2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[Soul]

Mike Brown signed with Kansas City...

 

Good luck to him. I understand why the Bears didn't keep him, but it's still tough to let Mike Brown go.

 

I didn't think he was coming back last year, so I don't view it as all that tough. But I still think it's a little weird that they just let him walk away when they had a need at the position. I still wonder what the full motivation is.

 

Maybe it was just a roster management thing. It's gotta be hard when your starter keeps going down to injury every season. At least planning on Payne/Steltz being in there, you don't have the uncertainty. You buying that? :)

 

I'm buying that Brown's yearly injuries played into it. To what degree, I'm not sure.

 

How much did Mike sign for? We're probably running light salary-wise at the Safety position right now -- Angelo probably likes it that way, at least for the moment.

[David]

Adam Schein is as crazy as I am, I guess...

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9722208/Schein%27s-Nine:-Cutler-should-grin-and-bear-it-

 

1. Bear it

 

I am not remotely concerned that Chicago doesn't have enough weapons in the passing attack. It's more than enough for the Bears to win the competitive NFC North and be a legit Super Bowl contender.

End the Plaxico Burress talk. And while Brandon Marshall is a great talent, he comes with baggage in every way — off the field issues, wanting a new contract, not 100 percent healthy.

And the Bears receivers will be vastly improved this year, aided by the presence of finally having a big time QB in Chicago.

Tight end Greg Olsen caught 54 balls last year. The way Cutler uses the tight end, especially on third downs and in the red zone, put him closer to 75 (as a low estimate) with at least nine touchdowns.

Devin Hester caught 51 passes from Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. He's an exceptional talent who is only getting better. The explosive Hester hits the 70 mark and takes a major step forward.

I don't expect Cutler to dump down to Matt Forte like the former Bears quarterbacks. But while the number of catches will dip from 63, Forte has excellent hands and will be counted on.

Rashied Davis is a solid player. Mark him down for 40 receptions.

Rookie Juaquin Iglesias was a third-round steal. He's a polished neophyte. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner was gushing about him when we talked after the draft. I don't think 40 catches is a remote stretch.

And the Bears love the big-play ability (and they should) of fellow rook Johnny Knox.Plus, the offensive line is stronger and deeper with Orlando Pace and Kevin Shaffer coming to town. And a healthy Chris Williams would be a huge bonus.

Big picture, it's more than enough when you have a budding star in Forte at running back and a defense that will be improved in all facets with the most disruptive defensive lineman in football, Mr. Tommie Harris, healthy.

Chicago could be in the mix for a Super Bowl fueled by its passing attack. Imagine that.

[rawaction]

That's a lot of what I have been saying. There's so many ways Cutler helps this team.

 

1. Run after catch- not only is he a career 63-64% passer, he's a large reason why Marshall has the great YAC the last couple years. Bears have Hester and Knox who can fly in the open field and Iglesias who was great after the catch in college.

 

2. Time of possession- again, he will complete more 3rd down passes because he completes more passes in general. Playcalling will open up to where he consistently has the ball in his hands on 3rd down.

 

3. See above- keeps the defense off the field. Were on the field among the most in football the last 2 years (29th in 08, 30th in 07). Incoincedently, the defense has been bad over this time.

 

4. Offensive line. Grossman, Griese, and Orton were all statues in the pocket. Not like the Bears have given up a ton of sacks the last 2 years, but they combatted this by getting rid of the ball quickly and mostly inefficiently. Cutler allows the OL a couple extra beats to get back on a block. This is enhanced by having linemen with more ability to get the initial block in the first place.

[Banedon]

That guy gives Rashied Davis too much credit though. I'm not high on him at all.

[rawaction]

That guy gives Rashied Davis too much credit though. I'm not high on him at all.

 

He did have some big catches for Grossman a couple years ago as the 3rd WR. Some think getting him back in that role will be good for him. He was forced to be on the field way too much last year due to Booker's suckiness and Lloyd being hurt.

 

I do agree with you though. I'd really like for Knox, Iglesias, and Rideau to push him off the roster.

[Banedon]

That guy gives Rashied Davis too much credit though. I'm not high on him at all.

 

He did have some big catches for Grossman a couple years ago as the 3rd WR. Some think getting him back in that role will be good for him. He was forced to be on the field way too much last year due to Booker's suckiness and Lloyd being hurt.

 

NFL Replay just showed the week 15 game against the Saints last year, and Davis had at least a couple flat out drops in that game. It seems to me that wasn't a rare occurrence.

[jersey cubs fan]

That guy gives Rashied Davis too much credit though. I'm not high on him at all.

 

He did have some big catches for Grossman a couple years ago as the 3rd WR. Some think getting him back in that role will be good for him. He was forced to be on the field way too much last year due to Booker's suckiness and Lloyd being hurt.

 

NFL Replay just showed the week 15 game against the Saints last year, and Davis had at least a couple flat out drops in that game. It seems to me that wasn't a rare occurrence.

 

I'm not a Davis fan, but did the guy really give him too much credit? He called him solid and said he'd have 40 catches. He had 35 last year with Orton/Grossman and the presence of Lloyd and Booker on the field. I see him as a 3rd receiver type player who should be able to get about 40. I'd love for one fo the younger guys to push him off the roster, but I'm not sure any of them are ready to step up.

[Banedon]

That guy gives Rashied Davis too much credit though. I'm not high on him at all.

 

He did have some big catches for Grossman a couple years ago as the 3rd WR. Some think getting him back in that role will be good for him. He was forced to be on the field way too much last year due to Booker's suckiness and Lloyd being hurt.

 

NFL Replay just showed the week 15 game against the Saints last year, and Davis had at least a couple flat out drops in that game. It seems to me that wasn't a rare occurrence.

 

I'm not a Davis fan, but did the guy really give him too much credit? He called him solid and said he'd have 40 catches. He had 35 last year with Orton/Grossman and the presence of Lloyd and Booker on the field. I see him as a 3rd receiver type player who should be able to get about 40. I'd love for one fo the younger guys to push him off the roster, but I'm not sure any of them are ready to step up.

 

Eh...I guess I'm just not sure how "solid" he is. In any case, I think we're all of pretty much the same opinion about him.

[RynoRules]

Davis is awful. Flat-out awful.

[Banedon]

I haven't followed the Bears transactions minus Cutler and the draft, but is Adams coming back?

 

I think he gets quickly forgotten by Bears fans and has been pretty good for the Bears.

 

Here ya go:

 

In a recent “Chalk Talk,” you said you thought that Anthony Adams would start at defensive tackle. What about Dusty Dvoracek? I thought he and Tommie Harris really played good together. Is there something wrong with him, or are his injuries hurting him?

 

Robbie P.

Sparta, North Carolina

 

There’s nothing wrong with Dusty Dvoracek. He has recovered from the biceps injury that forced him to miss the final four games last season and I expect him to be part of the defensive tackle rotation. I just think that the coaching staff will opt to start Anthony Adams next to Tommie Harris. Adams performed very well last season, registering 22 tackles in a three-game stretch after Dvoracek got hurt against the Vikings. The Bears’ philosophy on defense is that everything begins up front and they can never have too many good linemen, so I expect both Adams and Dvoracek to get plenty of reps this season.

 

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/ChalkTalkStory.asp?story_id=5899

[jersey cubs fan]

Eh...I guess I'm just not sure how "solid" he is. In any case, I think we're all of pretty much the same opinion about him.

 

I think he's capable of filling the 3rd WR spot on a decent team without being a detriment to the offense. He's not a difference maker, nor is he capable of being the primary or secondary receiving threat, but he can make some plays. He won't make a mediocre QB better, but he won't make a good QB worse either. There's no reason why he can't be in a WR rotation. But if you can get better players, there's no reason why he can't be bumped down either.

[Soul]

I'm actually hoping we can start working Davis off the team. But I think we're going to need him to be better at not dropping the ball for next season.

[Guest]

I'm actually hoping we can start working Davis off the team. But I think we're going to need him to be better at not dropping the ball for next season.

 

He knows the pressure is on him. The Bears drafted talented receivers who may be able to step right in, AND they haven't exactly been quiet about shopping for a trade.

 

Bennett's stock rose significantly with the trade for Cutler, also.

[ctcf]

Worth noting: Rotoworld reports that Goodell has officially opened his review of Plaxico's situation.

 

Anyone have any idea how long these usually take?

[Banedon]

Bears-Packers was on last night from the 2nd to last game of the last season. That was the game where we forced overtime, and Robbie kicked a GW FG...after the refs flipped the coin off Urlacher's helmet...lol

 

I really think Hester and Olsen are gonna have a great year with Cutler back there. I'm excited.

[Soul]

I recorded it, but haven't watched it yet. Last night was fireworks in Madison :)

 

Only about a month until training camp starts and I can begin forgetting about the '09 Cubs.

 

I'm starting to get excited.

[Butterscup1679666578]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes) and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick(notes), three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Ceveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth(notes) earlier this month.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-burressvick062909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[SpongeWorthy]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes) and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick(notes), three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Ceveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth(notes) earlier this month.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-burressvick062909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

I can understand Plaxico being suspended because his case hasn't taken its course through the justice system yet but suspending Vick just seems like Goodell being a power tripping douche. Yeah, it's awful but he did his time and if some team wants to give him a shot they should be able to pursue him without the threat of a suspension.

[Banedon]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes) and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick(notes), three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Ceveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth(notes) earlier this month.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-burressvick062909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

I can understand Plaxico being suspended because his case hasn't taken its course through the justice system yet but suspending Vick just seems like Goodell being a power tripping douche. Yeah, it's awful but he did his time and if some team wants to give him a shot they should be able to pursue him without the threat of a suspension.

 

Agreed. What's the point of suspending Vick?

[jersey cubs fan]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes) and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick(notes), three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Ceveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth(notes) earlier this month.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-burressvick062909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

I can understand Plaxico being suspended because his case hasn't taken its course through the justice system yet but suspending Vick just seems like Goodell being a power tripping douche. Yeah, it's awful but he did his time and if some team wants to give him a shot they should be able to pursue him without the threat of a suspension.

 

Agreed. What's the point of suspending Vick?

 

Because he hasn't been suspended by the league yet. He missed time due to his own legal problems, but the league has yet to punish him. Likewise, Plaxico missed time because he shot himself and was unable to play anyway, his team gave out punishment, but the team did not. If Plaxico's injury forced him to miss this year as well, the team could feel free to suspend him next year, when he returns.

[Banedon]

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is leaning toward indefinitely suspending former New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress(notes) and continuing to sideline quarterback Michael Vick(notes), three sources with knowledge of the situations have indicated. Such moves would be the latest examples of Goodell’s tough stance on players embroiled in off-field issues as evidenced with the suspension of Ceveland Browns wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth(notes) earlier this month.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=jc-burressvick062909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

I can understand Plaxico being suspended because his case hasn't taken its course through the justice system yet but suspending Vick just seems like Goodell being a power tripping douche. Yeah, it's awful but he did his time and if some team wants to give him a shot they should be able to pursue him without the threat of a suspension.

 

Agreed. What's the point of suspending Vick?

 

Because he hasn't been suspended by the league yet. He missed time due to his own legal problems, but the league has yet to punish him. Likewise, Plaxico missed time because he shot himself and was unable to play anyway, his team gave out punishment, but the team did not. If Plaxico's injury forced him to miss this year as well, the team could feel free to suspend him next year, when he returns.

 

But if Plax was jailed for a year, I'd feel the same way. Yes, he's not being "punished" by the league, but the effect is the same.

 

Vick had to miss playing in the NFL the entire time he was gone...no credit for "time served"?

[jersey cubs fan]

But if Plax was jailed for a year, I'd feel the same way. Yes, he's not being "punished" by the league, but the effect is the same.

 

Vick had to miss playing in the NFL the entire time he was gone...no credit for "time served"?

 

Why should there be? He committed a crime that the legal system deemed punishable with significant time in prison. The NFL had no say in that matter. I don't see the reasoning for saying guys who don't get jail time should be suspended but guys who do get jail time should not.

[Guest]

But if Plax was jailed for a year, I'd feel the same way. Yes, he's not being "punished" by the league, but the effect is the same.

 

Vick had to miss playing in the NFL the entire time he was gone...no credit for "time served"?

 

Why should there be? He committed a crime that the legal system deemed punishable with significant time in prison. The NFL had no say in that matter. I don't see the reasoning for saying guys who don't get jail time should be suspended but guys who do get jail time should not.

 

Missing time and not getting paid is already a pretty hefty fine, considering an NFL career is pretty short to begin with. In Vick's case, it cost him a large fortune as well. If the NFL is now going to give him a suspension that covers this coming season, his career is probably basically over.

 

I don't know if there was much hope for him to come back after missing the last 2 (or is it 3 now?) seasons.

 

Guess that will go down as a hard lesson to all the youngsters out there.

[jersey cubs fan]

But if Plax was jailed for a year, I'd feel the same way. Yes, he's not being "punished" by the league, but the effect is the same.

 

Vick had to miss playing in the NFL the entire time he was gone...no credit for "time served"?

 

Why should there be? He committed a crime that the legal system deemed punishable with significant time in prison. The NFL had no say in that matter. I don't see the reasoning for saying guys who don't get jail time should be suspended but guys who do get jail time should not.

 

Missing time and not getting paid is already a pretty hefty fine, considering an NFL career is pretty short to begin with. In Vick's case, it cost him a large fortune as well. If the NFL is now going to give him a suspension that covers this coming season, his career is probably basically over.

 

I don't know if there was much hope for him to come back after missing the last 2 (or is it 3 now?) seasons.

 

Guess that will go down as a hard lesson to all the youngsters out there.

 

Well, the missing of time is your own personal fault and an issue to take up with the judge. You made yourself unavailable, the NFL still has the opportunity to make itself unavailable to you.

[Banedon]

Well, the missing of time is your own personal fault and an issue to take up with the judge. You made yourself unavailable, the NFL still has the opportunity to make itself unavailable to you.

 

Obviously they have the right to do it. I'm just not sure they should. Clearly the league agrees with you, though.