Bears game 1: Sunday, Sep 11 vs ATL, noon on Fox

[Banedon]

I do feel a little better knowing that there are 6 teams that actually have more cap space than us, according to this:

 

http://blogs.nfl.com/2011/08/29/updated-salary-cap-space-numbers-for-all-32-teams/

 

Of course the teams with more are smaller market or not contending teams like KC, TB, Cin, Jax, Den, Buf. I do think it would be stupid to spend money just to eat up cap space, but with the number of WR and OL out there this FA period it just dumbfounded me why we went dumpster diving.

 

I understand your frustration, but the Bears had to figure they were gonna give a chunk to Forte. They probably just didn't figure on it being as much as Matt thinks it should be. If they gave Forte his money, I have a feeling there'd be more than 6 teams with more cap space.

[jersey cubs fan]

Isn't some of the cap story about how much they spent last year on 3 guys, two of which were worthless one year wastes?

 

Unlike 2006/2007, I can't think of very many young players I want to see them extend in advance of free agency. They might want to reconsider Cutler's deal if he takes another step forward. Forte would be fine, but you have to consider you might be paying all his guarantee money just for 2011, with as many miles as he already has on his legs.

[RynoRules]

Lovie is "high on his own supply", but this team certainly has the best RB, DE, and QB he's ever had.

[RynoRules]

Isn't some of the cap story about how much they spent last year on 3 guys, two of which were worthless one year wastes?

 

Unlike 2006/2007, I can't think of very many young players I want to see them extend in advance of free agency. They might want to reconsider Cutler's deal if he takes another step forward. Forte would be fine, but you have to consider you might be paying all his guarantee money just for 2011, with as many miles as he already has on his legs.

 

That's exactly what scares me about Matt, as much as I like him. He's had a ton of touches over just three years. Hopefully Barber and Bell pick up 15-20% of those touches over the course of the season.

[jersey cubs fan]

Bears are still getting 3 points in this one, making them one of only 4 home dogs on the slate this week.

[Banedon]

Florio and Rosenthal from PFT both predicting the Bears to not make the playoffs.

[jersey cubs fan]

Florio and Rosenthal from PFT both predicting the Bears to not make the playoffs.

 

Yeah, I think they miss it as well. But I'm holding out hope.

[Banedon]

Bears waive Will Ta'ufo'ou.

 

Brad Biggs speculates clearing a spot for a LB?

[sneakypower]

Florio and Rosenthal from PFT both predicting the Bears to not make the playoffs.

who did they predict for the WC?

[Banedon]

Florio and Rosenthal from PFT both predicting the Bears to not make the playoffs.

who did they predict for the WC?

 

I was having trouble with the video at work, and so turned it off after I heard the "teams that were in the playoffs in 2010 that won't be in 2011"...I'll check it out shortly and let you know.

[Soul]

Florio and Rosenthal from PFT both predicting the Bears to not make the playoffs.

 

Yeah, I think they miss it as well. But I'm holding out hope.

 

I'm concerned. But you know me. I'm always concerned.

 

Right now I'm just damn happy to have football back. I'm just going to take it one week at a time, see where it all leads.

[rawaction]

Florio and Rosenthal from PFT both predicting the Bears to not make the playoffs.

 

Yeah, I think they miss it as well. But I'm holding out hope.

 

I'm concerned. But you know me. I'm always concerned.

 

Right now I'm just damn happy to have football back. I'm just going to take it one week at a time, see where it all leads.

 

I think the Bears get in. But it's going to be tough. Green Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Philly are all expected to get in, plus an NFC West team has to get in by rule. That leaves only 1 spot assuming no major dropoff from the first 4. I'd like to think the Bears get in in the race between Chicago, Tampa, Giants, Cowboys and Lions. Tampa won 10 last year, but 0 vs good teams. The Giants keep losing guys and the season hasn't started yet. The Cowboys have the talent, but no more so than the talent that won 6 last year. And the Lions....are the Lions.

[jersey cubs fan]

I think the Bears get in. But it's going to be tough. Green Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Philly are all expected to get in, plus an NFC West team has to get in by rule.

 

I feel like one of those teams is going to disappoint. No idea which, but one of them is going to leave people wondering what happened.

[Banedon]

I think the Bears get in. But it's going to be tough. Green Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Philly are all expected to get in, plus an NFC West team has to get in by rule.

 

I feel like one of those teams is going to disappoint. No idea which, but one of them is going to leave people wondering what happened.

 

Yep. I'm with you on this one. I'm thinking that Atlanta's defense could let them down.

[jersey cubs fan]

I think the Bears get in. But it's going to be tough. Green Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Philly are all expected to get in, plus an NFC West team has to get in by rule.

 

I feel like one of those teams is going to disappoint. No idea which, but one of them is going to leave people wondering what happened.

 

Yep. I'm with you on this one. I'm thinking that Atlanta's defense could let them down.

 

Depending on the timing of Vick's injury, Philly could turn into an 8 or 9 win team on the outside looking in.

[Guest]

I think the Bears get in. But it's going to be tough. Green Bay, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Philly are all expected to get in, plus an NFC West team has to get in by rule.

 

I feel like one of those teams is going to disappoint. No idea which, but one of them is going to leave people wondering what happened.

 

Yep. I'm with you on this one. I'm thinking that Atlanta's defense could let them down.

 

Depending on the timing of Vick's injury, Philly could turn into an 8 or 9 win team on the outside looking in.

 

Since he just painted an even bigger target on his back before the season even started, I'm assuming he goes down in the first half of the season. Of course, I've never been a fan of his anyway, and I think the league figured out how to defense him in the second half of the season anyway. He sure has a lot of weapons at his disposal, though. Yikes. Time to put up or shut up.

[Guest]

Maybe it's the homer in me, but I'm really excited to see what the interior line on defense can do to improve the overall defense this year. I think our secondary will get more picks with more QB pressure this year. By having some actual able bodied guys stacking up on the line this year, Peppers has quality help. Blitzing might just be a more effective play for the defense this year as well.

 

I'm also crossing my fingers that the offensive line can give Cutler time to find some open receivers. I liked what our TE's were doing in pass protection. These guys won't be running routes. They will hold off the first rush and then potentially be open for dump passes for plus yards instead of minus yards from sacks.

 

I'm picking the Bears to win the division once again, even with the tough schedule. I like this team.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm picking the Bears to win the division once again, even with the tough schedule. I like this team.

 

I like most of the team, but the flaws are too glaring for me to expect another division crown.

[Banedon]

I'm picking the Bears to win the division once again, even with the tough schedule. I like this team.

 

I like most of the team, but the flaws are too glaring for me to expect another division crown.

 

I'm not expecting one...but I certainly think there's a good possibility. I'm a pretty optimistic sports fan. Except when it comes to the Cubs.

[bukie]

The Bears are good enough to have a top 5 defense and special teams. If they can avoid having a bottom 5 offense, I like their chances.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_deitsch/09/06/NFLbroadcasting.guide/1.html

 

SI did their NFL media preview talking about all the broadcasting teams, additions, subtractions and all the rest.

 

 

Although it's one of those stupid things fans get weird about, I thought it was kind of interesting that ESPN is using a Chicago based reporter this year, so the Bears finally have their own Ed Werder/Sal Paolantonio. No idea who Josina Anderson is though.

[jersey cubs fan]

The Bears are good enough to have a top 5 defense and special teams. If they can avoid having a bottom 5 offense, I like their chances.

 

I think the defense will struggle to be top 5. Probably going to be closer to 10. The offense probably needs to be above average to make this team a contender this year.

[Banedon]

BradBiggs Brad Biggs

#Bears have signed FB Tyler Clutts off of the #Browns practice squad. He takes roster spot of Will Ta'ufo'ou

[jersey cubs fan]

BradBiggs Brad Biggs

#Bears have signed FB Tyler Clutts off of the #Browns practice squad. He takes roster spot of Will Ta'ufo'ou

 

Tribune headline said they signed him to their own practice squad, but the story indicated he as on the regular roster. Now the headline has been changed to clarify.

[UMFan83]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_deitsch/09/06/NFLbroadcasting.guide/1.html

 

SI did their NFL media preview talking about all the broadcasting teams, additions, subtractions and all the rest.

 

 

Although it's one of those stupid things fans get weird about, I thought it was kind of interesting that ESPN is using a Chicago based reporter this year, so the Bears finally have their own Ed Werder/Sal Paolantonio. No idea who Josina Anderson is though.

 

Before you get too excited about having our own Ed Werder...this is Josina Anderson:

 

 

http://www.wilhelminadenver.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/3.jpg

 

Edited September 7, 2011 by UMFan83