2011 Bears Offseason thread

[Magnetic Curses]

Yeah there's no way Spencer is a downgrade from Kreutz. I agree on the other positions though.

 

How can an average fan say there's "no way" that one center from a team you probably didn't watch much is a downgrade from your previous center?

 

But that's pretty much a situation where you have to go off of what scouts, people at NFL Films, sites like Pro Football Focus have to say.

 

yes, the bears suck, we know, we know.

 

if kreutz would have come back you'd say he's too old to get in front of anyone.

[hawkeyecub]

Yeah there's no way Spencer is a downgrade from Kreutz. I agree on the other positions though.

 

How can an average fan say there's "no way" that one center from a team you probably didn't watch much is a downgrade from your previous center?

 

But that's pretty much a situation where you have to go off of what scouts, people at NFL Films, sites like Pro Football Focus have to say.

 

yes, the bears suck, we know, we know.

 

if kreutz would have come back you'd say he's too old to get in front of anyone.

 

Oh please. Does it make you feel better that I think the Bears are better than the Vikings this year?

 

Now do you actually disagree with something I said?

[Magnetic Curses]

Yeah there's no way Spencer is a downgrade from Kreutz. I agree on the other positions though.

 

How can an average fan say there's "no way" that one center from a team you probably didn't watch much is a downgrade from your previous center?

 

But that's pretty much a situation where you have to go off of what scouts, people at NFL Films, sites like Pro Football Focus have to say.

 

yes, the bears suck, we know, we know.

 

if kreutz would have come back you'd say he's too old to get in front of anyone.

 

Oh please. Does it make you feel better that I think the Bears are better than the Vikings this year?

 

Now do you actually disagree with something I said?

 

i don't know, if it's a downgrade, it's not much of a downgrade, kreutz was pretty average the last 3 years. everything that i hear about spencer is that he's average. but what's it to you if spencer's a downgrade?

[hawkeyecub]

I really don't care. I hope he's a downgrade but I have no way of knowing. The only things I've seen are that Spencer is considered about average, that he's better than Kreutz in the run game but worse as a pass protector.

[Pushfrog98]

Hopefully, Williams keeps getting lit up in practice by 2nd stringers and struggles in the preseason opener. Maybe then the Bears will go out and get a Brian Waters, who fits in with the rest of the offseason of stopgaps, but unlike the others, he can actually still play.

 

I dunno maybe its just me, but I hope that Williams dominates in camp and in the preseason and then continues it into the season.

Why would you want him to succeed?! I hope for the players on the teams I follow to fail, that way I can say "I told you so."

[rawaction]

Williams is not good. He's never going to be good. I'd rather the Bears realize this before the season starts and they lose games that matter because of him.

[JonJayCutler]

Yeah there's no way Spencer is a downgrade from Kreutz. I agree on the other positions though.

 

How can an average fan say there's "no way" that one center from a team you probably didn't watch much is a downgrade from your previous center?

 

But that's pretty much a situation where you have to go off of what scouts, people at NFL Films, sites like Pro Football Focus have to say.

 

You just answered your own question. Everything I've read suggests Spencer will be an upgrade on the field. Leadership remains to be seen.

[UMFan83]

Yay for training camp optimism and fluff pieces:

 

While some critics questioned Jay Cutler's footwork last season, Martz described it as "amazing" on Tuesday.

 

 

"I was kind of stunned," Martz said. "He has done an awful lot of work on his own in the offseason.

 

 

"I was kind of giddy to be honest with you because watching him drop right now is textbook, and I didn't know how we were going to get him there, but he got there himself before he came to work and we couldn't be more happy with that."

 

[Soul]

Yay for training camp optimism and fluff pieces:

 

While some critics questioned Jay Cutler's footwork last season, Martz described it as "amazing" on Tuesday.

 

 

"I was kind of stunned," Martz said. "He has done an awful lot of work on his own in the offseason.

 

 

"I was kind of giddy to be honest with you because watching him drop right now is textbook, and I didn't know how we were going to get him there, but he got there himself before he came to work and we couldn't be more happy with that."

 

 

Hah, yeah.

 

Kind of hard to have good footwork when you constantly have a monster ready to pounce on you.

 

Remove the monster, and presto! Great footwork!

[bjam12]

Anyone been to Bears training camp before? Just wondering what to expect. Do you have a good view of what's going on? Do you have any access to players? Basically, is it worth the 3 hour trip?

[Guest]

Osi Umenyiora - DL - Giants Osi Umeyiora was reportedly "fuming" Wednesday morning when he discovered the Giants had pulled his permission to seek a trade.

"He is sure they could've traded him," one source close to Umenyiora told the New York Daily News. "They had a lot more interest in him than they thought they would." In addition to the half-dozen teams already mentioned as potential trade partner, beat writer Ralph Vacchiano reports the Bears "jumped in late." Umenyiora isn't going to be practicing anytime soon even in the face of fines or a suspension "Then it becomes a matter for the union," said a source, "and that's when it could get really ugly."

[Banedon]

Don't expect the Bears to be involved for linebacker Lofa Tatupu in free agency unless he strikes out on a richer contract elsewhere.

[Banedon]

Osi Umenyiora - DL - Giants Osi Umeyiora was reportedly "fuming" Wednesday morning when he discovered the Giants had pulled his permission to seek a trade.

"He is sure they could've traded him," one source close to Umenyiora told the New York Daily News. "They had a lot more interest in him than they thought they would." In addition to the half-dozen teams already mentioned as potential trade partner, beat writer Ralph Vacchiano reports the Bears "jumped in late." Umenyiora isn't going to be practicing anytime soon even in the face of fines or a suspension "Then it becomes a matter for the union," said a source, "and that's when it could get really ugly."

 

They kinda made that sound different than the original article....

 

Two more teams - the Bears and Patriots - jumped in late after an erroneous report said the Giants would settle for a second-round pick.

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/2011/08/03/2011-08-03_osi_umenyiora_says_he_wont_practice_so_jerry_reese_and_giants_send_him_home_to_c.html#ixzz1U3vtr4Um

[Soul]

Anyone been to Bears training camp before? Just wondering what to expect. Do you have a good view of what's going on? Do you have any access to players? Basically, is it worth the 3 hour trip?

 

I think so, yes. Especially if you haven't been there before.

 

You can see, for the most part. You'll be at or near the level of the players, so sometimes the players themselves block the action. If you get there reasonably early you should be able to find a spot without too many other fans in front of you. Come late and you will likely have a more disappointing experience.

 

As for access to the players, you will be able to shout at them as they enter and exit the practice field. Whether they decide to come over and interact with you is up to them. Some of them do. Kids are usually able to grab a few autographs. Occasionally, if you are in the right spot along the field(s), a player might come over and sign autographs, or even engage in a bit of small talk. But they do control access to the players, because they are there to work.

[UMFan83]

I would take Osi for a 2nd round pick. Hell I might take him for a 2nd round and 5th round...maybe. Depends on how much we'd have to pay him. Much more than that might be tough to give up. I think he's 29 right now and has averaged 10.5 sacks per season over his last 5 seasons. He's fairly durable too, playing all 16 games in 5 of the last 6 seasons. Him and Peppers on the same line wow.

[Banedon]

I would take Osi for a 2nd round pick. Hell I might take him for a 2nd round and 5th round...maybe. Depends on how much we'd have to pay him. Much more than that might be tough to give up. I think he's 29 right now and has averaged 10.5 sacks per season over his last 5 seasons. He's fairly durable too, playing all 16 games in 5 of the last 6 seasons. Him and Peppers on the same line wow.

 

Well it's not just that though. Osi is holding out because he wants to rework his contract.

[apete6]

Henry Melton is going to make the Pro Bowl.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0804-bears-melton--20110804,0,1405997.story

 

I love training camp stories.

[UMFan83]

I would take Osi for a 2nd round pick. Hell I might take him for a 2nd round and 5th round...maybe. Depends on how much we'd have to pay him. Much more than that might be tough to give up. I think he's 29 right now and has averaged 10.5 sacks per season over his last 5 seasons. He's fairly durable too, playing all 16 games in 5 of the last 6 seasons. Him and Peppers on the same line wow.

 

Well it's not just that though. Osi is holding out because he wants to rework his contract.

 

Yeah I obviously understand that. I'm surprised the Bears were in on the discussions because I'd guess if we traded for him Osi would get a contract similar to what Peppers got, and I cant see the Bears committing that much to the defensive line. But seriously, if they had Peppers and Osi on the same line, it would set the entire defense up for awhile.

[jersey cubs fan]

I would take Osi for a 2nd round pick. Hell I might take him for a 2nd round and 5th round...maybe. Depends on how much we'd have to pay him. Much more than that might be tough to give up. I think he's 29 right now and has averaged 10.5 sacks per season over his last 5 seasons. He's fairly durable too, playing all 16 games in 5 of the last 6 seasons. Him and Peppers on the same line wow.

 

Well it's not just that though. Osi is holding out because he wants to rework his contract.

 

Yeah I obviously understand that. I'm surprised the Bears were in on the discussions because I'd guess if we traded for him Osi would get a contract similar to what Peppers got, and I cant see the Bears committing that much to the defensive line. But seriously, if they had Peppers and Osi on the same line, it would set the entire defense up for awhile.

 

They keep telling us the key to the system is getting pressure on the QB with their front 4. They don't have Harris anymore. Peppers is the only real big money guy. They just drafted a guy who is going to be locked into a rookie contract and have a couple other low income contributors. The secondary is cheap. They didn't spend money on the offense. The key defensive players are kind of old. It could make a lot of sense to spend big on both ends to try and capitalize on their opportunity.

[sneakypower]

PFF's Free Agency Grades

 

Chicago Bears

 

Big Signing: Nick Roach. This is stretching the definition of ‘big signing’. Roach is the best guy they brought in/ brought back and has constantly delivered.

 

Under the Radar: Corey Graham. Graham led the league in special teams tackles last season.

 

Big Loss: Danieal Manning. Something finally clicked in his final year with Chicago, but was never going to get the money from the Bears that he got from Houston. Our seventh ranked safety in 2010.

 

Grade: D. They failed to significantly upgrade any spot and brought in a host of underachieving players.

[rawaction]

I would take Osi for a 2nd round pick. Hell I might take him for a 2nd round and 5th round...maybe. Depends on how much we'd have to pay him. Much more than that might be tough to give up. I think he's 29 right now and has averaged 10.5 sacks per season over his last 5 seasons. He's fairly durable too, playing all 16 games in 5 of the last 6 seasons. Him and Peppers on the same line wow.

 

Well it's not just that though. Osi is holding out because he wants to rework his contract.

 

Yeah I obviously understand that. I'm surprised the Bears were in on the discussions because I'd guess if we traded for him Osi would get a contract similar to what Peppers got, and I cant see the Bears committing that much to the defensive line. But seriously, if they had Peppers and Osi on the same line, it would set the entire defense up for awhile.

 

They keep telling us the key to the system is getting pressure on the QB with their front 4. They don't have Harris anymore. Peppers is the only real big money guy. They just drafted a guy who is going to be locked into a rookie contract and have a couple other low income contributors. The secondary is cheap. They didn't spend money on the offense. The key defensive players are kind of old. It could make a lot of sense to spend big on both ends to try and capitalize on their opportunity.

 

Yeah, I'll never have a problem with them adding near elite level players even if not at a position of true need. Idonije is gone after the year. Wootton is unproven. Obviously, Gholston is a long shot at best. Peppers probably only has 2 more elite years in him, and even if not he's probably gone before his salary gets astronomical. As it stands, the Bears probably have to draft a DE next year in the first 3 rounds, if they don't re-sign Izzy.

[rawaction]

PFF's Free Agency Grades

 

Chicago Bears

 

Big Signing: Nick Roach. This is stretching the definition of ‘big signing’. Roach is the best guy they brought in/ brought back and has constantly delivered.

 

Under the Radar: Corey Graham. Graham led the league in special teams tackles last season.

 

Big Loss: Danieal Manning. Something finally clicked in his final year with Chicago, but was never going to get the money from the Bears that he got from Houston. Our seventh ranked safety in 2010.

 

Grade: D. They failed to significantly upgrade any spot and brought in a host of underachieving players.

 

Can't disagree with that. And no excuse with plenty of options, money, and reasons to significantly upgrade OL and WR.

[Banedon]

the Bears now have twice as many first-round draft choices from other teams (Vernon Gholston, Amobi Okoye, Chris Spencer and Roy Williams, in addition to Jay Cutler and Julius Peppers) as from their own drafts (Gabe Carimi, Brian Urlacher, Chris Williams).

[UMFan83]

PFF's Free Agency Grades

 

Chicago Bears

 

Big Signing: Nick Roach. This is stretching the definition of ‘big signing’. Roach is the best guy they brought in/ brought back and has constantly delivered.

 

Under the Radar: Corey Graham. Graham led the league in special teams tackles last season.

 

Big Loss: Danieal Manning. Something finally clicked in his final year with Chicago, but was never going to get the money from the Bears that he got from Houston. Our seventh ranked safety in 2010.

 

Grade: D. They failed to significantly upgrade any spot and brought in a host of underachieving players.

 

Can't disagree with that. And no excuse with plenty of options, money, and reasons to significantly upgrade OL and WR.

 

Eh, a D seems a little low. I'd say a C/C-. The thing is, the Bears took a lot of high risk/high reward gambles IMO. If one of Roy Williams, Gholston, or Okoye randomly live up to their potential, or even turn into average starters all the sudden the Bears had an good offseason.

[Banedon]

Eh, a D seems a little low. I'd say a C/C-. The thing is, the Bears took a lot of high risk/high reward gambles IMO. If one of Roy Williams, Gholston, or Okoye randomly live up to their potential, or even turn into average starters all the sudden the Bears had an good offseason.

 

ESPN's grade:

 

Analysis: A lot of names, but there really isn't a lot to see here, folks. Adding Williams makes a lot of sense. Despite extreme inconsistency in Dallas -- including a ton of drops -- Williams and Mike Martz do have a successful history together. I actually expect Williams to lead this team in receiving this season. Despite continued needs on the offensive line, the Bears did little to help themselves in that area. Spencer isn't a significant upgrade from Kreutz, who I felt was declining. Spencer is extremely inconsistent and has never lived up to his physical abilities. Re-signing Adams should help in the defensive trenches, but I view him as a below-average starting defensive tackle. It would be very easy to overlook the additions of Okoye and Golston, two first-round busts. But there is a lot of talent with these two and Chicago's exceptional defensive line coach, Rod Marinelli, might just be able to get one of them to reach his vast potential. If not, the Bears didn't invest much. Chester Taylor has been a disaster in a Bears uniform, which is why Barber was brought in to challenge him as Matt Forte's backup. The Bears are having a lot of turnover at tight end, but Spaeth really isn't much of a blocker or weapon in the passing game. Iwuh and Graham have their niche with the team and bringing them back was wise.

Grade: C-

 

Key additions: Roy Williams, Anthony Adams (re-signed), Chris Spencer, Corey Graham (re-signed), Amobi Okoye, Marion Barber, Brian Iwuh (re-signed), Matt Spaeth, Vernon Gholston, Adam Podlesh

Key losses: Greg Olsen, Tommie Harris, Olin Kreutz, Devin Aromashodu

 

I'm amused that Aromashadu is a key loss, but Manning gets no mention.