2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[dew1679666265]

There may be a new safety on the market soon, for those Bear fans who want more help at that position. Apparently the Dolphins are considering cutting S/CB Jason Allen and WR Ernest Wilford.

 

Allen is a former first round pick and will be 26 when the season starts.

[rawaction]

Zaidman -

 

 

If Corey Graham "gets" the position of free safety, Steltz could wind up moving to strong.

 

 

i havent been following the Bears hardcore but I'm startled and horrified to see that Craig Steltz could be a starter for this team

 

Yeah, that's just not a good situation. Especially at free safety. He is 100% a strong safety and 100% a backup at this point.

Our safety play is going to kill the team this year. I'm actually surprised we didn't make a move to improve the safety position during the offseason when help was available. Instead, we are taking huge risks implementing bottom of the barrel players or guys who haven't done it before at the position. We're screwed.

 

Eh, it's only 1 safety position. Payne is a solid young SS. All the FS options are actually pretty young too, but either not experienced or not that good. FS will likely be the worst position on the defense. But if Vasher and the pass rush comes back to a respectable level, it won't matter much. The Bears went to the Superbowl with a similar safety situation a few years ago. McGowan and DManning were not good players then.

[Soul]

There may be a new safety on the market soon, for those Bear fans who want more help at that position. Apparently the Dolphins are considering cutting S/CB Jason Allen and WR Ernest Wilford.

 

Allen is a former first round pick and will be 26 when the season starts.

 

Get him. I agree with the overall sentiment that we're in pretty big trouble at Safety.

 

Anyway, why would Steltz start over Payne? Payne can hit a little, I'd give him SS over Steltz any time.

[rawaction]

Anyway, why would Steltz start over Payne? Payne can hit a little, I'd give him SS over Steltz any time.

 

He's not. He's starting WITH him right now. Payne at strong, Steltz at free. That won't last though. Steltz doesn't have nearly enough speed and coverage skills for FS. I actually think Steltz is the worst option for FS of the current DB group, save for Vasher who can't tackle anymore.

[SpongeWorthy]

I thought Graham was pretty decent last year. Or am I thinking of Payne who looked good at times too?

[David]

I thought Graham was pretty decent last year. Or am I thinking of Payne who looked good at times too?

 

 

Graham was good, but he played corner.

[Soul]

Anyway, why would Steltz start over Payne? Payne can hit a little, I'd give him SS over Steltz any time.

 

He's not. He's starting WITH him right now. Payne at strong, Steltz at free. That won't last though. Steltz doesn't have nearly enough speed and coverage skills for FS. I actually think Steltz is the worst option for FS of the current DB group, save for Vasher who can't tackle anymore.

 

Oh, I must have misunderstood. I thought he was saying if Graham was given FS, then Steltz would get SS. Which -- seems to me like if Graham gets FS, you put Payne @ SS and CUT Steltz.

[jersey cubs fan]

In the Bears system the difference between strong and free isn't all that important.

[David]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

[SpongeWorthy]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

Well that sounds good. But I can only think about training camp of 2007 when every report was glowing and it looked like the Bears offense and Rex were ready to blow the doors off the league.

[jersey cubs fan]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

I'm no Mort fan, and these early summer practices don't really tell you much, but this is what I'm expecting out of the receivers. I've had my differences with Angelo's decisions, but he's absolutely right when he talks about it starting with the QB.

 

Everybody loves Brandon Marshall, but he was a 4th rounder. You think Brandon Marshall would be Brandon Marshall if he was drafted in the 4th round by the Bears in 2006? I sure don't. Do you think Eddie Royal comes close to the rookie season he had if he's playing for the Bears last year?

 

A QB absolutely can make a WR.

[Soul]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

I'm no Mort fan, and these early summer practices don't really tell you much, but this is what I'm expecting out of the receivers. I've had my differences with Angelo's decisions, but he's absolutely right when he talks about it starting with the QB.

 

Everybody loves Brandon Marshall, but he was a 4th rounder. You think Brandon Marshall would be Brandon Marshall if he was drafted in the 4th round by the Bears in 2006? I sure don't. Do you think Eddie Royal comes close to the rookie season he had if he's playing for the Bears last year?

 

A QB absolutely can make a WR.

 

I'm taking Mort's words as sacrosanct, unimpeachable truth that will surely manifest itself on the field this fall.

[David]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

I'm no Mort fan, and these early summer practices don't really tell you much, but this is what I'm expecting out of the receivers. I've had my differences with Angelo's decisions, but he's absolutely right when he talks about it starting with the QB.

 

Everybody loves Brandon Marshall, but he was a 4th rounder. You think Brandon Marshall would be Brandon Marshall if he was drafted in the 4th round by the Bears in 2006? I sure don't. Do you think Eddie Royal comes close to the rookie season he had if he's playing for the Bears last year?

 

A QB absolutely can make a WR.

 

I agree, and far more often than a WR can make a QB. I can only think of one obvious example of that... Moss and Culpepper.

[dew1679666265]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

I'm no Mort fan, and these early summer practices don't really tell you much, but this is what I'm expecting out of the receivers. I've had my differences with Angelo's decisions, but he's absolutely right when he talks about it starting with the QB.

 

Everybody loves Brandon Marshall, but he was a 4th rounder. You think Brandon Marshall would be Brandon Marshall if he was drafted in the 4th round by the Bears in 2006? I sure don't. Do you think Eddie Royal comes close to the rookie season he had if he's playing for the Bears last year?

 

A QB absolutely can make a WR.

 

I agree, and far more often than a WR can make a QB. I can only think of one obvious example of that... Moss and Culpepper.

 

That was a little different situation as Culpepper had Moss and Cris Carter. One of us could probably look better than bad with those two catching passes.

[rawaction]

In the Bears system the difference between strong and free isn't all that important.

 

It is if you have 2 who are best suited for the same position in a normal defense.

[Guest]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

:D

[rawaction]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

I'm no Mort fan, and these early summer practices don't really tell you much, but this is what I'm expecting out of the receivers. I've had my differences with Angelo's decisions, but he's absolutely right when he talks about it starting with the QB.

 

Everybody loves Brandon Marshall, but he was a 4th rounder. You think Brandon Marshall would be Brandon Marshall if he was drafted in the 4th round by the Bears in 2006? I sure don't. Do you think Eddie Royal comes close to the rookie season he had if he's playing for the Bears last year?

 

A QB absolutely can make a WR.

 

I know for a fact Royal wouldn't have had the season he had for any other team in the NFL, especially not the Bears. But Brandon Marshall is one of the top 5 WRs in the league. You can't tell me one of the best WRs in the league is only great because of his QB/system. That's like saying Emmitt wouldn't have been a HOF without the great line. Rice wouldn't have been the best ever w/o Montana, Young, Walsh. Talent is talent. Great players are great at all times in all systems. I'm not saying Brandon Marshall is "great" yet, but with 206 catches and 2600 yards in his only 2 years as a starter (and the first one was Cutler's 1st year as a starter)....I'd say he's on his way.

[RynoRules]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

I'm no Mort fan, and these early summer practices don't really tell you much, but this is what I'm expecting out of the receivers. I've had my differences with Angelo's decisions, but he's absolutely right when he talks about it starting with the QB.

 

Everybody loves Brandon Marshall, but he was a 4th rounder. You think Brandon Marshall would be Brandon Marshall if he was drafted in the 4th round by the Bears in 2006? I sure don't. Do you think Eddie Royal comes close to the rookie season he had if he's playing for the Bears last year?

 

A QB absolutely can make a WR.

 

I agree, and far more often than a WR can make a QB. I can only think of one obvious example of that... Moss and Culpepper.

 

That was a little different situation as Culpepper had Moss and Cris Carter. One of us could probably look better than bad with those two catching passes.

 

Definitely the exception rather than the rule. Here's a couple of Bears examples:

 

- Marcus Robinson made Cade McNown look ok for a half-dozen games b/c he could jump up and grab anything, but eventually...well you know what happened.

 

- Erik Kramer made Jeff Graham look like Carter in a Bears uni. for one season. Then Kramer got hurt (concussion, IIRC) and Mr. Graham faded back into mediocrity.

[Soul]

I agree. I don't argue Marshall is good, but there's no way Eddie Royal has that kind of year without Cutler tossing him the rock. I'll be shocked and floored if he puts up numbers with Orton.

[jersey cubs fan]

Citing a trusted source, ESPN's Chris Mortensen says it's "amazing" how much better the Bears' receivers have looked with Jay Cutler at QB so far.

 

It's only spring and Devin Hester, Greg Olsen, and Earl Bennett haven't taken a single hit, but the news is encouraging. Chicago's receiver corps will have a far easier time getting the ball from Cutler and his career 62.5% completion rate than they did from Kyle Orton (55.3%) or Rex Grossman (54.2%). Jun. 4 - 8:42 am et

 

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

Fantasy Football Breaking News - Rotoworld.com

 

I'm no Mort fan, and these early summer practices don't really tell you much, but this is what I'm expecting out of the receivers. I've had my differences with Angelo's decisions, but he's absolutely right when he talks about it starting with the QB.

 

Everybody loves Brandon Marshall, but he was a 4th rounder. You think Brandon Marshall would be Brandon Marshall if he was drafted in the 4th round by the Bears in 2006? I sure don't. Do you think Eddie Royal comes close to the rookie season he had if he's playing for the Bears last year?

 

A QB absolutely can make a WR.

 

I know for a fact Royal wouldn't have had the season he had for any other team in the NFL, especially not the Bears. But Brandon Marshall is one of the top 5 WRs in the league. You can't tell me one of the best WRs in the league is only great because of his QB/system. That's like saying Emmitt wouldn't have been a HOF without the great line. Rice wouldn't have been the best ever w/o Montana, Young, Walsh. Talent is talent. Great players are great at all times in all systems. I'm not saying Brandon Marshall is "great" yet, but with 206 catches and 2600 yards in his only 2 years as a starter (and the first one was Cutler's 1st year as a starter)....I'd say he's on his way.

 

I guarantee you he would not be considered a top 5 WR in the league if he was drafted by the Bears. No way, no how. Receivers depend heavily on the system/qb. They come out of nowhere and have success.

 

I think a RB can do a lot more on his own than a WR, absolutely. But yeah, Emmitt wouldn't have been the same RB with a lesser line. He might be HOF still, but all-time leading rusher? Rice is an all-timer, there are exceptions, like Moss.

 

I'm not saying Marshall would suck elsewhere, but the guy was a 4th rounder who owes a great deal of his success to the system he was in and great QB that threw to him. There's no way he would be considered the same player he is now considered had he been drafted by the Bears and played with Grossman, Griese and Orton. No way.

[Soul]

Being a 4th rounder, he may very well have had all that potential, but never even got a shot to play.

 

That happens to plenty of guys. There are surely many players who could have contributed in the right situation, but sat on depth charts for a few years and then just cut.

[David]

 

- Erik Kramer made Jeff Graham look like Carter in a Bears uni. for one season. Then Kramer got hurt (concussion, IIRC) and Mr. Graham faded back into mediocrity.

 

 

Actually, I'm pretty sure we let Graham go after 95 (his and Kramer's big year) and Kramer got hurt the following year. He was decent but nothing special for a few years after that.

[jersey cubs fan]

Being a 4th rounder, he may very well have had all that potential, but never even got a shot to play.

 

That happens to plenty of guys. There are surely many players who could have contributed in the right situation, but sat on depth charts for a few years and then just cut.

 

When you think about baseball, you think a player is going to hit no matter where he goes. It's just a one on one matchup. And whether he's a Cub facing the Astros or a Red facing the Astros, the results are going to be the same, over time. That's assuming he doesn't have a manager pressuring him to sac bunt or swing early and often. But football is on the exact opposite end of that spectrum. A WR's production depends on the team he's on. It depends on his teammates.

[David]

Even Moss was basically invisible with a horrible enough offense around him.

[Butterscup1679666578]

Guys is it football season yet