2014 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread

[Guest]

Pete Prisco ‏@PriscoCBS · 1h

I thought Jared Allen wanted to play for a contender

 

Hahaha...Prisco loves to hate on the Bears.

 

He might just dislike Allen. Going by cbs free agent rankins, prisco had Allen rated much lower than Kirwan had him rated.

 

Kind of a combo of both, I think. I definitely remember him as being routinely down on the Bears.

[jersey cubs fan]

Well, he might dislike Allen, but he's long had a dislike for the Bears too.

 

Is it Cutler specific or even pre-Cutler?

[Banedon]

Bears are introducing Allen on Monday afternoon, at the same time as the Cubs and White Sox opening games.

[Banedon]

Well, he might dislike Allen, but he's long had a dislike for the Bears too.

 

Is it Cutler specific or even pre-Cutler?

 

Hmm, that's a good question and I'm not sure on that.

[jersey cubs fan]

I think it is important to remember the Bears aren't being forced to build an elite defense. They need to have a reasonably effective defense, because their offense is awesome and will win games. They haven't acquired, and weren't exactly looking for, individual difference makers. They have acquired several guys who are reasonable upgrades to what was there before, who, for the most part, can make the occasional impact. Allen isn't going to play every snap. And since he's not making $12m you don't have to justify the cap hit with unnecessary playing time.

 

If they can just field a defense that flirts with average, they will win a lot of games next year. And they are well on their way to doing that. The biggest question to me remains the coordinator.

[Guest]

I think it is important to remember the Bears aren't being forced to build an elite defense. They need to have a reasonably effective defense, because their offense is awesome and will win games. They haven't acquired, and weren't exactly looking for, individual difference makers. They have acquired several guys who are reasonable upgrades to what was there before, who, for the most part, can make the occasional impact. Allen isn't going to play every snap. And since he's not making $12m you don't have to justify the cap hit with unnecessary playing time.

 

If they can just field a defense that flirts with average, they will win a lot of games next year. And they are well on their way to doing that. The biggest question to me remains the coordinator.

 

Agree with all of this.

 

Also...hit on the first two draft picks and I think it can be more than just average, which would be awesome.

[JonJayCutler]

Houston, Young, and a declining Allen is about a thousand times better than McClellin, Bass, and a declining Peppers.

[jersey cubs fan]

I think it is important to remember the Bears aren't being forced to build an elite defense. They need to have a reasonably effective defense, because their offense is awesome and will win games. They haven't acquired, and weren't exactly looking for, individual difference makers. They have acquired several guys who are reasonable upgrades to what was there before, who, for the most part, can make the occasional impact. Allen isn't going to play every snap. And since he's not making $12m you don't have to justify the cap hit with unnecessary playing time.

 

If they can just field a defense that flirts with average, they will win a lot of games next year. And they are well on their way to doing that. The biggest question to me remains the coordinator.

 

Agree with all of this.

 

Also...hit on the first two draft picks and I think it can be more than just average, which would be awesome.

 

But at this point, those first two don't really even have to be defense. Obviously tackle, secondary and even LB needs bodies, but they are in a position where they can draft an offensive player if a bigger impact one is available.

[Guest]

I think it is important to remember the Bears aren't being forced to build an elite defense. They need to have a reasonably effective defense, because their offense is awesome and will win games. They haven't acquired, and weren't exactly looking for, individual difference makers. They have acquired several guys who are reasonable upgrades to what was there before, who, for the most part, can make the occasional impact. Allen isn't going to play every snap. And since he's not making $12m you don't have to justify the cap hit with unnecessary playing time.

 

If they can just field a defense that flirts with average, they will win a lot of games next year. And they are well on their way to doing that. The biggest question to me remains the coordinator.

 

Agree with all of this.

 

Also...hit on the first two draft picks and I think it can be more than just average, which would be awesome.

 

But at this point, those first two don't really even have to be defense. Obviously tackle, secondary and even LB needs bodies, but they are in a position where they can draft an offensive player if a bigger impact one is available.

 

They don't have to, but I'd still prefer that.

 

I don't even really see an opening on offense. Any guy they'd pick would almost have to be depth (which is fine except I don't see a shortage of options defensively and there is much more opportunity on that side of the ball). Maybe a couple OL but I'd rather they do that in subsequent rounds.

 

The idea of building up to an above average (or better) defense along with injecting some youth into it to go along with this offense is too exciting.

[Banedon]

I think it is important to remember the Bears aren't being forced to build an elite defense. They need to have a reasonably effective defense, because their offense is awesome and will win games. They haven't acquired, and weren't exactly looking for, individual difference makers. They have acquired several guys who are reasonable upgrades to what was there before, who, for the most part, can make the occasional impact. Allen isn't going to play every snap. And since he's not making $12m you don't have to justify the cap hit with unnecessary playing time.

 

If they can just field a defense that flirts with average, they will win a lot of games next year. And they are well on their way to doing that. The biggest question to me remains the coordinator.

 

Agree with all of this.

 

Also...hit on the first two draft picks and I think it can be more than just average, which would be awesome.

 

But at this point, those first two don't really even have to be defense. Obviously tackle, secondary and even LB needs bodies, but they are in a position where they can draft an offensive player if a bigger impact one is available.

 

Exactly. I still think defense is mostly likely to be the early picks, but drafting OL wouldn't make me mad at all.

[UMFan83]

I think it is important to remember the Bears aren't being forced to build an elite defense. They need to have a reasonably effective defense, because their offense is awesome and will win games. They haven't acquired, and weren't exactly looking for, individual difference makers. They have acquired several guys who are reasonable upgrades to what was there before, who, for the most part, can make the occasional impact. Allen isn't going to play every snap. And since he's not making $12m you don't have to justify the cap hit with unnecessary playing time.

 

If they can just field a defense that flirts with average, they will win a lot of games next year. And they are well on their way to doing that. The biggest question to me remains the coordinator.

 

Agree with all of this except the "Allen isn't going to play every snap" thing. Allen's snaps have actually gone up the last 4 years and he's threatened to retire if he was only being offered a role as a situational pass rusher. Now maybe that was only an idle threat and I don't think you are implying that Allen will be used as a situational pass rusher only, just reduced snaps in some situations, but I think the Bears gave him some sort of assurance that he will be an every down player and Allen will throw a fit if the Bears try to reduce his role. Just my opinion

 

Also look, Lance Briggs isn't bitching about something the Bears did:

 

Lance Briggs ✔ @LanceBriggs

Follow

A changing of the guard in the #NFCNorth. #69 a Bear! It's looking up for this bunch! Welcome @JaredAllen69.

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't even really see an opening on offense. Any guy they'd pick would almost have to be depth (which is fine except I don't see a shortage of options defensively and there is much more opportunity on that side of the ball).

 

I think you can draft a TE that would be able to play a ton, a WR that can easily move to 3rd on the depth chart that often uses 3 or 4 WR and 3 OL positions that can change hands this year with the right draftee.

[UMFan83]

Holy wow, Hub loves the move. Not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing.

 

http://www.chicagofootball.com/2014/03/26/arkush-allen-makes-bears-a-contender/avfwrk5/

 

With the acquisition of Jared Allen, the Chicago Bears have now moved the needle on free agency as much or more than any team in the NFL, with the exception of the Denver Broncos, and have to be considered the co-favorites to win the NFC North.

 

Are they Super Bowl contenders? Let's have a draft first.

[gscool89]

Not too big of a fan of this signing but can't complain that the Bears aren't spending and going for it.

[Guest]

I don't even really see an opening on offense. Any guy they'd pick would almost have to be depth (which is fine except I don't see a shortage of options defensively and there is much more opportunity on that side of the ball).

 

I think you can draft a TE that would be able to play a ton, a WR that can easily move to 3rd on the depth chart that often uses 3 or 4 WR and 3 OL positions that can change hands this year with the right draftee.

 

True enough. I just think there are diminishing returns on upgrading the offense compared to the defense at this point.

 

That's not to say that if there wasn't an unbelievable value on offense, I wouldn't want them to take him and worry about the rest later.

[davell]

Wow. I'm stunned. I figured the Cutler thing meant they were doing something, but I really expected Clemons. Does this move Houston inside? Willie Young is pretty damn good himself. I'm sure there's enough snaps to go around, but damn....

 

The differences between Emery and Angelo are night and day. After this move, I have to wonder if Ebron could be in play at 14 now.

 

Again, wow. And [expletive] YEAH EMERY!!!!!!

[Guest]

DE - Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Willie Young

DT - Jeremiah Ratliff, Stephen Paea, Nate Collins, Israel Idonije

LB - Lance Briggs, DJ Williams, Jonathan Bostic, Shea McClellen, Khaseem Greene

CB - Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, Kelvin Hayden, Isaiah Frey

S - Ryan Mundy, MD Jennings, Chris Conte, Craig Steltz

 

Still need big help at safety but that's some overhaul without even getting to the draft.

 

Houston can move inside too, right?

 

Yup the Raiders played him inside often. Good point I wouldnt be surprised if he was the 3 technique when the Bears are playing traditional 4-3

 

If Houston is 270 and Young 250, I expect they'll only do that on passing downs.

 

Houston's nfl.com bio has him at 300 http://www.nfl.com/player/lamarrhouston/496794/profile

 

Houston said at his press conference that he's at 270 and that's his preferred playing weight.

[Banedon]

Houston said at his press conference that he's at 270 and that's his preferred playing weight.

 

Which makes sense if he's rushing the passer. But they could still tell him to bulk up and move inside. I guess we'll see.

[Guest]

Houston said at his press conference that he's at 270 and that's his preferred playing weight.

 

Which makes sense if he's rushing the passer. But they could still tell him to bulk up and move inside. I guess we'll see.

 

I hope they don't. He's been great at 270 while playing outside on non-passing downs.

[jersey cubs fan]

I don't even really see an opening on offense. Any guy they'd pick would almost have to be depth (which is fine except I don't see a shortage of options defensively and there is much more opportunity on that side of the ball).

 

I think you can draft a TE that would be able to play a ton, a WR that can easily move to 3rd on the depth chart that often uses 3 or 4 WR and 3 OL positions that can change hands this year with the right draftee.

 

True enough. I just think there are diminishing returns on upgrading the offense compared to the defense at this point.

 

That's not to say that if there wasn't an unbelievable value on offense, I wouldn't want them to take him and worry about the rest later.

 

I like the offense but do not think for a second we are at the point of diminishing returns on upgrades there. The WR group is a 2 man operation. There is one legit NFL TE. The offensive line is stable but very unspectacular. The RB has a lot of miles and the QB is not Peyton Manning in his prime. There's literally room for improvement at nearly every spot.

[rawaction]

I think it is important to remember the Bears aren't being forced to build an elite defense. They need to have a reasonably effective defense, because their offense is awesome and will win games. They haven't acquired, and weren't exactly looking for, individual difference makers. They have acquired several guys who are reasonable upgrades to what was there before, who, for the most part, can make the occasional impact. Allen isn't going to play every snap. And since he's not making $12m you don't have to justify the cap hit with unnecessary playing time.

 

If they can just field a defense that flirts with average, they will win a lot of games next year. And they are well on their way to doing that. The biggest question to me remains the coordinator.

 

Agree 100%. And lost in the historically bad run defense last year was the fact that the pass rush was just as bad. And even with a terrible run D, the Bears are still a playoff team last year if they could have executed better on pass D. Regardless of the run D, they missed the playoffs because they were the only team that couldn't stop RG3 all year. They blew a coverage to Green Bay. They couldn't stop a 4th and very long with a backup QB throwing from his own end zone. They couldn't get off the field on 3rd down against a backup QB in St Louis. Allen should help that immensely.

[rawaction]

Houston said at his press conference that he's at 270 and that's his preferred playing weight.

 

Which makes sense if he's rushing the passer. But they could still tell him to bulk up and move inside. I guess we'll see.

 

Nah, you don't pay a guy 35Mil (more than Allen, FWIW) based on what he's done and then tell him to put on 30lbs and change positions.

[Banedon]

Houston said at his press conference that he's at 270 and that's his preferred playing weight.

 

Which makes sense if he's rushing the passer. But they could still tell him to bulk up and move inside. I guess we'll see.

 

Nah, you don't pay a guy 35Mil (more than Allen, FWIW) based on what he's done and then tell him to put on 30lbs and change positions.

 

Except he's played inside with the Raiders. You're not asking him to play a position he's not played before. Or at a weight he hasn't played at before.

[UMFan83]

I don't even really see an opening on offense. Any guy they'd pick would almost have to be depth (which is fine except I don't see a shortage of options defensively and there is much more opportunity on that side of the ball).

 

I think you can draft a TE that would be able to play a ton, a WR that can easily move to 3rd on the depth chart that often uses 3 or 4 WR and 3 OL positions that can change hands this year with the right draftee.

 

True enough. I just think there are diminishing returns on upgrading the offense compared to the defense at this point.

 

That's not to say that if there wasn't an unbelievable value on offense, I wouldn't want them to take him and worry about the rest later.

 

I like the offense but do not think for a second we are at the point of diminishing returns on upgrades there. The WR group is a 2 man operation. There is one legit NFL TE. The offensive line is stable but very unspectacular. The RB has a lot of miles and the QB is not Peyton Manning in his prime. There's literally room for improvement at nearly every spot.

 

I agree with this. Plus with the offensive line, I think PFF graded them as fairly middle of the pack or slightly below average (granted a major improvement over past seasons) and they gave up something like the 4th most QB hurries in the NFL, but one of the lowest sack totals too. Too me that suggests a solid amount of luck. Not to say that Long and Mills won't be better next year, but Garza is old and declining and as awesome as Slauson was last year, can we expect him to play at that level again next season?

 

I wouldn't be opposed to a 2nd or 3rd round pick on an OL if they like the guy.

[rawaction]

I don't even really see an opening on offense. Any guy they'd pick would almost have to be depth (which is fine except I don't see a shortage of options defensively and there is much more opportunity on that side of the ball).

 

I think you can draft a TE that would be able to play a ton, a WR that can easily move to 3rd on the depth chart that often uses 3 or 4 WR and 3 OL positions that can change hands this year with the right draftee.

 

True enough. I just think there are diminishing returns on upgrading the offense compared to the defense at this point.

 

That's not to say that if there wasn't an unbelievable value on offense, I wouldn't want them to take him and worry about the rest later.

 

I like the offense but do not think for a second we are at the point of diminishing returns on upgrades there. The WR group is a 2 man operation. There is one legit NFL TE. The offensive line is stable but very unspectacular. The RB has a lot of miles and the QB is not Peyton Manning in his prime. There's literally room for improvement at nearly every spot.

 

The OL also played every snap in 2013, until the final game where only Mills missed plays. That scares me. OLs typically don't stay healthy, though Bushrod and Slauson have never missed a game and Garza hasn't missed in years. Oh and the only backup to play on the OL last year, isn't on the team anymore.