2009 Chicago Bears offseason

[ctcf]

Percy Harvin just tested positive for pot via rotoworld. Should be available later.

[WrigleyField 22]

I posted it in the NFL Offseason thread, but according to Jeff Risdon at RealGM, Harvin is "dropping like a rock". He says he could go as low as the top of the third. I'd be shocked by that, but it seems like he could easily fall out of the first now. If he was there at 49 do the Bears take him?

[RedFlash]

I posted it in the NFL Offseason thread, but according to Jeff Risdon at RealGM, Harvin is "dropping like a rock". He says he could go as low as the top of the third. I'd be shocked by that, but it seems like he could easily fall out of the first now. If he was there at 49 do the Bears take him?

 

I SERIOUSLY doubt Harvin will drop into the third round. With the Patriots having 3 second rd picks, I would be willing to bet that the Patriots would gamble on Harvin in the 2nd rd. My guess is Harvin stays near the top of the 2nd rd.

 

Interesting note about another Florida WR....Louis Murphy's name has been starting to circulate on some NFL mock (not the mainstream "analysts" of course) drafts with the Bears. Good size (6'3/207), good solid speed (4.43/40), don't know much about his hands, but he improve his game every yr in school. May not have the upside like others who could be available in the 2nd rd (Britt, Nicks, Harvin), but it wouldn't break my heart to take a chance on Murphy in the 2nd rd.

[Banedon]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

[Magnetic Curses]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

i have a feeling that people will see just how worthy we are of extra attention.

[Soul]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

i have a feeling that people will see just how worthy we are of extra attention.

 

It's going to be a completely overhauled offense, with a OL that features really only one familiar face, a new QB, and likely a new WR or two.

 

The one thing I can see derailing the works is the impatience of Bear fans. Obviously everyone is expecting fireworks immediately. If they don't get it, discontent will rise rather quickly. How does Cutler handle fans who aren't seeing a TD bomb to Hester on every play? How do the Bears handle it? They haven't handled it very well in the past. Not very well at all.

 

Personally, I can't see the offense clicking on all cylinders until at least half way through the season. Too many new faces all at once. I'm trying to inject a little patience, a little time to get things in place. I hope all Bear fans will do the same, but I seriously doubt it.

[Guest]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

i have a feeling that people will see just how worthy we are of extra attention.

 

It's going to be a completely overhauled offense, with a OL that features really only one familiar face, a new QB, and likely a new WR or two.

 

The one thing I can see derailing the works is the impatience of Bear fans. Obviously everyone is expecting fireworks immediately. If they don't get it, discontent will rise rather quickly. How does Cutler handle fans who aren't seeing a TD bomb to Hester on every play? How do the Bears handle it? They haven't handled it very well in the past. Not very well at all.

 

Personally, I can't see the offense clicking on all cylinders until at least half way through the season. Too many new faces all at once. I'm trying to inject a little patience, a little time to get things in place. I hope all Bear fans will do the same, but I seriously doubt it.

 

How can you be impatient for something you've never had before? Just having a QB who can throw the ball down the field has me all giddy inside, and he's yet to throw one down the field. I'm not sure what I'll do when he actually does it the first time, but I'll probably need to have a change of underwear handy.

[Soul]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

i have a feeling that people will see just how worthy we are of extra attention.

 

It's going to be a completely overhauled offense, with a OL that features really only one familiar face, a new QB, and likely a new WR or two.

 

The one thing I can see derailing the works is the impatience of Bear fans. Obviously everyone is expecting fireworks immediately. If they don't get it, discontent will rise rather quickly. How does Cutler handle fans who aren't seeing a TD bomb to Hester on every play? How do the Bears handle it? They haven't handled it very well in the past. Not very well at all.

 

Personally, I can't see the offense clicking on all cylinders until at least half way through the season. Too many new faces all at once. I'm trying to inject a little patience, a little time to get things in place. I hope all Bear fans will do the same, but I seriously doubt it.

 

How can you be impatient for something you've never had before? Just having a QB who can throw the ball down the field has me all giddy inside, and he's yet to throw one down the field. I'm not sure what I'll do when he actually does it the first time, but I'll probably need to have a change of underwear handy.

 

Haha.

 

I really think Bear fans are going to expect Peyton Manning type numbers immediately, and Lovie & crew aren't really targeting that kind of offense. I sense a disconnect.

[Banedon]

Haha.

 

I really think Bear fans are going to expect Peyton Manning type numbers immediately, and Lovie & crew aren't really targeting that kind of offense. I sense a disconnect.

 

They've never had a QB that could remotely pull off that kind of offense before. I'm not sure any of us know what they'll do offensively this year.

 

Although when they had Rex and Berrian at their peak, they stretched the field a lot and went to the Super Bowl...and presumeably Cutler is a smidge better than Rex.

[Guest]

and presumeably Cutler is a smidge better than Rex Grossman's wildest football fantasy.

 

Fixed.

[cubweiser03]

I know he hasnt played a down yet but when i looked at the Pitt and the Ravens games i didnt think DEATH like i would of without Cutler. I dont particularily like the season opening Sunday night game at the Packers, sure it will exciting but id rather they play a cupcake the first game. Nothing like throwing Cutler in the fire right off the bat.

[stuy119]

Haha.

 

I really think Bear fans are going to expect Peyton Manning type numbers immediately, and Lovie & crew aren't really targeting that kind of offense. I sense a disconnect.

 

They've never had a QB that could remotely pull off that kind of offense before. I'm not sure any of us know what they'll do offensively this year.

 

Although when they had Rex and Berrian at their peak, they stretched the field a lot and went to the Super Bowl...and presumeably Cutler is a smidge better than Rex.

 

I can see a 50/50 balance not only as ideal, but the goal in the offense this year. Cutler should be an improvement, so that alone figures to be a bump in production. The key will be whether we can get the same production out of Forte as we did a year ago. I hope he holds up ...

[jersey cubs fan]

I have some concerns about this schedule. I don't like playing Pittsburgh in the home opener, with them coming off a week and a half of rest (they start thursday night). I don't like following pittsburgh with a trip to Seattle. I absolutely hate the west coast Thursday night game following a Sunday game. There's absolutely no excuse for the NFL to schedule Thursday night games without the bye preceding. How do you expect to showcase a game with players going on 3 days rest? It's absurd.

 

 

I can really see this team struggling to be .500 going into December. I'm guessing they are underdogs in the first two games, and depending on those outcomes, potentially an underdog on the road in Seattle. I don't like wasting a bye week in week 5 either.

[Soul]

Meanwhile, Minny is all but guaranteed to be 5-0.

[Magnetic Curses]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

i have a feeling that people will see just how worthy we are of extra attention.

 

It's going to be a completely overhauled offense, with a OL that features really only one familiar face, a new QB, and likely a new WR or two.

 

how on earth can you view that as a bad thing?

[Soul]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

i have a feeling that people will see just how worthy we are of extra attention.

 

It's going to be a completely overhauled offense, with a OL that features really only one familiar face, a new QB, and likely a new WR or two.

 

how on earth can you view that as a bad thing?

 

Because even a good thing can take some time to materialize, and Chicago doesn't have an ounce of patience.

[jersey cubs fan]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

i have a feeling that people will see just how worthy we are of extra attention.

 

It's going to be a completely overhauled offense, with a OL that features really only one familiar face, a new QB, and likely a new WR or two.

 

how on earth can you view that as a bad thing?

 

He wasn't. Or at least, it didn't look like he was. He was saying the offense is new and improved, but then pointed out the one thing that could be bad.

 

I think this offense is poised to jump into the top half of the league, but I don't see top 10, yet. It will take some time.

[biittner77]

I know he hasnt played a down yet but when i looked at the Pitt and the Ravens games i didnt think DEATH like i would of without Cutler. I dont particularily like the season opening Sunday night game at the Packers, sure it will exciting but id rather they play a cupcake the first game. Nothing like throwing Cutler in the fire right off the bat.

 

Cupcakes are more dangerous in week 1 than at any other time of the season except perhaps the final game. In week 1 they still believe they can win. By week 6 they know how bad they are and lose hope. The final week they're playing for their jobs.

[Soul]

It will take some time.

 

This is what I'm saying, in a nutshell. I think my faith in Chicago to give it time is just very low. I can't wait until the first time Cutler throws a pick and someone tries to compare him to Grossman :roll:

[jersey cubs fan]

It will take some time.

 

This is what I'm saying, in a nutshell. I think my faith in Chicago to give it time is just very low. I can't wait until the first time Cutler throws a pick and someone tries to compare him to Grossman :roll:

 

The good thing is, he is here now. They don't have to wait until the draft to get him started, and they don't have to wait for him to decide on whether he will retire until the preseason games are halfway over. They have mini-camps, OTAs and training camp, not to mention volunteer alone time where he can get prepared.

 

I'm not that concerned about fans going ballistic immediately. The first home game is going to be a struggle, but I'm pretty sure fans will know this, and not be too judgemental. If he has a Grossman day, QB rating of 4.7 or something, then yes, they will probably revolt. But as long as he doesn't meltdown, they will give him some time. They can't afford to crap the bed against Detroit though. By then, he has to be playing well and the offense has to be moving and controlling the ball.

[rawaction]

I have some concerns about this schedule. I don't like playing Pittsburgh in the home opener, with them coming off a week and a half of rest (they start thursday night). I don't like following pittsburgh with a trip to Seattle. I absolutely hate the west coast Thursday night game following a Sunday game. There's absolutely no excuse for the NFL to schedule Thursday night games without the bye preceding. How do you expect to showcase a game with players going on 3 days rest? It's absurd.

 

 

I can really see this team struggling to be .500 going into December. I'm guessing they are underdogs in the first two games, and depending on those outcomes, potentially an underdog on the road in Seattle. I don't like wasting a bye week in week 5 either.

 

I'm guessing they are favored on the road vs. GB in Week 1. Green Bay wasn't very good last year. They are changing defenses this year. The Bears have had success in Lambeau under Lovie. The Cutler hype should also help the Bears be 3 or so point road favorites.

 

The Seattle and SF games couldn't be worse situations. Teams that appear very beatable on paper in the toughest possible situations. Fly to Seattle after getting up for the team's biggest rival in the season opener and the home opener vs. the reigning Champs. There's no reason a team should have to travel to SF on the Thursday after playing a Sunday game 3000 miles away.

 

I could see the Bears struggling to get to .500 going into November, but the key will be the 4 game stretch in Oct-Nov 1. A playoff hopeful can't lose to the Lions. They should also be able to beat Cleveland at home and rebuilding Cincy on the road. The "toughest" game in the stretch is going to Atlanta again, but it's after the bye week.

[jersey cubs fan]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

Okay, I've seen this sentiment in a couple places, I don't get it. The 2008 Bears went into the season with Orton and Grossman competing for a job, two QB's universally laughed at by everybody. They were coming off a sub .500 season, and they played 5 primetime games.

 

What is the big deal about them playing 5 this year?

[Soul]

Don Banks is good at hiding that deep down Bears fan....

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/don_banks/04/14/snaps.schedule/index.html?eref=T1

 

The NFL obviously approved of the Jay Cutler trade to Chicago, because the Bears have the potential of five prime-time games, a reality that absolutely would not have happened if Kyle Orton were still leading the Bears offense. I'm sure trying to shine the spotlight on the league's second-largest TV market had plenty to do with all the love the NFL is showering on Chicago, but I'm not sure Cutler (he of the 17-20 career record as a starter) or the Bears (coming off a 9-7 non-playoff finish in 2008) are worthy of all the extra attention.

 

Okay, I've seen this sentiment in a couple places, I don't get it. The 2008 Bears went into the season with Orton and Grossman competing for a job, two QB's universally laughed at by everybody. They were coming off a sub .500 season, and they played 5 primetime games.

 

What is the big deal about them playing 5 this year?

 

In the case of Mr. Banks, I think it's worth noting that he covered the Vikings & Bucs for many years (the Bucs when they were still a division rival of the Bears).

 

Sounds like a bit of his past prejudices might be coloring his opinion on this one. The Bears have been given every chance to make the national TV lineups, and it has never had much to do with the QB situation. The fact is, a bigger market has a better chance to bring in ratings. I'm sure the NFL likes the potential of a good/great QB in a city like Chicago, but to my mind there's no evidence that it is causing any changes in how the Bears are being treated by the league.

[Banedon]

David Haugh has an article in the Trib this morning about how the Bears aren't locked in on WR for their 2nd round pick. But with all the mis-information out there, I'm pretty much ignoring most of that noise. I was interested in this tidbit near the end though.

 

Misplaced or not, the Bears still have faith in Earl Bennett, a third-round pick of 2008. Coaches and front-office types believe Cutler when he says he can get the best out of Bennett given their history together at Vanderbilt. They consider '08 a redshirt year and it has been pointed out Bernard Berrian, another former third-rounder, caught only 15 passes his rookie season and only 13 the following year before blossoming.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-16-haugh-bears-chicago-apr16,0,6550448.column

[Soul]

David Haugh has an article in the Trib this morning about how the Bears aren't locked in on WR for their 2nd round pick. But with all the mis-information out there, I'm pretty much ignoring most of that noise. I was interested in this tidbit near the end though.

 

Misplaced or not, the Bears still have faith in Earl Bennett, a third-round pick of 2008. Coaches and front-office types believe Cutler when he says he can get the best out of Bennett given their history together at Vanderbilt. They consider '08 a redshirt year and it has been pointed out Bernard Berrian, another former third-rounder, caught only 15 passes his rookie season and only 13 the following year before blossoming.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-16-haugh-bears-chicago-apr16,0,6550448.column

 

I am also not willing to give up on Bennett yet. I just don't have enough information to make a judgement either way.