WrigleyField 22

The more I think about it, I think the Bears management is just prepared to not make any major changes with personnel knowing that we don't have picks and many good free agents will be RFA. I think they will get a line that is good enough to protect Cutler, and ride out 2010 knowing there may be a lock out in 2011. The coordinators will get 2 year contracts and after a lockout in 2011, they will start completely fresh in 2012. They will do this to avoid spending any unnecessary money, especially because of all the looming uncertainty. I'm thinking that is the Bears plan.

Oops... :oops:

He's better, but he's not an everydown guy, and he's not going to be paid like one. It's not hard to be better than Forte. One person threw-out LT's name and he is not being discussed, plus, you're talking to me and I've never once mentioned him. I don't understand why you are so adamantly opposed to getting some actualy talent at RB, they don't have any on the team. They could use a great WR, but I doubt they get one, and if they don't, I don't see another body at WR offering more value than a RB that can actually run the ball. The offensive line should be the priority, I've said that for 4 years. But there is no reason why they can't spend a little money at RB. They aren't spending any right now, they aren't going to spend any money on draft picks, and they have plenty of cap space. Agreed with everything you said here. I really don't get what rawactions problem with adding talent at RB is. Forte just isn't good enough to justify not looking for available upgrades/compliments.

The Bears don't need help in the return game. Washington would probably be the best returner on the team (Hester included), but not so much better that it would provide incentive to sign him. I also think you underestimate how much he could get paid. Washington was getting 12 carries per game when he got hurt. He averages 4.8 ypc for his career. He's a great returner and great receiver out of the backfield. Add to that he plays in NY so that increases his value. As for Jerious Norwood, when you say he has excelled....you mean 18 months ago. He was pretty horrible this year (3.3 ypc). He missed 6 games and all but 1 play of another, and has missed time in every year but 08. And take out his 3 carry, 56 yd performance out vs. the woeful Rams in the last game of 08, and he has averaged a whopping 3.1 ypc in his last 20 games behind one of the league's best lines. Well my off season plan includes trading Hester for a second rounder, so the return help would be nice with Washington. Can't really argue with Norwoods year this year, but the previous 3 years tell a whole different story. All I can say is we better get Brandon Marshal and two great OL if the only upgrade we make to the run game is a 5th or 6th rounder.

Leon Washington offers value as a kick returner, has better speed than Forte, and will be coming off an injury, so won't demand a lot of money. Jerius Norwood is seriously fast and has excelled in a complimentary role. I don't see him commanding a lot of money either. Neither of those guys will break the bank. Neither will relegate Forte to back up duty, but both offer a nice compliment to Forte.

me, too. but not as a backup. he'd be great to split carries 50/50. I think any of Thomas/Norwood/Washington could go ahead and split carries with Forte. I suggested all those guys with that in mind. If we're just looking for a strict backup and keeping Forte as a guy who get 80% or more of the carries, might as well just have Bell fill that role. But that would be stupid, so I hope we get a player that we can at least give Forte a 60/40 role with, if not 50/50 or even 40/60 if the player is good enough. Edit- just some Matt Forte stats: Only four times did he get more than 75 yards: Detroit (twice), St. Louis, Cleveland. Only four TDs: Detroit (twice), St. Louis, Cleveland. I added more to this in the last game thread. Forte only had 3 runs over 16 yards all year, and all 3 were against Detroit. Did I miss something? Where did this Pierre Thomas talk come from? He's the number 1 RB for the #1 seed in the NFC. Why is he being mentioned in a Bears thread? There's no way he's going to be a Bear. Well he is a free agent. And he is their best back, but hasn't gotten the carries like it. He splits pretty substantial time with two other backs in Bell and Bush. So if you could make a good sales pitch with enough money attached, you could always try luring him away. I've constantly mentioned Norwood or Washington as more likely scenarios though.

A better line would help, but a lot of it is still on Forte. Another good complimentary back would also help though. Forte definitely still has value as a pass catcher, which is nice because that doesn't limit you when looking for another back to split time with him. If that back isn't a pass catcher... no problem. It's actually too bad that Benson probably needed a kick in the ass to get his stuff together, him and Forte would make a nice combo, even though it lacks some speed, they compliment each other from a runner vs pass catcher.

me, too. but not as a backup. he'd be great to split carries 50/50. I think any of Thomas/Norwood/Washington could go ahead and split carries with Forte. I suggested all those guys with that in mind. If we're just looking for a strict backup and keeping Forte as a guy who get 80% or more of the carries, might as well just have Bell fill that role. But that would be stupid, so I hope we get a player that we can at least give Forte a 60/40 role with, if not 50/50 or even 40/60 if the player is good enough. Edit- just some Matt Forte stats: Only four times did he get more than 75 yards: Detroit (twice), St. Louis, Cleveland. Only four TDs: Detroit (twice), St. Louis, Cleveland.

There are some decent options in Free Agency. I think we can get a RB there and go with Forte, FA, and Bell. RB is a young man's position though. I'd much rather find a guard in free agency than a RB, although if that's where they can find a guy, fine. I want a Guard too. There really isn't a premier RB available anyways, so I wouldn't be too worried about getting an old guy, its just a part of a 3 man unit. Besides age, you also just need to look at number of carries: Jerious Norwood, Age 26, 373 carries in 4 years (5.3 avg) Leon Washington, Age 27, 370 carries in 4 years (4.8 avg) Pierre Thomas, Age 25, 328 carries in 3 years (5.1 avg) Darren Sproles, Age 26, 199 carries in 5 years (4.5 avg) Mike Bell, Age 26, 348 carries in 4 years (4.0 avg) LenDale White, Age 25, 628 carries in 4 years (3.7 avg) I like Norwood, Washington, and Thomas the most out of that group. And maybe one of them might find a chance at #1 role, but I don't think all of them will. Also, Reggie Bush is rumored to be cut (which makes sense since he makes so much money). But he can still obviously offer a lot. Another guy who could get cut, and even though he is old with a lot of miles, I'd consider taking a chance on, is LaDainian Tomlinson.

There are some decent options in Free Agency. I think we can get a RB there and go with Forte, FA, and Bell.

So I'm not the only eager person doing 7 round mocks already. So I did looked around and have a list of some possible names being thrown around for the Bears right now. Jason Fox - T - Miami (3rd Rd) Matt Tennant - OL - Boston College (3) Lamarr Houston - DT - Texas (3) Kam Chancellor - FS - Virginia Tech (3) Tyson Alualu - DT - California (4th Rd) Dezmon Briscoe - WR - Kansas (4) Jamar Wall - CB - Texas Tech (4) Austen Lane - DE - Murray State (4) Tim Hiller - QB - Western Michigan (5th Rd) Rodderick Muckelroy - LB - Texas (5) Brandon Carter - OG - Texas Tech (5) Ran Stamper - OLB - Florida (6) John Skelton - QB - Fordham (6) Stevie Brown - S - Michigan (7) LeGarrette Blount - RB - Oregon (7) I see a lot of suggestions for OL and DL, which I like to see. Also I found this tidbit that was interesting from RealGM: So apparently, height is out and its all about quickness. Means we could maybe see a good return from Hester while not really missing a beat because we still have Knox.

On one hand it makes me sick that we're getting another guy who is just a Lovie guy. On the other hand it makes me happy that we will have a new coach in 2011 and Lovie is just a figure head. That makes me mad Cutler will get another new OC. Also makes me mad I have to sit through a whole season of this. Overall I'm angry. I need to find a college team to root for next season.

He was a strong option, but not the clear best or only one.

Alright, here's my shot at an offseason plan. Subject to major changes, obviously. Coordinators: Offense- Definitely would look into bringing someone good enough to stick around even if Lovie/Angelo get the can. Weis is interesting, but I'm going to take a chance on the less established Jeremy Bates. He mainly gets the edge because of Cutler. Defense- This I'm actually kind of apathetic on. I would love to say it would be interesting to get some new ideas in, but I don't see that working well with Lovie still head coach. So I'm actually going to take the safe/boring/annoying route and go for Perry Fewell. I don't really expect much except for the opportunity to bring in a brand new defensive scheme in 2011. If I wanted to be imaginative, I'm not sure who I'd hire, but I'd look for a positional coach from a 3-4 scheme, and force him and Lovie to implement aspects of both schemes. Free Agency: Any restricted free agents are pretty much off limits because we don't have picks and the whole FA process is in huge question. The one area I look at though is OL. Evans sounds real nice, but unrealistic, so I'm going for Mankins. I'm not a big fan of building through FA, and since this should be a weak class anyways, thats my one big splash. I also would look for a RT to compete with Shaffer. I also look for a RB. Sproles, Washington, and Norwood are all names I'd consider. For the rest of offense, I'd love to make a splash with a big WR like Marshall or Jackson, but I don't see it happening. On defense I'd like to see some depth on the line, but I don't see any big spashes being made. In the secondary I see if I can get a bargain on OJ Atogowe who is coming off injury. Trades: Hester for a second round pick. Allows us to address some other issues with a higher pick. Knox can do most of what Hester can. I'd also consider shopping Briggs, but would probably only do it as a draft day trade if we could trade him for a first rounder when some player slips. Draft (still early, so this in mainly a positional thing because player draft stocks will obviously change) 2- DT- Tyson Alualu- Cal - Put up some good numbers, and looks to have good size and speed for a DT in our system. Also a message to Harris to perform or get out. (Also consider OL) 3- CB- Kyle Wilson- Boise- Good speed and some decent size adds some depth to our secondary (Also consider OL) 4- OG- Mitch Petrus- Arkansas - Couldn't ignore the OL anymore. Looks like a good prospect. Would also consider a OT here. 5- WR- Marcus Easley- UConn- There are some concerns as he has only had one big year, so he's not high on draft boards now. At 6'2" 215 with 4.4 speed that may change by the draft. If it doesn't I take a chance here. 6- OLB- Rico McCoy- Tenn- LB is one of our deepest positions, but also one of the older units. Bring in some youth since our attempt at a LB pick last year failed. 7- OT- Will Barker- Virginia - Bringing in some more line depth is all. Big body could become RT. Depth Chart QB- Cutler, Hanie (You could bring someone else besides Hanie if you want, but if Cutler goes down I don't really think it matters.) RB- Forte, Washington(FA), Bell FB- Will Ta'ufo'ou (McKie is old, so yea, I'm going with the youth here) WR- Aromashodu, Knox, Bennett, Iglesias, Easley (Yea we still lack the #1 we need, but bring in a real OC and get it to work) TE- Olsen, Clark, Davis (there is room for improvement, but this is one of our most solid units, don't mess with it) OT- Williams, Shaffer/FA, Louis OG- Mankins, Petrus, Garza, Omilaye C- Beekman (See ya Olin. Time for the Beekman era at C, with two new G. Tackles don't change much) DE- Brown, Adams, Gilbert, Melton (Brown is one of our most dependable players. I move Gilbert to DE. Him and Adams offer some different things. Marinelli has a whole offseason to mold them. A big risk, but one I'm taking. Don't bring back Anderson and Ogunleye) DT- Harris, Alualu, Idonije NT- Harrison, Adams OLB- Briggs, Roach, Williams, Shaw (Pisa would also be nice, but there are injury concerns) ILB- Urlacher, Hillenmeyer (Hunter surprisingly earned his spot on the team this season) CB- Tillman, Graham, Bowman, Wilson, Moore (See ya Vasher. What happened to Graham this season? I think he could still be starter material) FS- Atogowe, Manning (Manning is useful as long as its a nickleback and return man) SS- Payne, Afalava LS- Mannelly (Our second best player this year) K- Gould (Our best player this year) P- Maynard (He annoys me at times, but is still solid enough) Thats only 49, which actually leaves room for 4 more spots. Will probably need another DB. Could bring in a 3rd string QB to develop (especially if we get a OC who can develop QBs). Other than that, maybe you do make another big FA splash with a #1 WR or a good DE. Otherwise its all about those fringe players and you're pretty open as to what positions you fill. Overall, not a huge difference, but that puts it on the coaching staff. Put up the results or get out.

So nothing new. We'll see what happens, but I'm thinking Lovie is definitely a lame duck until next season.

I'm gonna be so bummed at 2:00pm tomorrow. Even though I'm bracing myself for it, I just don't want Lovie back. The only thing I have to say is that I hope the past two weeks didn't have anything to do with the decision to retain him. My favorite team next year is my fantasy team. Sorry Bears.

If Lovie is back I'm finding a new team to cheer for next season. If Turner is back I may never cheer for the Bears again.

I don't know about him staying in Chicago or not, but bearing a major injury, he is opting out. No doubt. At the very least he can make the same amount as now but tack on a few extra years of guaranteed cash.

Haven't read much in this thread, but we better not offer Byrd a 3rd year unless its a team option. And please no ridiculous back loading of his contract. I'd rather settle for Podsenik than give out another bad contract.

The thing that sucks is that the players we have coming off the books soon are some of our more productive players. The key will be to not back load contract so irresponsibly in the future. Also keep contracts at a reasonable length. The only time I ever want to see a Lilly type of back loaded deal ever again is if we are legitimately one step away and know that come contracts will come off the books the next year. Money coming off books: 2010 : $40.75M Lee $13M Lilly $12M Ramirez $15.75M (PO for $14.6M in '11, TO for $16M in '12) 2011: $27.75M Fukudome $13.5M Grabrow $3.75M *couldn't find contract breakdown Silva $10.5M (I subtracted the 3M from Seattle, and added the $2M buyout) 2012: $14M Dempster $14M (PO, he'll take) 2013- $19.25M Zambrano $19.25M 2104- $18M Soriano $18M So we actually have $68.5M coming off the books the next two years (I assume ARam opts out), but I'd only classify $14.25 of that as really dead weight. Fukudome is kind of the wildcard. As a CF he is at least somewhat worth is contract. As a RF, I'd also classify him as dead weight. I'd say we take our 2010/11 money and pay to keep those three guys or pay for comparable players to replace their production. With the new deals, I'd structure them to pay as much in 2010/11 as possible, even potentially front loading them a bit. Then I could see some bigger pay days in 2011 and 2012, hopefully coincided with some of our young talent beginning to make an impact.

Coco Crisp would also make this season worth while: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mjuWEw8LPBw/RxYTNL9sAjI/AAAAAAAAALs/uBomuNs4EH0/s1600/cocokrispies.jpg

Screw it, we're probably going to suck either way, so I say Scott Podsenick. http://www.fantasybaseballdugout.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lisadergan3.jpg We can salvage something out of this season.

I could kind of buy some of that because as an employer you have to set guidelines from what to expect from an employee. Now while I'm not really sure what Milton publicly did that was so damaging, I'll just give them the benefit of the doubt that something occurred behind the scenes. Here's my problem though: We gave him most of his negative value! We threw him under the bus and made it be known that moving him was our number one priority. We gave ourselves the lower hand in negotiations. If you are going to be deadset on trading a guy, you should try anything you can to raise his value not trade it. Its the same [expletive] that happened with Sosa.

rofl. Hey if this tight knit clubhouse can handle a malcontent, why did we have to trade away Bradley. Oh I get it, we're one of those ball clubs who can handle a malcontent, so long as we don't actually have one on the team. rolfmaobbq.

The WR position isn't a huge strength, but unlike most of out other needs it can be filled with just one person, that person just needs to be a legit number one. Drafting one in the 3rd round for instance, does nothing. Basically its Marshall/Jackson or bust for me. If not one of them, might as well take the young guys we have for another year. OL probably needs at least 2 new additions, and another one or two in following year or two. Actually Beekman is the only on I feel comfortable penciling in past 2010. And even then thats still just pencil. Williams I'm fine penciling in for next year, but if he doesn't improve... My current off season plan. 1. Bring in new coach and staff. If they're willing to blow money on a big name thats good, but if we need to be cheap then take a chance on a first time head coach. Anything but our current situation. 2. Sign Marshall (unlikely) or Vincent Jackson. 3. Trade Hester for best set of picks you can. We have depth and a new #1, so it doesn't hurt. Selling high too. 4. Trade Briggs for best set of picks you can. This hurts, but we're probably selling high here as well, and have depth at LB. 5. Sign the best OL you can, whether it be G or T. No old guys either. With our draft focus our first few picks (hopefully Hester and Briggs net us a 2nd and 3rd at least) focus on OL and DL. Offense would look like: Cutler, Hanie Forte, Bell, Draft Pick McKie or whatever Jackson, Bennett, Knox, Aroshoyourmomma, Enrique Olsen, Clark, Davis Williams, Beekman, Kruetz (don't necessarily want him, but he aint going anywhere), Draft Pick, FA, other draft picks Defense is hard to say because a new coach might bring in the 3-4. I'll just assume a 4-3 though. Brown, Harris, Harrison, Pool Boy, Adams, Draft Picks (Gaines Adams and Anderson need to prove worth), perhaps Melton Roach, Williams, Urlacher, Pisa (if we think he recovers from injuries), maybe Hunter Tillman, Graham, Bowman (cut Vasher) Afalava, Payne, Manning, draft picks The defense is filled out with other draft picks and a couple FA signings. If by chance we brought in a new system, almost no one is a guarantee on that Defense. I think Alex Brown would do well as a DE in the 3-4. Adams/Harrison can probably play NT. Harris I'm not sure about. Anderson and Gaines Adams actually stand a better chance with a switch to OLB. DBs probably don't change much.