Chicago Bears Offseason 2012

[rawaction]

i think the offensive line is fixed, actually. we lost our best 2 offensive linemen this year.

 

No way. It's a 5 man grouping, Webb is still a mess and Garza is going to need to be replaced soon. Two spots might be fixed, but there are 3 that remain in flux.

 

Yeah...Webb is a prayer every time the ball is snapped.

 

I'd like someone in to challenge/threaten Webb's spot. But the OL will be fine if Webb is the only problem. Louis/Spencer should be fine at RG next year. Carimi good at RT. Williams was good at LG, and Edwin came in and was pretty solid after. C is a non-issue. Garza is OK, but he's mostly doubling on blocks anyway. If all you have to worry about is chipping/helping the LT, the OL is fine. Would like to not have to help the LT at all, but that's not realistic vs top pass rushers.

[Banedon]

One possibility, if he does not land a head-coaching position, is former Ravens head coach Brian Billick. The selling point for Billick is he and Tice worked magic together with the Vikings when Billick was offensive coordinator and Tice was the O-line coach.

[Theo]

I could get behind Billick.

[SpongeWorthy]

What we need in an OC is another guy whose glory years were in the late 90s. No to Billick.

[RynoRules]

One possibility, if he does not land a head-coaching position, is former Ravens head coach Brian Billick. The selling point for Billick is he and Tice worked magic together with the Vikings when Billick was offensive coordinator and Tice was the O-line coach.

 

That's interesting. On the other hand Billick hasn't coached a good offensive team since his Vikings days, which were two jobs and more than 10 years ago.

[RynoRules]

I could get behind Billick.

 

Care to re-phrase?

[Theo]

I could get behind Billick.

 

Care to re-phrase?

Or a candidate like Jerry Sandusky maybe?

[sneakypower]

theo, you blow-hard

[minnesotacubsfan]

No to billick

 

 

Todd Haley please

[jersey cubs fan]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

[UMFan83]

In terms of an OC, aren't we going to have the same problem we had 2 years ago with attracting quality offensive coordinator candidates here? The issue 2 years ago was Lovie was basically given a 1 year mandate to win or be fired. This turned away some of the top potential OCs who didn't want to come here, install an offense, and be let go a year later.

 

This year, Lovie will be working under a new GM, and if he has a bad year will likely be let go, or at worse his contract will expire a year later and won't be renewed. What highly regarded OC wants to work under those conditions unless they are someone like Billick that might want to use this position as a springboard back into an NFL coaching job?

[jersey cubs fan]

I'd like someone in to challenge/threaten Webb's spot. But the OL will be fine if Webb is the only problem. Louis/Spencer should be fine at RG next year. Carimi good at RT. Williams was good at LG, and Edwin came in and was pretty solid after. C is a non-issue. Garza is OK, but he's mostly doubling on blocks anyway. If all you have to worry about is chipping/helping the LT, the OL is fine. Would like to not have to help the LT at all, but that's not realistic vs top pass rushers.

 

Unfortunately chipping/helping the LT is certainly not the only thing you have to worry about. You have to worry about Chris Williams not falling apart and Carimi actually reaching his promise and Garza not showing his age and your mediocre RG situation not taking any step back. This is no time to pretend the line is settled. It's a 5-man group that needs constant attention.

[rawaction]

oh jeez, are we going back to the days where everybody is going to obsess over the need for a tight end?

Considering the best offenses in the league today feature a dynamic TE(i.e. Finley, Graham, Gronkowski) yes, yes we are.

 

GB won the Superbowl without Finley last year, and he only had 750ish yards this year. The Giants, Steelers and Eagles were also top 10 offenses without dynamic TEs.

 

Not sure how you define "dynamic", but Celek and Ballard were both beasts this year. Miller less so, but he's steady/reliable and can hurt you if you vacate the short-middle because you are worried about the Wallace's and Brown's of the world.(see the Eagles game earlier this season).

 

That said, I think Kelen Davis could be a useful target in the right offense. He's not going to line-up in the slot like Finley does, but he's a big target.

 

That said, having a guy like Finley or Vernon Davis creates mismatches in the slot if you put a LB or S on them. They have to be covered in a zone or by a CB.

 

Ballard had 38 catches for 600 yards this year. I don't think that's dynamic. Those are Greg Olsen numbers (with more catches for Olsen). All TEs are mismatches vs. a LB. No LB could stop 6-7 Davis if used properly.

 

But still, that's icing on the cake. The cake is having WRs that can actually get open and make plays.

[rawaction]

I'd like someone in to challenge/threaten Webb's spot. But the OL will be fine if Webb is the only problem. Louis/Spencer should be fine at RG next year. Carimi good at RT. Williams was good at LG, and Edwin came in and was pretty solid after. C is a non-issue. Garza is OK, but he's mostly doubling on blocks anyway. If all you have to worry about is chipping/helping the LT, the OL is fine. Would like to not have to help the LT at all, but that's not realistic vs top pass rushers.

 

Unfortunately chipping/helping the LT is certainly not the only thing you have to worry about. You have to worry about Chris Williams not falling apart and Carimi actually reaching his promise and Garza not showing his age and your mediocre RG situation not taking any step back. This is no time to pretend the line is settled. It's a 5-man group that needs constant attention.

 

Hence, the word "IF"

[SpongeWorthy]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

 

The Packers, Saints, and Patriots all invested a top half of the draft pick to get their tight ends. In New England's case, they used two of 'em. Not saying it's vital but it's worth a look. Certainly wouldn't hurt to go from nonexistent production at TE to something approaching league average.

[jersey cubs fan]

In terms of an OC, aren't we going to have the same problem we had 2 years ago with attracting quality offensive coordinator candidates here? The issue 2 years ago was Lovie was basically given a 1 year mandate to win or be fired. This turned away some of the top potential OCs who didn't want to come here, install an offense, and be let go a year later.

 

This year, Lovie will be working under a new GM, and if he has a bad year will likely be let go, or at worse his contract will expire a year later and won't be renewed. What highly regarded OC wants to work under those conditions unless they are someone like Billick that might want to use this position as a springboard back into an NFL coaching job?

 

A) It's no sure thing Lovie will be working with a new GM this season.

 

B) Any potential OC should relish the opportunity to work with an already in place Pro Bowl caliber QB.

 

Would a big name prefer to go work with the mess that is the Dolphins and whoever gets that HC job? You think they'd prefer the Jets situation? Rex Ryan will have just as hot of a seat next year if he struggles, and Sanchez is an unstable Grossman in waiting. It's not like the New Orleans, Green Bay and New England jobs are going to out there for them to prefer.

 

Any new OC who actually works well with Cutler and shows promise will instantly be at the top of the list for a potential replacement of Lovie if he is fired next winter. It's a pretty fantastic opportunity even for a variety of levels. It won't fit all candidates "ideal" scenario, but it's got plenty of upside.

[SpongeWorthy]

oh jeez, are we going back to the days where everybody is going to obsess over the need for a tight end?

Considering the best offenses in the league today feature a dynamic TE(i.e. Finley, Graham, Gronkowski) yes, yes we are.

 

GB won the Superbowl without Finley last year, and he only had 750ish yards this year. The Giants, Steelers and Eagles were also top 10 offenses without dynamic TEs.

 

Not sure how you define "dynamic", but Celek and Ballard were both beasts this year. Miller less so, but he's steady/reliable and can hurt you if you vacate the short-middle because you are worried about the Wallace's and Brown's of the world.(see the Eagles game earlier this season).

 

That said, I think Kelen Davis could be a useful target in the right offense. He's not going to line-up in the slot like Finley does, but he's a big target.

 

That said, having a guy like Finley or Vernon Davis creates mismatches in the slot if you put a LB or S on them. They have to be covered in a zone or by a CB.

 

Ballard had 38 catches for 600 yards this year. I don't think that's dynamic. Those are Greg Olsen numbers (with more catches for Olsen). All TEs are mismatches vs. a LB. No LB could stop 6-7 Davis if used properly.

 

But still, that's icing on the cake. The cake is having WRs that can actually get open and make plays.

 

Olsen was never very effective on a per target basis. Blame that on who you will.

[Guest]

But Packers director of football operations Reggie McKenzie will draw the most speculation as Angelo's potential successor because of his relationship with Bears coach Lovie Smith.

 

It's unknown whether Smith will play a role in the organization's selection.

 

According to sources, Smith and McKenzie are close, and the executive's track record is undeniable since he took over as director of football operations in 2008, after working 10 years as Green Bay's director of pro personnel. Since joining the Packers in 1994 as a pro personnel assistant, the organization has won eight division titles, three conference crowns and two Super Bowls. Interestingly, McKenzie's daughter, Jasmin, attends Wheaton College outside of Chicago.

 

 

Repost?

 

Yes, please.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4674747/ruskell-not-likely-angelos-replacement

[jersey cubs fan]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

 

The Packers, Saints, and Patriots all invested a top half of the draft pick to get their tight ends. In New England's case, they used two of 'em. Not saying it's vital but it's worth a look. Certainly wouldn't hurt to go from nonexistent production at TE to something approaching league average.

 

We spent 5 years listening to people whine about TE while Desmond Clark was a perfectly average TE because people were obsessed with Gates and Gonzalez. It got annoying. And I can tell it's going to get annoying again. The point is there are MUCH BIGGER fish to fry instead of worrying about filling Ditka's position again.

[SpongeWorthy]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

 

The Packers, Saints, and Patriots all invested a top half of the draft pick to get their tight ends. In New England's case, they used two of 'em. Not saying it's vital but it's worth a look. Certainly wouldn't hurt to go from nonexistent production at TE to something approaching league average.

 

We spent 5 years listening to people whine about TE while Desmond Clark was a perfectly average TE because people were obsessed with Gates and Gonzalez. It got annoying. And I can tell it's going to get annoying again. The point is there are MUCH BIGGER fish to fry instead of worrying about filling Ditka's position again.

 

The correlation between having a productive receiving TE and having a high caliber offense has gotten a lot stronger since then. The best offenses are investing in them and featuring them and not using stop gap solutions.

 

We do not have much bigger fish to fry than getting Cutler more viable targets. A tight end COULD be a big part of that.

[scarey]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

 

Even though I'm not a huge TE advocate, you're comletely ignoring the main feature a TE brings to the table and that's TD catches. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I'd be interested to see how many TEs are in the top 30 for reception TDs.

[Magnetic Curses]

But Packers director of football operations Reggie McKenzie will draw the most speculation as Angelo's potential successor because of his relationship with Bears coach Lovie Smith.

 

It's unknown whether Smith will play a role in the organization's selection.

 

According to sources, Smith and McKenzie are close, and the executive's track record is undeniable since he took over as director of football operations in 2008, after working 10 years as Green Bay's director of pro personnel. Since joining the Packers in 1994 as a pro personnel assistant, the organization has won eight division titles, three conference crowns and two Super Bowls. Interestingly, McKenzie's daughter, Jasmin, attends Wheaton College outside of Chicago.

 

 

Repost?

 

Yes, please.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4674747/ruskell-not-likely-angelos-replacement

 

and have him bring clements with him

[Guest]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

 

Even though I'm not a huge TE advocate, you're comletely ignoring the main feature a TE brings to the table and that's TD catches. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I'd be interested to see how many TEs are in the top 30 for reception TDs.

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring/sort/receivingTouchdowns

 

5. And 4 more between 31-40.

[scarey]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

 

Even though I'm not a huge TE advocate, you're comletely ignoring the main feature a TE brings to the table and that's TD catches. I'm too lazy to look it up, but I'd be interested to see how many TEs are in the top 30 for reception TDs.

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring/sort/receivingTouchdowns

 

5. And 4 more between 31-40.

 

Well.. I expected it to be more.

 

EDIT: Upon looking at the list myself, I counted 6 in the top 30. I think that's enough to show that the TE is a significant scoring contributer.

[Magnetic Curses]

There are 2 TE in the top 25 in receiving yards. This isn't all of a sudden a tight end league. Reggie Wayne had a horrible year and still outperformed all but 2 TE. Brent Celek was no beast, he was basically Dustin Keller, who is as replacable as they come. Jimmy Graham led his team in receiving, but that's largely because they have about 5 #2 receivers who take turns being feature fantasy guy of the week. Wes Welker still caught 30 more balls than Gronkowski despite his ridiculous year. Jason Witten led the Cowboys yards, largely because his team, head coach and QB are kind of a joke. This isn't a tight end league, it is a QB league. You win consistently with consistenly good QB play and those QBs can feature TE or not, they certainly don't need them to win.

 

The Packers, Saints, and Patriots all invested a top half of the draft pick to get their tight ends. In New England's case, they used two of 'em. Not saying it's vital but it's worth a look. Certainly wouldn't hurt to go from nonexistent production at TE to something approaching league average.

 

We spent 5 years listening to people whine about TE while Desmond Clark was a perfectly average TE because people were obsessed with Gates and Gonzalez. It got annoying. And I can tell it's going to get annoying again. The point is there are MUCH BIGGER fish to fry instead of worrying about filling Ditka's position again.

 

The correlation between having a productive receiving TE and having a high caliber offense has gotten a lot stronger since then. The best offenses are investing in them and featuring them and not using stop gap solutions.

 

We do not have much bigger fish to fry than getting Cutler more viable targets. A tight end COULD be a big part of that.

 

i like kellen davis, i think he can do it all. i really do, he just hasn't been showcased.