen, everything is in play eight weeks before training camp. That includes Burress, the former New York Giants receiver who remains without a team while the NFL waits to see how his gun charge proceeds in New York courts.

 

Burress could be the final piece in a vast reshaping of the roster over the last two months, keyed by the April 2 trade for quarterback Jay Cutler. It was shortly after the deal that Burress told Bears' radio sideline reporter Zach Zaidman that Cutler had made what amounted to a recruiting call. Why not? He's a big wide receiver with big-play credentials and he would instantly take pressure off Devin Hester and the unproven first- and second-year players Cutler otherwise will count on.

 

''I feel pretty comfortable with what we have here right now," Hester said. ''If we added Plaxico Burress, that's only going to build confidence even more. Why wouldn't he help us?''

[UMFan83]

I really think there's a good chance we'll get Plaxico. Coupled with my post from before about the organization's mouthpiece, Larry Meyer, on the official website being very supportive of a potential Burress signing, I think there might be some fire with this smoke.

 

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/1606293,CST-SPT-bear04.article

 

Jerry Angelo's door remains open when it comes to adding a veteran wide receiver. Bears players would like to say ''come on in'' to Plaxico Burress.

 

The general manager has not ruled out anything, and in an offseason like none the franchise has seen, everything is in play eight weeks before training camp. That includes Burress, the former New York Giants receiver who remains without a team while the NFL waits to see how his gun charge proceeds in New York courts.

 

Burress could be the final piece in a vast reshaping of the roster over the last two months, keyed by the April 2 trade for quarterback Jay Cutler. It was shortly after the deal that Burress told Bears' radio sideline reporter Zach Zaidman that Cutler had made what amounted to a recruiting call. Why not? He's a big wide receiver with big-play credentials and he would instantly take pressure off Devin Hester and the unproven first- and second-year players Cutler otherwise will count on.

 

''I feel pretty comfortable with what we have here right now," Hester said. ''If we added Plaxico Burress, that's only going to build confidence even more. Why wouldn't he help us?''

 

If we signed Plax, I'd feel really good about our chances next year (assuming Plax isn't suspended any games). We improved the QB position, we made the RB's life much easier, we'd have signed a legitimate pro bowl caliber WR pushing Hester in a role he can excel. We most likely greatly improved the offensive line (I am never 100% confident when there are several new additions to the line). Defensively, we signed a pretty good LB to compliment Briggs and Urlacher, speaking of Urlacher, reports are that he is looking as healthy as he's been in the last few years. We added some depth at S and should have enough options to have 2 solid players to start, but this is one of the areas that still worries me. The other area is the Dline and while we did improve, I am not sure how much.

 

Put that altogether, and the team's goal should be more than just make the playoffs. And I don't think the national media is going to see all this until its too late, although if they sign Plax they could jump on the bandwagon pretty quickly.

 

Now someone bring me down to earth...why shouldn't I be this optimistic about next season's Bears team?

[David]

I agree with all of that wholeheartedly, and it's part of the reason why, at 30-1, I'm tempted to put a hundred or so on the Bears to win the Super Bowl.

 

Not because I think we're anywhere close to a lock, but I think it's a hell of a lot better than 30-1, and I'm not sure why people aren't realizing that.

[rawaction]

I'm pretty confident about this team right now. I think it's a mistake to think Cutler makes this team put up 3-6 more points per game. The area where he will help is extending drives and greatly increasing the Bears time of possession.

 

And that will help the defense. If Urlacher, Harris, and Vasher are ever going to be pro-bowl caliber players again, this would be the year. Urlacher is 2 years removed from back surgery. Harris is 3 years removed from knee surgery. Vasher had a wrist injury and should have extremely healthy legs. Being on the field less will help all of them also. I am worried about the DE position, but I have hope that Marinelli can get something out of Anderson and Ogunleye will try to shine for his last contract next offseason. The FS position is also troublesome, but getting a good pass rush will help. And I really like Graham's football IQ if he's the guy back there. He will make some mistakes, but he's a good tackler that has played in the Cover-2 for 3 years already, so he should at least be familiar with the role of the safety over the top as he kinda had to know where the FS would be as a Cover-2 corner.

 

As for Plax, as much as I would like him I do wonder if the Bears could potentially get Brandon Marshall next offseason. If not, there's still a chance that the Boldin or Braylon situations could be revisited. I'd rather have either of those 3 over the older Plaxico, and I still think with the young nucleus on offense the Bears window will extend beyond this season.

[Banedon]

It sounds like the players are just as excited as we are. From David Haugh's article this morning...(where you could really feel his excitement as you read it.)

 

The novelty of Cutler's first public practice two weeks ago hadn't worn off. It was June 3, but the energy and excitement level of a typically mundane practice was palpable. One player compared it to spring football at a big-time college football program. The players feel the buzz and discuss the anticipation level of training camp. The anticipation level of training camp. Which is only 57 days away, if you're counting.

[RedFlash]

As for Plax, as much as I would like him I do wonder if the Bears could potentially get Brandon Marshall next offseason. If not, there's still a chance that the Boldin or Braylon situations could be revisited. I'd rather have either of those 3 over the older Plaxico, and I still think with the young nucleus on offense the Bears window will extend beyond this season.

 

I think this is a case of "a bird in a hand, is worth two in a bush" situation. You could have Plax this yr, or take a gamble and have a new CBA reach and Marshall becomes an UFA next season. But if no CBA is reach then Marshall is a RFA and the chances of the Bears getting him would be slim.

 

As for Braylan and Boldin, I have a feeling both will remain with their clubs until the reach FA.

[Soul]

I agree with all of that wholeheartedly, and it's part of the reason why, at 30-1, I'm tempted to put a hundred or so on the Bears to win the Super Bowl.

 

Not because I think we're anywhere close to a lock, but I think it's a hell of a lot better than 30-1, and I'm not sure why people aren't realizing that.

 

Because there is anger & resentment out there over the Bears' acquisition of Cutler. Some places feel they should have acquired him rather than the Bears, and others feel he shouldn't have left Denver. There are lots of people out there who just don't like the fact that Cutler left Denver and came to Chicago. They're hoping for his failure.

[David]

Marshall is a world class d-bag, though.

 

I mean, I'd be more than happy to have him as a player, but I'd have a hard time rooting for him after watching that Outside the Lines on him.

[soapy]

Yeah I have no idea what Dungy is talking about. Cutler wasn't acquired to beat one team. That's just a ridiculous assertion.

 

Yeah, makes no sense, especially since the Bears have done pretty well vs. GB in Lovie's tenure. If anything, he could say he was brought in to beat Minnesota, who is a better team than GB and has a defense that is almost impossible to run on.

 

But I'm pretty sure the Bears brought in Cutler with the hopes of him helping them beat whoever represents the AFC in the Superbowl.

 

In the quotes provided, Dungy doesn't even mention Green Bay. He just says "one team" and the writer apparantly assumes it's Green Bay. It would make more sense as Minnesota, but it's still a rather ridiculous sentiment. He was brought in to be the quarterback for 19 games this year and the next 10 years after.

 

:D

[David]

Yeah I have no idea what Dungy is talking about. Cutler wasn't acquired to beat one team. That's just a ridiculous assertion.

 

Yeah, makes no sense, especially since the Bears have done pretty well vs. GB in Lovie's tenure. If anything, he could say he was brought in to beat Minnesota, who is a better team than GB and has a defense that is almost impossible to run on.

 

But I'm pretty sure the Bears brought in Cutler with the hopes of him helping them beat whoever represents the AFC in the Superbowl.

 

In the quotes provided, Dungy doesn't even mention Green Bay. He just says "one team" and the writer apparantly assumes it's Green Bay. It would make more sense as Minnesota, but it's still a rather ridiculous sentiment. He was brought in to be the quarterback for 19 games this year and the next 10 years after.

 

:D

 

He just meant preseason. The regulars don't really play in the 4th one. :grin:

[jersey cubs fan]

I agree with all of that wholeheartedly, and it's part of the reason why, at 30-1, I'm tempted to put a hundred or so on the Bears to win the Super Bowl.

 

Not because I think we're anywhere close to a lock, but I think it's a hell of a lot better than 30-1, and I'm not sure why people aren't realizing that.

 

The Bears are 30/1? Are you sure? Is that stale info? Chicago always gets a decent amount of money placed on them, and after the Cutler signing I'd think they fall more into the 12-15/1 range.

[jersey cubs fan]

The day Plaxico shot himself I was hoping for the Giants to cut him and the Bears to pick him up. I understand it is anything but a no-brainer, but even if he has to be suspended for 4 games, I would love to see them pick him up. His ability to go up and get it along with Cutler's ability to put it where he wants it just intrigues the hell out of me. Plax has spent his entire career in outdoor cold weather climates, he is going to be able to perform in Chicago in December, and hopefully January.

[David]

I agree with all of that wholeheartedly, and it's part of the reason why, at 30-1, I'm tempted to put a hundred or so on the Bears to win the Super Bowl.

 

Not because I think we're anywhere close to a lock, but I think it's a hell of a lot better than 30-1, and I'm not sure why people aren't realizing that.

 

The Bears are 30/1? Are you sure? Is that stale info? Chicago always gets a decent amount of money placed on them, and after the Cutler signing I'd think they fall more into the 12-15/1 range.

 

As of a week or two ago, I could've placed a bet on bodog at 30-1. I'll take a look right now to see if it has moved.

 

It's now 20-1.

 

Damn. Should've placed that bet then. I thought it was outrageous immediately.

[David]

The day Plaxico shot himself I was hoping for the Giants to cut him and the Bears to pick him up. I understand it is anything but a no-brainer, but even if he has to be suspended for 4 games, I would love to see them pick him up. His ability to go up and get it along with Cutler's ability to put it where he wants it just intrigues the hell out of me. Plax has spent his entire career in outdoor cold weather climates, he is going to be able to perform in Chicago in December, and hopefully January.

 

 

Yep. He made Eli Manning look like a decent quarterback. Imagine what he could do with a good one.

[Soul]

The day Plaxico shot himself I was hoping for the Giants to cut him and the Bears to pick him up. I understand it is anything but a no-brainer, but even if he has to be suspended for 4 games, I would love to see them pick him up. His ability to go up and get it along with Cutler's ability to put it where he wants it just intrigues the hell out of me. Plax has spent his entire career in outdoor cold weather climates, he is going to be able to perform in Chicago in December, and hopefully January.

 

 

Yep. He made Eli Manning look like a decent quarterback. Imagine what he could do with a good one.

 

I know. Everything fits but the stupid antics.

 

Sign him and then retrofit his brain with an anti-stupidity device.

[Guest]

Get it done!

[David]

First we have to hope he doesn't wind up behind bars for very long.

[RedFlash]

First we have to hope he doesn't wind up behind bars for very long.

 

I doubt Plax will face jail time. I think it's more likely he'll plead out and get probation (he did have a unlicenced gun, but he only hurt himself). The biggest obstacle will be from Roger Goodell and a potential suspension.

[David]

First we have to hope he doesn't wind up behind bars for very long.

 

I doubt Plax will face jail time. I think it's more likely he'll plead out and get probation (he did have a unlicenced gun, but he only hurt himself). The biggest obstacle will be from Roger Goodell and a potential suspension.

 

I believe the law he broke carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year. They offered him a plea deal of 2 months and a ton of community service and he turned it down. It would've left him ready to make some team's camp. I think it was a dumb move, but we'll see.

[Guest]

First we have to hope he doesn't wind up behind bars for very long.

 

I doubt Plax will face jail time. I think it's more likely he'll plead out and get probation (he did have a unlicenced gun, but he only hurt himself). The biggest obstacle will be from Roger Goodell and a potential suspension.

 

I believe the law he broke carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year. They offered him a plea deal of 2 months and a ton of community service and he turned it down. It would've left him ready to make some team's camp. I think it was a dumb move, but we'll see.

 

Yeah, there is still that to contend with. I'm not so convinced he's just going to walk away from this without doing some time.

[David]

If he winds up pleading not-guilty, he is so screwed.

[ctcf]

First we have to hope he doesn't wind up behind bars for very long.

 

I doubt Plax will face jail time. I think it's more likely he'll plead out and get probation (he did have a unlicenced gun, but he only hurt himself). The biggest obstacle will be from Roger Goodell and a potential suspension.

 

I believe the law he broke carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year. They offered him a plea deal of 2 months and a ton of community service and he turned it down. It would've left him ready to make some team's camp. I think it was a dumb move, but we'll see.

 

Yeah, there is still that to contend with. I'm not so convinced he's just going to walk away from this without doing some time.

 

What's the timetable for figuring all this stuff out?

[David]

He has a court date on the 15th. I'm sure we'll more after that.