2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[ELCABALLO45]

So why would Driver want to give these WR players bulletin board material, is beyond. Because I don't see Harris and Woodson shutting down the Bears WR this yr like they did last yr.

 

Second: I like "Mike and Mike." And I wasn't quoting anything they said, just a segment they would run periodically that is call "Shut the hell up." And Driver definately would not to "Shut the hell up."

 

I don't see Hester and co. giving Harris and Woodson problems at all this year.

 

And to defend what you are saying, Mike and Mike did a segment I belive every tuesday called "Just Shut Up". I do remember that.

[gflore34]

So why would Driver want to give these WR players bulletin board material, is beyond. Because I don't see Harris and Woodson shutting down the Bears WR this yr like they did last yr.

 

Second: I like "Mike and Mike." And I wasn't quoting anything they said, just a segment they would run periodically that is call "Shut the hell up." And Driver definately would not to "Shut the hell up."

 

I don't see Hester and co. giving Harris and Woodson problems at all this year.

 

And to defend what you are saying, Mike and Mike did a segment I belive every tuesday called "Just Shut Up". I do remember that.

 

You don't believe having a QB who can actually hit a receiver in stride isn't going to make a bit of difference?

[Splendid_Splinter]

I welcome any and all potential bulletin board material from a division rival directed at a unit as unproven as the WR corps is this season. Hopefully they step up and don't fold under the scrutiny.

 

Also, hawkeye, Eddie Royal was drafted outside the first round and had a big rookie year. Hopefully Cutler can replicate some of that success with Iglesias or Knox 8-)

I think a lot of the success for rookie wide receivers depends on the quality of the other receivers in the corps. For Royal he stepped onto a team where they already had three quality targets in Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and even an aging Brandon Stokely that was still putting up decent numbers. Not to mention that he had Jay Cutler as a quarterback. Due to all of that and the fact there wasn't much pressure on him to put up gaudy numbers, he was able to become a legitimate threat.

 

As a Packers fan one example of a rookie receiver who put up good numbers was James Jones, who had 676 yards on 47 receptions. Granted it's not as good as Royal's, but Jones averaged almost 4 yards more per catch than Royal. Again he stepped into a situation where he had Brett Favre as quarterback, Donald Driver and Greg Jennings as wide receivers, and even to a point Donald Lee as tight end.

 

Probably the best example is Marques Colston. The situation in New Orleans was one that allowed him to sneak by under the radar because of the other players that were on offense. There have been a few other receivers drafted in the last three years that have put great numbers, almost all of them being on teams that already have the pieces of a great offense.

 

As for the Bears' young receivers I would not be expecting too much out of them this season, but then I also wouldn't be surprised if one of the three does put good numbers. Going down the list the Bears have a great quarterback in Jay Cutler, and receiving threats in Greg Olsen, Devin Hester, and Matt Forte. While they do have the receiving threats I just mentioned they are lacking a true No. 1 receiver, but I assume that Hester will continue to improve to fit into that role. Going into the season the wide receivers situation doesn't look good because of how inexperienced everyone is, but it looks to be a corps that in a few years could rank in top half of the league if everyone reaches their potential.

[Banedon]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

[Magnetic Curses]

[And rookie WR's outside of the first round typically do nothing of any substance. So he doesn't really need to know anything about them.

 

except one had a big year with cutler just last year.

[Magnetic Curses]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

 

i don't see the league having much of a problem with the packers this year, really.

[Magnetic Curses]

I welcome any and all potential bulletin board material from a division rival directed at a unit as unproven as the WR corps is this season. Hopefully they step up and don't fold under the scrutiny.

 

Also, hawkeye, Eddie Royal was drafted outside the first round and had a big rookie year. Hopefully Cutler can replicate some of that success with Iglesias or Knox 8-)

I think a lot of the success for rookie wide receivers depends on the quality of the other receivers in the corps. For Royal he stepped onto a team where they already had three quality targets in Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and even an aging Brandon Stokely that was still putting up decent numbers. Not to mention that he had Jay Cutler as a quarterback. Due to all of that and the fact there wasn't much pressure on him to put up gaudy numbers, he was able to become a legitimate threat.

 

As a Packers fan one example of a rookie receiver who put up good numbers was James Jones, who had 676 yards on 47 receptions. Granted it's not as good as Royal's, but Jones averaged almost 4 yards more per catch than Royal. Again he stepped into a situation where he had Brett Favre as quarterback, Donald Driver and Greg Jennings as wide receivers, and even to a point Donald Lee as tight end.

 

Probably the best example is Marques Colston. The situation in New Orleans was one that allowed him to sneak by under the radar because of the other players that were on offense. There have been a few other receivers drafted in the last three years that have put great numbers, almost all of them being on teams that already have the pieces of a great offense.

 

As for the Bears' young receivers I would not be expecting too much out of them this season, but then I also wouldn't be surprised if one of the three does put good numbers. Going down the list the Bears have a great quarterback in Jay Cutler, and receiving threats in Greg Olsen, Devin Hester, and Matt Forte. While they do have the receiving threats I just mentioned they are lacking a true No. 1 receiver, but I assume that Hester will continue to improve to fit into that role. Going into the season the wide receivers situation doesn't look good because of how inexperienced everyone is, but it looks to be a corps that in a few years could rank in top half of the league if everyone reaches their potential.

 

why is is that very good quarterbacks always seem to have a good receiving corp. i mean, is it a coincidence?

 

quarterbacks MAKE their receivers.

[ELCABALLO45]

So why would Driver want to give these WR players bulletin board material, is beyond. Because I don't see Harris and Woodson shutting down the Bears WR this yr like they did last yr.

 

Second: I like "Mike and Mike." And I wasn't quoting anything they said, just a segment they would run periodically that is call "Shut the hell up." And Driver definately would not to "Shut the hell up."

 

I don't see Hester and co. giving Harris and Woodson problems at all this year.

 

And to defend what you are saying, Mike and Mike did a segment I belive every tuesday called "Just Shut Up". I do remember that.

 

You don't believe having a QB who can actually hit a receiver in stride isn't going to make a bit of difference?

 

Cutler will help, but im not to worried about the bears WR core at all. Olsen on the other hand...

[manbearcub]

So why would Driver want to give these WR players bulletin board material, is beyond. Because I don't see Harris and Woodson shutting down the Bears WR this yr like they did last yr.

 

Second: I like "Mike and Mike." And I wasn't quoting anything they said, just a segment they would run periodically that is call "Shut the hell up." And Driver definately would not to "Shut the hell up."

 

I don't see Hester and co. giving Harris and Woodson problems at all this year.

 

And to defend what you are saying, Mike and Mike did a segment I belive every tuesday called "Just Shut Up". I do remember that.

 

You don't believe having a QB who can actually hit a receiver in stride isn't going to make a bit of difference?

 

Cutler will help, but im not to worried about the bears WR core at all. Olsen on the other hand...

 

please go find something to talk about that you understand a little bit, like camo gear or orange hats. if hester had a competent qb last year he would have lead the league in catches of 40+ yards.

[Flames24Rulz]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

 

i don't see the league having much of a problem with the packers this year, really.

 

Heh, we'll see about that.

 

I like being under the radar. It worked in 2007 and I'm hoping it works again this year.

[ELCABALLO45]

So why would Driver want to give these WR players bulletin board material, is beyond. Because I don't see Harris and Woodson shutting down the Bears WR this yr like they did last yr.

 

Second: I like "Mike and Mike." And I wasn't quoting anything they said, just a segment they would run periodically that is call "Shut the hell up." And Driver definately would not to "Shut the hell up."

 

I don't see Hester and co. giving Harris and Woodson problems at all this year.

 

And to defend what you are saying, Mike and Mike did a segment I belive every tuesday called "Just Shut Up". I do remember that.

 

You don't believe having a QB who can actually hit a receiver in stride isn't going to make a bit of difference?

 

Cutler will help, but im not to worried about the bears WR core at all. Olsen on the other hand...

 

please go find something to talk about that you understand a little bit, like camo gear or orange hats. if hester had a competent qb last year he would have lead the league in catches of 40+ yards.

 

well that settles it.

[ELCABALLO45]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

 

i don't see the league having much of a problem with the packers this year, really.

 

Heh, we'll see about that.

 

I like being under the radar. It worked in 2007 and I'm hoping it works again this year.

 

Heh, no kidding.

 

I think everyone in Green Bay has a quiet confidence about this year.

[UMFan83]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

 

i don't see the league having much of a problem with the packers this year, really.

 

Heh, we'll see about that.

 

I like being under the radar. It worked in 2007 and I'm hoping it works again this year.

 

Heh, no kidding.

 

I think everyone in Green Bay has a quiet confidence about this year.

 

they are better than last years record and they are healthy. I haven't seen too many knowledgeable football fans count the Packers out this year. The only question is the adjustment to the 3-4 scheme.

[ELCABALLO45]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

 

i don't see the league having much of a problem with the packers this year, really.

 

Heh, we'll see about that.

 

I like being under the radar. It worked in 2007 and I'm hoping it works again this year.

 

Heh, no kidding.

 

I think everyone in Green Bay has a quiet confidence about this year.

 

they are better than last years record and they are healthy. I haven't seen too many knowledgeable football fans count the Packers out this year. The only question is the adjustment to the 3-4 scheme.

 

Yeah that's basically it. The North is going to be awesome to watch this year.

[Magnetic Curses]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

 

i don't see the league having much of a problem with the packers this year, really.

 

Heh, we'll see about that.

 

I like being under the radar. It worked in 2007 and I'm hoping it works again this year.

 

Heh, no kidding.

 

I think everyone in Green Bay has a quiet confidence about this year.

 

yeah, high five!

[Splendid_Splinter]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

There are quite a few reasons why Packers fans are rightfully expecting improvements in the defense in comparison to the defense last season.

 

First of all getting rid of Bob Sanders will be an improvement. The 4-3 man coverage scheme he ran was about as bland as a defensive coordinator could make a defense. On another football forum I normally visit a few fans that broke down plays of every Giants game were almost able to correctly guess what the Packers' defense was going to run on every down in the 2008 NFC Championship Game. That was two seasons ago but very little actually changed with the scheme. If a couple of fans that are no more than high school coaches can do that, then imagine how obvious it would be to a seasoned offensive coordinator in the NFL?

 

This is where the hiring of Dom Capers comes in. While he has a poor record as a head coach he has an excellent track record as a defensive coordinator. In this respect he is very similar to Dick LeBeau. Wherever Capers has been as a defensive coordinator he, for the most part, has had no problem creating a defensive scheme around the players on the roster. Capers is planning to slowly integrate more 3-4 formations into the base defense, while still maintaining 4-3 looks in nickel and dime packages. Whenever he has spoken to media in Green Bay he has made it perfectly clear that he plans on creating a defense that suits the strengths of his players, rather than the other way around. This is the trap that most teams normally fall into when switching defenses. The fact that Green Bay now has a creative defensive coordinator willing to experiment with an array of schemes is better than what was there before.

 

The personnel in Green Bay over the past few years has become more suited for playing in a 3-4, so come this offseason the team didn't need to find that many new players. Starting on the defensive line the Packers have done a good job filling the nose tackle position, easily the most important in the 3-4. While Ryan Pickett's skills are definitely on the decline, he is a still an above average run stuffer. The Packers also drafted B.J. Raji in order to be nose tackle over the long term. Their job will be to control both A gaps, absolutely crucial for a 3-4 to work properly. Both are suited to for this role, Raji especially. For at least this season Raji will be playing left defensive end and backup nose tackle to ensure Pickett doesn't tire too quickly.

 

Defensive end is a little more questionable. Right now Justin Harrell is slotted at right end, but given his injury history he is a huge question mark. If he can stay healthy he offers the size and playing style that teams look for in a 3-4 DE. So far at OTAs and minicamps Harrell has been one of top performers, and looks prepared to have what would be a breakout season for him. I have already mentioned that Raji will be the other end, even though it is not his natural position; this is one thing that does worry me about the defensive line. Cullen Jenkins is a question mark given that he is recovering from multiple injuries. Even Johnny Jolly is a question mark given his legal status, but it looks like that won't be too much of a factor this season. A potential dark horse at defensive end is Alfred Malone, who looks to offer some depth on a thin defensive line.

 

Probably the deepest position on the defense is outside linebacker. Aaron Kampman will be making the transition from 4-3 DE to 3-4 OLB. While he has shown disapproval so far about the move, he is still going to go about his business with very little complaining. So far he has been shaky in coverage, but he showed steady improvement as time went on. I am not too concerned about this since he won't be asked to drop into coverage that often. On the other side it looks to be a battle between rookie Clay Mathews and Jeremy Thompson. So far in camp Thompson has looked better than Matthews. He was a player that was too small to play in the 4-3, but given his size and athleticism he is an ideal 3-4 OLB. With Matthews it will be a faster transition than most 3-4 OLBs since he is not making the transition from defensive end. The thing that makes me hopeful with him is at the NFL Combine he put up 10 yard splits that would be good for defensive backs. If he can translate that burst onto the field it will be a major boost to his pass rushing skills. Deeper on the depth chart there is Brady Poppinga, who has experience as a 3-4 OLB from his college days at BYU. The transition should help him as well since he will no longer be put in coverage situations that exploited his weaknesses as often. A draft pick that has me intrigued is Brad Jones, a DE/OLB from Colorado, though I don't expect him to contribute much this season. One move on the coaching staff that I think will make a huge difference is hiring Kevin Greene as OLB coach. Last year he worked with some of the Steelers LBs, and all of them credited his coaching in improving their play on the field.

 

Much like the DEs, the ILB situation concerns me. When it comes to Nick Barnett I don't think he will be in Green Bay much longer. The biggest question with him is how he will recover from a torn ACL. Given that his style of play relied very much on speed I don't like the chances that he will be anywhere close to the player he was prior to his injury. Also the fact that he is not good at engaging interior lineman does not bode well for him in the 3-4. The only saving grace is the one-gap 3-4 needs it ILBs to be more fluid, and this does suit him. In 2007 when the Packers had a good defense Barnett had his best season because he could get to the ball carrier quickly with very little in his way. If the defensive line does its job, then the chances of Barnett succeeding in the scheme should increase. The situation with A.J. Hawk is similar. Last year he replaced Barnett at MLB, but had a down season while playing with groin and chest injuries that lingered for most of the season. If both come back healthy, which is a huge question in itself, they may make a good pair of ILBs. I do like Brandon Chillar and Desmond Bishop as depth, though. With Chillar, he is strong in pass coverage and blitzing, both crucial qualities for an ILB. Bishop already has experience playing in a similar defense at Cal, and his run stopping ability will be more of an advantage now than it was in the 4-3.

 

The secondary has me the least concerned. Charles Woodson did well in man coverage and he did well when he played in zone coverage in Oakland. This will be a huge transition for Al Harris, but one I think that will benefit him the most. So far in camp he has caught on quickly. Last year Tramon Williams played well in replacement of Al Harris. I expect his development at CB to continue, eventually replacing either Harris or Woodson. Until then he is an excellent nickel back. Nick Collins had a great season last year, but this year I am expecting his play to decline. He didn't do much at all in OTAs and minicamps, and given that he will be the quarterback of the defense, he should have been the last person to do that. If he lags in understanding the complexities of the new scheme it will cost the whole defense in the end. The scheme looks to help Atari Bigby, who now instead of being stuck playing poorly in coverage, should be better utilized as an in-the-box SS. The only depth at safety is Aaron Rouse and Anthony Smith, both nothing more than backups.

 

With all that said that is why I have high expectations for the defense this season. I have no doubts that there will be bumps in the road the first few games of the season, but by season's end I expect the defense to improve into a cohesive unit. At the very least it can't be worse than the defense that showed up last season.

 

Even the offense looks to be improved from last season. I expect Aaron Rodgers to make minor improvements now that he has a full season under his belt, as well as becoming more of a leader in the clubhouse. Ryan Grant is returning healthy without the contract issues he had last off-season. James Jones is fully recovered from his injuries, ready to build on his rookie season. Most of the dead weight on the offensive line has been cut, and the younger players look to be stepping up.

 

Looks like I can be as big a homer as some posters in this thread.

[Butterscup1679666578]

tl;dr

[RedFlash]

Suffice to say both the Bears and the Packers like where their respective teams are at heading into training camp in a few weeks.

[ELCABALLO45]

Suffice to say both the Bears and the Packers like where their respective teams are at heading into training camp in a few weeks.

 

Heh, Sept. 13th can't get here soon enough.

[WreckingMachine]

 

Also, hawkeye, Eddie Royal was drafted outside the first round and had a big rookie year. Hopefully Cutler can replicate some of that success with Iglesias or Knox 8-)

I think a lot of the success for rookie wide receivers depends on the quality of the other receivers in the corps. For Royal he stepped onto a team where they already had three quality targets in Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and even an aging Brandon Stokely that was still putting up decent numbers. Not to mention that he had Jay Cutler as a quarterback. Due to all of that and the fact there wasn't much pressure on him to put up gaudy numbers, he was able to become a legitimate threat.

 

 

As a Broncos fan, I think Royal's success was mostly due to being a damn good route runner with decent speed and hands, but also because of the system and the QB. I don't think the other WRs had any effect because by the end of the year, Royal had better DBs covering him the whole game and his production did not drop at all. Iglesias (haven't seen enough of Knox) just isn't as good a Receiver as Royal in the sense Royal had ridiculous mental maturity and football smarts for a Rookie, and to a lesser extent better hands. Also, the system Cutler will be playing in for the Bears isn't as beneficiary for him as the one that was in Denver.

 

I do think the Bears will be in the Playoffs this year; they should sign Marvin Harrison though IMO.

[RedFlash]

Suffice to say both the Bears and the Packers like where their respective teams are at heading into training camp in a few weeks.

 

Heh, Sept. 13th can't get here soon enough.

 

I find it easier to cope by placing "few weeks" or "several weeks" over a definate date. To me it seems to get here faster then knowing the actual date.

 

But thank you about reminding me of the date..... :thumbsup: :)

[rawaction]

I do agree that the Bears WR will have a tough time vs. GB. Granted, we all know the Bears QB situation last year, but in 2 games vs. GB last year, Bears WRs caught 7 passes for 88 yards, 36 of those yards came on a catch by Rashied Davis. Unless GBs corners lose another step (which is possible), they are probably too physical for the Bears small and inexperienced WRs.

 

That being said, I think the Bears will be able to run against the developing 3-4 defense of the Packers. I think Cutler will be able to hit the TEs and RBs at will, as Orton pretty much did in the games last year. Overall, I don't know what to expect from the Packers. I could see them winning anywhere from 5 games to 10. They really have a tough finish to the schedule, going to Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Arizona, with Baltimore going into Lambeau in the last 5 weeks.

[Banedon]

Packers fans are expecting a lot out of a defense that just changed it's entire scheme.

There are quite a few reasons why Packers fans are rightfully expecting improvements in the defense in comparison to the defense last season.

 

First of all getting rid of Bob Sanders will be an improvement. The 4-3 man coverage scheme he ran was about as bland as a defensive coordinator could make a defense. On another football forum I normally visit a few fans that broke down plays of every Giants game were almost able to correctly guess what the Packers' defense was going to run on every down in the 2008 NFC Championship Game. That was two seasons ago but very little actually changed with the scheme. If a couple of fans that are no more than high school coaches can do that, then imagine how obvious it would be to a seasoned offensive coordinator in the NFL?

 

This is where the hiring of Dom Capers comes in. While he has a poor record as a head coach he has an excellent track record as a defensive coordinator. In this respect he is very similar to Dick LeBeau. Wherever Capers has been as a defensive coordinator he, for the most part, has had no problem creating a defensive scheme around the players on the roster. Capers is planning to slowly integrate more 3-4 formations into the base defense, while still maintaining 4-3 looks in nickel and dime packages. Whenever he has spoken to media in Green Bay he has made it perfectly clear that he plans on creating a defense that suits the strengths of his players, rather than the other way around. This is the trap that most teams normally fall into when switching defenses. The fact that Green Bay now has a creative defensive coordinator willing to experiment with an array of schemes is better than what was there before.

 

The personnel in Green Bay over the past few years has become more suited for playing in a 3-4, so come this offseason the team didn't need to find that many new players. Starting on the defensive line the Packers have done a good job filling the nose tackle position, easily the most important in the 3-4. While Ryan Pickett's skills are definitely on the decline, he is a still an above average run stuffer. The Packers also drafted B.J. Raji in order to be nose tackle over the long term. Their job will be to control both A gaps, absolutely crucial for a 3-4 to work properly. Both are suited to for this role, Raji especially. For at least this season Raji will be playing left defensive end and backup nose tackle to ensure Pickett doesn't tire too quickly.

 

Defensive end is a little more questionable. Right now Justin Harrell is slotted at right end, but given his injury history he is a huge question mark. If he can stay healthy he offers the size and playing style that teams look for in a 3-4 DE. So far at OTAs and minicamps Harrell has been one of top performers, and looks prepared to have what would be a breakout season for him. I have already mentioned that Raji will be the other end, even though it is not his natural position; this is one thing that does worry me about the defensive line. Cullen Jenkins is a question mark given that he is recovering from multiple injuries. Even Johnny Jolly is a question mark given his legal status, but it looks like that won't be too much of a factor this season. A potential dark horse at defensive end is Alfred Malone, who looks to offer some depth on a thin defensive line.

 

Probably the deepest position on the defense is outside linebacker. Aaron Kampman will be making the transition from 4-3 DE to 3-4 OLB. While he has shown disapproval so far about the move, he is still going to go about his business with very little complaining. So far he has been shaky in coverage, but he showed steady improvement as time went on. I am not too concerned about this since he won't be asked to drop into coverage that often. On the other side it looks to be a battle between rookie Clay Mathews and Jeremy Thompson. So far in camp Thompson has looked better than Matthews. He was a player that was too small to play in the 4-3, but given his size and athleticism he is an ideal 3-4 OLB. With Matthews it will be a faster transition than most 3-4 OLBs since he is not making the transition from defensive end. The thing that makes me hopeful with him is at the NFL Combine he put up 10 yard splits that would be good for defensive backs. If he can translate that burst onto the field it will be a major boost to his pass rushing skills. Deeper on the depth chart there is Brady Poppinga, who has experience as a 3-4 OLB from his college days at BYU. The transition should help him as well since he will no longer be put in coverage situations that exploited his weaknesses as often. A draft pick that has me intrigued is Brad Jones, a DE/OLB from Colorado, though I don't expect him to contribute much this season. One move on the coaching staff that I think will make a huge difference is hiring Kevin Greene as OLB coach. Last year he worked with some of the Steelers LBs, and all of them credited his coaching in improving their play on the field.

 

Much like the DEs, the ILB situation concerns me. When it comes to Nick Barnett I don't think he will be in Green Bay much longer. The biggest question with him is how he will recover from a torn ACL. Given that his style of play relied very much on speed I don't like the chances that he will be anywhere close to the player he was prior to his injury. Also the fact that he is not good at engaging interior lineman does not bode well for him in the 3-4. The only saving grace is the one-gap 3-4 needs it ILBs to be more fluid, and this does suit him. In 2007 when the Packers had a good defense Barnett had his best season because he could get to the ball carrier quickly with very little in his way. If the defensive line does its job, then the chances of Barnett succeeding in the scheme should increase. The situation with A.J. Hawk is similar. Last year he replaced Barnett at MLB, but had a down season while playing with groin and chest injuries that lingered for most of the season. If both come back healthy, which is a huge question in itself, they may make a good pair of ILBs. I do like Brandon Chillar and Desmond Bishop as depth, though. With Chillar, he is strong in pass coverage and blitzing, both crucial qualities for an ILB. Bishop already has experience playing in a similar defense at Cal, and his run stopping ability will be more of an advantage now than it was in the 4-3.

 

The secondary has me the least concerned. Charles Woodson did well in man coverage and he did well when he played in zone coverage in Oakland. This will be a huge transition for Al Harris, but one I think that will benefit him the most. So far in camp he has caught on quickly. Last year Tramon Williams played well in replacement of Al Harris. I expect his development at CB to continue, eventually replacing either Harris or Woodson. Until then he is an excellent nickel back. Nick Collins had a great season last year, but this year I am expecting his play to decline. He didn't do much at all in OTAs and minicamps, and given that he will be the quarterback of the defense, he should have been the last person to do that. If he lags in understanding the complexities of the new scheme it will cost the whole defense in the end. The scheme looks to help Atari Bigby, who now instead of being stuck playing poorly in coverage, should be better utilized as an in-the-box SS. The only depth at safety is Aaron Rouse and Anthony Smith, both nothing more than backups.

 

With all that said that is why I have high expectations for the defense this season. I have no doubts that there will be bumps in the road the first few games of the season, but by season's end I expect the defense to improve into a cohesive unit. At the very least it can't be worse than the defense that showed up last season.

 

Even the offense looks to be improved from last season. I expect Aaron Rodgers to make minor improvements now that he has a full season under his belt, as well as becoming more of a leader in the clubhouse. Ryan Grant is returning healthy without the contract issues he had last off-season. James Jones is fully recovered from his injuries, ready to build on his rookie season. Most of the dead weight on the offensive line has been cut, and the younger players look to be stepping up.

 

Looks like I can be as big a homer as some posters in this thread.

 

Holy crap...wall of text.

[Guest]

 

Also, hawkeye, Eddie Royal was drafted outside the first round and had a big rookie year. Hopefully Cutler can replicate some of that success with Iglesias or Knox 8-)

I think a lot of the success for rookie wide receivers depends on the quality of the other receivers in the corps. For Royal he stepped onto a team where they already had three quality targets in Brandon Marshall, Tony Scheffler, and even an aging Brandon Stokely that was still putting up decent numbers. Not to mention that he had Jay Cutler as a quarterback. Due to all of that and the fact there wasn't much pressure on him to put up gaudy numbers, he was able to become a legitimate threat.

 

 

As a Broncos fan, I think Royal's success was mostly due to being a damn good route runner with decent speed and hands, but also because of the system and the QB. I don't think the other WRs had any effect because by the end of the year, Royal had better DBs covering him the whole game and his production did not drop at all. Iglesias (haven't seen enough of Knox) just isn't as good a Receiver as Royal in the sense Royal had ridiculous mental maturity and football smarts for a Rookie, and to a lesser extent better hands. Also, the system Cutler will be playing in for the Bears isn't as beneficiary for him as the one that was in Denver.

 

I do think the Bears will be in the Playoffs this year; they should sign Marvin Harrison though IMO.

 

I think Cutler is walking into a pretty decent situation. Cutler and Bennett already have a pretty good history together. Hester now has a guy who can get the ball to him. Everyone else will be battling to be the guy that Cutler can feel comfortable throwing to. Maybe it's Knox, maybe it's Iglesias and maybe it's Rashied Davis.

 

If Kyle Orton is in Denver last year, no one would even know who Eddie Royal is. Fact!

 

And that's why it's way too early in the ball game to call the Bears receiver corps a failure.

[hawkeyecub]

[And rookie WR's outside of the first round typically do nothing of any substance. So he doesn't really need to know anything about them.

 

except one had a big year with cutler just last year.

 

Notice where I said TYPICALLY.

Just as relevant is the WR you drafted in the 3rd round last year (only 20+ picks higher) who couldn't get on the field and had 0 catches.

 

I liked Iglesias in college and he could be a nice player in the NFL. I'm not saying he can't do something this year. But if he's like most WR's drafted in a similar range, it will take him a couple years to develop and find his role.

Knox could end up being the steal of the draft and make all teams look stupid for passing on him through 4 rounds. But more likely he'll be similar to the other 10 really fast WR's drafted from small schools in rounds 5-7 every year.