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General Category => Archives => Topic started by: Pekin on February 05, 2015, 05:53:07 pm
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Bears and Patriots schedule joint practices in preseason
Posted by Darin Gantt on May 16, 2016, 1:09 PM EDT
FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 02: Head coach John Fox of the Denver Broncos shakes hands with head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots after a game at Gillette Stadium on November 2, 2014 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Bears haven’t been afraid to do business with the Patriots, and they’re going to be up there anyway, so they might as well swing by a few days early.
Via Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, the Patriots will host the Bears for two days of joint practices on Aug. 15-16. They’re playing each other at Gillette Stadium on Aug. 18.
There’s some cross-pollenation between the two teams, but the most curious to watch this season will be the way tight end Martellus Bennett adapts to his new address.
The Bears shipped him to New England in March in exchange for a swap of draft picks (the difference between a fourth and a sixth). He gives New England another potentially explosive target in the passing game, and being there in a contract year should give him plenty of incentive to perform.
The Patriots had also discussed a workout with the Saints, after traveling to West Virginia to hang out last summer, but nothing has been arranged.
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Braverman made a handful of grabs on underneath routes, using his quickness and burst out of his break to consistently create separation. He doesn't have good size at all but as far as his skill set as a receiver, he's a legitimate NFL pass catcher.
If you look at the WRs that graded out similar to Braverman they were taken in the 3rd thru the 5th rounds. Guess nobody wanted a short white wide receiver. I like his chances of making the team or at least the PS.
-OLB Roy Robertson-Harris is a physical specimen. At 6-7, 255, he's taller and heavier than Leonard Floyd. Robertson-Harris doesn't have the same quickness as Floyd but he's agile enough and showed decent change-of-direction ability. A UDFA out of UTEP, he's worth keeping an eye on, as he has an NFL-caliber body, with decent movement skills.
Of our FA signings, this guy and the TE from Harvard stood out. Robertson-Harris might be an OLB prospect (not sure if he is quick enough) but maybe they can grow him into a DE.
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Notes from Day 3
-For the second day in a row, RB Jordan Howard did not do anything more than stand on the sidelines and watch his teammates practice. No part of his body was wrapped or showed any type of injury.
-RB Romar Morris, a rookie tryout player from North Carolina, had the lightest feet of any player in camp. His ability to stop-cut and slant on a dime was unmatched.
Yet, while he's extremely agile and quick, he made a couple of crucial mistakes. During positional drills, he ran a flat route that was 5 yards too deep. That earned him an earful from running backs coach Stan Drayton, who pointed out that Romar was still making the same mistakes he was making on Friday.
Later during team drills, Romar fumbled a handoff from QB Sean Goodrich. After practice, special teams coach Jeff Rodgers discussed the importance of showing improvement throughout the three-day process.
"The thing we're really trying to find out is can these guys continue to progress each day?" Rodgers said. "Can they be better during the walk through on Friday afternoon than they were in the morning? Can they be better Saturday morning than they were Friday morning? That's collectively but it's also individually."
Romar's mistakes today likely sealed his NFL fate, which just gives us a glimpse at the cutthroat nature of making an NFL roster.
-Just like yesterday, seventh-round WR Daniel Braverman was almost impossible to cover today. His most impressive catch came against man coverage, with fourth-round CB Deiondre Hall in press. Braverman stemmed his route to five yards before breaking inside. The quick cut left Hall in his wake, yet the pass to the crossing route was high. Braverman elevated and snatched the ball out of the air, showing very sticky hands.
-OLB Royce Jenkins-Stone, a rookie tryout player from Michigan, had a nice set of plays during team drills.
On the first snap, he set the edge against TE Gannon Sinclair on a stretch run. Jenkins-Stone cut off the outside lane, which forced the runner back inside to the rest of the defense.
On the very next snap, Jenkins-Stone timed the snap and shot around the edge of UDF RT Adrian Bellard. It would have been a two-second sack in a real game.
-During team drills, WR Kieran Duncan ran a deep post and QB Dalyn Williams fired the pass 40 yards down the field. From the opposite hash, fourth-round safety Deon Bush crossed the field, took a perfect angle of pursuit and knocked the pass away.
Bush played mostly in the box at strong safety this weekend but he showed good range as a center fielder on this play.
-On that deep pass to Duncan, it's worth noting that Hall was right in the receiver's hip pocket and would have had the opportunity at a PBU had Bush not knocked the ball away.
Later in the session, I got a clear look at where Hall's arm length is going to help him as an NFL corner. In man coverage, he backpedaled to 15 yard before the receiver stopped his route on a hitch. Hall broke forward, reached around the receiver and was able to barely get his fingertip on the pass, knocking it away. It was a play that an average cornerback with normal arms would not have been able to make.
-In sub packages, CB Kevin Peterson, a UDFA out of Oklahoma State, was used in the slot. During one of the final plays of team drills, Peterson made the defensive play of the weekend. On a deep pass to the tight end down the seam, Peterson undercut the ball and pulled down the interception.
It was the only turnover I witnessed the past two days, which should help Peterson as he fights for a roster spot heading into OTAs.
-First-round OLB Leonard Floyd has been used as much in coverage as he has a pass rusher the past two days. His experience in coverage is not going to go to waste in Chicago's defense.
On one snap, he lined up 5 yards deep across from the slot receiver. He then sat in his zone and shadowed the running back out of the backfield, before breaking on a pass inside. He didn't make a play on the ball but his movement and change-of-direction ability were on display.
-TE Ben Braunecker, a UDFA out of Harvard, had a solid day as a pass catcher. During 11-on-11 drills, he made a pair of nice catches in traffic on go routes down the seam.
Later in team drills, he ran skinny post and plucked a high pass out of the air. The Bears need a pass-catching tight end to step up and serve as Zach Miller's backup this season. Over the last two days, Braunecker has taken a big step toward landing that role.
-WR Jacob Hillyer (6-4, 212) has good size and speed, and twice broke free down the field today. Unfortunately, he was overthrown by Goldrich both times. Hillyer is a baller, Goldrich is not.
-On one snap this afternoon, second-round guard Cody Whitehair was asked to pull and lead on a trap play up the gut. Notable was the quickness with which Whitehair moved down the line and into the hole. He then found a linebacker and locked him up.
Whitehair definitely has good athleticism.
-The catch of the day came WR Kieran Duncan. On a simple hitch route, Duncan used his arms to fight off press coverage and create separation out of his break. As he broke inside, the pass was thrown far too wide, yet Duncan was able to adjust his body and make the diving grab, which elicited rave reviews from the coaching staff.
-OT John Kling (6-8, 320) is a mammoth human being. He doesn't move well but the UDFA out of Buffalo was swallowing up defenders all day today.
-The play of the day on offense came on a naked bootleg that fooled almost the entire defense. Goldrich rolled right after the play fake and sprinted to the sideline before launching a deep pass. WR Darrin Peterson, a UDFA out of Liberty, was wide open at the 10-yard line and strolled into the end zone untouched. Peterson has good size (6-2, 190) and looked pretty good this weekend.
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As for the LT issue, it's baffling to me. I have no idea why they are ignoring that position. I think right now the weakest spot on the team is probably TE followed by cornerback and then that stupid LT spot. Safety had a bunch of bodies thrown at it so time will tell on that one and we finally got a competent backup for Cut.
Bears think they can get by with Leno at LT. I don't know how he graded out but his sack/penalty numbers were as good or better than the other LTs in the division. He's not a road grader in the run game but he's quick on his feet and an effective pass blocker which is priority #1 for that position.
Starting quality LTs go early in most drafts - it's very difficult to find one in later rounds. I believe Bears took a chance in the 2nd round when they traded down their 10th pick to 19. Packers did a quick trade to get #18 and took Jason Spriggs who many project as a LT. Some say that was who the Bears were after. Bears then traded down again and picked up another 4th rounder then took Whitehair. So we didn't get Spriggs but got Whitehair and a couple of draft picks in the mid rounds.
I'd rank TE as more of a concern over LT only because of Miller is older and had an injury history and the depth sucks. CB is still a trouble spot with Fuller and Porter and not much after that. Safety has been well addressed in the draft as was WR and HB.
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Notes from Day 2
-Fifth-round RB Jordan Howard practiced fully yesterday but was not participating today. The Bears are not required to release any information regarding injuries until the regular season, so the reason for Howard's absence is unknown. He was present on the sidelines but did not even work during individual drills.
Notable concerning Howard: he did not appear as big as I thought he would. For a player listed at 6-1, 230, I expected a round, fullback body type. Instead, Howard looked relatively fit, with no extra baggage around the middle. It appears most of that weight is muscle.
-First-round OLB Leonard Floyd is tall and very thin. Having seen him up close at his post-draft press conference, he's just as spindly on the practice field. Yet Floyd's quickness stood out today, while he also showed good shiftiness and burst post-snap. His agility can make him difficult to block.
-Third-round DL Jonathan Bullard is bigger than I expected. He's 6-3, 285, which is by no mean small, but he has more thickness than I expected from a 3-technique. That girth should help him two-gap on run downs as a 5-technique.
On one snap during 11-on-11 drills, the offense ran a stretch play away from Bullard, who was lined up at defensive end. Bullard shot the gap and crossed the face of RT John Kling. Bullard ripped through the arm block and was in the backfield in an instant. He then chased down the ball carrier from behind.
Trench play is very difficult to evaluate without pads, so it's too early to make any concrete declarations about the offensive or defensive linemen. Yet this snap by Bullard showed why the coaching staff are so high on him as a penetrating, one-gap pass rusher.
"My get-off and my play recognition [are my strengths]," Bullard said after practice. "I do a good job of reading offensive linemen, kind of knowing what they're saying, kind of learning that throughout the game and getting the upper hand where I can shoot gaps and kind of expect blocks."
Bullard said he learned about the importance of a quick first snap from former Florida teammate Dominique Easley, who was a 2014 first-round pick of the New England Patriots.
"My freshman year when I came in and saw Dominique Easley get off the ball," said Bullard. "He had the fastest get-off I had ever seen and freshman year, that's who I was behind so I just watched him and see how much it helped him and I just picked up from it and it kind of stuck with me."
-The rumors about Deiondre Hall's arm length (34 3/8 inches) have not been exaggerated. He is absolutely, 100-percent as long as he's been described. His arm length, for a 199-pound defensive back, is freakish.
"I didn’t really hit a growth spurt until my freshman year of college," said Hall. "So once I started filling-in to my body, that’s when it became a point of emphasis for a lot of the coaches to utilize that.”
Hall's size and wingspan are on an entirely different level in terms of NFL cornerbacks. Yet he's clearly a work in progress. On one snap today, he was beat on a sideline route by WR Darrin Peterson, who made a nice over-the-shoulder grab, while keeping his feet in bounds. Hall was not aware of the pass, never saw the ball coming and was not in a position to make a play on the ball.
Hall thought Peterson was out of bounds, and was vocal about that fact, but either way, he got beat.
-Fourth-round ILB Nick Kwiatkoski is very light on his feet. He's a patient linebacker who shows good elusiveness at the second level. His slippery ability to work around offensive lineman will make him hard to block at the second level.
-Fourth-round S Deon Bush played almost exclusively in the box today in both Cover 1 and Cover 3. Sixth rounder DeAndre Houston-Carson worked mainly as a free safety.
-Seventh-round WR Daniel Braverman is every bit as quick as most expected. He was a load for defensive backs all afternoon and was clearly the favorite target for QB Dalyn Williams.
Braverman made a handful of grabs on underneath routes, using his quickness and burst out of his break to consistently create separation. He doesn't have good size at all but as far as his skill set as a receiver, he's a legitimate NFL pass catcher.
Worth noting is Braverman's effort on a reverse play, in which he locked up the defender and blocked him well down the field for nearly 10 seconds. He's a gamer in every area.
-Second-round OL Cody Whitehair worked with the first team at left guard the entire afternoon. Without pads, he was tough to gauge, but he did shows good balance in pass sets.
-OLB Roy Robertson-Harris is a physical specimen. At 6-7, 255, he's taller and heavier than Leonard Floyd. Robertson-Harris doesn't have the same quickness as Floyd but he's agile enough and showed decent change-of-direction ability. A UDFA out of UTEP, he's worth keeping an eye on, as he has an NFL-caliber body, with decent movement skills.
-FB Paul Lasike, who was on Chicago's practice squad last season, was one of a handful of non-rookies to participate in today's practice. Lasike is a wide body (5-11, 232) who is very light on his feet and has good hands. If the Bears are going to roster a fullback this year, Lasike will very likely be that guy.
-Arguably the most impressive player today was WR Derek Keaton, a UDFA out of Georgia Southern. On one of the first snaps of team drills, Keaton carried CB Kevin Peterson, a UDFA out of Oklahoma State, on his back on a crossing route before making the catch.
Later, Keaton ran a fly route down the left sideline, beating CB Robert Porter to the front pylon and securing the touchdown in the end zone. It was a snap that showed Keaton's speed and his ability to track the deep ball. Very impressive.
Keaton was also one of four players returning punts during the special teams session, along with RB Romar Morris and WR Kieren Duncan, both tryout players, and Braverman.
-QB Sean Goldrich has good size but he's not an NFL QB, as he has highly questionable arm strength and decision making. On one snap, he threw a dead duck into traffic on a 15-yard seam route. I'm pretty sure I heard a few of the coaches laughing at the horrible throw.
-On the other hand, QB Dalyn Williams, from Dartmouth, had a strong afternoon. He connected with Keaton on the go-route TD, dropping the ball in perfectly over the top of the defense, and also found Darrin Peterson on the aforementioned sideline route. It was a beautiful touch pass that only the receiver could catch.
If Williams has another strong outing tomorrow, he might earn himself an invite to training camp.
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I think the Bears feel like Leno did well enough and that if something happens with him that Kyle could play LT and plug another guy in at RG.
I imagine they had to feel REALLY comfortable with Leno when they could have taken Tunsil. I'm sure Miami feels like they won the lottery with him falling to them.
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Where did Leno rank last year in terms of left tackles? Perhaps the Bears are satisfied with his performance over what is available?
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Some played both positions in college and may play either with the Bears. Injuries happen. You never have enough CBs.
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I think in a couple of cases they might have played CB but the brass thought they could play S.
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If you guys research the S draft picks. One if not two could easily be a CB. I am too lazy to name which ones but go the Bears site and watch all the videos on each pick and you will figure it out easy enough.
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It's incredibly difficult to make a pro teams roster so anyone who does should consider themselves very lucky and make the absolute most of the opportunity.
As for the LT issue, it's baffling to me. I have no idea why they are ignoring that position. I think right now the weakest spot on the team is probably TE followed by cornerback and then that stupid LT spot. Safety had a bunch of bodies thrown at it so time will tell on that one and we finally got a competent backup for Cut.
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There is a blast from the past. I liked Terry Williams. I hope he makes the roster this year.
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The Chicago Bears have 64 players in for rookie minicamp, including nine draft picks and 39 tryout players.
No tryout players from last year's rookie camp ever made the active 46-man gameday roster, and defensive tackle Terry Williams was the only tryout guy to ever make the 53-man roster, which he did in Week 17. Williams is one of six current veterans practicing this weekend.
Both quarterbacks are rookies in for a tryout: Dartmouth's Dalyn Williams and New Hampshire's Sean Goldrich.
The Bears will practice at 10:45 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 10:30 on Sunday.
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With the 100 or so LBs on this team might we trade for a real LT? Don't get me wrong I liked the draft,but,seriously,two drafts under Pace's belt and not a serious effort to shore up that position.Geez.
I liked the two undrafted CBs Pace picked up.After looking at their videos they look better than the guys he drafted in the 4th and 6th rounds.
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TE position solved!
It was just one of those numerous roster-shufflings that occur from about this time of year on through the end of training camp. Or was it? Or was it a move that the Bears hope will re-create some very distinguished history for themselves?
Greg Scruggs, a defensive lineman who signed with the Bears last Dec. 30 after being waived by the Seattle Seahawks, was good enough to post three solo tackles and earn a sack in a Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Bears now appear convinced that he’s enough of an athlete to move him to tight end, complete with a number change from 90 to 87.
Scruggs did play a little tight end at Louisville on a fill-in basis and the Bears have been looking for help at the position ever since dealing away Martellus Bennett.
They made a play for New Orleans Saints tight end Josh Hill but the Saints matched the Bears’ offer sheet to the restricted free agent. They’d hoped to use a draft choice on Hunter Henry from Arkansas but were beaten to him by the San Diego Chargers, who selected Henry six picks before the Bears’ second-round selection.
The Bears also used two of their 10 UDFA signings on tight ends (Ben Braunecker from Harvard, Joe Sommers from Wisconsin-Oshkosh). Now comes Scruggs.
Converting defensive linemen to offense has worked very, very well for the Bears. Mark Bortz had been a defensive tackle at Iowa when the Bears used an eighth-round pick in the 1983 draft to land him, with the intention of moving him to offense. Bortz became a fixture on the Bears offensive line of the 1980's and was twice selected to NFC Pro Bowl squads.
James “Big Cat” Williams arrived in 1991 as an undrafted defensive tackle out of Cheney State. He was shifted to offensive tackle part time in 1992, then moved permanently to that side of the football by then-coach Tony Wise. Williams was a Pro Bowl alternate in 1998 and voted to the team in 2001.
For that matter, Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long was a defensive end at Saddleback (Cal.) Community College before moving to offense.
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Sounds like a potential swing tackle to develop. Hooray that ought to impress JJ. ;D ;D
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The Chicago Bears announced a pair of minor roster moves Thursday morning, finalizing the signing of undrafted rookie offensive lineman Adrian Bellard and waiving defensive back Anthony Jefferson.
The move comes a day before the team will begin its on-field work at Halas Hall for its three-day rookie minicamp.
Bellard played his college ball at Texas State and started 36 consecutive games for the Bobcats. At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Bellard is best fit to play offensive tackle but has the ability to play guard as well.
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Bears sign eight undrafted free agents
Posted by Zac Jackson on May 6, 2016, 9:07 PM EDT
Buffalo Bills v Chicago Bears
Getty Images
The Bears signed eight undrafted free agents on Friday.
The eight are tight end Joe Sommers (Wisconsin-Oshkosh), tight end Ben Braunecker (Harvard), center Dan Bucholz (Duquesne), cornerback Taveze Calhoun (Mississippi State), linebacker Don Cherry (Villanova), wide receiver Derek Keaton (Georgia Southern), offensive tackle John Kling (Buffalo) and linebacker Roy Robertson-Harris (UTEP).
The Bears will have those players and a group of tryout players in for a rookie minicamp May 13-15.
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The title page is STILL the 2016 CHICAGO BEARS !!
Or soon to be.
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....And no 6 LTs either although they did sign a UDFA.
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We Signed three and Drafted six on Defense.
That's a hellova lotta Defense!
Now how do we stack NINE players ?
Where ya gonna put em at ?
I like having this problem !
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We may be a year away we may be 2 years away...or we could be 4 months away.
How many teams think they've improved after a year of free agency and the draft? 32 How many teams think they have a shot at the playoffs? 32
And you can never count on strength of schedule or rookies in predicting success of a team in a particular season.
That's why I don't make predictions on win/loss.
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I guess if you look ahead and think about our realistic chances of making any real noise in the playoffs, we are still a year away.
Exactly. Its hard to imagine the playoffs (10-6) with a bunch of rookies and 2nd year players. Its too easy to get caught up in upside after the draft when in reality the players haven't even dressed for a game. They haven't competed against NFL players or even been in an NFL game. Its like preseason wins. They don't count in the standings.
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I can't comment on team chemistry issues with Marshall and Bennett - I just see what happens between the lines and I had no issues there. But I can understand that the players have to conform to the new coach's philosophy and apparently Fox didn't appreciate eccentric behavior.
As for Slauson's ranking among other guards:
Slauson was owed just under $3 million this season. The move is surprising after Slauson finished No. 18 in Pro Football Focus' 2015 guard ratings, with a top-ten rank in pass protection. He allowed one sack in 16 starts, and just turned 30 in February. While the Bears are moving on with second-round pick Cody Whitehair at left guard, a good guard just hit the free agent market.
I've heard that his visiting San Diego and Buffalo who are considering moving to right tackle (someone better measure his arms).
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I am just saying that our team as it was constructed was floundering. The stars we had were either in the final quarter of their careers or malcontents or not good for team chemistry. Of the players released, Slauson is the biggest head scratcher as lineman tend to play longer into their 30s than skill position players. But this could also about team leadership as I posted earlier. I am not sure I would place Saluson in the top 30%, but he was solid.
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And experience got us, sub 500 records the last three years.
I have to disagree. I have no problem with the experience and contributions of Forte, Bennett, Marshall, and Slauson. Those guys were pro-bowl quality and Slauson was probably top 20-30% at his position.
What got us to sub .500 was a total failure of our GMs to draft quality players. Into 2015, Fuller, McClellan, Jones and Ferguson were the only starters drafted by Angelo/Emery. This year I expect only one of those guys to be starting.
Offensively, we had Forte, Jefferies, Leno and Long. So that's 3 on offense to go with 1 on defense that are starters from before Pace.
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I guess if you look ahead and think about our realistic chances of making any real noise in the playoffs, we are still a year away. Getting younger and getting those guys experience makes sense if you are building for a run next year. Yes, we can be competitive thus year, we were competitive next year but it seems to me that Pace is building a team that does more than just sniff the playoffs.
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Rolle did nothing for us with his experience and Mundy before that. I stated before that Slauson was a solid pro. A player that you could say I am glad he is a Bear. Forte, the same. Forte was actually better at his position. I have to agree that it looks like Pace is building this team through the draft. And experience got us, sub 500 records the last three years.
I don't know that this plan will work, or that the players chosen can execute the plan. But the results are in on how it worked out before.
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I think that's been some of their motivation in changing up the roster-getting much younger. Not a bad idea really....but we don't want to get rid of too much experience.
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Bears had been one of the oldest teams in the league.
Also, the Bears were at the bottom of the league going into this draft with the number of their own draftees still on the team...something like 18.
Pace is doing his best to make the Bears younger and more homegrown - it's a young man's game.
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There are only 4 guys on the roster now older than 30...
Cutler, Miller, Ramirez, and Gould
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Stelz, lol....
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I would think that for all $$$ the Bears pay their players, they would have the best possible surface in the history of surfaces.
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Antrel Rolle blames Bears' facilities for season-ending knee injury
3:33 PM ET
Jeff Dickerson
ESPN Staff Writer
Former Chicago Bears safety Antrel Rolle blames unsatisfactory field conditions at Halas Hall for the season-ending knee injury he suffered last November.
"The surfaces in the Chicago facilities are the worst I’ve ever been around, I’m just gonna be honest with you," Rolle told the New York Post. "I slipped on the surface, I wasn’t even running -- I was just kind of shuffling and slipped."
The Bears released Rolle, 33, on Sunday after he played in just seven games in 2015.
On the final play of Friday’s practice leading up to Chicago’s Nov. 22 game against the Denver Broncos, Rolle tore the MCL in his right knee. Rolle missed the next two weeks before the Bears placed him on injured reserve. The 33-year old safety also missed two games in October with a high right ankle sprain.
At the time, Bears coach John Fox provided few details on Rolle’s practice-field injury other than to say Rolle was hurt in a non-contact workout.
Rolle told the New York Post he is fully healthy and that he participated in Chicago’s voluntary offseason program without restrictions prior to being released.
Before joining Chicago, Rolle had been extremely durable since he entered the league as a first-round pick in 2005. He missed only one game while a member of the Cardinals and Giants from 2006 to 2016.
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What they did was draft a guy in a position we didn't need and then cut Slauson and made it a need when he was doing fine, even great. Bizarre....the only thing that makes sense is chase the $$ here because otherwise it don't make sense....
They kind of did the same thing last year but in reverse. Dumped Marshall then had to go WR high in the draft - Kevin White.
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The $$$ and age, I can see it. They gotta pay Jeffrey:-) Maybe they have something else in the works. I think we will like the Rb pick. He has some decent moves and speed for a big guy. I bet late in a game defenses aren't going to want to see him coming in their hole.
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What they did was draft a guy in a position we didn't need and then cut Slauson and made it a need when he was doing fine, even great. Bizarre....the only thing that makes sense is chase the $$ here because otherwise it don't make sense....
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Grasu started 6 of our last 7 games (he missed the Detroit game with a minor injury).
His knock on him coming into the last draft was his size/strength. He's 6-3 so hopefully that's been corrected in the offseason and he's put on a few lbs.
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Fingers crossed Grasu put on some weight and strength this off season. It would be nice if he could hold down the C position.
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True. But there will be growing pains getting there, rookie mistakes, How long will it take to right the ship and sail on? One season? More?
I dunno. But this guy was the top ranked guard in the entire draft. Barring injury I wouldn't bet against him. Long started right away...Grasu started game 5.
And of course, now he doesn't have to beat out Slauson.
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True. But there will be growing pains getting there, rookie mistakes, How long will it take to right the ship and sail on? One season? More?
Seriously ? If what we did plays out I could see us IN THE SHHT in two more drafts.
Lets assume the Defense works out as planned ... in 2017 go Offense ...
if that works out ... Special teams in 2018. You have your team.
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True. But there will be growing pains getting there, rookie mistakes, How long will it take to right the ship and sail on? One season? More?
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Bears felt Whitehair probably couldn't beat out Slauson next year so they dumped Slauson and his contract, even though it wasn't that big. Nobody here was thrilled with the Whitehair pick but one thing that I kept reading was that he will be an NFL starter day 1. Larsen is insurance if he isn't.
Bears had similar thinking with Forte and Langford. They probably figured that no one would take Forte's job if he was still here so they didn't re-sign him. The drafting of Howard mitigates the risk of starting Langford.
Questionable short term decisions but probably the correct long term decisions. Slauson will have plenty of time to find a job even after the draft. Figure some teams may not have gotten the guard they needed (kind of like us at TE).
As for Rolle, I didn't see noticeable drop-off with Prosinski and Jones-quartey.
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I would say the plan was to improve and get younger in the secondary in a pass-first league, but that's just me...
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I'd have to see what happens on the field first.
Nobody in their right gourd drafts 3 safety's unless they have a plan.
Halas Hall is too fockin far out right now. You don't know what the thinking is.
Especially after the first two picks.
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There went the offense ... and what's left is unproven.
Exactly. 6-10? Probably the best we can expect.
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Didn't Ramirez or Larsen have some C experience? Maybe that was the thinking in letting Slauson go. I don't like it, but it just got easier for Whitehair to get on the field.
I still don't get it. ???
But this is a team that let Marshall - Bennett - Forte go.
There went the offense ... and what's left is unproven.
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Didn't Ramirez or Larsen have some C experience? Maybe that was the thinking in letting Slauson go. I don't like it, but it just got easier for Whitehair to get on the field.
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Stupid move, totally. Slauson was a great player....just stupid...
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Yeah, I'm not feeling the Slauson cut at all. I'll have file this one into the WTF Pace folder along with trading a 6th round pick for a TE most famous for making coaching impressions.
Leming so far is the only one that has mentioned possible health issues, but he played every snap. According to Silva, PFF ranked Slauson as the #18 guard out of 82 and was top 10 in pass pro.
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Slauson I'd say is shock to me. I sure didn't expect that. That Oline is in real turmoil right now. Looks Like Massie and Long are the only sure thing
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Florio is an idiot. Why would they release them before they even knew they would get their replacement in the draft?
By the way I think cutting Slauson is stupid! Between injuries and how decent a player he has been why cut him?
He wasn't making that much and the Bears aren't up against the cap at all. Good character guy and a good player.
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Bears part ways with Matt Slauson, too
Posted by Mike Florio on May 1, 2016, 6:59 PM EDT
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AP
A pair of veteran players are now former members of the Bears. On Sunday evening, the Bears officially released offensive lineman Matt Slauson and safety Antrel Rolle.
“We thank Matt and Antrel for the dedication and leadership they brought to our organization,” Bears G.M. Ryan Pace said in a press release. “Both men did everything we asked of them. Part of growing as a team is making difficult decisions like the ones we made today. We never take them lightly given the respect we have for everyone who has put on a Bears uniform. We wish each of them the very best as they move forward.”
Slauson, 30, started all 16 games last year, his third with the Bears. He previously played for the Jets.
Due to make $2.887 million in 2016, Slauson will count $835,000 against the cap. If the Bears made him a post-June 1 cut, that amount will be split over the next two years.
Both Slauson and Rolle become immediate free agents. Still, it would have been far better for both to become free agents long before the draft, and definitely not after it ended.
Pace can say what he wants about respecting Rolle and Slauson, but if the team truly respected them they would have been cut at a time when they would have had a much better opportunity to find work elsewhere. Now that teams with needs at those positions have filled them through the draft, it becomes much harder.
But Welcome to the Family anyway, all you draft picks who eventually could be treated the same way by the Bears or one of the other 31 franchises.
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Well that has to make Grasu feel better. Not so much everyone else.
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Release Slauson as well.
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Just released Slausson as well.
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I think it is pretty classy to release a Vet early, gives them a better chance of catching on somewhere else.
Maybe someone will cut a decent TE that we can pick up :-)
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Well what do you know about that. It isn't a shock, but I am surprised the did it without a look see in camp.
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Bears release Antrel Rolle
Posted by Josh Alper on May 1, 2016, 4:53 PM EDT
SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Antrel Rolle #26 of the Chicago Bears warms up before a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on November 9, 2015 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Bears took three defensive backs during the final day of the draft on Saturday and it appears those rookie additions to the roster were a precursor to a veteran deletion.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Bears have released Antrel Rolle and Rolle has tweeted a farewell to Chicago. Rolle signed a three-year contract with the team before last season and was set to make a base salary of $2.4 million in 2016.
None of that money is guaranteed, so the Bears wouldn’t be on the hook for any money if Rolle remained with the team into camp but his first year in Chicago was apparently enough to leave the Bears feeling confident about moving on. Rolle played in seven games and ended the year on injured reserve with a knee injury, neither of which is a good omen for a player turning 34 in December.
Rolle never missed a game in five previous seasons with the Giants, however, and played well enough when healthy that he could get a look elsewhere this offseason.
The Bears took Deon Bush and Deiondre’ Hall in the fourth round before adding DeAndre Houston-Carson in the sixth round. Bush and Houston-Carson are listed as safeties. Hall is listed as a corner, but some think his best shot at an NFL future will come with a position switch.
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HMMM just signed Brian Hoyer
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Good sign...
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Bears signed Brian Hoyer to a 1 year deal.
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Uhhh ... it's 2016 CHICAGO BEARS
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You have to account for value dropping, of course...
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Absolutely agree
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We have 5 picks in the first 4 rounds and we need to focus on defense - specifically stopping the pass: OLB, 3-4 DE, TE, CB and FS (no in the box safeties that are slow).
In rounds 5 and two in round 6: we can go after a HB, QB, and a swing tackle
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And since there's no one I believe that will be available at 11 that stands out - a slight trade down from 11 to mid-teens sounds appealing. 11 to 15 for example gets you a mid 3rd round pick which could turn out to be a starting TE or safety.
Agreed, especially if Lynch or Elliot are there at 11 I would trade down. I think Lawson or Jones will be there still. Then with that 3rd it gives them tradeup ammo too. That would give them better position to get the FS they need/covet and a decent CB.
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I would trade up for Buckner if he was available at 9 or 10. At 9 we'd give up one 4th and one 6th. At 8 we're talking up to 4 draft picks - that's 4 players. Bears just have too many holes and when you cut down the number of draft choices too much you reduce your chances of finding potential starters.
But then again a starting front line of Buckner, Goldman and Hicks looks impressive...on paper.
And since there's no one I believe that will be available at 11 that stands out - a slight trade down from 11 to mid-teens sounds appealing. 11 to 15 for example gets you a mid 3rd round pick which could turn out to be a starting TE or safety.
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Yeah Sporty, like a Jackie draft 6 left tackles out of 9. Gotta make sure we get one for Jackie.
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I agree. I wouldn't trade up either.
I say stay put and take the best available player that fits a need. If someone blows them away with a trade offer for 11 and they can still get good players were they trade down to do it. If not stay put.
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I think we gain more by trading down than up. It's much more of a cr@pshoot trading up. You lose picks and have to really hope what you went for turns into a monster pick, otherwise you just lost. We have more than our normal amt of picks this year which is great. Hopefully we can get a lot of quality production out of the picks as opposed to the recent nightmare drafts that have put us in the spot we're in with a talent deficit. If there's top quality at our first pick, take it. If not and it's a substantial dropoff, trade if possible and acquire more chances at hitting the jackpot....
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How do we gain by trading down and gaining up ?
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Oh, I agree...those guys I mentioned are late 4th round at best...unless Shepard falls, I'm good with waiting...
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Royal will soon be 30 and had his worst year statistically and availability-wise. But I think we can find some competition among Mariani, Bellamy and Marquess Willson.
It would have to be an exceptional value to pick a WR before the 6th round - we just have so many other needs ranked above wideout:
DE, OLB, swing tackle, safety, CB, HB, and TE
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We need a good slot WR late...a Tajae Sharpe or a Daniel Braverman or an Aaron Burbridge.
Do we really trust Eddie Royal to be healthy and productive?
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I am not concerned with wide receiver as long as we sign Jeffery long term!
The departures of Forte and Bennett have pushed their positions into the draft. TE is now an option between rounds 2 and 4. And HB probably 4th or later.
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I'm not as concerned with receiver as I am with O line and RB. Forte had some faults but he was consistent. Langford has big shoes to fill, Chicago expects a good run game and so does Fox.
Can't wait to see what we do in the draft..
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Jeffery needs to sign a deal pronto. Yes, he could have a monster season and increase his value in 2016.
But there's always the injury risk and now the Bears are adding a new weapon, Kevin White, that may reduce his numbers.
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I hope he is working out and not just goofing off and getting fat:
Over the years, a certain sequence of events has been established for players who get the franchise tag and one of the most familiar beats has been those players skipping out on work with their teams until they sign the tag or a long-term contract.
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is following that blueprint with one tweak. Jeffery signed his tender with the Bears shortly after getting it, but has still opted to spend his time elsewhere while the team’s offseason program has gotten underway in Chicago.
The workouts are voluntary, so Jeffery isn’t required to be there, and Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com reports that Jeffery told the team in advance that he was going to continue working out on his own in Florida. Per Dickerson, Jeffery is focused on putting an end to the soft tissue injuries to his calf and hamstring that forced him to miss seven games last season.
Doing so would be a boost to the Bears offense and to Jeffery’s chances of cashing in with a long-term deal after the 2016 season, assuming, of course, that he and the Bears don’t agree to one this offseason. They have until July 15 to work out a deal or Jeffery will play out the season with the $14.599 million salary called for by the tag.
The Bears don’t have any mandatory work until a June minicamp, although Jeffery may join the Bears ahead of those practices.
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I could see Hackenberg somewhere in the draft ...
but not until important issues are addressed.
Like protecting his ass if we get him ... and a runner if Derrick Henry comes our way.
There's no reason we can't get Conklin and Henry if we use our brains in the first two.
Matt Forte is GONE ... runner ... catcher ... blocker.
Langford ain't it to replace him.
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I agree. A late round gamble would be Hogan. Cook would go in the 2nd or 3rd. Pace has said he would like to take a QB every year.
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IMO, if we aren't players for the top 3 QBs in this draft, I'd just as soon pass on all of the rest.
I'd throw a pick at Cook or Hackenberg if they fell to the late 4th or 5th picks, but that's about it...and only if I didn't like the value anywhere else...
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Eli Manning(35), Brady(38), Palmer(36) , Brees (37) - these guys are playing deeper into their 30s.
Cutler is about to turn 33 - he should be good for 3 or 4 more years.
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How many QB starters today are over 30 ? Alot.
Word is the next two years out of college is there's nothing there at QB.
Rams & Eagles not be as goofy as we think they are.
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May explain why Philly just traded up to the 2 spot with Bradford signed.
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A lot of qbs in the league you look at a think isn't there somebody else better? Bradford ? That Hoyer guy, really that good ?
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There are some that think there will be a run on the QBs. Guys like Hackenburg and Cook slated for the middle rounds could go earlier...maybe round 2.
There are a lot of starting QB issues in the league as well as really old QBs that teams may want to start testing out some potential replacements.
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The Hackenberg story is he was lights out as a Freshman under Bill OBrien, but when he left the next two years Hackenberg kind of petered out. He blamed the current coach, Franklin, for his downfall.
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Hackenberg is definitely late round and I haven't seen much interest in him
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I sure don't. Let's let some of the others wake up and see what we hear. Are you up early, or still up from last night?
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Griz,
Does anyone know where he lines up in the draft ?
The reason I'm interested is talk is he lines up like Tom Brady.
Late round.
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I don't know. I let all of the knowledge on this board educate me about the draft. After the draft, I read what the analysts have to say, and then hope for the best! I was on a 10 hour car drive yesterday and listened to the score. There was talk about Hackenberg and the Head Coach Franklin... someone throwing the other under the bus. I wasn't really listening, so I don't know the story, but I'll bet someone here does!
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That's him.
Hackenberg.
Is he worth a draft pick ?
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Hackenberg?
I think that is the QB out of Penn State
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There's a dude out that at QB who's name I only half have ...
Chris ---- berg? Anybody got a handle on this ?
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I am rooting for this guy big time - he had freakish combine numbers (4.55 40, 36 bench reps, 39" vertical) but just never showed any pass rush ability as a 4-3 DE - I think he might be better suited as a 3-4 guy at 6-4 and now up to 285:
Cornelius Washington progress this season or can you see him getting cut? Was all that talk of upside before he was injured. -- @garykuppers
There is no question Washington is a player to keep an eye on this spring and as the Bears get to Bourbonnais. I’m not saying he’s going to be a breakout player in his fourth NFL season, but we shouldn’t forget about him. He was lost to a ruptured quad injury in the season opener against the Packers last season and we got a glimpse, all be it brief, of a new role for him under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio when Washington was deployed in the nickel package against Green Bay. He had emerged as a core special teams player the season before because of his gifted athletic ability at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds. We might not hear a lot about Washington in the coming months but he’s certainly a candidate for Fangio and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers when you think about roster construction in September and begin wondering about players that could handle a couple roles. Washington will have to go out and win a job as it’s not like he has a history where the team is just reserving a spot for him. But he’s got a shot here.
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Yeah, he's making the rounds with the Jets and the Broncos. Must have not got a deal for those teams which are looking for a starter.
He really had a nice year last year with a 91 rating: 19/7 TD to picks. Only 30.
He'd be a nice pickup as a backup for any NFL team.
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Brian Hoyer to visit Bears.
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Well, no one is going to agree 100% on any player and there are flaws in every player in any draft:
SOURCES TELL US "Some scouts on the road think he's overrated and some think he's the next Richard Sherman. We all agree that he's going to win the combine and that (Mike) Mayock won't stop talking about him." -- NFC director of football operations
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Read some things where some folks dont think ramsey can play CB.... that he is more of a safety then a CB.
Dont think a safety is worth a top 5 pick.
VH3 is probably best corner in this draft.
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Bosa is who I prefer the Cowgirls take.
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The Cowboys only legitimate pass rusher, DE DeMarcus Lawrence will most likely get hit with a 4 game suspension starting the season. He'll join one of their other DEs Randy Gregory who is already scheduled to miss the first 4 games with a similar substance abuse based suspension. And one of their top pass rushers from last year, Greg Hardy, remains unsigned.
Why do we care? The Bears visit Dallas the 3rd week of the season - Cutler should have all day to throw.
Also, this may mean that Dallas may be forced into taking Bosa at 4 even though Ramsey is probably the better player.
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Pretty firm predictions since we haven't even had the draft, yet.
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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/19/paxton-lynch-wrapping-up-tour-with-ravens-and-bears/
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Uhhh ... I think it's 2016 CHICAGO BEARS.
Protect whatever Quarterback we have for the next ten years.
You know what that means.
After that go apeshit on Defense.
Anyone for Cornerbacks in an NFL pass happy game ?
Until they figure it out ... or you figure it out ...
That that's why you had a Running Back to begin with.
Wanna play AIRBALL ? I'll fuuck you over with runs underneath the pattern.
We excel at this. Do we know that we can still do it ?
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The Bears play the Colts in Indy in week 5. Indy is in London week 4, but they requested not to have their bye week immediately following that game, but later in the season. So they will obviously have a short week and a travel hangover to deal with that week...
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And the Bears visit Dallas on Sep 25th...sweet.
OK, so how come the Lions who play at least half their games in domes come to Chicago in early October instead of in December? Same thing happens with the Vikings - they visit in October and the last game of the season is against the Bears in their new dome.
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This or any schedule will not determine the success of the Bears in 2016.
Offensively, we will add Kevin White, an unknown commodity, and a solid RT in Massie but we also lost Martellus Bennett and Matt Forte. Remains to be seen if the offense can replace their production. Two more draft picks (4th round or earlier) that will probably be dedicated to those 2 positions.
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Bears can't get 8 wins out of that, need to apply for the cfl. btw, the titians gm is the real deal. he just pantsed fisher & co. hope pace is just as good.
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Playing the Jaguars on the 16th in Chicago then going to Green Bay on the 20th is brutal!
They play the Cowboys the 16th as well but both games are at least at home for them.
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http://www.chicagobears.com/gameday/schedule_download.html
At a quick glance I am thinking 10-6. We could go as bad as 8-8 or as high as 11-5.
My gut tells me 10-6. Our toughest games are in our division. The rest are very winnable.
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I think Elliot really wants to be a Bear. I hope the Bears pass on him or he goes to the Eagles. That pushes a QB or defensive player down
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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/08/eagles-dolphins-set-to-meet-with-ezekiel-elliott/
The Eagles and Dolphins swapped first round picks as part of the deal that sent cornerback Byron Maxwell and linebacker Kiko Alonso to Miami this offseason, leaving the Eagles with the eighth overall pick while the Dolphins are now positioned with the No. 13 selection.
That switch in spots could prove to be a negative one for the Dolphins if they have their eye on the same player that the Eagles wind up taking later this month. Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott could be such a player.
Elliott told NFL Network that he is scheduled to meet with both teams as he makes the rounds. The Eagles traded DeMarco Murray and the Dolphins lost Lamar Miller as a free agent, leading to plenty of speculation that the teams will try to bolster their backfields via the draft.
“I’m lucky to be in this situation, and I’ll be happy with whoever drafts me,” Elliott said.
The presumptive first running back off the board has also drawn interest from the Cowboys and says that he’s slated to meet with the Bears, who select 11th overall.
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https://lbolineperformance.com/olp-player-spotlight-kyle-long/
The video is pretty cool, lots of Massie and Long working side by side.
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And I would wait until draft day to finalize, what if we did this and Buckner by some act of God fell to 11.......
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Yes I wouldn't do a trade without a physical for sure and a signed contract would cement the deal. I'd have the Jets send Wilkerson and his agent to Chicago to negotiate a deal. No contract deal is a no trade deal. We don't need a contract holdout or a mancontent in the locker room. Furthermore, Wilkerson has the rest of April to get a deal done with the Bears or no trade.
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And yes I'd swap first rounders with the Jets if we could get Wilkerson, but it would be contingent on a physical and a long term contract.
None of the 3-4 DEs have shown to have any significant pass rush skills (other than Buckner).
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Our 2 4th rounders are worth 131 points. So we could move up from 11th to 8 for the 2 4th rounders (that would cost 150 points). So we'd have to throw in a 6th too.
So basically 3 players to move up to 8th. To move up to 9th our early 4th and a 7th. To move up one spot probably our 2nd 4th rounder.
I'm lucky in that I'm the only one on this board that has access to the chart it's not like you can google nfl draft value chart
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Joki Wilkerson will be a malcontent if he doesn't get 15 mill/yr, are you saying that the Bears ought to pay him that or draft A Shawn Robinson?
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I don't have the point chart, that is what I read on twitter. I don't recall how far that would move us up. If it was just one spot, that would suck....but how many years has the guy we wanted gone the pick right before ours?
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boogie the only way we possibly could get out of a trade up that cheaply is if Buckner fell to the Giants just before us.Not saying it can't happen I just wouldn't bet on it.
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I think I read the rumor wrong, it was swap 11 for 20 plus Wilkerson. And I think I read that to move up to get Buckner we would have to give up both 4th round picks. I think.
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That's a deal I could live with.It's basically surrendering two 2nd round draft picks value wise. I'm so big on his acquisition because he fits the biggest need in our new 3/4 system,a pass rushing DE. Maybe if I knew Buckner would be there at #11 I'd rethink it,however,the only way we will have a shot at him is by trading up and most probably having to part with our 2nd rounder anyway.And everything equal Wilkerson is a better and more proven asset.
At #20 we'll still have a shot at one of the many pass rushing OLB types if that's the direction Pace chooses.(Shaq Lawson,Kevin Dodd,Darron Lee,Noah Spence etc.) or might I dare hope possibly Jack Conklin?
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I would swap 11 for 20 and Wilkerson but I wouldn't throw in a second round pick.
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Whitner is going to be 31, so if they dump Rolle I guess it is ok for a short term.
Also seeing rumors about us trading 11 and our second pick to Jets for 20 and Wilkerson. How do you feel about that swap??? Of course it would depend on who was still on the board at 11....
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I saw that. Might have played for Fangio in SF. Wouldn't be shocked if the Bears give him a look see.
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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/04/02/browns-release-donte-whitner/
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I know, right?
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All these years and nobody has talked about a FA RT? Amazing isn't it?
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They did sign a FA RT to move Long inside. Massie.
Let's hope his isn't an old FA RT.
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http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/videos/Omar-Bolden-Highlights/e29f0666-6206-4f73-bb8c-789346a8ff91
Looks like a pretty good ST player.
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Yep, Bolden is pretty much a special teamer that has some punt return ability. He had an injury plagued 2015 but is not coming off an surgery.
I figured after Pace signed the big deals that, like last year, we'd see a bunch of 1 year deals after that. Lots of flexibility when you have cap space.
Still upset that the Saint's paid their 3rd string TE, Hill.
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Also teams like New Orleans have a history of developing players that are late round picks into starters, which is from where Pace and his college draft scout happen to come from. That tends to make me think the Bears are unlikely to draft a LT or a swing tackle early unless they are dissatisfied with Leno which hasn't surfaced. For some reason which I don't know there is a possibility they see enough out of Fabuluje or Becton. And remember Fabuluje was a 7th round pick.
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Anyone we haven't signed from the Broncos?
Another Bronco is poised to become a Bear.
The Bears are signing safety Omar Bolden, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports. It’s a one-year, $760,000 deal.
Bolden has played his entire four-year career with the Broncos. The move reunites Bolden with former Broncos coach John Fox, and would continue a trend of the Bears signing Fox’s old Denver players. Other former Broncos who have signed with the Bears this offseason include linebacker Danny Trevathan, offensive lineman Manny Ramirez and long snapper Aaron Brewer.
Bolden will be a key member of the Bears’ special teams and will also provide some depth in the secondary.
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It used to be that a good percentage of the starting LTs in the league (I don't have the numbers) were #1 draft choices. That hasn't been the case lately - many have flopped and are playing on the other side or worse... at guard.
The thing about Leno is his speed - he's not that long and he's not that over powering. Nowadays you need a guy that's more quick on his feet to keep up with the speedster edge rushers. If I was looking at an OT at 11 he better be more like a power forward than a conventional tackle.
Bottom line it's more likely that your #1 draft picks will be starting than your #2 round picks...etc...etc. But even within the first round, it's still all pretty much a crap shoot and that's without factoring random injuries.
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Maybe But I don't think it has to be at #11
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They did sign a FA RT to move Long inside. Massie.
Let's hope the FART doesn't stink ... ;D ;D We definitely should get a LT, though....
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I am not sure we have one
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Who is our swing tackle right now?
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Yeah, but the concern is if the RT (Massie) goes down and Leno is the swing tackle.
Agreed which is why I said we need a swing tackle not a LT at #11. So its not critical to draft an OT early. Certain posters want to can Leno or make him a swing tackle which he isn't.
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Larsen started most of the year for the Cardinals...next to Massie at RG. He missed some games in the middle of the season with a knee injury.
He's also played some center in his career. At 28 he may be more of competitor to Grasu for the center spot than Ramirez.
Less of a need to draft a guard now though it still could happen. And OT is still in play as a first round option.
Slauson is signed through 2017 but Long should be coming up for renewal after this season.
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Bears have also signed former Arizona OLman Ted Larsen...depth guy...
Reports are they expect Ramirez to push Grasu at C.
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Yeah, but the concern is if the RT (Massie) goes down and Leno is the swing tackle.
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They did sign a FA RT to move Long inside. Massie.
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If they feel that they can get a sizeable upgrade at LT over Leno they'll do it and figure out the swing tackle later. Maybe Leno could get by at RT or they put Long back at RT and move Ramirez or Leno to RG. Or like you say they draft or sign a FA RT - they also have this guy Bechton.
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But Leno cant backup RT. If you draft a OT at 11 and plug him at LT you still need a swing tackle. You are better off drafting a swing tackle later if you are confident in Leno at LT
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Get past Cam, that's a sorry bunch..
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Teams in 2011 that felt they had to take a QB in the first round:
1 1 Carolina Panthers Newton, Cam Auburn
1 8 Tennessee Titans Locker, Jake Washington
1 10 Jacksonville Jaguars Gabbert, Blaine Missouri
1 12 Minnesota Vikings Ponder, Christian Florida State
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Leno seems to have done fine. A good corner though........hard to find. As is a te this year evidently. I don't think the Bear will come close to either of those QBs but if they do that's one you have to do.
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Numerous mocks having us taking an OT at 11...some Stanley and some Conklin. I think CB is equally the most popular mock pick.
Do they believe Leno is the answer or do they think that the value at OT is too great to pass up? Other than QB and maybe WR, LOT is a premier offensive position in the NFL.
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I hope its 4th on down because we have so many defensive needs. We really haven't had a solid defense in years.
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Assuming we don't re-sign Omameh and DuCasse we really need depth at guard as well as center. You'd have liked someone younger than the 33 year old Ramirez.
I'm sure we'll draft an offensive lineman...either real early or real late.
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Thought he was hitting Coach for the Cubs
http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/55679/Bears-considering-Manny-Ramirez-for-offensive-line-depth/Default.aspx
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I was 10 in 1978...all my friends were either Cowboys or Steelers fans (I took the Steelers side there), and the Bears were hardly ever on TV in Memphis.
My knowledge of the team came from my football cards and what I got from the newspaper.
(https://bbf.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fg%2FJ3cAAOSwMmBVwPz9%2Fs-l500.jpg&hash=516d95262e1705ac7030911e88c9b8323fc974af)
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davep predates the term "old fart"
- he is more closely identified as />\-\-=))-=^ in hieroglyphics
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A bunch of old farts you are. I was 4 in 78,...
"I've got socks older than you"
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A bunch of old farts you are. I was 4 in 78, that was the year my little brother was born. My earliest memories of the Bears were Neal Anderson, Brad Muster, Tom Waddle and Singletary. Jimmy Mac was a shell of his former self.
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Reading Wiki, Harper was on IR all of 79, doesn't sound like he did much in 80 and Suhey was on his way in after that. My guess is 78
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78 seems to be the best possibility. I got out of the Air Force in 76, so it wasn't before that. They didn't televise many Bear games in Japan.
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That run was one of the greatest that I have ever seen even though he didn't score. Had to be 6 broken tackles.
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http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HarpRo00/touchdowns/1978/
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The Payton run against the Chiefs was pre 77. 75 or 76
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It is probably 78...that was Harper's best year. And he only caught two TD's that year. The problem is I have a ton of 77 games and all the 79 games, but very few 78 games. I'll see if
I have it...it would be fun to track down
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Was it the same game Payton had the big run where he was breaking tackles? That game was against the Chiefs.
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Just read Wikipedia. Harper scored 15 tds in his career. His best season was 1978, I would start there. He didn't play in 1979. Stelz - Less game tape to watch, check the 1978 season
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Sorry, Steltz. I don't remember anything about the year, game or opponent. I can still see the play in my mind. Every five yards he would be dragging two or three new tacklers with him.
I do know that I saw the replay several years later, so it was fairly well known.
I loved Suhey, but I still believe that Harper was better.
Alright. Everyone get on Paypal and send Wml $1. Between all of us, we can get davep to a hypnotist and extract the Harper opponent and year. We have to see this play!
OR... we could just ask Stelz to watch every tape of Harper's career... how much can that be? Like 90 games?
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Dave, I went rummaging around the interwebs to find that play, didn't find it, but did see where Harper got dinged for mail fraud. They sure as hell didn't make anywhere what they make today, but mail fraud? It gets ugly when the money runs out.
I saw that also. It looks like a white collar crime where he lied about working for a minority owned enterprise, in an attempt to get a set-aside contract. I remember reading an article that said that he was probably the dupe, rather than the purpatrator of the crime, but I have no idea if there is any truth to it.
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Sorry, Steltz. I don't remember anything about the year, game or opponent. I can still see the play in my mind. Every five yards he would be dragging two or three new tacklers with him.
I do know that I saw the replay several years later, so it was fairly well known.
I loved Suhey, but I still believe that Harper was better.
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With the Harpur play, I may have the game in tape....If you remember the year or who it was against, I'll track it down if I can and put it on youtube
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Hopefully someone finds that play of Harper, I would love to see it. At that time, we were only seeing replays of certain plays in Toledo, Ohio as the Lions were the local broadcast. Not like today where you can see every play from every angle. Monday night Football was your only fix to see a play or two from your favorite team being replayed...
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Dave, I went rummaging around the interwebs to find that play, didn't find it, but did see where Harper got dinged for mail fraud. They sure as hell didn't make anywhere what they make today, but mail fraud? It gets ugly when the money runs out.
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Acho was excellent against the run - not so excellent against the pass:
Sam Acho agreed to re-sign with the Chicago Bears on Monday, adding a proven special teams contributor and depth at outside linebacker.
Acho's agency announced the news, and the team confirmed the agreement is for one year.
Acho, 27, played 43 percent of defensive snaps last season, mostly in the base personnel grouping. As fellow outside linebackers Willie Young and Lamarr Houston worked back from injuries, coaches trusted Acho to help set the edge against the run.
Coach John Fox said last week that the Bears hope to improve their speed at outside linebacker, and at this point in the offseason, the most significant gains in that area would be through the draft. If the Bears end up addressing the position with a high pick, Acho would likely be cast mainly in a special teams role and a rotational role defensively.
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I described the Harper play several years ago, and one person on the board remembered the play, and was able to describe it much better than I. If he is still on the board, perhaps he will do so again.
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I'd love to see that replay, I don't recall that play. The individual effort play that I recall most clearly was of Payton. That replay is seen over and over again, breaking tackle after tackle against the Chiefs, only to be pulled down by the shoestrings from behind. That is etched forever in my mind
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Harper had what I believe was the best individual effort play I have ever seen. He took a pass in the flat at about the thirty and was hit by a couple of guys. He broke loose and was hit again at the 25 and then about every 5 yards after that. He broke loose from every gang tackle and ended up in the end zone.
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Yeah, old #35 almost had 1000 yards one year. Wasn't he a 17th round draft choice when Walter was picked in round 1?
I think that is a bullseye!
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Yeah, old #35 almost had 1000 yards one year. Wasn't he a 17th round draft choice when Walter was picked in round 1?
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The Bears also had a pretty good running back that had to be accounted for by the defense, perhaps opening up a little space for Suhey to catch a few extra passes.
By the way, Roland Harper was better than Suhey.
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Can't win them all, and it looked like Bennett wanted out, and the Bear wanted him out, and that was that. Hell, use the fullback more to catch passes and block. Bears used to have a guy with the last name of Suey that wasn't half bad.
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Sean Peyton was quoted as saying they really liked this guy but then I saw the numbers and thought no way that a team so closed to cap oblivion retains a 3rd string TE...wrong.
Which now puts us back to having to draft a TE - possibly with one of our 3 picks in round 3 and 4.
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Darn:
Even after making a splash in free agency by signing Coby Fleener, the Saints are apparently insistent on being deep at tight end.
The team announced they matched the Bears offer sheet to restricted free agent tight end Josh Hill, keeping him in place. The three-year deal will keep him in place through the 2018 season.
The Saints would have gotten no compensation if they hadn’t matched the Bears’ offer, since Hill was undrafted and was tendered at the lowest level.
He caught 16 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns as a complement to veteran Benjamin Watson (who left in free agency for Baltimore).
But after signing Fleener to a five-year, $36 million contract and bringing back Michael Hoomanawanui, the Saints now have a full depth chart at the position.
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It is typical liberalism. They think moving a touchback to the 25 will make more teams keep it in the end zone so there will be fewer returns.
They pay no attention to human nature. Of course this means kickers will now kick the ball high and just short of the goal line. Which will result in more returns which they are trying to prevent.
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I don't get the NFL sometimes? Didn't they move the kickoff up five yards so there would be more touchback to reduce risk of injury on retirns? Now they are going to punish the kicker 5 yards more next year for kicking a touchback thus making them want to kick it high and short of the endzone so the kick returner is forced to field it and get smoked by the kicking team because they have 5 yards less to run?
Does any of this make sense to anyone?
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I told my wife the same thing...Soon it will be flag football..
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Pretty soon kickoffs and punts will be eliminated altogether. Then the helmets and shoulder pads will be replaced with belts with yellow flags.
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And they think it might lead to MORE injuries, which is what they are trying to avoid.
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I'm sure it will lead to more returns.
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NFL trying to reduce kickoff returns but now kickers are saying they will try to kick it higher but just short of the goal line and force returns figuring their kickoff team can hold the guy inside the 25.
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Touchbacks come to the 25 yard line, I think for a one year trial. I don't mind these rule changes except It messes with the records.
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What is the new rule?
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The new touchback rule might make kickoffs interesting. It would have been real nice when Hester as in his prime.
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I like that
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Omar Bolden coming for a visit next week, he did punt returns I believe.
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Yes!
Bears did not tender him so they took a chance but they ended up saving some cash giving him I assume a minimum one year deal. He was electric on kick off returns and I'd like to see him get involved in the offense too.
Thompson ran a 4.31 40 on his pro day at Florida when he was a rookie (4 years ago). I don't know of anyone on the team besides Kevin White that runs a 40 in the 4.3s.
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Bears bringing back Deonte Thompson for 1 year.
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Surprised the Colts let Fleener go.
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I am sure liking it better and better
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More background on the Josh Hill offer sheet that the Saints have to match by this Sunday:
The Saints are tight against the cap with less than $1.3 million in available space, but they can easily restructure another contract or two and create room to keep Hill. So it's no slam dunk he'll be a Bear, even though the Saints have already paid two tight ends this offseason — Coby Fleener and Michael Hoomanawanui. Surely, there's a backup plan in place.
And
Chicago has reportedly offered the tight end a three-year deal worth up to $7.5 million, with $3.5 million guaranteed.
The Saints must really really like their 3rd TE to juggle their cap to keep him - I'm liking the odds now.
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I'm not making any bet, I'm just saying I hope we get to see Hundley in 2016, not so much because I don't think he's good but because it means that we aren't seeing Aaron Rodgers!
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The Bears have no starting QBs to compare. I'm citing Hundley compared to REAL starting QBs Like Rodgers, Favre, and Hasselbeck.
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The Bears John Skibinski once led the NFL in rushing one preseason.
Let's see what Hundley can do in some NFL games...real NFL games.
I'm hoping we get to see a lot of him next season.
I'll take that bet. Let's remember this next spring and renew this conversation.
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I hadn't seen they signed him to an offer sheet. They need somebody desperately. In a weak TE draft this may be a good move.
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Bears have a signed offer sheet from Saints TE Josh Hill, who is an RFA. Terms are reportedly 3 years and "close to 6 million".
Saints have very little cap room, so this might be a deal...
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Vince Evans. Vince Evans was all world in the pre season.
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and Bob Avellini was the best pre season QB I've ever seen.
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The Bears John Skibinski once led the NFL in rushing one preseason.
Let's see what Hundley can do in some NFL games...real NFL games.
I'm hoping we get to see a lot of him next season.
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You line Datko up in front of him and you may have something. Mason Crosby going to IR with a blown out hip from kicking all of those extra points...
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LOL
He will get a lot of practice time this pre-season. Keep an eye on him and tell me what you think, then. Best-looking Rookie in NFL camps last year. Steady improvement in camp and seven TDs. Three years of training in MM's QB school.
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LOL
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You never fill all your holes on your team you just try to minimize the number of them and have a plan to get by at certain positions with guys that don't get exploited too severely.
So do we think we'll be in great shape in a couple years, right? Yeah, that could be around the time Cutler goes out of contract and we go back to trying to find a starting QB which in my years as a Bear fan has never been easy.
There's no reason why the Bears can't be a playoff team this year. A draft that yields a few gems, avoiding the injury bug, ...who knows.
That's about the time Brett Hundley becomes a FA in QB GB. Remember that.
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Which means you have to draft hem often and develop them.
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Having 90% of the college QBs isnt going to help your team down the road. I have no faith in todays crop of QBs. Most aren't fit to run a pro style offense.
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If there is a QB they like in any round take him.
Its never too early to have a young QB on the roster with potential to take over...
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I don't want to re-sign Cutler either for that matter. I just want the return of the monsters of the midway. And you aren't going to do that drafting a clipboard carrier. And don't take that to mean I don't think we need to draft a replacement for Cutler either. But OTOH like Osweiler, we don't know what we have currently on the roster in the way of talent at QB. If a QB was there at 11 I would expect the Bears to trade down a bit and get the defensive player they want and need plus another pick.
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It depends what you think this year is and what you think of Jay Cutler.
I don't think he's leading us to a Superbowl (definitely not this year) and I don't want to have to resign him (atm) so if Pace sees one of those guys an upgrade going forward, I have no problem using the 11 pick on a QB and letting them learn for a year. If we go 8-8 instead of 9-7, but it sets up the most important position on the field for the next decade... I'm good with that.
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I personally don't want one until the last moment. We need to build that defense. The Patriots 4th is soon enough for a QB for me. Even not at all would be Ok with me. Defense, TE and unless they obtain another swing tackle in FA then OT would be a need. I am not enamored with any QB past the top 3 and we need defense far more than a QB. A clipboard carrier isn't the most important need. We need players this year.
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I think it's still too early to make any predictions on a record, with the draft still pending. The Bears have five picks in the first four rounds (I believe), I fully expect one of those to be used on a QB. Now obviously if that pick is our first, it would certainly temper my expectations for this year...
...though I think it would certainly make us more of an actual contender in the long term (assuming they pick the "right" guy).
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As always it depends on injuries. If we can stay relatively health compared to our division and league then we will go to playoffs. If we have a bunch of injuries sub .500 is a possible.
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I think they will be very competitive this year. Playoffs a possibility. Main thing is staying a lot healthier then they were last year.
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You never fill all your holes on your team you just try to minimize the number of them and have a plan to get by at certain positions with guys that don't get exploited too severely.
So do we think we'll be in great shape in a couple years, right? Yeah, that could be around the time Cutler goes out of contract and we go back to trying to find a starting QB which in my years as a Bear fan has never been easy.
There's no reason why the Bears can't be a playoff team this year. A draft that yields a few gems, avoiding the injury bug, ...who knows.
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Agreed it's still a building year, whether it's called it or not. We are not yet where we want to be and still have holes in the team that need filled with talent. Think we'll end up around 8-8 give or take a game, probably a couple better than last season. It all depends on whether they can get much needed help through the draft and whether that help is able to produce in one years time. They've done well addressing the huge needs at LB. Hope they do well drafting...
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That's what these guys get paid to do.. Believe they can contend..
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There's a difference between a rebuilding and a building year, last year was a bottom-out (hopefully), now they want to build on it and compete for a Playoff spot, not a Championship.
I think 9-7 with further development and integration of youth is a very reasonable goal for year 2. This was never a team that was going to quickly turn into a contender in 2yrs.
Re-building...building.
The big difference this year is they have the cap space to sign numerous younger more expensive free agents instead of having to go after the older vets like Rolle, Royal, Ball and Porter or signing rent a players to one year deals.
But I bet you that Fox and Pace went into last season truly believing they would contend for the division...no difference this year.
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The bears site still says we sent a 6th and Bennett to NE for a 4th. I am guessing this article is wrong.
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So the Bears got two picks? I thought the Bears got the Patriots 4th rounder and we gave them one of our 6th rd picks. Having more picks is good for being able to move up if needed or just to acquire more players. I feel a bit better about the trade now.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/pats-trade-two-picks-to-bears-for-te-bennett/ar-BBqy7Mc?ocid=spartanntp
The Chicago Bears traded Martellus Bennett to the Patriots on Thursday for a fourth- and sixth-round pick in April's draft.
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Bears signed the Broncos longsnapper. Quickly becoming Denver east. Fine by me. I still cant figure out what it is about the Bears and tight-ends.
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Yep. Shoot for 9-7 and the playoffs. Anything better then that is gravy.
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A building year? No such thing these days.
How long did Emery and Trestman have till they were thrown out? I understand Emery/Trestman are not the same as Pace/Fox but do you think if we finish 6-10 again that Bears upper management will say no problem...let's do better next year.
Fox and Pace firmly believe they can win the division this year with the team they'll have come September.
There's a difference between a rebuilding and a building year, last year was a bottom-out (hopefully), now they want to build on it and compete for a Playoff spot, not a Championship.
I think 9-7 with further development and integration of youth is a very reasonable goal for year 2. This was never a team that was going to quickly turn into a contender in 2yrs.
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I think Trestman inherited a 10-6 team while Fox inherited a 5-11 team and converted to a 3-4 defense.
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Not crying...much. Already looking at the FA pool and the draft. Just had to let off some steam that probably should have been directed more toward Fox than Pace. (See Rosenbloom's article in the Trib today).
Here's the only way I compare Fox and Trestman. Trestman's first year: 8-8 Fox: 6-10.
Let's hope Fox turns it around - there is no slack given - you gotta just win and I don't care how he does it.
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Bears and Pat's are at completely different ends of the spectrum. Bears are trying to build a culture, establish a winning mindset, they can't afford a personality like Bennett right now.
The Pat's are in win-now, Championship or bust mode and have a firmly established locker room, they have multiple ways of dealing with his (reported) issues.
I think it's pretty obvious what Pace/Fox view this coming season as... a building year.
I agree we need to get the culture/locker room straight first. And if we have a losing year, and it isn't because Jay gets hurt in the opener, I would say Fox would be on a short leash. And are you really going to compare Trestman to Fox Dallas? Mr rotating captains/everyone hold hands/lets all be friends/kumbaya to a proven hardcore winner? I give Fox a little more slack than Trestman every day.
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The deal is done, no use in crying about it.
I would have preferred to keep Bennett but they obviously did not feel he was worth more money then they were already paying him. You don't renegotiate a contract with two years left on it. Not unless you had them way under market value. That was not the case with Bennett. He was making what he was worth.
Let's see if the Patriots give him a bunch more money and longer terms on a new contract.
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And remember back in 2012 when Forte was trying to get his next contract and didn't sign his tender missed a bunch of offseason conditioning programs and even mandatory minicamps. Many of you genius' said Forte was done and we didn't need the malcontent.
And when Briggs was trying to get a new deal he even said he'd never play for the Bears again.
But Pace is now making a statement with Bennett and now everybody is just going to fall in formation with the new sheriff in town. Oooh. Aaaah.
I really detest the money and contracts part of the NFL but unfortunately it's huge.
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A building year? No such thing these days.
How long did Emery and Trestman have till they were thrown out? I understand Emery/Trestman are not the same as Pace/Fox but do you think if we finish 6-10 again that Bears upper management will say no problem...let's do better next year.
Fox and Pace firmly believe they can win the division this year with the team they'll have come September.
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Bears and Pat's are at completely different ends of the spectrum. Bears are trying to build a culture, establish a winning mindset, they can't afford a personality like Bennett right now.
The Pat's are in win-now, Championship or bust mode and have a firmly established locker room, they have multiple ways of dealing with his (reported) issues.
I think it's pretty obvious what Pace/Fox view this coming season as... a building year.
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I've been a Bear fan a long time and I know how tough its been for them to find quality TEs.
Hopefully, Miller works out but I'm expecting Pace to sign or draft a TE in the next month...probably both.
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TRADE dallasbear - he has an attitude too
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Bennett sealed his fate when the new GM came abroad and he held out with multiple years left on his deal that he had signed not to long ago.
Bennett did not attend several "optional" offseason practices and moped about not being a part of a red zone package. On the field he still had a pretty good season for only playing in 11 games.
Yeah, trade his a$$!
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I would say that Pace doesn't take that shit either... aka Belechik. Effectively, we traded Bostic and Bennett for Patriots 4th. They received their 6th round choice back from the Bostic trade.
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Well I give Pace this he has put his stamp on the team. It was a total rebuild when he signed up. Verdict is still out as to whether or not he is the man for the job. Bennett sealed his fate when the new GM came abroad and he held out with multiple years left on his deal that he had signed not to long ago. I got to agree with those that blame Bennett. He made his bed and forced a new young GM's hand. The new guy had to set precedence, players cannot dictate how the organization handles there business, you cause problems your gone.
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And, like I said previously, let Bennett try some sh!t with Belichick... Fox isn't much different, old school.
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Bennett's gone. I'm ready to move on... I'll admit, I have a problem with players that sign a contract then in the middle want more money..
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Shea's gone?!? ;D (https://bbf.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FLQdYIVhHureCI%2Fgiphy.gif&hash=51f26cc10e9ccb1c713f8125ccac5e889403cf87)
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AND....we now have 5 picks in the top 127. Lets build the team thru the draft, and higher picks usually.....help more.
Also read the 6th we gave to NE is the one we got for Bostic.
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Bennett was a nut job. Talented TE, but head case. Remember when he body slammed Kyle Fuller, our brand new 1st round draft pick in training camp because he was blocking him? Good riddance. Lets find a new stud TE somewhere. Or you know develop one.
And on a happier note, we no longer have to watch Shea be a step late on a play. Happy happy about that.
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It concerns me that most Rams fans would love to help Cook pack...
It's March 16th what kind of TEs are going to be available?
BTW - Jared Cook visited Green Bay yesterday.
There's absolutely nothing available in FA. Henry or the Stanford TE are likely the only two in the draft who could be starters day 1...
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I was hoping they could keep Bennett, but he acted lazy in camp and practice, seems like a guy who always wants to test the coaches authority.
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I would love for them to grab a guy like that.
I think Bennett is a talented player but he is a flake.
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It concerns me that most Rams fans would love to help Cook pack...
It's March 16th what kind of TEs are going to be available?
BTW - Jared Cook visited Green Bay yesterday.
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Pekin
Not true. Bennett came into last season with 2 years left. He played in 11 of the first 12 games before he went on IR. Now whether he had a busted rib or they just got tired of his BS - who knows. Media did say he was upset cuz he wasn't getting the ball enough in red zone. Is that that bad? May have been about the time Zach Miller was having some really good games.
OK, so we got this 4th round pick (#127) - check out Tyler Higbee of Western Kentucky:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEwjgwkbs0
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It concerns me that most Rams fans would love to help Cook pack...
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Miller has been hurt a lot in the past. No doubt about that.
Bennett seemed to get hurt a lot once he wanted more money when he had three years left on his contract.
I would love for them to sign Jared Cook.
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Did you not see how effective Miller was last year? He is a quality TE. If he can stay healthy is the question but that is the same question we have with Bennett.
Yeah, I watched every snap of every game...quite a few more than once. He is a quality receiver no doubt, but here's some facts:
- 2014 = 0 receptions
- 2013 = 0 receptions
- 2012 = 0 receptions
- 2011 = 4 receptions
(Martellus Bennet has missed 9 games over his 8 year career - 5 of those last year).
Anybody can get injured on any day but if you want to look up injury prone in the dictionary guess who's picture could be there? And Miller will be 32 during the season.
Part of the reason for his success last season was that no one knew who the f*** the guy was - there was no film.
We need another TE and it will probably have to be a FA - a starter. Miller to me is a guy you bring in now and then but I would not want to depend on him to play the entire season otherwise your going to see a lot of Khari Lee and Haussler.
Just looking around the FA list I'd try to sign Jared Cook of the Rams.
Look I would have loved to keep Bennett rather then trade him but he forced their hand. If you give in to every prima donna you end up in cap hell.
The Bears did not give in last year when he missed the OTAs. You'd have liked them to let him play a few games and then reward him with a new deal, maybe words were said that prevented that - I dunno.
As far as a primma donna, look around, the whole league is full of them. And most of them are very good players. Sure we all like the lunch pale guys that keep their mouth shut but you got to deal with all types these days.
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Maybe Long is going to play TE this year.
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Did you not see how effective Miller was last year? He is a quality TE. If he can stay healthy is the question but that is the same question we have with Bennett.
Look I would have loved to keep Bennett rather then trade him but he forced their hand. If you give in to every prima donna you end up in cap hell.
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OK, cap space and Zach Miller do not equate to a quality TE next year. Not even f***ing close.
I can't say I know what goes on behind closed doors - I'm just a fan and I just see what happens between the lines. Maybe the Bears were pretty much forced to deal him. I can almost understand it but I just don't like it.
It's just sad that we lost a pro bowl quality TE for a tradeup of a late 6th to a late 4th round pick. Deja vu all over again.
No Marshall, no Forte, and now no Bennett. We better hope Kevin White is the real deal and Jeffery can stay healthy.
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Bennett had a real good deal but he wanted more. If he was making trouble when he had two years left on his deal (he started bitching about it last year with three years left) what can you do? You either pay him or deal him. They dealt him.
Be mad at Bennett not the Bears. They have Miller for a lot cheaper who had a great year last year. Plus this frees up cap space.
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A 6th for a 4th isn't terrible if they really wanted Bennett gone. If they weren't willing to pay him and he wasn't going to be happy with out a new deal it is better then nothing.
How often did we nerd rage over Angello cutting a guy for nothing. At least Pace got something.
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I don't understand. He was good right? And the Bears just literally dumped him. Him on one side, Gronk on the other, Hells going to be out for recess. I don't understand.
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Report: Patriots trading for Martellus Bennett
Posted by Zac Jackson on March 16, 2016, 7:32 PM EDT
Martellus Bennett
AP
The Bears have traded veteran tight end Martellus Bennett to the Patriots, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday night.
Schefter wrote that the deal is being finalized but is expected to involve a swap of mid to late-round picks between the teams.
Basically, the Patriots got Bennett for very little. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Bears had spent 18 months trying to find a trade partner to take Bennett.
Bennett, who just turned 29, has caught more than 50 passes in each of the past four seasons and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2014. For his career, he’s caught 348 passes for 3,586 yards and 23 touchdowns.
In New England Bennett figures as the second tight end playing alongside Rob Gronkowski and provides Tom Brady another big and reliable target.
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One things for certain, the second he starts the "I need more money" he'll be out on the street. Belichick won't put up with that shit..
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Bennett and a sixth for a fourth.
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Well, TE just became a need...we traded Bennett to the Patriots for a draft pick.
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I was thinking he had 2 yrs left.
Yes, they should resign him.
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Well this is the last one, so pay him. Its not 2 years now. Give him a 2 year good contract and see where that gets you. In the meantime you try to identify who you can replace him with. This year is a bad draft for TEs. You might find some big WR with good hands and put a little weight on him and make a hybrid out of him. I just don't see letting Bennett walk, not this year. But then again, I am not privy to what he has done that hasn't come out.
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I think it is more that they don't like to renew until the last year, not 2yrs out.
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I would tend to agree. He's a known commodity...
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I agree with all of that. It's not like the Bears don't have the cap room. Pay him!
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We heard the same crap with Olsen. He was in his last year and wanted all this money in a new deal and the Bears didn't want to pay him. Well, he went on to the Panthers and was a big part of their SB team putting up 1000 yards receiving in each of the last 2 seasons. He's now 31.
Bennett is 29 and probably has at least 3 more good years in him - pay him. He's not the downfield threat that Olsen is but he's a better blocker and he can make the tough yards after contact. How many times do you see Bennett catch a ball and fight for an additional 5 yards or so and pick up a 3rd down? You don't see a lot of TEs in the league that can do that (that guy from Washington is an exception).
Teams covet draft choices and they don't want Bennett just for 1 year. Plus with all this media coverage that he was disgruntled cuz he was not getting the ball in the red zone last year and skipped a couple early season practices.
Basically this all means the Bears won't get squat for him.
It will be just like the Brandon Marshall deal where we get a BS middle round pick for a pro bowl quality receiver. Did you see what Marshall did last year? Was anyone on the Jets complaining about Marshall's locker room presence after the season?
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Wonder if the Bears are filling so many holes in FA so that if one of the QBs fall they can take one? I like Jay but if a potential franchise guy is there, you have to take him.
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I agree. That seems like the best solution team-wise but Bennett has burned too many bridges here with his attitude. I doubt there is much of a compromise because I think it would take the Bears giving him a new contract and I doubt seriously the Bears are going to do that
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They should figure out a way to make it work with Bennett....
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Khari Lee is horrible and we gave up a draft choice for him too (next year's 6th rounder). Slow and can't catch...maybe he's supposed to be a blocking TE but he's not that big.
And I can't say I'm that fond of Housler either.
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They need a swing OT. And I believe they need to replace Rolle. He is past his prime and seems to be injury prone. Porter is a stop gap and not irreplaceable. He sure isn't what I'd call a building block or a Superbowl CB. And correct me if my memory isn't sharp but don't they still have that kid Khari Lee who was supposed to be a TE, not that I want to depend on him?
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Holes they haven't filled are TE, DE, S and CB.
TE - If they keep Bennett then they are in decent shape with the signing Zach Miller and Housler. If they plan on dumping Bennett then they have a huge hole to fill.
DE - After signing Hicks and backup Unrein they still could use another possible starter to go along with Ferguson and Sutton.
S - Right now they got Amos, Rolle and last year's starter at the end of the season Harold Jones-Quartey.
CB - Re-signed Porter to go along with Fuller - probably need another guy or two. McManis doesn't count and Callahan is strictly a nickel back but a good one.
I'd also add offensive line to the list.
The guys they sign from here on out are probably backup or possibly rotational guys. Then comes the draft...
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Method
Totally agree with you on Dunbar. But he is coming off an ACL. Surprised that the Cowboys haven't re-signed him but they haven't been doing a whole lot in free agency.
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I read the Biggs question on what if Exekiel Elliot is there at11 would the Bears be interested. He feels the Bears might. If the Bears sign Dunbar they might not have interest in Elliot. It appears the Bears are filling all the needs they can during FA which I think is good. Holes they haven't filled are TE, DE, S and CB.
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http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000289366/Lance-Dunbar-45-yard-run
The giant hole the oline makes is nice... but good vision, cuts and speed.
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While that isn't shocking considering I read the Biggs mailbag article on CJ Anderson, but I still am not onboard with the runningback by committee that Fox likes
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He's got speed.. he's actually a good bit player, nice change of pace/screen pass back.
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Former Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar is visiting the Bears today.
logport says "He's 5'8"? No thanks!"
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So 2 years for $6 mil total. A far cry from what he said he originally wanted......$5mil/year.
You don't get $3M a year by starting out asking for $1M! But it is kind of funny that even Forte "only" got $4M per year.
Speaking of Forte he said that the Cowboys and the Bucs were the other team seriously interested in his services. But the Cowboys are happy with McFadden and the Bucs have Doug Martin. And the Jets lost Ivory to the Jags, so there you go.
Forte also said the Patriots and Packers showed interest too.
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I kind of forgot about Fabuluje who also started at LT at TCU. He's down to 342lbs - may need to lose 10 or 15lbs more.
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Well Leno was a LT in college and he cant play RT. We already found that out. Sometimes guys just cant move the opposite way. I thought he did a good job in his first full season at LT in the NFL. But we do need a backup swing tackle unless we want to classify Fabalujah as the swing tackle. I'd rather see us pick up another FA OT or a swing tackle in the 3rd round or later in the draft
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Remember Leno was never a LT. He was put there as a stopgap when Bushrod developed back problems.
Ir's quite possible with an off season working at LT that Leno will improve.
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I like the Miller signing.. Maybe they'll get some kind of an agreement with Bennett..
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So 2 years for $6 mil total. A far cry from what he said he originally wanted......$5mil/year.
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My understanding is that they are still trying to trade Bennett.
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Probably a moot point anyway, since I expect Stanley will be gone when our pick comes up.
Buckner would be the best fit for us.
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I like Miller's signing but hope the Bears aren't projecting him as the starter.
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http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-agree-to-terms-with-Zach-Miller/ffef3868-0305-4c64-b2e8-e3ba3dcc0013
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The depth of quality DLmen in the draft is good enough that we should be able to get someone pretty good in Round 2.
Well pretty good isn't good enough for me. I want to get the best I can get. I am sick and tired of this defense we have. I want to return to the monsters of the midway. Its so hard to get such a high draft pick so we can bypass the best we can get for a mediocre player later. If we improve that front 7 that's going to make the back end better. That's what I want. And I know there a lot of ND fans out there that believe Stanley is the greatest thing since the Edsel, but I am not sold. I watched enough of his games. He can be beaten and does get beaten.
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PLEASE sign or draft 1 starting safety. and a CB.
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If Stanley is there at 11, I'd be disappointed if we didn't go that route. The depth of quality DLmen in the draft is good enough that we should be able to get someone pretty good in Round 2.
Of course, if Elliott or Goff or someone like that drops, all bets are off...lots of updated mocks have Philly taking Elliott at 8 now that they have moved up, though, and Goff will almost certainly go to SF at 5 if they trade Kaepernick.
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LT is a distinct possibility and the guy I've seen in a few mocks is Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley. He's ranked higher than any d-lineman that would fall to us.
Do they feel THAT confident in Leno? They say they are but they also said that about Long at RT.
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Good list Joki,
Here's something I hate to bring up ... Robbie Gould.
Did he hit the wall last year and can he bounce back ?
Or is it time to look elsewhere?
From what I can see he's the oldest player on the team at 34 years.
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You're right jackie,we don't have a legit LT that's why I'd select Conklin with our 1st pick. In my opinion he's the best coming out this year. This is not a good year for 3/4 DEs that can rush the passer.If Buckner slipped to us at #11 I'd grab him only because they are few and far between.Conklin owned him in their last meeting. However,OT seems to be a deeper position than the aforementioned.
With our latest free agent acquisitions and a realistic view,this is my latest mock:
1)Jack Conklin (OT)
2) Artie Burns (CB)
3) Bronson Kaufusi (DE)
4) Miles Killebrew (SS)
5) Kolby Listenbee (WR)
6a) Kevin Hogan (QB)
6b) Jake McGee (TE)
6c) Eric MacLain (OG)
7) Josh Forrestt (ILB)
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Stop asking dumb questions you already know.
Actually I don't know ... that's why I asked.
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"Pity we don't draft well."
DIDNT draft well, past tense please......fingers crossed. lol
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I guess you mean Ferguson and Sutton. Draft choices are like gold - I doubt you'd get a 7th for either. I think both can make the team as backups. They're still young and might surprise us.
Yeah those 2, I could remember Sutton but not Ferguson. And yeah, that's what they say, draft picks are like gold. So whats Shea McClellan worth these days? Are we going to keep Ferguson and Sutton that long that they are worth what McClellan is worth? Its a shame they aren't worth more than a 7th. Maybe that shows the value of the drafter. Pity we don't draft well.
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Who's our starting Left Tackle ?
Stop asking dumb questions you already know.
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Leno. Did fine. Keep getting defense. And that DE from Ole Miss.
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Who's our starting Left Tackle ?
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In another thought, Which of those two other Schmos we drafted can we trade for picks or players? It'd be nice if we could trade one for a TE or safety
I guess you mean Ferguson and Sutton. Draft choices are like gold - I doubt you'd get a 7th for either. I think both can make the team as backups. They're still young and might surprise us.
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Yeah, the guy I'm looking for is Buckner but he won't be available Robinson is probably the next best option.
I don't want just a pure run stopping 3-4 DE. How many times when the Bears D was in their 3-4 and the other team passed and we had one of our OLBs rushing and the 3 other guys rushing the passer generating very little pressure?
As the review states Robinson is raw but might eventually develop a better pass rush ability.
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Here is a scouting report.
A'Shawn Robinson, DT
School: Alabama | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 307 lbs.
Projected Ranking
Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
14 1 1
Player Overview
A two-year starter in Alabama's 3-4 base defense, Robinson lined up everywhere from the zero- to six-technique positions on the right side of the defensive line, showing the ability to two-gap as a five-technique or anchor at nose tackle. A player with the look and power of a grown man, he was nicknamed the "man child" by his mother growing up because she literally had to keep his birth certificate in her purse to prove her son was playing in the appropriate age group.
Robinson became a full-time starter in 2014 as a sophomore, recording 49 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss, splitting his time between nose tackle and five-technique spots. He started all 15 games as a junior in 2015, finishing with 46 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks to earn First Team All-SEC honors.
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Big-boned frame with proportionate thickness throughout. Powerful core and limbs to control the point of attack and stack-and-shed. Smooth athleticism with the lateral range to mirror and scrape down the line of scrimmage in pursuit. Hip flexibility and body control to work tight spaces. Shows the ability to lock out, press the hole and make stops in the gap.
Plays with shock in his hands to work through the trash. Can sink and drive his lower body to create separation from blocks or push the pocket. Strong ball awareness and backfield vision to recognize things quickly. Uses his big hands and long arms to knock the ball down at the line of scrimmage. Drawing constant double-teams and keep blockers busy.
WEAKNESSES: Underwhelming initial move and allows his pads to rise at contact, playing too upright and losing leverage. Not an explosive athlete and more of a one-note chaser. Below average pass rush skill-set, lacking the hand sequence or burst to consistently penetrate the pocket.
Thinks too much, causing him to be a step late. Needs to be more disciplined stacking the edge to hold outside contain and gain body angles. Wears himself out and just goes through the motions on several snaps. Unimpressive career production.
IN OUR VIEW: A stout run defender, Robinson is raw as a pass rusher, but his production doesn't always show on the stat sheet - was mostly asked to two-gap, clog things up and occupy blockers to free up the linebackers at Alabama. He is the poster prospect for the golden rule of scouting (traits over production).
COMPARES TO: Michael Brockers, DT, Los Angeles Rams - Although he doesn't have a sky-high ceiling, Robinson should start in the NFL for a long time as a three-down defender, fitting even and odd fronts, similar to Michael Brockers when he was a mid-first round pick out of LSU.
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I would expect if we did draft Robinson that on passing downs he would move inside in a 4/3 alignment like they used last year. I don't believe Robinsons size precludes him form being a 3/4 DE. I think he has the size and ability. I doubt Alabama used a 4/3 anyways. As far as I can tell Robinson would the ideal pick. Except for Buckner who will be gone Robinson seems the best suited to be a 3/4 DE. I haven't seen anyone else with the proper size credentials any better. Also Robinson should be there at #11 provided nobody trades up to get him.
In another thought, Which of those two other Schmos we drafted can we trade for picks or players? It'd be nice if we could trade one for a TE or safety
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Having 3 big nasty DL will go a long way towards freeing up our lb'ers. I like the post Kyle said about Hicks.
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If we can snag A’Shawn Robinson in the draft that means a starting front 3 of Hicks 6’5 325 age 26 yrs, Eddie Goldman 6’4 330 age 22 and A’Shawn 6’4 315 and 21 on opening day. Good luck running against that.
Robinson is probably the best interior lineman that will come available at our pick at 11. And maybe he's the guy we should go with, but I'm not as concerned about us stopping the run now that we've just signed 2 pretty good ILBs.
I'm kind of looking at Kevin Dodd or Shaq Lawson - who are borderline 3-4 DE size but would provide more pass rush than Robinson. I think we'll generate a nice pass rush from OLB with McPhee, Houston and Willie Young but we just didn't get much of a pass rush from inside 3 last year.
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I'd have to agree. Looks as if Pace is doing a good job.
I guess we have no interest in bringing Zach Miller back?
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Bears have re-signed TE Rob Housler, fwiw...
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I don't think Pace is done in free agency. I'd expect a few more signings - more around the lines of the 1 year deals.
We still need more competition at starting DE, safety, CB and a backup OLB. Offensively, TE (even if Bennett sticks) and a swing tackle.
Obviously, we'll fill in some of these with the draft but you don't want to depend on any rookie filling a starting spot.
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Great job by Pace so far. 4 quality starters and it did not break the bank. Big improvements over what we have and Long moves back to guard - key.
Look at our schedule last year - besides the first three games - all the loses were close! We lost to Denver by 2 points.
+ White should be healthy.
I would like to see him sign one or two more defensive starters.
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Agree:
bassplucker says:
Mar 13, 2016 11:35 PM
Ryan Pace keeps lining em up and knocking em down. I felt like the Bears needed 5 new starters on D to get things turned around and as of today we’re at 3 with the draft yet to come.
If we can snag A’Shawn Robinson in the draft that means a starting front 3 of Hicks 6’5 325 age 26 yrs, Eddie Goldman 6’4 330 age 22 and A’Shawn 6’4 315 and 21 on opening day. Good luck running against that.
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I like that Pace is taking a risk on some younger, promising guys Instead of getting in a bidding war for the more highly polished guys. He's hiring some guys with something to prove.
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I sure like this:
Also on Twitter, Long added: "beast mode engaged -- we just signed a real live bear to maul people on sundays."
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Hicks continues the Bears' trend under Pace of targeting younger free agents who are considered to be ascending players yet to reach their maximum productivity. He also has a visit scheduled with the Detroit Lions but never made it out of Chicago.
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160313/sports/160319482/
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Hicks signs with the Bears.
https://sports.yahoo.com/news/bears-agree-terms-free-agent-dl-akiem-hicks-025655514--nfl.html
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-sign-defensive-end-akiem-hicks-20160313-story.html#nt=oft02a-1la1
I guess Fox and Fangio sold Hicks on the Bears. Whew! We needed that one. One more DE to go. That better be in the draft at #11. Hicks, Goldman and ? Looks like we might have a decent defense this year.
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Bears add Akiem Hicks
Posted by Mike Florio on March 13, 2016, 11:21 PM EDT
Zz0yYTMzMjM1MzM0NzQzMmZiZjYwNTFjZDA2ZmFkZTgyZA==
AP
Thirty years and a month after the ’85 Bears won a Super Bowl with one of the best defenses of all time, the Bears are in the process of using free agency to load up their 2016 version of the team’s defensive unit.
The Bears have announced that defensive lineman Akiem Hicks has signed a two-year deal.
The Saints traded Hicks to the Patriots in September 2015. He appeared in 13 regular-season games and two playoff games for the Patriots, with no starts.
The Bears have signed linebacker Danny Trevathan and linebacker Jerrell Freeman, and they’ve resigned cornerbacks Sherrick McManis and Tracy Porter.
While the Bears have a long way to go before anyone will confuse them with the Super Bowl XX champions, they’re doing what they have to do to better make the transformation from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense in coach John Fox’s second season with the team.
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Wow...so we're really whittling down the needs category before the draft I'm guessing so we can take a BPA approach. That's great news
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Hicks is a Bear! 2 year deal...
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Read this morning that we did sign Marc Mariani. No problem with that - he looked pretty good at WR toward the end of the season when we had nobody left.
But the guy I want to see them re-sign is Deonte Thompson. They could have tendered the RFA but let him hit free agency. Had some nice kick off returns and he was a speedster.
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Yeah, that's got to be the case. Not a whole lot of quality DEs - guys like Hicks can be picky.
Still haven't seen if he's signed yet.
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He's still in Chicago, though, per multiple reports on Twitter...
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I haven't heard a peep out of Hicks from the time he arrived at the Bears on Friday night to Sunday. I don't find his name mentioned anywhere. He must have wanted more than the Bears were willing to pay.
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Yeah, we got a couple really good ones for a serious upgrade there. Would like to see them draft a OLB now and a DE and we still need a good safety as well. And a corner.
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I am really happy we went out and got two ILB FA. If you have run through some of the draft sites the ILB value is not at our picks. That is ILB's in this years draft is slim pickings.
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Any Illinois fans have any comments on Jihad Ward? We could likely get him in the 3rd...
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I'd say that's a good call Dallas. I believe it.
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It's looking more like 3-4 DE will be our pick in round 1 and round 2 or round 3.
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Overall, Hicks had a solid first season in New England - which turned him into a quality free agent, who has reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams. Among those teams are the Detroit Lions, who are "likely" to finalize a deal with the 26-year old defensive tackle soon (via Jason LaCanfora):
Jets working out a contract with DL Jarvis Jenkins. Lions working to secure DL Akiem Hicks. Both deals likely to get done
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3 year deal sounds about right.
Freeman was ranked 41st on NFL com's list of free agents ahead of some bigger names like Greg Hardy, Terrance Knighton, and Akiem Hicks.
Zach Miller is 94th.
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We got Jerrell Freeman, 3 years, $12 mil total. And resigned Mitch Unrein. Now if we can just get Hicks....
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He was a SS in college and ended up playing CFL ball. So the overachiever label may have fit him.
He's got some speed...but he's turning 30. Might get 2 or 3 years out of him and keep Timu and Christian Jones as backups.
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At first glance, Freeman is undersized...looks to be a textbook overachiever.
Stats don't lie, though, and damn...he fills up a stat sheet!
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From the Trib:
The Bears are expected to host Indianapolis Colts free agent inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman on a visit to Halas Hall, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed.
What it means: It's a busy day at Halas Hall. Freeman is scheduled to visit, as are defensive end Akiem Hicks and tight end Jermaine Gresham. Freeman (6-foot-0, 240 pounds) ranked first or second in tackles among Colts defenders in each of his four seasons. His athleticism is above average, and he can cover, but he's not known as being particularly strong or dominant on contact. Still, he's a dependable stat sheet filler. He has expressed a desire to stay in Indianapolis, but his availability at this point indicates the Colts haven't been interested in matching his asking price. The former CFL linebacker turns 30 in May.
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Akiem Hicks? No news is bad news.
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James Laurinaitis tweeted that Chicago is on his list of teams to visit...
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So it looks like we are losing Jarvis Jenkins. He didn't suck, but he wasn't a stud either. I hope we can replace him with Hicks. AND get rid of Shea, then I will do a happy dance. Oh and maybe pick up Freeman to pair with Trevethan at ILB.
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Throw in McClellin too
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2 6ths maybe, but not a 2nd
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Saturday now????
Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks will visit with the Bears on Saturday, which could set up a reunion with General Manager Ryan Pace as Pace was in the Saints front office when they drafted Hicks in the third round of the 2012 draft.
Hicks remained with the Saints until he was traded to the Patriots a few weeks into last season. Lions General Manager Bob Quinn was in New England’s front office at the time of the trade and he also appears to be in the market for a reunion.
According to multiple reports, Hicks is scheduled to visit with the Lions after he meets with the Bears. The Lions re-signed defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker, but Jason Jones, Darryl Tapp and Corey Wootton are all free agents so the team has some openings up front on defense.
Of course, Hicks’ visit will only take place if he leaves Chicago without a contract and the prospect of the Lions signing him might make a deal with the Bears more likely.
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Plus Wilkerson is coming off injury, no guarantee he is going to be 100%
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No. I would do a third not a second. This years second is too high. If they didn't want a third I would do a future second. Not this years second.
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Yeah they are saying that was posted from a fake account and it is not happening. Would you pull the trigger on that? Bennett and our second for Wilkerson???
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Jets trade Wilkerson to us for a 2nd rounder and Bennet per Mike Francesa
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Right now we could use both those guys.
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Akiem Hicks is going to Detroit if he leaves Chicago without a deal.
Jarvis Jenkins is visiting the Jets.
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ILB Jerrell Freeman (Colts) is visiting the Bears today.
PFF's #2 ILB in 2015...only Kuechly grades higher in stopping the run.
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He may have just meant he wanted another team bidding.
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One thing you do NOT do coming to the Bears is thank them and pine for Green Bay!! >:( NOT a good start with this kid at all.
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New Bears LB Danny Trevathan: 'I wish' Packers would've called me
By Sean Wagner-McGough | Staff Writer
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25512382/new-bears-lb-danny-trevathan-i-wish-packers-wouldve-called-me
Somebody better wise that kid up.
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AT 3-4 DE your looking for guys 6-3 and up and around 280 or 290 lbs and that can run the 40 under 5.0. But some guys like Akiem Hicks go even bigger at 6'5 324.
As long as they have some quickness otherwise they are NTs.
What about Robinson from Alabama?
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Meantime, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports that free-agent tight end Jermaine Gresham is also meeting with the Bears on Friday.
Gresham, 27, caught 18 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown for the Arizona Cardinals last year. But Gresham had five highly productive seasons in Cincinnati (2010-14), where he hauled in 50-plus receptions in four different years.
The Bears resumed talks with free-agent tight end Zach Miller on Tuesday, but Miller remains unsigned.
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AT 3-4 DE your looking for guys 6-3 and up and around 280 or 290 lbs and that can run the 40 under 5.0. But some guys like Akiem Hicks go even bigger at 6'5 324.
As long as they have some quickness otherwise they are NTs.
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Wshful
Noah Spence is an OLB in our scheme - he goes 6'2" about 250. Might be there in round 2 with his baggage and 4.8 40 time dropping him out of round 1.
I am aware of that, I just thought Spence was bigger than that. Who matches the correct qualifications? Most of the college guys I've seen don't have the girth to qualify.
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With interior DL being the strength of the draft it would make sense to pick at least one.
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Wshful
Noah Spence is an OLB in our scheme - he goes 6'2" about 250. Might be there in round 2 with his baggage and 4.8 40 time dropping him out of round 1.
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It's just an offer sheet. Bears could make an offer too and more importantly Denver can match it.
Miami lost their top rusher (Miller) - not sure why Anderson would want to come to the Bears since we already have Langford.
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Reports out of Denver are that CJ Anderson was at the airport, about to board a flight to Chicago, when he got a call from the Dolphins.
He changed his flight plans, flew to Miami, and has signed an offer sheet with the Dolphins.
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Quarterback Scott Tolzien will visit with the Colts today, Tom Silverstein of the Journal-Sentinel tweets. The Bears are also showing interest in the Packers free agent.
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If the Cowboys and Jerry Jones can't put up with his antics...
I'm sure we'll sign somebody but right now #1 draftee sure looks like a big 3-4 DE...maybe #2 also which is unfortunate.
I wont go as far as saying unfortunate but it sure looks like #11 will be a 3/4 DE, which seems like Spence right now. Maybe they gamble on Nikemdiche in the 2nd. Hicks and Spence would be a nice pair.
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Ok,
he Bears have shown interest in Packers QB Scott Tolzien
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If the Cowboys and Jerry Jones can't put up with his antics...
I'm sure we'll sign somebody but right now #1 draftee sure looks like a big 3-4 DE...maybe #2 also which is unfortunate.
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If we miss on Hicks, we could always go full blown batshit crazy and sign Greg Hardy for one end and draft Robert Nkemdiche for the other...
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Not sure if McClellin is in play for the Bears.
Depth chart at ILB looks like Trevathian, with Christian Jones and John Timu battling for the other spot and there's Jonathon Anderson too.
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I hope we get Hicks.
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I think Long should go back to his guard position. Playing at RT last season isn't a waste though, gives him enough experience that he can fill in there..
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From the Trib:
Patriots end Akiem Hicks continued to wait for what he considers a compelling offer, while the Bears still are interested. The Chiefs re-signed Jaye Howard to a two-year contract worth up to $12 million, according to several national outlets, and the deal could help set Hicks' market.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace was with the Saints when they drafted Hicks 89th overall (third round) in 2012.
Once Hicks is gone we're looking at FA types like Mitch Unrein and Jarvis Jenkins - one year city.
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I'm sure he wasn't legally drunk every day as in .08 blood alcohol level - maybe something like .05 or .06.
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"Drunk every day for the past ten years"
What????
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Slauson sounds like Long is going back to guard:
"I'm not sure how everything is going to shake out yet," left guard Matt Slauson said. "We thought everything was going to be set last year and we get into camp and out of it and everything shifts. You can put the players in the spots now and say, 'Man, this is looking really good now.' You never know how it will look when we get to September, but for Kyle's sake, I think he can breathe a little bit of a sigh of relief now because he gets to go back to his comfortable spot and we can have a really good offensive line."
Now we'll see how comfortable the Bears really are with Leno at LT with the draft next month.
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The Packers already had their big FA signing - Julius Peppers 2 years ago.
Maybe they'll sign that FA LBer from USC. (I still think he might be a nice addition to the Bears).
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They've got to fill holes in free agency and not depend on the draft where you don't have much control on who's available - hence the Porter signing.
And now I just read we got linebacker Danny Trevathan for four years.
Ouch. I was hoping GB could sign him.
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Massie was a 5-star turnstile at Ole Miss. I hope he has improved.
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I hope you are correct.
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Keep in mind he was playing in an Arian offense that is not known for protecting the passer and his QB was pretty much a statue back there. He may be a better fit in our offense.
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Reading about Massie having problems with pass protection, so not what we need with Jay. Just saying.
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Let's suppose for a minute that the New York Giants see second-year man Bobby Hart as a potential starter at right guard. That still leaves them with a need for a right tackle. That brings us to a discussion of Bobby Massie, a 26-year-old four-year veteran with the Arizona Cardinals who is about to hit the open market.
Pro Football Focus lists Massie as No. 8 on its list of the best offensive tackles expected to become free agents. The question is, which Massie will any team who signs him get? Per PFF:
It's tough to know what to expect from Bobby Massie. He was one of the worst pass-blocking tackles back in 2012, but he improved quite a bit after being given another chance in 2014. However, he couldn't sustain the improvement last season. He regressed in pass protection, with particularly poor outings against the Seahawks' and Rams' good defensive lines. As for the run game, Massie has been a decent run-blocker in his three seasons as a starter. You won't be sure which player you are getting by signing Massie, but at the least he could be a viable sixth offensive lineman.
The Cardinals are expected to let Massie go.
"In Massie's case, the writing was on the wall for him when the team drafted tackle D.J. Humphries with the 24th overall pick in the first-round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Humphries went through some growing pains in his rookie season, but he made that turn as the season went on.
"Massie's played quite well at right tackle for Arizona over the last four seasons, and he's still pretty young at 26 years old. He's got a lot more to offer a team ..."
That is precisely what PFF is recommending that the Cardinals should do.
"Massie has been average to above-average in run-blocking all four years of his career, but pass protection has been an issue. He's coming off of his worst season as a pass blocker since 2012, grading among the 10-worst tackles there, with a significant drop from his 2014 level."
Jess Root of SB Nation's Revenge of the Birds had this to say about Massie:
"He's actually decent. I would call him an average to above average RT. He is durable and hasn't hit his ceiling. He struggled with the mental side for a while when Arians brought a new offense," Root said. "And there is the off-the-field concern. He had a DUI right before the Super and admitted to the officer he has been drunk every day for the last 10 years. He will get beat by speed rushers. But overall, no real complaints. There are definite upgrades, but you can do a lot worse."
Pressed on the DUI, Root said that Massie "always seemed like a good guy" and that there has been "no issue" with him since that incident.
Massie, 6-foot-6, 316-pounds, has started 46 of 54 games for the Cardinals since being a fourth-round draft pick in 2012. Inside The Pylon named Massie as the NFL's most underrated right tackle in 2015. In his scouting report for that post, Brandon Thorn said Massie is "a very good player who has scheme versatility, rare explosiveness and all the physical tools needed to play left or right tackle." Thorn lists some weaknesses, but concludes that Massie has "immense potential."
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We need the big 3-4 DE. Jaye Howard is still out there and we've all read about Akiem Hicks. Maybe Ayers or Nick Farley?
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Supposedly the Bears are after RB C J Anderson too.
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Jeff Dickerson
ESPN Staff Writer
The Bears re-signed RB Jacquizz Rodgers and OT Nick Becton to one-year contracts.
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Jeff Dickerson
ESPN Staff Writer
Bears have signed Arizona Cardinals OT Bobby Massie to a three-year deal. What does that mean for three-time Pro Bowler Kyle Long? Long tells ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago that he is open to playing either tackle or guard in 2016, now that Massie is under contract.
Absolutely happy!!!
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They've got to fill holes in free agency and not depend on the draft where you don't have much control on who's available - hence the Porter signing.
And now I just read we got linebacker Danny Trevathan for four years.
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I'm glad they resigned him.
In this day of the higher salary cap that contract may be accurate for an average starter
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3 years for 16.5 mil. Seems like a lot.
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Tracy Porter has been re-signed, per Ian Rapoport on twitter...
So has Jacquizz Rodgers...
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Ok we are not really going after this guy are we?
Running back C.J. Anderson is quickly drawing interest on the restricted free agency market.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Patriots, Dolphins, 49ers, and Bears already have expressed interest in man who currently is the best tailback on the Denver roster.
The Broncos tendered Anderson at the lowest level, giving them only a right to match any offer Anderson signs elsewhere.
If a team signs Anderson to an offer sheet, the Broncos will have five days to match. If they don’t, Anderson will change teams — and the Broncos will get no compensation.
The Dolphins make sense because they’ve lost Lamar Miller, and because Anderson played for coach Adam Gase when Gase ran the Denver offense. The Bears make sense because coach John Fox was Anderson’s first coach in Denver. The Patriots make sense because quarterback Tom Brady has praised Anderson, who has fought and worked his way to relevance as an undrafted guy — and possibly because Anderson delivered an overtime dagger to the Patriots in the regular season last November.
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If it were me I would move him back.
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if he is above average at RT, do we move Kyle to LT or back to RG?
Leno did pretty good at LT.
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Looks like we got Bobbie Massie.
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The defections in Denver continue.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan is leaving for Chicago.
The soon-to-be-26-year-old linebacker is a good fit for the Bears, and well familiar to coach John Fox who had him with the Broncos. The link has been there for days, but now the deal is done.
Along with defensive end Malik Jackson and quarterback Brock Osweiler, it’s a big day of departures for the defending champions, who are learning the cost of success.
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Good call
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Sounds like his brother and him both expect new contracts every time someone else gets more $$
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Yeah, forgot about the injury...
Keeping Bennett is the best-case scenario, but no one seems to know the extent of the damage already done in that relationship...
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Graham's coming off a patellar tendon injury...and he can't block. No thanks.
Keep Bennett.
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How is Seattle's cap space?
They obviously don't value Jimmy Graham as much as we could...
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I agree with Rosenbloom here:
Tight end might be the thinnest position in all three areas this year -- the draft, free agency, and the trade market. Pace might have to tell Fox to make nice with the eccentric tight end, which brings up a bigger question:
Is that general manager allowed to tell that coach such things?
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I totally agree with that...think Marcus Allen.
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Forte is going to be solid at least two more years.
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We still owe the Pack for that sack of crap Edgar Bennett. He kills us for years, then signs with us and sucks money. Not to ever wish ill of Forte, but if he goes to the Pack, I hope he goes all Edgar Bennett on them
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John Fox trying to bring Danny Trevathan to Chicago
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 8, 2016, 4:42 PM EST
Danny Trevathan
AP
Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan played for John Fox for three seasons in Denver, and when Trevathan hits free agency tomorrow, he may join up with Fox again.
Fox is now head coach of the Bears, who are making a strong push for Trevathan, according to the Denver Post.
With Malik Jackson agreeing today to leave for Jacksonville, Trevathan could leave for Chicago and become the second Broncos defensive starter to bolt Denver in free agency. It’s not easy to keep together a defense like the one the Broncos had last year, and Denver is learning that the hard way.
In Chicago, Trevathan would be expected to provide an instant upgrade to the Bears’ defense. Fox knows what Trevathan can do, and he wants to bring him on board. Perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
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So I guess the Jags have locked down Malik Jackson (DE) for 6 years $90 mil.Oh well. I'm starting to wonder about trading for Muhammad Wilkerson. Giving up our first may seem steep,but,is there anyone out there in FA or the draft that would give us more bang for the buck at a most critical need? Personally I'd rather have Wilkerson than either Hargreaves ,Myles Jack or even Deforest Buckner. Maybe we could swap positions with the Jets(#20) in the 1st and 2nd rounds that way we'd not be losing any picks? Just throwing it out .
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Just read that they are working on finishing up the Trevethan contract And the Packers have expressed interest in Martellus Bennett. Um yeah, good luck with that.
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I'm more concerned with our other WR.
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Hopefully he's healthy this season..
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Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has signed his franchise player tender, the Bears announced Tuesday.
The franchise tag puts Jeffery’s 2016 salary of $14.599 million on the team’s cap as the league year opens Wednesday. The Bears announced a day before last week’s deadline that they’d be using the tag on Jeffery to keep him off the open market.
Jeffery and the Bears can still negotiate a long-term contract through July 15. If the sides don’t reach a new deal, he’ll play this season for $14.599 million and again be eligible for free agency next winter.
Signing the tender means Jeffery is required to attend mandatory team offseason events.
Jeffery, who just turned 26, missed seven games due to injury last season but had recorded more than 2,500 receiving yards over the previous two seasons. He has 24 touchdown catches in his four-year career.
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Maybe Bears don't want Forte back because he would outplay Langford and take some snaps away from him.
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Is it possible Forte tests the market and finds nothing that blows him away and decides to come back to Chicago to finish his career at a lower then market rate?
Say for instance Cleveland offers him a market value that he decides it's better to stay in Chicago for cheaper to end his career then go play for that pile of shit.
That would be fun. It's not like they pushed him out the door like the previous regime did with Brian...
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Forte is not on that list. Interesting. Too much mileage on the tires?
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Bears reportedly showing interest in Chargers CB Patrick Robinson...along with several other teams...
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1. Malik Jackson, Broncos, DE: Sure would help the defense - but does Pace want to spend the $.
2. Kelechi Osemele, Ravens, G: Sure would help the offense - but again $.
3. Damon Harrison, Jets, DT: Strictly 350lb NT - expensive backup to Eddie Goldman
4. Janoris Jenkins, Rams, CB: We do need a CB.
5. Sean Smith, Chiefs, CB: But not this one - too old.
6. Jaye Howard, Chiefs, DE: One of my favorites to play 3-4 DE.
7. Mario Williams, Bills, DE: He's 31.
8. Doug Martin, Buccaneers, RB: Nope.
9. Danny Trevathan, Broncos, LB: Another possibility we've been hearing about.
10. Alex Mack, Browns, C: We need a veteran backup center - but I'm not sure we can afford this one.
11. Brock Osweiler, Broncos, QB: He'll want to start. I'm surprised Denver hasn't signed him.
12. Bruce Irvin, Seahawks, LB: Maybe if he doesn't want a load of dough.
13. Prince Amukamara, Giants, CB: Not a ballhawk and had a history of injuries. But he's only 26.
14. George Iloka, Bengals, S: A possibility. Big SS.
15. Ian Williams, 49ers, DT: Another NT type - cheaper alternative to Harrison.
16. Russell Okung, Seahawks, LT: When healthy he's tough.
17. Eric Weddle, Chargers, S: At 31, no.
18. Lamar Miller, Dolphins, RB: No.
19. Reggie Nelson, Bengals, S: At 32. no.
20. Mitchell Schwartz, Browns, RT: He gave up 10 sacks last year. Long gave up 9 and he was learning the position on the job. How is this an improvement? No way.
21. Richie Incognito, Bills, G: He's 32. No.
22. Coby Fleener, Colts, TE: If we dump Bennett we'll need a TE. I doubt he can block like Bennett.
23. Marvin Jones, Bengals, WR: Too much money for the WR position.
24. Charles Johnson, Panthers, DE: He started 9 games and had one sack. Would have to convert from 4-3 to 3-4 OLB.
25. Jerrell Freeman, Colts, LB: 30 year old LB. Nope.
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Here are the Trib's top 25 free agents - if the Bears can sign a couple off this list it would provide a bit more flexibility in the draft:
1. Malik Jackson, Broncos, DE: He's a big pass rusher and those are hard to find. He has scheme versatility and was a wrecking ball in the postseason, which is why he'll get a huge payday.
2. Kelechi Osemele, Ravens, G: The market for interior offensive linemen has really grown the last few years and Osemele will make any running game better.
3. Damon Harrison, Jets, DT: The Jets have a wealth of talent along the line and Harrison will make those around him better wherever he signs. A top run defender.
4. Janoris Jenkins, Rams, CB: He's 27 and has been a shutdown cornerback since entering the league. Are you willing to accept the touchdowns he'll surrender when he gambles and misses?
5. Sean Smith, Chiefs, CB: He turns 29 this summer and has had some up-and-down seasons but has coveted size at 6-foot-3 and is coming off a strong year.
6. Jaye Howard, Chiefs, DE: Big men who can set the edge and provide a little pass rush are difficult to find and that's what lands Howard this high on the list.
7. Mario Williams, Bills, DE: He had a disastrous final season in Buffalo, but he's only 31 and produced 38 sacks in the three previous seasons. Someone will give him a shot.
8. Doug Martin, Buccaneers, RB: Running backs are finding it increasingly difficult to get paid, but he has had two 1,400-yard seasons.
9. Danny Trevathan, Broncos, LB: He's a three-down linebacker with speed and coverage ability and he's another player who's going to get a Super Bowl ring and a big contract.
10. Alex Mack, Browns, C: He voided his contract to reach the open market, where he is head and shoulders above every other center.
11. Brock Osweiler, Broncos, QB: He seems destined to return to Denver, where he was 5-2 as a fill-in starter, but what if the Rams or another team step up with a huge offer?
12. Bruce Irvin, Seahawks, LB: A versatile and athletic defender with scheme flexibility. Would feel better about him had he been more productive in Seattle.
13. Prince Amukamara, Giants, CB: He has been a pretty steady player, but availability is a legitimate question after he missed 13 games over the last two seasons.
14. George Iloka, Bengals, S: Among the good available safeties, he's the youngest at 25 and has the size teams are seeking at 6-4, 225 pounds.
15. Ian Williams, 49ers, DT: An improving player, he was one of the few bright spots remaining on the defense in San Francisco last season.
16. Russell Okung, Seahawks, LT: He never has played an entire season and missed 13 games over the last three seasons, but teams needing blind-side protection could benefit by signing him.
17. Eric Weddle, Chargers, S: At 31, he's on the back end of a wonderful career but should be able to solidify a secondary in need of a veteran presence.
18. Lamar Miller, Dolphins, RB: He could flourish in an offense that uses his skills, but again the market for veteran running backs is hardly robust.
19. Reggie Nelson, Bengals, S: He possesses more range than his teammate Iloka with 12 interceptions the last two seasons, but he's 32.
20. Mitchell Schwartz, Browns, RT: Teammate Joe Thomas gets much more recognition, but Schwartz is a very good player.
21. Richie Incognito, Bills, G: He revived his career with a fine season in Buffalo and now he's looking to be rewarded.
22. Coby Fleener, Colts, TE: He has the speed to stretch a defense vertically, but his hands can betray him at times. Can he be as productive not teaming with Andrew Luck?
23. Marvin Jones, Bengals, WR: It's a razor-thin class of wide receivers and he has good size at 6-2 and is coming off a 65-catch season. He's strictly a No. 2 option.
24. Charles Johnson, Panthers, DE: He will turn 30 before the start of the season but might have a little juice left in him coming off the edge.
25. Jerrell Freeman, Colts, LB: Not as speedy as Trevathan, but he's another three-down linebacker with scheme flexibility.
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Wonder who we will be making an offer to today?
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Ladarius Green has always underperformed.
Don't pay him starter money
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Not a problem.Add Ladarius Green from S.D.for around $5 mil and draft Jake McGee TE in the 6th.
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At least 2 now
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Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
Bears and Martellus Bennett's agent, Kennard McGuire, are working together to trade the tight end to an agreeable landing spot, per source.
7:50 AM - 4 Mar 2016
Coincidentally, the Bears went down a similar road with McGuire last March. He also represents receiver Brandon Marshall, whom the Bears agreed to trade to the Jets on the Friday before free agency last year. The Bears received a fifth-round pick in exchange for Marshall and a seventh-rounder.
Getting closer to having to add TE to our FA/draft shopping list that is already long enough with all the holes on defense.
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Marshall has never had any issues on the field. Maybe he was a tool in the locker room, I dunno. I work with tools in my job too, but I get my job done.
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I agree, let's see what Marshall does as losing continues..
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I think there is a lot of difference between how Marshall acted and how Bennett acted. Marshall had a strong season after leaving, but Cutler's wasn't bad either especially considering the cast of receivers he threw to most of the season... Best to separate them, it appears
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Oh yeah, and what did Brandon Marshall do last year?
109 catches for 1,502 yards and 14 TDs
And what did we get? A 5th rounder that we had to throw in a 7th rounder to get. Plus we had to use first round draft pick on a WR to fill Marshall's shoes.
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They ran Marshall out of town, they'll do the same with Bennett....
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From the Trib:
I don’t expect Martellus Bennett to fit in the Bears’ plans this season. While many believe the Bears will trade him, more and more people I talk to doubt the Bears will be able to get a pick for him. It only takes one team to find a trade partner, but let’s just say it’s no slam dunk Pace can get anything in return for him.
This is pure insanity. What did the guy do? Complain that he didn't get opportunities in the red zone? Yeah, let's just dump him for a 5th or 6th rounder or better yet just let him walk for nothing. We've got plenty of draft picks and backup TEs waiting to fill the shoes of 28 year old pro bowl quality TE.
I guess he doesn't give good interviews or something cuz this seems to be the opinion of most the chicago press.
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That would be a good move if they can do it. They definitely need 2 good 3/4 DEs
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The Broncos gave Von Miller their franchise tag Tuesday, meaning defensive end Malik Jackson didn’t get one.
The latter is more relevant to the Bears entering the free agency period, which begins with Monday’s launch of a three-day negotiation window.
They were never landing Miller, the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Jackson, though, is worth consideration when he hits the open market.
His familiarity with Bears head coach John Fox and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers — Jackson’s position coach in Denver — would seemingly ease the transition to a team in need of a stout 3-4 defensive end. Or two.
The Bears have six ends on their current roster; Will Sutton played 13 games last season, while the other five combined to appear in only eight contests. Jarvis Jenkins and Mitch Unrein, the Bears’ best two ends last season, will be unrestricted free agents next week.
Signing Jackson, though, would come at a steep price.
http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football/7/71/1365286/tag-deadline-bears-target-malik-jackson
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WRs and DBs just keep getting taller.
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http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-put-franchise-tag-on-Jeffery/e27baaa5-cfa6-4ecc-b365-4b21fd8df884
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Watching the DB's this morning...they're a lot faster than the WR's were...
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I watched some of it, I was sick in the bed with a fever a good bit this weekend and watched some in between naps. The wr crop is slow this year. They must be dumb too. I don't know how many times they jumped early and the guy had to tell them to hold for a three count. I think for most guys it doesn't change their slot a lot. It might help guys who missed a bunch of games due to injury show they are healthy etc. With some of the smaller school guys they might get a little better feel if this is too big for them. I expect the medical reviews and interviews are the big things about the combine, that and more material for nfln to show. The other guys it might help are guys that might be playing new positions in the NFL. It might let a DE do LB drills or a QB do WR drills etc.
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Sad for Smith but good the Bears wised up. I believe another red shirt 1st round player would hurt Pace as well as the Bears and caused a fan backlash.
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I heard the medical was worse than expected for the ND linebacker the Bears had been projected to draft. Knocking him to the third round or lower...
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I watched a little bit beings there was nothing better on to watch in between "Z" time. ;D
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Yep, I'm the same way... Not much interest in the combine..
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I don't bother. Hell the draft is a crap shoot why watch the combine? How often does a guy move up the boards due to his combine numbers when he was never that great of a player. Then promptly does nothing in the NFL?
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I think the combine is a waste of time other than the commentary.
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I was starting to wonder if I was the only one watching the combine...nothing on here all weekend but political bullshit...
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FUCK THE PAST !
Any normal BEARRSSE fan would be saying that.
JJ needs a Left Tackle for the next ten years.
Any Ideas ?
The Griggs guy at the combine ... anybody interested?
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Ok this makes sense:
mcmeen0576 says:
Feb 26, 2016 3:13 PM
The actual story is that they will be placing the tag on him Tuesday. Him and his agent are meeting in Indy over the weekend to try and finalize a deal. If a deal isn’t reached then the tag will be placed. Chicago media guys like Chris Emma have said that it will be placed Tuesday if the talks don’t come to a long term deal over the weekend.
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So much for aggressive negotiation. LOL
There’s still time for teams to use the franchise tag, but the fact that several teams are already using it is a sign about the negotiations.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bears are tagging wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, keeping him off the market.
Of course, this was the expected move, though they were “actively and aggressively” negotiating this week.
Apparently those negotiations grew sedentary and passive.
They can still do a long-term deal with Jeffery until July 15, and many teams have gone that route in recent years with wide receivers. But this will keep him off the market for the short term, and guarantee the Bears have at least one proven commodity at the position this season.
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http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-demarcus-ware-may-not-be-back-with-broncos/ar-BBpMsQl?ocid=spartanntp
For the right price he might be an option.
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I was more surprised the Rams cut Laurenitis
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Long has been hurt way too much. Pass
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We would certainly get more airtime on Fox pregame if they both were on the team...
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Allen was older though, right? I think Long may have some miles left and it would likely be at a discount. He doesn't come across to me as a mercenary looking for the highest bidder. The market will likely be soft, he would bring some leadership and to me, 31 doesn't sound so old. Especially if he has missed some time the last few years, talking less of a pounding.
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Oft injured AND soon to be 31 AND based on his size (6-3 268) he'd have to move to a 3-4 OLB to play with us. Ask Jared Allen how that worked out late in his career.
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Chris Long is available. Can he play in a 3-4 defense? He has been injured a lot the last two years but before that he was a pretty good player.
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Maybe McDaniel jr will want to bring in Tebow....he does have a Fox connection. lol
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Pekin
The only useful thing I got out of that article was each team's cap space. When I started seeing Alshon Jeffery's name associated with this team and that team...I checked out.
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What? The Bears hired Josh McDaniels younger brother to the offensive coaching staff? Wouldn't someone with a last name other than "McDaniels" worked out better? Or are the Bear getting ready
to Catapult Cutler out of Chicago? What the hell?
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54 million is a lot of cap space. However I am not sure why the Bears need a deep threat. Isn't Kevin White supposed to be a deep threat?
http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/ten-nfl-teams-that-can-afford-to-be-greedy-in-free-agency/ar-BBpDplY?ocid=spartanntp
Chicago absolutely could land Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan, a pair of key players from the Denver Broncos Super Bowl-winning defense. As a matter of fact, the Bears should do just that.
Before bolstering the defense, Chicago must re-sign Alshon Jeffery. He might receive the franchise tag, but if that’s the cost of retaining him, so be it.
The Bears should also look for a receiving option in this year’s deep group of wideouts. Bringing Jeffery back and securing a deep-ball threat like Jones or Kamar Aiken would give Chicago a potentially explosive offense.
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Ok Dallas I stand corrected, I guess I missed that article.
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For boogie:
Bears' Alshon Jeffery begins training with Jay Glazer in California
February 9, 2016, 7:30 pm
The workout venue of Odell Beckham Jr., Kyle Long, Clay Matthews and myriad other NFL elites has now drawn Alshon Jeffery.
The Bears wide receiver, who in the past has trained in Florida with Brandon Marshall and Marquess Wilson, has begun training at Unbreakable Performance Center in West Hollywood, Calif., the elite, high-end training center started by FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer, Olympic volleyball player Lindsey Berg and Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher.
Last offseason, Jeffery opted for workouts with Marshall rather than sessions in Nashville with Jay Cutler, Martellus Bennett, Kevin White and other members of the offense.
Glazer tweeted on Tuesday: 1st day back @Unbreakable working nfl guys, Bears Alshon Jeffery already getting after it working hand fighting & hips today. Big offseason!
That big offseason for Jeffery, who wobbled through an injury-speckled 2015, will include a major contract. To play out is whether it will be in the form of the Bears’ franchise tag expected in the range of $14.4 million guaranteed for one year, or a multi-year pact, presumably with the Bears, who are a virtual lock to keep Jeffery from reaching unrestricted free agency.
Besides working with Jeffery, Glazer has worked with the likes of Beckham Jr., Long and brother Chris, Matthews, Shawne Merriman, the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and others in different sports, including MMA.
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The Bears have a ton of cash. Now they just need to spend it wisely.
I would tag Alshon if necessary and the only way I would trade him is if there was a fantastic offer. No way would one first round pick do it unless it was a top five pick. I would want multiple picks for him.
I would prefer a long term deal though.
I don't like the Angelo/Emery philosophy that you can only spend so much on each position. When you have a really good player you keep them if at all possible. Sure you have to weigh out age, production versus pay but to just say we can only have one legit receiver is stupid. Plus we aren't even sure if Kevin White will pan out.
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Horsebleep!
Plus Jeffery is already committed to change up his offseason training to reduce the injuries.
Um, yeah I don't recall reading ANYTHING like that. I do recall reading he was still pissed Brandon Marshall got traded and wouldn't mind playing somewhere else.
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http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-part-ways-with-veteran-Bushrod/b1a6f991-2c9b-4f7e-b6fc-be2553e5d82a
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Horsebleep!
So we draft another WR in round 1 - what are we the Detroit Lions?
Yeah, Jeffery had an injury filled season. But in 2013 and 2014 he played in all 16 games...and went to the pro-bowl. He's a proven WR - anybody taken (even with a 1st rounder) in the draft is a risk. And if you want a list I'll show you.
Plus Jeffery is already committed to change up his offseason training to reduce the injuries.
You all saw what our offense looked like with the likes of Bellamy, Mariotti, etc as our starting WRs - imagine if we had Kevin White and Jeffery together.
Jeffery can play for at least 4 or 5 more years -in the meantime we'll have a couple of drafts to concentrate on the defense.
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Agreed on Treadwell
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Only if we're positive that Treadwell will be there at 11...
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I hadn't thought of it like that but that wouldn't be a bad idea.
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Interesting idea:
How tagging and then trading Alshon Jeffery helps the Bears
Steve Rosenbloom
The RosenBlog
Aren’t the Bears better off tagging and trading Alshon Jeffrey?
Wouldn't trading the oft-injured wide receiver for a high draft choice or a couple mid-level picks get the Bears closer to a Super Bowl roster than tagging and keeping him?
Jeffery is headed for free agency next month unless the Bears do something. The most likely options are using the franchise tag or signing Jeffery to a long-term deal. Or using the tag to start negotiations for long-term deal.
If the Bears use the franchise tag -- they can do that as early as today and as late as March 1 -- they will own Jeffery’s rights for one year at the average of the top five players at his position.
In the case of wide receivers, the average salary is expected to be $14.5 million. The going rate for extensions for wideouts is that times five years with maybe $30 million or $40 million guaranteed.
That’s the price for keeping the only receiver for whom Bears opponents have to game plan.
That’s a big price for a guy who spent 2015 as the poster child for soft tissue injuries.
Last season, Jeffery caught 54 passes for 807 yards, and average of 14.9, and four TDs, second on the team.
Last season, however, Jeffery played only nine games because he couldn’t stay healthy. Calf, hamstring, groin -- Jeffery was the Google Maps of the injury report.
Coaches need to trust players. Teammates need to trust each other. Reliability matters. Jeffery wasn’t reliable.
This is not to suggest Jeffery is soft, although his training methods seemed to come in for some criticism. This is just to point out the risk of going all-in on a guy who wasn't in there all the time.
So, the Bears would be fools not to consider whether Jeffery helps them more as trade bait.
If the Bears were the Packers and expected to win the last game every season, then there’s no discussion. Tag him, try to extend him, throw to him.
But the Bears aren’t the Packers. Not yet, anyway.
At 26, Jeffery is young enough to be part of the Bears when that happens.
After last season, however, you wonder how that happens while wired to a stim machine.
Jeffery makes the Bears better next season, no question. A healthy Jeffery, that is. But the point isn’t to make the Bears better next season, it’s to build the foundation for a Super Bowl champion, and that foundation can only come from the draft, where the Bears have stunk the last 10 years or maybe more.
The only way the Bears can make up for so many bad draft choices is to rack up a bunch of good draft choices.
Jeffery would help that. Maybe help that more than catching passes.
The defense has holes at every level and needs playmakers at every level. Defensive line, linebacker, secondary --- you name it, the Bears need it.
The offense has holes on the line. You have Kyle Long and Matt Slauson, and then you have questions. Make that question, singular: “Will Jay Cutler get killed?’’
Plus, with or without Jeffery, the offense also needs another wide receiver.
Add it up. No, wait, don’t. It will make your head hurt. The Bears need so much more than Jeffery, no matter how magical some of his leaping catches have been.
Jeffery is the perfect offering for a contender. For instance, I don’t know whether Bill Belichick would overpay for a player who would benefit from playing opposite Rob Gronkowski, but Tom Brady probably would be screaming in his ear to fork over whatever it takes.
Whatever former Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase thinks about the Dolphins, Miami’s new head coach has to think Jeffery could hurry along his program by helping one of the worst third-down offenses.
The Giants face pressure in New York and might look at Jeffery and decide he’s the answer to their sorry red-zone offense.
There are more possibilities. A lot of potential trade partners have reasons to take the present player and pay in future choices.
That’s what the Bears need. Do the Bears know that’s what they need?
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Rich Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News comes out with a special teams ranking every year.
In 2015, the Bears were ranked 12th. Kind of surprising given our lack of big returns, Gould's kicking woes, and kick coverage issues especially in the beginning of the season.
The only category that we were ranked at the bottom or the top was:
OPPONENT STARTING POINT
Best: Buffalo, 19.9-yard line
Worst: Chicago, 24.2-yard line
Cowboys: Tied for 23rd, 22.2-yard line
This is a combination of Gould not getting it into the end zone enough and our guys not covering kick offs. But still a 12 ranking is better than anything from our offense or defense.
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....... They were middle of the road guys signed to one year deals: Example: Sam Acho, Jarvis Jenkins, Tracy Porter
Look for the Bears to sign only a couple of up and comers and hopefully none of the down and outers but a bunch of the 1 year guys.
The patriots seem to do this a lot. They rarely sign any big name FAs. They did sign Revis a few years back on a one year deal and then got a 3rd round compensatory pick for letting him go.
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Easier said than done. Why would a team give up on an up and coming talent?
If they are cap strained and/or the up and comer is not a starter. Example: Pernell McPhee
Unfortunately, in the Bears situation they have/had huge holes at certain positions and had to sign an aging vet whose best days are behind him. Example: Antrell Rolle
Most of the Bears' signing last year weren't in either category. They were middle of the road guys signed to one year deals: Example: Sam Acho, Jarvis Jenkins, Tracy Porter
Look for the Bears to sign only a couple of up and comers and hopefully none of the down and outers but a bunch of the 1 year guys.
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That's great and all but spend it wisely. Don't chase some has been washed up used to be. Go after the hot right now or up and coming talent. Talent talent talent!! And a whole lot of it....
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The Bears have a ton of money. They have pretty much cleared the books.
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That money is going somewhere else for sure. Defense please. Defense. Bears? Defense? Please. The DC is all aces, give him some horses. I'm tired of the smirks I get when I wear my Bear Jersey out. 34? Who the hell was that ? 50? who? Rat bastards.
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Maybe they're planning to be even more active in free agency than last year.
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Keeping Forte for a couple of years wouldn't have been a bad thing (IMO)..
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Forte's great, but we really need to move forward. I'd love to see a whole lot of talented youth on this team that is quick and relentless.
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Forte is a class act. Too bad we couldn't keep him for the right money.
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If he just weren't so old.
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I would rather he get a ring from someone other than NE. I root against them unless they are playing GB.
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I hope he goes to NE and gets a ring. He would be a great fit there.
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The Bears might not have even asked for the numbers from his agent. They may have decided that that money would be better spent elsewhere on the team other then RB.
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As much as I love Forte and I am going to miss him you have to pay players for future production not past performance. If you believe that their future production will diminish over time then you just can not put the $'s into the contract. Especially if you have already drafted a replacement player that has proven that they can be productive.
I wish Matt Forte an excellent season and I hope he gets every dollar he is asking for.
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Well, the Packers like their halfbacks to watch their weight - so maybe Forte goes to Green Bay.
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Dallas I think the real problem was his weight dipped below 220 lbs. ;)
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So 30 is a magic number? Did Logic come up with that?
Here's some stats from a player we all know after he hit the "magic number":
1987 Chicago Bears 12 146/533 3.7 4 TD
1986 Chicago Bears 16 321/ 1,333 4.2 8 TD
1985 Chicago Bears 16 324/ 1,551 4.8 9 TD
1984 Chicago Bears 16 381/ 1,684 4.4 11 TD
The real 'magic number' was probably the amount Forte's agent was wanting on a new deal.
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We can file this one as one of the early offseason #asexpected notes, but it’s now official: Matt Forte won’t be returning to the Bears.
The veteran running back just sent out word via social media that he wouldn’t be back, as the team won’t pursue extending the free agent.
“Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was informed earlier this week from the GM that they will not be attempting to re-sign me in free agency. I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago and being able to play for an organization with such a rich history.
“My only regret is not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports. I’m excited about the next chapter of my NFL career. But, Chicago will always be home. God Bless and Bear Down!”
While Forte has hit the magic number for running backs (he turned 30 in December), he’s remained productive, and his blend of running and receiving ability ought to make him an attractive target in free agency.
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I see the Bears aren't going to resign Forte..
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keep working the rice, Alshon
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This is interesting:
http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/bears-alshon-jeffery-begins-training-jay-glazer-california
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We might see sub zero tonight
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Plus, supposed to get cold as fuck here. I'm ready for warm weather and baseball.
And, I'm interested in the free agency and the draft (all means warmer weather)
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Almost here Chifan. I want to see what happens with FA and what the Bears do.
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I'll have to say, I'm ready for Spring training..
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I think I still have that on 45 somewhere..
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He ran like lightning, passed like thunder!
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McMahon was hurt all the time. we had no backup... well... Fuller, if you want to call him a backup..
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Buddy left and McMahon got busted to pieces from the back by Charles Martin. Wasn't the same after.
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I don't recall Duerson defecting until later.
Biggest reason they didn't repeat is probably due to Jim McMahon's health. Not sure he was 100% in the '86, '87, and '88 season playoff losses. I know he wasn't 100% in '86 cuz Flutie started that game against the Redskins.
As for Marshall he was still a Bear in both the '86 and '87 seasons.
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True that!!
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30 for 30 also left out a HUGE influence on why the 85 Bears did not do more.....the NFL started a thing called Free Agency. Had that not been implemented we would not have lost Marshall or Durson; things would have been different.
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Like I said... I wish the 30 for 30 had more on the ownership changes during the 80's. Mongo mentioned that the McCaskeys were not going to pay you.
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The McCaskeys though, have made millions and millions and millions. I like George though. He's trying, and you can't ask for more than that.
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30 yrs...how sad we've gone nowhere since. One failed SB appearance to show for it....
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cool! Thanks!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0QXJ2WyYiM
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I didn't know it was on. If anyone knows when it will be replayed, it would be appreciated if you send up a flare..
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Be a man and own up! Who had tears in their eyes at the end of the 30 for 30 Bears documentary last night? Raise your fucking hands.
That was the best documentary I have ever seen done on that team. I just wish they would have worked in the some of the upper management changes more during that era. Specifically the ownership changes. That would be my only criticism.
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Miller will settle for a whole lot less.. Like the article says "starting high"...
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I totally disagree with you about Bennett. Look at his numbers the last few years.
Now I don't like his attitude recently but if he plays like he has been the first month or so next season I'd give him a new deal. Should have done that with Jeffery so we wouldn't be in this situation with him now.
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Hopefully it goes that way. He isn't worth 5 Mill. No way. I agree this is likely his last opportunity to cash in and you want to go out with some money in the bank for retirement. I see both sides of the issue, but you don't pay a guy that much. I don't believe Bennett is worth that much.
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That money wouldn’t be an issue for the Bears in terms of their salary cap, since they’re sitting on the second-most cap space in the NFL, but the problem is that Miller is seeking a big pay-bump while the team is dealing with another tight end with contract issues.
Just because you have a fat cap doesn't mean you blow it on an aging veteran who had ONE nice year. If Miller can get a huge offer - more power to him. It only takes one team to meet his salary demand thinking he's their starting TE.
But most likely he'll get a deal for less and give the Bears management a decision to match.
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I guess it doesnt hurt to start high.....
As the free agent signing period looms in the distance, the Chicago Bears will be looking to sign several players in their organization to new contracts, but things may have just gotten a bit more complicated in dealing with tight end Zach Miller.
That’s because Miller, who hauled in 34 receptions for 439 yards and five touchdowns for the Bears in a breakout 2015 season, is looking for a new contract that will pay him $5 million per season, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
That money wouldn’t be an issue for the Bears in terms of their salary cap, since they’re sitting on the second-most cap space in the NFL, but the problem is that Miller is seeking a big pay-bump while the team is dealing with another tight end with contract issues. Martellus Bennett, who was knocked out late in the season with an injury, is set to make $5.1 million next season, and there’s a chance the Bears could trade or cut him rather than give him the new contract that he’s been reportedly seeking.
Another issue that could cause the Bears some concern is Miller’s age. He is 31 years old, and will turn 32 years old during the 2016 season. Add to that mix the injury issues that have plagued him for several seasons (he didn’t appear at all during the 2012, 2013, or 2014 seasons thanks to a variety of ailments), and there’s genuine reason to believe that the Bears will allow him to enter the free agent market rather than re-sign him at that price.
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That's why you draft a 3rd QB at #11 so you can decrease the talent level.
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Looks like a whole lotta crap right there to me interspersed with a few gems like Miller and Forte, Jeffery. Boy we need talent bad....
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Chicago Bears
Sam Acho, OLB -no - can't rush the passer (would make a nice 4-3 SLB)
Alan Ball, CB - no - outplayed by Porter
Josh Bellamy, WR - maybe a 6th receiver
Vladimir Ducasse, G - probably not - too many penalties
Matt Forte, RB - I hope we sign him
Rob Housler, TE - bye bye
Alshon Jeffery, WR - priority signing
Jarvis Jenkins, DE - yes - exceeded expectations - solid not great
Marc Mariani, WR - better receiver than returner
Sherrod Martin, S - who?
Shea McClellin, ILB - I dunno - the DC likes him but he looked awful toward the end
Sherrick McManis, CB - special teamer money only - not a CB
Zach Miller, TE - yes
Will Montgomery, C - I dunno - maybe we can find someone younger
Ryan Mundy, S - had a decent 2014 - and we are short at safety
Tracy Porter, CB - who else do we got at LCB?
Chris Prosinski, S - backup
Jacquizz Rodgers, RB - if we don't sign Forte maybe
Deonte Thompson, WR - yes - nice KO returner - unpolished as a receiver - but has to be fastest wideout on the team
Mitch Unrein, DE - yes - solid backup
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30 for 30 85 bears Thursday night. the 46 started drinking upon receipt of the news. For me this is going to be one of those that was so good now is so bad things.
I can just tell. Fridge is really sick, Jimmy Mac can't remember the 80's and if buddy ryan had a gun he'd shoot Ditka. Growing old has other penalties besides just growing old.
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I wanted the kid from Illinois, Mercilus.
Anyway, a potential FA from that same draft that might be available is Packer Nick Perry. He looked pretty good in the playoffs.
He has the potential. Just needs to shake the injuries.
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Ted Thompson fooled Emery into thinking the Packers wanted him somehow....visions of Clay Matthews coming at the QB from one end and Shea from the other end....
What I remember...
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Urlacher was the shit, no doubt..
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Counting on him to get to the play late and just miss the tackle or make it after the first down is gained. Yeah I count on him for that.
He is not a bad player. He is just an ok player. He is a JAG and we need more then that.
Don't forget just a couple of inches short of the pass break up. It was never more evident now that Urlacher isn't in the middle
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I wanted the kid from Illinois, Mercilus.
Anyway, a potential FA from that same draft that might be available is Packer Nick Perry. He looked pretty good in the playoffs.
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How he got picked in the first round is still a head scratcher.
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Counting on him to get to the play late and just miss the tackle or make it after the first down is gained. Yeah I count on him for that.
He is not a bad player. He is just an ok player. He is a JAG and we need more then that.
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And we are in desperate need of a STUD LB or two. Unless anyone is counting on Shea. lol
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No matter what, and I'm not kidding, good knees. It seems like its always something with the knees.
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We also need 2 DEs to surround Goldman. One guy I paid attention is 6'7 with exceptionally long arms Shawn Oakman. Another guy showing unstoopable is Sheldon Rankins from Louisville
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We need a 3-4 guy that can also rush the passer - could happen in first or second round.
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Just what we need...
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Saturdays Senior Bowl is loaded with DL. I heard in practices a comment that the draft may have starting quality defensive linemen for the 1st 3 rounds its that deep.
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I found this an interesting read, food for thought:
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160126/sports/160129094/
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I wonder what happens if the 9ers part ways with Kaepernick?
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/01/21/the-49ers-relationship-with-kaepernick-becomes-even-more-bizarre/
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Slausen was the Bears best OLman this year (how many guys can go from G to C and play really well ? Not many.) If you want to clone someone you should clone 2 Kyles and 3 Slausens......)
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He did not have a pro bowl year at RT with 9 sacks/9 penalties in 2015. But I don't really get into pro bowl stuff.
Bears need to sign/draft a starting RG or RT so when they go to camp Long is practicing the position he will play in 2016.
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The fact that he's was a third alternate still is signifigant- 1st year at a new OT position and 3rd vote getter is not too shabby......
As Homer Simpsons says "The best two words in the english language De Fault !"
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I know he is an alternate, but this just doesn't seem right:
Bears offensive tackle Kyle Long has been named to his third Pro Bowl in as many seasons.
Long was added Thursday as an injury replacement for Eagles tackle Jason Peters.
A first round pick in 2013, Long started all 16 games at right tackle in 2015. Long becomes the first Bears player since Brian Urlacher (2000-02) to be named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons and the first Bears offensive lineman to be selected to the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons.
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Add a solid offensive lineman, a healthy Kevin White, Jeffery and Martellus Bennett and Forte and I could call the plays.
Agreed. What do we punch up in FA & the Draft? Offense seems OK.
Would we raid Alabama with Lane Kiffin ... O.J. Howard ... Derrick Henry ?
Never gonna happen.
A 3/4 DEFENSE in transition ... Linebackers & Safety's in the draft as top dogs.
F.A. also.
If you HAD to go OL in the draft ... who would you replace ?
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Add a solid offensive lineman, a healthy Kevin White, Jeffery and Martellus Bennett and Forte and I could call the plays.
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The Bears are striving for continuity on offense, and toward that end they’ve promoted quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains to offensive coordinator.
That move has been expected since it became clear that last year’s offensive coordinator, Adam Gase, was likely to leave for a head-coaching opportunity. Gase was named head coach of the Dolphins on Saturday.
The 35-year-old Loggains has spent one year on the Bears’ staff, and in that year Jay Cutler had a career-high passer rating. The Bears have indicated that they plan to build their offense around Cutler next season.Prior to working for the Bears, Loggains spent one year as quarterbacks coach for the Browns and six years as an assistant for the Titans, including two seasons as offensive coordinator.
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Teams that let young pro-bowl quality players walk in free agency either have salary cap issues or an abundance of talent or are just plain stupid.
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More than Forte, I hope we see Alshon back in full form next season.. They took his security blanket away (Marshall) and he's been in a funk ever since..
I think sometimes the papers want to create controversy when there isn't any. Jefferey was fine when he was on the field - but he was hurt...so he's in a funk.
Was Bennett in a funk too? He had a freakin' broken rib.
Jeffery's a free agent this off season, so I guess we'll get a better feel for where he is this spring..
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Exactly!
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More than Forte, I hope we see Alshon back in full form next season.. They took his security blanket away (Marshall) and he's been in a funk ever since..
I think sometimes the papers want to create controversy when there isn't any. Jefferey was fine when he was on the field - but he was hurt...so he's in a funk.
Was Bennett in a funk too? He had a freakin' broken rib.
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The thing that's killing the team now is lack of talent. We could survive Trestman and even make a run if we had some talent acquired through the draft/FA. Recent years of inept drafting is what is killing this team
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More than Forte, I hope we see Alshon back in full form next season.. They took his security blanket away (Marshall) and he's been in a funk ever since..
More than that, I hope they can keep Cutler going in the right direction.. He played much better this past season..
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Saw a blurb in the suntimes that the Bear won't be able to afford to keep Forte. I wish he would stick around and finish his career here, but come on, it was a 6-10 team last year, haven't got in the playoffs since forever, and he's a 30 yr old running back in a league that doesn't feature running backs like they used to. 3 years left outside, and the Bears have his replacement in house. So it goes.
Fox likes to run the ball. Forte looks as good as he has since he's been a Bear. I think it comes down to money. With that said, maybe Fox and Pace don't view Forte the same way we do. And Langford did have a good rookie season. I think it's money...
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I wonder where we would be right now if we had hired Arians instead of Trestman?
No doubt that Trestman and Emery put a serious hurting on the Bears.. The thing that got me, it was obvious that Tucker was in over his head, why did they not do something about that after the first year.
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Saw a blurb in the suntimes that the Bear won't be able to afford to keep Forte. I wish he would stick around and finish his career here, but come on, it was a 6-10 team last year, haven't got in the playoffs since forever, and he's a 30 yr old running back in a league that doesn't feature running backs like they used to. 3 years left outside, and the Bears have his replacement in house. So it goes.
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I wonder where we would be right now if we had hired Arians instead of Trestman?
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....and Peyton doesn't look too great this year.
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Ironically, Cutler's performance gave Gase the credibility he was needing. OC for Peyton Manning, many doubted he did it with Peyton because he's a HOF. Then he comes in and Culter has his best season and validates his coaching
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Sporty, any OC that comes in and does well, will be the next hot candidate. That is how most end up head coaches, they do well at their coordinator position and the next move is to HC. We find a lot of them don't have the HC makeup and they end up being a coordinator again but that is where most start out, as a coordinator.
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We need stability. Forget hiring the next hot head coach candidate, screw that. Find someone that is the next hot offensive coach candidate and get him. Now we've got more uncertainty with Cut. It sucks! Will the next guy have any luck with managing Cut? Probably not with our history.....doesn't surprise me....
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I'm pissed.
I thought with Gase we were going to have some kind of stability with FOX & Fangio.
Instead the chump sold out for self EGO and a paycheck instead of building a TEAM in Chicago that he would have got anyway's as H.C. in the future.
Better to find out who the traitors are now other then later.
If that bitch is gone then kiss his Gase goodbye !
Anybody for Wisenhunt ?
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Agreed. When they start interviewing you know its going to continue.
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We all knew this day was coming when we brought him in last year. He was already a top coaching candidate at that time.
Absolutely no reason at all to be pissed...
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Fox and Gase saw this coming, I'm sure they have someone in mind. Whether he can work with Cut, well.....
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Well, the offensive coach carousel continues. This is ridiculous. Train hasn't even left the tracks and it's derailed. Ticked....
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Why do you say he's not ready?
Dont know much about him.
Adan Schefter said he's the leading candidate to replace Gase
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Whisenhunt is clearly number 1 in my list and I would prefer that Fox go outside for a new OC. Loggains is best left as QB coach unless Gase takes him with.
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Gase is officially hired by the Dolphins
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Adam remember Joe Philbin....
Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase was supposed to have a second interview with the Eagles. He didn’t. He’s now supposed to have a second interview with the Dolphins, according to ESPN.
Via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, “all signs point” to Gase becoming the next coach of the Dolphins.
Salguero has said consistently that Gase is the first choice of owner Stephen Ross. And if Gase gets the job, it’ll be the first time Ross gets his first choice when it comes to making a major hire.
The concern is whether Gase is ready. A year ago, the Broncos didn’t consider him as the replacement for John Fox, and the 49ers hired Jim Tomsula instead. But a year working with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler improved Gase’s stock dramatically, making him a guy that several teams covet.
It doesn’t hurt that Gase is viewed as a guy who can gets along with tough personalities. Indeed, he managed to work well with Cutler and Peyton Manning before that, two difficult quarterbacks for very different reasons. In the current hiring cycle, plenty of coaching searches are being led by plenty of guys who don’t want a coach whose ego or aspirations will undermine folks who currently are employed in critical positions.
For Gase, the critical task will be to get the most out of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Or, sooner than later, to find and develop a better alternative.
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On DEFENSE we better remember we are a 3-4 Defense now.
That's Linebacker city. We need players that can shoot the A & B gaps ...
AND ... depending on the play, drop back in secondary from one play to the next.
GIMME TWO of those Linebackers ! Just two.
We'll disrupt the other team's offense forever.
BTW ... we would also have DL & Secondary on the field.
They could be useful also.
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Packers OC's since 00'
Name Position Year(s)
1. Rossley, Tom Offensive Coordinator 2000-05
2. Jagodzinski, Jeff Offensive Coordinator 2006
3. Philbin, Joe Offensive Coordinator 2007-11
4. Clements, Tom Offensive Coordinator 2012-14
5. Bennett, Edgar Offensive Coordinator 2015
Bears OC's....
Name Position Years
1.Crowton,Gary OC 1999-2000
2.Schoop, John OC 2000-2003
3.Shea, Terry OC 2004
4.Turner, Ron OC 2005-2009
5.Martz, Mike OC 2010-2011
6.Tice, Mike OC 2012
7.Kromer, Aaron OC 2013-2014
8.Gase, Adam OC 2015
9. Carousel continues..... 2016-
On a side note....Edgar Bennett is GB's OC?!? LOL....wonder who the brainiac was thought that one up...
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I think it was more Fox picking a guy who he had worked with more than him picking the next hot candidate. Who knows Gase may have totally screwed up the interviews......
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Crazy so much interest for a guy from a 6-10 team. Maybe the Bears shouldn't go after the next 'hot' coaching candidate next time. Would be REAL FRIGGIN NICE to have some continuity at this critical spot for a fricking change.... >:(
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What’s next for Gase remains in the works. His fourth interview in four days comes on Friday with the Giants, and then difficult decisions will follow. Gase must decide whether he wants to return for a follow-up in Philadelphia and what his next step will be.
Gase has been busy on his ride around the country this week, but he should have a final destination soon.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/01/08/bears-adam-gase-could-be-closing-in-on-head-coaching-job/?utm_medium=VPH&utm_source=hotvph_sports&utm_campaign=712120&utm_content=10093
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mmmm.... that would be great, but I dunno. His name is flying around for every opening. Including down here in TN. The Titans really are a dumpster fire at the top. They have no majority owner and are likely to get sued by the NFL, they have no GM but are looking for a HC, and of course, though its denied almost every day, the rumor the team is for sale,sale,sale and St. Louis will soon have an empty stadium. St. Loo is about 4 hrs by car from Nashville, wouldn't lose the fan base. So I don't think Gase will go to TN, Maybe Eagles, Giants?
If I were Gace who seems to be in a hurry to get to the top the Giants job seems to be the most promising job out there. Steady job, good ownership, team primed to win, great established QB all the right ingredients to succeed.
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I was kind of hoping that Gase would be under Fox for 3-4 years, and then take the reins...
That would have been my hope too, but reality is what it is. Time doesn't wait for those in a hurry. And he definitely seems in too big of a hurry to get to the top.
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mmmm.... that would be great, but I dunno. His name is flying around for every opening. Including down here in TN. The Titans really are a dumpster fire at the top. They have no majority owner and are likely to get sued by the NFL, they have no GM but are looking for a HC, and of course, though its denied almost every day, the rumor the team is for sale,sale,sale and St. Louis will soon have an empty stadium. St. Loo is about 4 hrs by car from Nashville, wouldn't lose the fan base. So I don't think Gase will go to TN, Maybe Eagles, Giants?
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I was kind of hoping that Gase would be under Fox for 3-4 years, and then take the reins...
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As for depth we could use a backup QB, another O-lineman, and a blocking TE.
That hits a chord with me. Earlier I brought up the SF situation and the talk was that they might cut or trade their QB. I heard rumors in July of a Bears trade for him which never materialized. I wonder what happens if they do part with him. Will Pace go after him? But I am not going to bite my fingernails if the Bears don't go out and get a different backup. I really want to see what we have with Fales and Blanchard. Its a pity Gase is chasing rainbows. He could definitely be a positive in the development of a Fales or Blanchard. Why look at Oswiler in Denver. He has sat on the bench for 4 years and now look at him. In the old days it used to be a standard that a QB had to sit and be backup for 5 years. Now its throw the QB in and let him develop and take your licks in the meantime.
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I would say we also need another OLB.
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I think if we can find 5 quality starters we might be contending for a wild card.
Offensively, as long as we don't do something stupid and lose Jeffery and Bennett, we need one starter on the O-line. Shoot, maybe that guy can be Fabuleje after he loses 20 lbs and moves goes to RG. Or find a FA RT and slide Long back to RG. With White returning we should be good at WR.
As for depth we could use a backup QB, another O-lineman, and a blocking TE.
Defensively, we need 4 new starters. One DE, one ILB, one safety, and a CB.
Biggest factor for success is just keeping who we have healthy.
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I think we can make the playoffs with an offseason like that
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What are the odds of us filling our needs in this offseason? Possible. Unprobable. Out of 9 picks, we need half to hit, say 4. Then we'll need to hit on FA, say a RT and a corner. That's 6 players of substance added and hopefully at least some depth from the draft. Can we make a run adding 6 players?? It's gonna take a whole lotta luck and hopefully skill from the front office to get that much production out of one seasons haul....
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I think the D gets priority but I could see us going O-line early too.
Looking at the D stats. We were 22nd in the NFL in sacks with 35. So we need more pass rushers - I think more from the front 3 but I wouldn't rule out a top OLB. You could add a guy to our trio of veterans of McPhee, Houston and Young. Acho is gone.
Bears were 30th in interceptions with 8 and tied for last with passes defended with 52. A better pass rush could have improved those numbers but I look at our safeties. Adrian Amos touched the ball 2 times all year (2 passes defended). Antrelle Rolle played in half the games and he touched the ball once. Neither had a pick.
The good news is we have 9 draft choices and lots of cap space. The bad news is we could use a CB, ILB, and a DE in addition to safety.
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I would like to see them work on the D first then Oline...crossing my fingers that the receiving core returns healthy...
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Like if safety is in short supply we need to possibly take that one the highest if that's our biggest need. And we don't know who all is coming out and how each position is loaded. Sure best position each round, but you have to prioritize BPA vs supply too. Sometimes you need to move up to get a player because by the next round all the playmakers will be gone.
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Probably go BPA on D wherever that is. Who has the most impact in a game. If it's a Safety like Brownie, ya gotta grab him. Or a corner like Peanut or a LB like Urlacher, something along those lines. We need impact players badly.
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Do you draft DEFENSE in the front or back ... or in the middle ?
Your playmakers are the ones who go first. So IF you plan to draft defense you better start there first. We've seen the Bears in the past draft a DT or CB, or a S from round 4 on and it failed. I hope that failed plan is crapcanned. I think you can pickup a very good RT or a WR in rounds 4-7. As for specific positions it usually depends on the strength of the specific position and fit
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Kevin White is good to go.
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First round pick Kevin White ... is he good to go ?
I wouldn't do shit until I had that answer.
BEARS DEFENSE : 30th in sacks ... 30th in interceptions.
Do you draft DEFENSE in the front or back ... or in the middle ?
LINEBACKERS that can rush the pass and fall back in secondary ?
That'd be nice. We are playing a 3-4 now. Maybe we better draft up to speed.
It's not 4-3 anymore.
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The Eagles got a week’s head start on the coaching carousel, and they’re moving quickly to the next stage of the process.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase’s interview went sufficiently well that they’re scheduling a second interview for this weekend.
Gase is a busy guy, with the Eagles, Browns and Dolphins on his list, and the Giants trying to get an interview as well.
It will be interesting to see how other teams respond, as he has emerged as the hot candidate this year, giving him leverage.
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VJ
I disagree on 2 of your points.
I believe there would be trading partners for Martellus Bennett. I don't know what his issue is or if there even is an issue. But if there is, it's most likely $ related not play calling as some of the media indicates.
However, if Bears want to trade him the new team could offer him a new deal. Compensation to the Bears could be anywhere between a 3rd and a 5th. Personally, I hope the Bears keep him and I agree Zach Miller is not the future at TE.
As for Forte, he has often been compared to Marcus Allen. Why not use him like the Raiders/Chiefs did after he turned 30? Of course it also may come down to the $...just like everything else.
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At 4.19 the kid could fly, but what about now?
The Chicago Bears got a good look at one of the most coveted CFL players looking to make the jump to the NFL on Monday when wide receiver Eric Rogers was part of a tryout at Halas Hall.
Rogers, who starred for the Calgary Stampeders this past year, will wrap up a whirlwind tour of tryouts with 16 teams next week, according to a source, and will then begin the process of sorting through what should be multiple offers.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Rogers made 87 catches for 1,448 yards (16.6 average) and caught 10 touchdowns in 17 games last season. Because of CFL rules, he is not eligible to sign with an NFL team until Feb. 9, which is three days before his 25th birthday. He was a CFL all-star this season.
Rogers played at Division III Cal Lutheran and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2013. He spent time with the Portland Thunder in the Arena Football League in 2014 and made a brief stop with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL before joining the Stampeders in the summer of 2014. He had six 100-yard games this past season.
The tryout included three other players -- wide receivers Terrell Sinkfield and Kenny Stafford and cornerback Shaun Prater, a fifth-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012.
Sinkfield, 6-foot, 200 pounds, was also undrafted in 2013 from Northern Iowa and made brief stops with four NFL teams before spending the past two years in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tigercats. He is a speedster who was timed in his college pro day at 4.19 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He made 69 receptions for 1,030 yards and six touchdowns last season. He also returned kicks.
Stafford (6-3, 204 pounds) was an undrafted free agent from Toledo in 2012 and made stops with two NFL teams and has played in the Arena League and with three teams in Canada, including the Edmonton Eskimos last year. A nephew of Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter, he had 47 catches for 732 yards and nine touchdowns.
Prater, who played at Iowa, has spent time with five NFL teams, including the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts this year. He’s appeared in 21 regular-season games, including one with the Vikings and one with the Colts this year.
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60% chance they tag Alshon. 39% chance they sign him long term. 1% chance they sign and trade him. 0% chance they let him walk without compensation.
I would still like to keep Marty but it's all up to him. He is still under contract for one more season. Nobody will trade for him if they know that the Bears and MB are at a point of no return. Zach Miller has never lasted 16 and he is at the wrong side of 30.
Forte is as good as gone. Lots of cap space, but numerous more pressing needs than a solid dependable 30 year old RB.
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He is very valuable when healthy - no doubt - I'd pay him if it was my $$
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Agreed
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It will come down to this:
$
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Actually nobody knows but Jeffery, but it was written as speculation. And I read those interviews with him, and it didn't really sound like he wants to be here. Same answer over and over, I like Chicago, my agent will take care of things.
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Well, neither of you know for sure whether Jeffery wants out of Chicago or if he was sandbagging on the injuries.
Did you read what Jeffery had to say?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-alshon-jeffery-future-20160104-story.html
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Plus the story about him not wanting to be here, because Marshal got traded, and he might have been sandbagging some of those injuries. Red flag for sure.
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Am I going to pay top dollar for a wideout that sits the bench so much? I wouldn't myself. He has gone out for various reasons this season. Personally, I question his toughness. Plays a game, sits a game, plays a game, sits two. I'd want someone on the team who is tough and durable, but that's me. A history of injuries, whether for a year or five, is a area for concern....
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Yeah, but he had an excuse - he was injured. And if you look at his production over the last 3 years when healthy and the fact that the injury was nowhere near career threatening means it won't hurt his bargaining position much at all.
But I'd bet that Jeffery at 75% could have helped the team, but you really don't know how bad it was or if it had the potential to turn into something much worse.
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With Jeffery, the tapes are going to be missing and that's not good on the resume, either....
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I like the extra gear Langford appears to have.
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Lowlight reel vs highlight reel - try to come back at 75% not good bargaining position
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How do you figure Dallas? The more tape the better his bargaining position...
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That tape is your resume.”
May also explain why Jeffery missed so many games.
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Smart coach looking out for the best interests of his players.
And I think I read the Bears have $59 mil under the cap or so.
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From danpompei.net (http://www.danpompei.net/#!2015seasonendingthoughts/d0jya)
On Matt Forte: It’s difficult to imagine the Bears a better team without Forte next season. I’d like to see him back, but not if it means overpaying. If they lose him, they will have to replace him with a veteran, I believe, because even though Jeremy Langford is promising, he is not yet the complete player Forte is. I know the Bears have not made any decisions on Forte’s future. But here is an interesting tidbit John Fox told me. He said when Forte inured his knee midway through the season, Fox told him, “Be smart. I don’t know what’s going to happen and you don’t either. You need to get well and make sure what you put out there on tape is good. That tape is your resume.” Fox added that he has advised other players similarly in the past.
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I expect Fangio was doing the best he could with what he had to work with. One of the best thins about the 3-4 is you aren't supposed to know which lb is rushing. If you only have one guy that can rush the qb it makes it easier on the offense. Also having cbs that can lock on receivers allows you to send more guys after the qb. After years of collecting cover 2 cbs we need some real cover guys.
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Ok, I'll admit I'm not a fan of the 3-4 defense. Often times when teams pass we're rushing 4 guys and only one of them is a legit pass rusher. The other 3 guys get stood up like statues. And then there are times when the Bears drop both OLBs and you have only the 3 pass rushing.
We could always use another 3-4 pass rushing OLB but what we need more is a 3-4 DE that can also pass rush. So add that as a first round option along with offensive line and defensive back.
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Agreed. I would like to see Forte make it work. I was wondering also why we didn't try to get him and Langford on the field more when we were starting to see the receivers thin out. Sunday we saw more than at any point this season. With a full offseason, that would be a neat wrinkle to have in our arsenal
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Thought so too. But when you finish last, you play other people who aren't so hot either. For next year, leave the qb alone, get a right tackle, a couple of fast linebackers, supposedly the burner from this year is good to go, replace Jeffery, one more good dl, if that stupid character from sf had stayed sharp, how many of those games lost could they have one? +1 to resign Forte, he still has tread on the tires, hope he stays.
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Definitely a bottom feeder schedule, wow. Jags, Titans, Bucs, a whole list of failed teams....
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Yep.
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is that next years schedule?
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4. Chicago Bears
Home: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
Away: Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts
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Patriots?
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I don't know the exact figure but Bears have a huge amount of cap space for next year. I'm sure they can squeeze some sort of front loaded contract for Forte and still have money to pay Jeffery and maybe Benett.
I expect the Bears to be pretty active in the FA market again this year as there are very few players on the team with existing big dollar contracts: Cutler, Houston, McPhee, Rolle...?
As for Forte getting $5M. I'm sure the Bears will tell him to go out and get a deal and give us a call when you do so we have the opportunity to match. What teams would do that? Maybe the Cowboys or a playoff quality team that needs a HB.
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I wouldn't mind resigning Fort except you likely have to give him 5m per year. I think having a solid mlb + Langford provides more value, or get agood RT and move Long back to RG.
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Plus Leno was much better playing LT than RT. BUT he also has Jays blind side, the spot we need the best guy on the OL.
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Argument for Leno staying at LT:
- this was his first year in the pro's at LT (last year he played inside) - he has room for improvement
- very salary cap friendly contract for a 7th round pick in 2014
- he gave up only 4.5 sacks and committed only 5 penalties (if you look around the league those stats are very consistent with many of the top LTs)
- he was exposed against one of the top DEs in the NFL - Ziggy Ansah register 14.5 sacks has exposed quite a few OTs
- not drafting a LT high in the draft allows another position (defense) to be addressed
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Not sure Bushrod is in the plans for next year. He was hurt an awful lot this year. And Grasu got thrown to the wolves before he was ready. He better make a big jump next year or we will be looking for help at C. Funny thing Slauson played rather well filling in there.....
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Long is a adequate tackle. He's a pro bowl guard. We need him at guard and somehow to find a RT to replace him...
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If they moved Long back to RG, moved Bushrod to RT, and drafted an OT and OG for depth it sure would help. And I am not overly joyed by the center position either.
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And dont forget Jaquiz Rogers wasn't too shabby before he got hurt.
I would argue we need at least 2 new OL. We need one new G for sure, and an upgrade at LT or RT. If we got both then Long moves back to RG. Leno was good but had his share of problems.
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Ok, am I one of the few not seeing any significant dropoff in Forte's game? Yeah, he's 30...ancient for half backs. Yet I don't hear anyone talking about Adrian Petersen getting put out to pasture. And AP is almost a year older than Forte.
Give him a creative contract that isn't insulting so the Bears don't have to worry about having to draft/sign halfbacks this year. We're set with our 3 guys and have plenty of other holes to fill.
I agree. But I would counter that by saying that to add a bigger/stronger plowhorse back to bring in in red zone situations wouldn't be a bad idea. I am tired of getting into goalline situations with just Forte. And I really don't like the other 2 backs in those situations either.
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From what I've read, it doesn't seem as if the Bears are even interested in talking to Forte.. Maybe it's all posturing..
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There has been no dropoff.
If they can make the $ work, the Bears definitely need to re-sign Matt Forte.
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Ok, am I one of the few not seeing any significant dropoff in Forte's game? Yeah, he's 30...ancient for half backs. Yet I don't hear anyone talking about Adrian Petersen getting put out to pasture. And AP is almost a year older than Forte.
Give him a creative contract that isn't insulting so the Bears don't have to worry about having to draft/sign halfbacks this year. We're set with our 3 guys and have plenty of other holes to fill.
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After yesterday's game one could put tackle at the top of our draft list.
I can make arguments for keeping Leno at LT and Long at RT. And I can make arguments the other way too. Regardless we need to add at least one new starter on the O-line either with a high draft pick or a quality FA signing.
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QB Matt Blanchard got a pay raise to stick with the Bears
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-matt-blanchard-contract-20160104-story.html#nt=outfit
That's the guy I forgot about. I wondered what happened to him after the Bears released him a couple of years ago. I liked him before It will be interesting to see what happens with this development.
While I believe the Bears continue with Cutler as the starter, I think the backup job is wide open. There still is David Fales and Blanchard. Earlier this year there were rumors that SF was going to trade Kapernic to the Bears. Now with all this upheavel in SF there rumors flying that they might cut Kapernic loose. I wonder what Pace would do if that happens. Just opinion here but regardless of what happens or whoever mans the QB position the Bears need to fix that Oline. Because whoever is QB the Oline needs to make our offensive game better.
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Oh Yeah. RB's with the weight, but ALL VETERAN FA's should sit on the bench and earn their keep without making noise.
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That is only important for RBs..... ;)
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Is he 220# and will he sit on the bench and shut his mouth after he signs? If not we don't need them!
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I do not like FAs who all of a sudden have 12 sacks out of no where. They teand to suck the next year after the big contract.
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Wilkerson was a Joki favorite too in FA.
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So much for getting THIS guy:
The Jets suffered a painful 22-17 loss to the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday afternoon and one of their players also suffered a serious injury as he heads toward free agency.
Jets coach Todd Bowles said shortly after the final whistle that defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson broke his right leg in the second half of the game. Wilkerson had to be carted to the locker room after being helped to the sideline by members of the team’s medical staff.
Wilkerson has expressed a desire to stay with the Jets, but there hasn’t been much movement toward a long-term contract that would keep him on the team. They could use the franchise tag to ensure he doesn’t leave without compensation returning in a trade, although all bets are probably off until there’s more clarity about how his injury will impact him heading into the 2016 season.
Wilkerson made his first Pro Bowl team this season, although he obviously won’t be playing the game. He had 59 tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles in his fifth year as one of the Jets’ cornerstone pieces on defense.
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And what would we do with a tenth or eleventh round pick in the first ?
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Bears currently pick at 11. They can move up to 10 if the Bucs somehow beat the Panthers.
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Pace has a lot of work to do this off season. So many holes and so many guys contracts up. He has a lot of tough decisions to make.
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If Gase does get a HC job what are the chances he trades for Jay?
I don't think Cutler is going anywhere but if he is that is the best case scenario.
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Have we released Cutler yet?
I hope that was his last game.
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sounds like Gase is good as gone.. Cutler (or bears fans) can't catch a break..
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Well IF, and that's a big IF, Jeffery was sandbagging his injuries because he isn't happy here, then I am sorry to say he is a piece of shit. And he is my guy, so this pains me. Hopefully Haugh was just blowing smoke to see what he can stir up.
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First, a comment on the article by David Haugh. I have to laugh at writers and talk show hosts that expect to have access to the general manager. Maybe in time Pace will begin to open up more, but I say good for him if he doesn't want to share his thoughts. It ends up being an issue where they (the media) will then try to pry nuggets about what he thinks of this player or that, and then debate the stance publicly. The media, just like Dan Bernstein demanding why they weren't immediately notified about the Jeremiah Ratliff situation, are full of themselves.
My hunch is that Alshon will be a Bear next year, you don't let everyone walk on offense and we control his rights for two years if we want - we can tag him twice. I don't buy the "he wants to play in the south", line as much, he basically has 6 - 8 months to live in the south, each year, I think you can suck it up for a few weeks of cold weather. If anything, he is probably disappointed in his season and how often he was hurt. Had he gone out and played the schedule, he would have probably doubled or tripled his production because when he was right he was tough to cover.
I kind of feel all 3 will be back, Jeffrey, Forte, and Bennett but we'll see.
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This franchise is cursed, it just is. Get a guy who finally figures Cut out and now he's gone after ONE season?? Ridiculous. The fricking Pakers can hold on to guys year after year. We have a tiny bit of success and bam, gone. Sucks. It's really bs. And we're so talentless that we need more picks than we have to get back to competitive. I don't have much hope for 16'...
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And they cant franchise tag Gase either
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And Gase. Hope they got alotta draft picks. Why the hell is everybody getting hurt ? Again ?
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So the Bears could be without Forte, Bennett AND Jeffery next year?
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Eagle, Browns, Dolphins all expected to chase Adam Gase
Posted by Mike Florio on January 2, 2016, 5:37 PM EST
cD05ODdlNmNhY2MwMjRlZWQzNTJhM2ViYTQ1Y2VlY2YzOCZnPWJjNzZjMDAzYzI2MGViNTQ1ZDI4Mjg4YjM0MjIzY2Rm-1
AP
The first brass ring in the looming coaching carousel likely will go to Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
Per a league source not connected in any way to Gase, three teams are expected to pursue Gase aggressively: The Eagles, Browns, and Dolphins.
Only two of those teams currently have vacancies. Cleveland is expected to make a coaching change, too.
Gase emerged as a hot candidate based on his work with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, an effort that came after three years of working with Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. Gase’s ability to thrive with a quarterback having a reputation of caring too much immediately followed by a quarterback having a reputation for caring too little bolsters the perception that Gase can get the most out of any quarterback.
And in a quarterback-driven league, that’s one of the most important skills any head coach can have.
The Eagles could have the first crack at Gase, given that they already have satisfied the Rooney Rule via the interview of current running backs coach Duce Staley. Gase, in theory, could be interviewed as soon as Monday and hired on the spot, if the two sides decide to proceed. But Gase, who is represented by Jimmy Sexton, surely won’t pounce on the first offer without exploring any and all others.
Last year, Gase was a finalist for the job in San Francisco, which ultimately went to Jim Tomsula. After the Broncos fired John Fox, Gase never received serious consideration for a promotion.
Cleveland could be the most intriguing option for Gase, who perhaps could persuade Peyton Manning to join Gase for one final season that would be more about erasing the memory of a horrendous 2015 for Peyton than chasing a Super Bowl title.
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I don't see that working in football. At best we get a compensation pick the following year which is worthless usually. I think you either tag him and hope you can motivate him or you just let him go. I agree that Pace has to get in his head and see where his head is at. It may not be worth the effort to tag him.
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If Jeffry seriously would want to leave Chicago, I hope thay can sign him then trade him.
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I agree with everything except McDonald. Sometimes it's worth taking a chance as some players are able to turn themselves around.
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If true about Alshon that kind of sucks:
On Monday at Halas Hall, Bears general manager Ryan Pace will have his first news conference since training camp, ending an embarrassingly long stretch of public silence for the top executive of a team in the NFL's second-largest market.
No matter what happens Sunday at Soldier Field in the season finale against the Lions, Pace will come armed with a priority list heading into the offseason. But in case he misplaces his, he can borrow mine.
1. Get to the bottom of the Alshon Jeffery mystery.
The Bears cannot make an informed decision on the future of their Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver without determining how much Jeffery's state of mind contributed to his body breaking down. Jeffery finished the season on injured reserve after missing seven games with a variety of soft-tissue injuries, the latest a hamstring.
Fair or not, the number of soft-tissue injuries Jeffery suffered created whispers about the level of his commitment — which only grew louder as team leaders Jay Cutler and Matt Forte said players were responsible for taking care of themselves. Immediately, that raised an implied question: Does Jeffery?
A source close to Jeffery came away from a recent conversation with him convinced he felt unhappy in Chicago and, at times, isolated because of a lack of close friends since Brandon Marshall's departure. Jeffery mentioned how much he looked forward to free-agency, according to the source.
The Bears can apply the franchise tag to keep Jeffery for at least another season but if he wants to play in the South, as some close to him believe, is he worth nearly $14 million if his heart is elsewhere? The answer likely is yes because, despite the baggage, the Bears have no proven big-play alternative in the passing game and potentially have too many other offensive playmakers (i.e. Forte, Martellus Bennett) to replace without creating another void.
2. Think twice before cutting ties with Forte.
The NFL book says stay away from running backs on the wrong side of 30, but the videotape suggests Forte still runs like a guy with at least two 1,000-yard seasons left in his career.
Moreover, age appears to have granted Forte wisdom because the guy who drew such a hard line during his last contract negotiation sounds willing to give the Bears a hometown discount. The Colts signed Frank Gore last winter to a three-year, $12 million contract, $6.5 million of it guaranteed. Gore was 31.
A similarly modest deal for Forte would make sense for the Bears, who will have more than $50 million in salary-cap space. With running back Jeremy Langford on his rookie contract and promising but still unproven, the Bears could offer insurance for his development by investing in the franchise's second all-time leading rusher. As they used to say on Twitter, #PayForte. Pace still can pursue the offensive linemen and defensive playmaker the Bears need via free-agency and afford the veteran running back.
3. Reconsider the Kyle Long decision.
Long announced to reporters last week that the Bears told him he would play offensive tackle in 2016. John Fox believes an athlete as rare as Long needs to play tackle and, ordinarily, the Bears could afford to be patient waiting for a prospect to develop.
But Long isn't an ordinary prospect; he's a Pro Bowl guard they moved to right tackle, where he has been inconsistent and, at times, a liability. He also turned 27 last month, which means he was older than most rookies when he came into the league in 2013.
Insisting Long learn how to play tackle when he already excels at guard threatens to shorten the prime of a Pro Bowl career. Matt Slauson was the team's most valuable lineman while Long easily was the most miscast.
4. Develop a long-range plan at quarterback.
Jay Cutler celebrated his 10th season in the NFL by becoming the Bears' most valuable player — as well as their most improved. His eight interceptions in 460 attempts represents a franchise record for lowest interception rate for a quarterback with a minimum of 300 attempts.
But Cutler turns 33 in April and, while nobody doubts he is the right guy for 2016, the Bears would be wise to start considering options for his successor. The Bears have so many needs that drafting a quarterback in the first round lacks practicality. Depending on where the Bears draft, nothing guarantees that either of the top three quarterback prospects — California's Jared Goff, Memphis' Paxton Lynch and Michigan State's Connor Cook — will be available. If one is and the Bears take a quarterback in the first round for the first time since 2003, the pressure to play immediately would accompany his arrival.
A more prudent path might be targeting a quarterback in the second or third round and letting him learn and develop quietly until it becomes more obvious Cutler is done improving.
5. Stay committed to bringing the right kind of player into the organization.
Congratulations to Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who has 101 catches for 1,376 yards and 13 touchdowns heading into Sunday's win-and-you're-in finale against the Bills. But he is on his fourth team for a reason. The numbers come with a price. The novelty of Marshall wears off. Put another way: Good luck finding anybody in the Bears organization besides Jeffery who misses Marshall despite how well he has played for the Jets.
If the Bears were a team in contention for a Super Bowl heading into 2015, then keeping Marshall would have been a risk worth taking. But they were a team trying to eradicate whatever contaminated a disastrous 2014 season. So Pace traded Marshall and a seventh-rounder to the Jets for a fifth-round draft pick — and probably exhaled a sigh of relief. Football isn't an individual sport and Marshall, by the end of his third season in Chicago, had become a selfish player who threatened the camaraderie Fox and Pace sought as the foundation. It made sense.
Alas, signing Ray McDonald didn't. And having to cut McDonald in May after an arrest two months after signing the troubled defensive tackle damaged Pace's credibility.
If you say character matters, mean it. If you choose a path, stay on it. If you believe in a plan, execute it.
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I guess it is obvious that this group is ready to go in a different direction from Forte. I would at least explore the option, what salary would he stay for.
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Center Hroniss Grasu (knee) and wide receiver Eddie Royal (illness) are doubtful for the Bears. Running back Matt Forte (back) is questionable, but expressed no doubt about what could be his final game for the franchise.
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Now that's funny.
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Are you backing up so you can run over him again??? LOL
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I'm backing up on my negatives views about Shea.
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I was really big on Terry Williams in preseason but I thought he signed with someone else. He got signed to the active roster so I hope he plays sunday. I hope all the youngsters play. And just out of curiosity, I wonder how many games that Shea has missed did we win???
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umm....I won't bag on fox or pace about marshall, from what I gather fox and he simply didn't get along and that was that. see ya. so it goes. it happens. down here in tenn., Fitzpatrick was a backup qb, got kicked to the curb after that, and now is leading the jets to the playoffs. it all depends.
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So where do we go from here heading into 2016?
What's the F.A. market look like ?
My view's on Forte are the same as Brandon Marshall ...
man ... we fucked that up letting him go !
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So Terry Williams is back. I wanted them to keep him before they let him go before. I thought it was a mistake then. But if he is just on the PS with only Detroit Sunday he might not be worth much.
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Injuries have been a problem for Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery all season and now they have brought his year to an early end.
The Bears announced Wednesday that they have placed Jeffery on injured reserve. Jeffery missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury and the move to IR means he’ll wind up with seven missed games for the year. Jeffery was bothered by a hamstring injury earlier in the season as well and also popped up on injury reports with calf, groin and shoulder problems.
It all adds up to a disappointing year for the wideout and the disappointment is likely enhanced by the fact that he’s heading into free agency. He was on path for a big contract after big and healthy years in 2013 and 2014, but that number figures to be a bit lower after his problems staying on the field this time around.
The Bears also placed rookie defensive lineman Eddie Goldman on injured reserve due to a Week 16 ankle injury. Reports this week have indicated he doesn’t need to have surgery, so he should be ready for offseason workouts. Goldman had 22 tackles and 4.5 sacks while playing every game and making 12 starts up front.
Chicago signed defensive linemen Greg Scruggs and Terry Williams to move the roster back to 53 players.
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McCoy sounds like a good fit as long as it doesn't piss off Cutler ;)
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Interesting idea:
It’s ugly for Mike McCoy in San Diego, with rumors already swirling that Sean Payton has designs on the job. Speculation is that ownership would want a big name and a big splash upon a potential move to Los Angeles, and the revenue uptick from relocation would allow them to pay for one.
Regardless, McCoy’s Chargers are 4-11, and nobody thinks they’ll do anything but fire him.
With all due respect to Bears quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains, McCoy would be the stronger pick as the next offensive coordinator for Chicago if Adam Gase leaves for a top position elsewhere.
McCoy has a long history under John Fox, climbing the ladder in Carolina from offensive assistant in 2002 to quarterbacks coach to passing game coordinator in 2008. He joined up with Fox again in 2011 as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator before taking the Chargers’ head job in 2013. Gase served under McCoy in 2011 and 2012 as Denver’s quarterbacks coach.
It just works — the DNA of the offense can remain and in the capable hands of a veteran play-caller.
This one’s easy for Fox and the Bears, just the latest possible example of fortuitous timing for them in the coaching market.
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http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2015/12/29/10683274/chicago-bears-could-look-to-promote-dowell-loggains-if-adam-gase-leaves-town
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Gee thanks Nav, and I was just about to do that
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LOL. We could use 10 first round draft pics
there, I fixed it for you ;-)
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LOL. We could use 10 draft pics
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AND A SAFETY AND A COUPLE ILB'S AND A RT AND A GUARD AND A OLB AND A DT AND A.....
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DRAFT
SHUTDOWN CORNERBACKS
GIMME TWO !!
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http://www.chicagobears.com/multimedia/videos/Roundtable-Waddle-discusses-career/7b552623-82a7-406b-8398-3914af568198
A little long but a good watch. Not just about Waddle but also about the Bears team going forward.
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Just how skinny is this guy?
Bausby entered the NFL this season as an undrafted free agent with the Chiefs out of Pittsburg State. Listed at 6-2, 179 pounds, Bausby appeared in 49 games during his collegiate career, collecting 127 tackles, 11 interceptions, 30 pass break-ups, six sacks and nine TFLs.
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Plus, Marshall in New York having a great year does not equate to Marshall having a great year in Chicago. I agree, Langford's had a really solid year..
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I think Pace had an exfellent draft.
Besides White, Goldman has been more than solid, Lankford looks like a good back and Amos is a rookie of the year candidate.
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pro bowl selections. Bears? Zero. Kudos to the staff for doing as much as they did with what they had. Did beat the Packers. At Lambeau. On Turkey day. I'll take it. On the down side, Marshall is having a monster year in NY. Would have loved to have been a fly on the wall of the Fox/Marshal meeting. Pace selections? So far? I give him a pass. It's year one. That White kid had better be all galaxy next year though, whoever is throwing to him.
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Robbie Gould can't fall off that fast in performance ...
is he injured because they can't get another kicker and are keeping it under wraps ?
I agree. I think it's just a slump.
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Last night's win by the Lions pulled them into a tie with the Bears. That should increase our draft position. So now both New Orleans and Detroit as well as the Bears have 5-9 records. And we will most likely lose to the Lions. I look for the Bears to lose to Tampa and the Lions. Bears just aren't good enough to get those wins.
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It may be a whole timing thing, changing out the snapper or it could be he has the case of the yips...
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Robbie Gould can't fall off that fast in performance ...
is he injured because they can't get another kicker and are keeping it under wraps ?
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Dallas - Thanks for the overview. I knew he was huge, I think we need to keep Long at Tackle and let him develop. See what this kid could do at guard when he is ready. He may be a bust but what if he is not??
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Yeah but will Jay be able to see around him if he is playing G? LOL
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Fabuluje is listed on the depth chart at RT but he's a project cuz of his size and I don't mean lack of. Unlike almost any other position, it's difficult to evaluate young offensive lineman because teams rarely substitute there unless its due to injury.
Might be a RG or might be a RT which would allow Long to move back inside. He's easily the biggest O-lineman on the team right now.
from nfl.com
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Enormous frame. Possesses a very strong core and is a difficult draw for heads-up defenders in run game. Natural, raw strength to generate push at the point and is very difficult to bull rush. Nimble feet for a man his size. Has shown ability to redirect rushers around the pocket and stuff inside moves. Can move laterally and shows some smoothness climbing to second level. Flashes power in his hands and the potential to mash when on the move. Has been losing weight over the last year and has potential to play lighter than listed weight.
WEAKNESSES Missed three years of football due to redshirting and sitting out between stints at TCU and BYU. A little stiff in his lower body. Shallow kick-slide puts him in catch-up mode against edge speed. Shuffles feet, causing him to overset and play with high pad level. As a tackle, needs time to fix his footwork issues. Lazy with hands/hand placement and doesn't snatch and sustain enough. Takes suspect angles to second level targets on the move. Play demeanor isn't as nasty as desired and body needs refining.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 6 or 7
SOURCES TELL US "His body language can be deceiving. When you watch him at a practice he looks like this oafish kid who doesn't care, and then when you talk to him and watch the tape you see that's not the case. I would love to see what he could do at about 335 pounds." -- NFC East area scout
NFL COMPARISON Marcus Cannon
BOTTOM LINE Huge tackle with natural strength and nimble feet. Played just two years of college football and has had to overcome difficult circumstances in his life. His footwork issues will take time to fix and might still be exploited by NFL defenders. Fabuluje might be best served moving inside, where his strength and short-area movement skills will be viewed as big pluses by offensive line coaches.
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Kinda funny:
The Bears have allowed TDs on the ground and in the air to Blaine Gabbert and Kirk Cousins in consecutive losses at home, and I’m wondering, is that a condition that qualifies fans for medical marijuana?
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I don't know for sure but my guess would be RT.
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It would be nice to find another Callahan. Maybe a Meredith and an Anderson in the mix.
Those players push the other players at the bottom of the roster out. Need to churn the bottom of the roster to improve the special teams.
What is the story on our 7th round OL guy? I can't pronounce (or apparently) spell his name. What is he being groomed for? Guard or tackle?
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Dallas,
Obviously the Bears are trying to get some of the backend roster guys some playing time to evaluate what they have or don't have in those players. I see the Bears being very active in rearranging their roster after one year with current coaching staff.
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Although first-round draft pick Kevin White can no longer practice, Cutler was upbeat about what he saw from the wide receiver in the three weeks he did participate under the rules of the physically unable to perform list. The Bears announced Tuesday that White would not be activated to the 53-man roster for the final three games.
“I think he is pretty disappointed,” Cutler said. “He wanted to get a crack at it. Great guy. On and off the field wants to help in any way possible. We saw some flashes of it the last couple weeks, just his burst, his size, the strength of his hands. There is light at the end of the tunnel for him. We’re excited for him.”
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Besides the expected news on rookie wide receiver Kevin White, the Chicago Bears also announced a couple other moves today as well.
They have elevated inside linebacker John Timu from the practice squad and waived defensive lineman Ziggy Hood.
Timu was a surprising member of the opening day 53 man roster after being an undrafted free agent from the University of Washington. He played the first 4 games this year on special teams before being waived, but then he was immediately brought back to the practice squad where he has been ever since.
Ziggy Hood has appeared in two games this season after being signed back in October when the Bears waived Jeremiah Ratliff.
With the Bears' playoff chances really, really slim, what are your thoughts on Timu getting some playing time at inside linebacker these next three weeks?
Here's their press release.
Listed at 6-3, 312 pounds, Johnson entered the NFL this season with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Georgia. Johnson also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Listed at 6-4, 235 pounds, Lucas entered the NFL in 2014 with Carolina as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Missouri. He spent the entire 2014 regular season on the Panthers practice squad. Lucas also spent time with the Miami Dolphins.
Thoughts on these moves?
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They gave up a 6th round pick for Lee. One of the moves Pace has made that made me SMH. I'd think they would give him a longer look.
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See ya #82...Khari Lee.
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The Chicago Bears continued their late year trend of having multiple players in for tryouts with an eye toward reserve/future contracts at the end of the season, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Eleven players were brought to Halas Hall for workouts, all defensive linemen and defensive backs, including two standouts from the CFL -- lineman Freddie Bishop and defensive back Dexter McCoil. There were no kickers after Robbie Gould missed a 50-yard field goal in Sunday’s 24-21 loss to the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field.
The Bears signed one of the tryout players, adding defensive lineman Toby Johnson to the practice squad. An undrafted rookie free agent from Georgia, Johnson (6-foot-3, 312 pounds) spent the offseason and preseason with the Tennessee Titans. They also signed wide receiver/tight end Marcus Lucas to the practice squad. Lucas (6-4, 235), who spent last season on the Carolina Panthers practice squad and also has been with the Miami Dolphins, has been at Halas Hall for two tryouts earlier this season.
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Well that ended badly for the year. I'm sure it will be very interesting to see what happens between now and the next training camp.
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Kevin White officially shut down for the year.
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The thought on Safety is get a good line and the safety play will improve. Don't think I truly believe that. We've seen what very good safetys can do. We had Fencik, we had Brownie. Brown, if we could only find a guy like him, we'd be gold. He was a ball hawk, seemed to be in every play. We REALLY need that right now. That backfield is just awful.....draft a safey high, please, if there's a good one sitting there...
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Once again...for about 15 years now we need REAL safeties....every year the GM ignores the safety spot.
Rolle's career is over. He can't stay on the field. Mundy didn't play a down. This Amos kid has been exposed - he can't tackle consistantly.
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I really like the play of Callahan, and want to see more of him.
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When I saw that Bryce Callahan was going to miss Sunday's game I wept. McManis is a very good special teams player but he has no swivel in his game just straight ahead speed and size.
And that was McManis that tipped the ball to the Redskin in the 4th quarter when Cousins threw it up for grabs - just an unfortunate play.
Hurst would be an upgrade at nickel over McManis.
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I read somewhere that the author wanted to see Demontre Hurst at nickel back instead of McMannis, who is brutal. I wonder if Prosinski could play nickel? But yeah, we need another starting safety for sure.
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I dunno about Antrel Rolle - not sure what he brings besides experience. Prosinski isn't the answer either though he looks like he deserves a spot on next year's roster but not as a starter. Actually, I prefer Ryan Mundy ahead of both those other guys - is he still under contract?
Add safety to the list of needs during the draft...again.
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Safety Antrel Rolle has missed the last four games with a knee injury and the Bears have decided to rule him out of the remaining three games.
The Bears announced Monday that they placed Rolle on injured reserve, ending a year that also saw Rolle miss two games with an ankle injury. Chris Prosinski has started the last four weeks in Rolle’s place.
Rolle signed a three-year deal with the Bears in the offseason after spending five years with the Giants and made 35 tackles in seven starts. He’s due to make $2.9 million in base salary and a roster bonus in 2016.
The Bears activated tackle Tayo Fabuluje to fill Rolle’s roster spot. Fabuluje served a four-game suspension for a violation of the league’s PED policy. The rookie saw action in four games before drawing the ban.
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I thought it was over as well
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Why is it decision day? I thought I heard they IR'ed him a week or so ago.
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I don't play him... No reason to expose him this year with no playoffs... Let it heal up totally and go at it next year. Coaches will know what he has for evaluation for next year.
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Today is decision day on Kevin White...
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They can worry about 'winning' when they have enough talented players to make that happen....right now, the cupboard is bare. D needs help badly...
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Could be the payoff for the pain:
Could the Bears play their way into a top-10 pick? It’s possible but they might have to lose out to make it happen. There are seven teams with a worse record right now. Cleveland, San Diego and Tennessee are all 3-10. Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit and San Francisco are 4-9. Jacksonville, New Orleans and St. Louis are 5-8 like the Bears and the loser of Monday’s game between the Dolphins and Giants (both teams enter 5-7) will also be 5-8. For what it is worth, six teams are currently 6-7 and as long as there isn’t a rare tie on Monday night, a seventh team will join that bunch. Talk about a wide pack of mediocrity at this point. And there is no question that coach John Fox will be playing to win the next three weeks. He’s not thinking about draft position. He knows he’s ultimately judged on one thing and that is a win/loss record. That’s always the bottom line and from his perspective, and the perspective of every other coach, nothing helps build a program more than the experience of winning.
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HEY BEARRSSE ... STOP CHOKING WHEN YOU WON THE MOTHERFUCKIN GAME !!
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Maddening about Bennett....Miller plays with a broken rip - terribly painful....and Bennett is out. Lazy MFer.
We miss Rolle, McPhee, Mundy...
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9. Lake Zurich product Matt Blanchard is back for another run with the Bears after the quarterback was signed to the practice squad last Tuesday. He had a solid run with the Packers in preseason but they had drafted UCLA’s Brett Hundley in the fifth round and he had seven touchdowns against only one interception in preseason as the No. 3 behind starter Aaron Rodgers and backup Scott Tolzien. Blanchard completed 11 of 16 passes for 107 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
“I played pretty well,” Blanchard said. “They drafted Brett and he did a good job. Any other year it could have been a different situation for me. It wasn’t the right time.”
Blanchard did brief stints with the practice squad in Cleveland and then Indianapolis and now he’s back with the Bears, who he spent time with in 2012 and 2013. He went to Carolina in 2013 and wound up being injured in Week 3 of preseason in 2014 when his head was slammed into the turf at New England at the end of a 6-yard scramble.
“Normally, you get your bell rung and you see some stars and stuff,” Blanchard said. “It just kind of stayed there. If I had met you before, I would know who you were but I wouldn’t be able to make out your facial features too much. It was really weird for me. That didn’t go away for a long time. Everything was starry and blurry and cloudy and stuff. Eventually it subsided and it got back to where it was normal but it was strange.”
Blanchard was not able to drive for six weeks. He had regular appointments with a neurosurgeon and eventually the symptoms, which included headaches, subsided things went back to normal.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have those conversations (about retiring) because in the midst of that recovery you don’t know how well you are going to be afterward,” said Blanchard, now 26. “Once I felt better coming back, started throwing again, started running around again, I felt OK. Your love of the game doesn’t go away.”
The Panthers released Blanchard from their injured reserve in Week 14 last year and he’s with his fourth team since now, looking for a shot.
“You just have to get in the right situation at the right time and don’t get hurt, he said, before repeating it for emphasis. “Don’t get hurt.”
10. It was interesting to see outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, who did not dress for the game, engaged in a lengthy discussion with athletic trainer Nate Breske in the locker room after the game. I’m not going to pretend to have any idea what they were discussing but Breske was devoting a lot of time to a player who was not in uniform, maybe a sign that the Bears got through the game relatively injury free. McPhee has been toughing it out with a left knee injury and has even had ice on it while on the sideline during games in which he has played. The coaching staff has said it feels like McPhee is giving everything he’s got and has also credited him with having a high pain threshold.
McPhee has been on the field for 62.1 percent of the defensive snaps this season and 73.4 percent in the 11 games he has dressed for. He also sat out the Nov. 15 game at St. Louis. But in the three games McPhee has played in since the Rams game, he’s down to 55.8 percent of the snaps (116 of 208).
You have to wonder if not playing will make him better for next Sunday at Minnesota or if it is time for the club to think about shutting McPhee down for the remainder of the season and potentially addressing the knee issue. Maybe we will learn more in the coming days.
McPhee was on the field for 47.8 percent of the defensive snaps in Baltimore last season and only 28.2 percent in 2013 when he was limited by injuries. He’s in a new range of playing time this year.
10a. Interesting stuff from veteran wide receiver Eddie Royal in regard to free agent Danario Alexander, who worked out for the Bears last Tuesday. They were teammates previously in San Diego and Alexander has an explosive second half of the 2012 season when he caught 37 passes for 658 yards (17.8 average) and seven touchdowns before suffering a torn ACL in his right knee before the 2013 season began. Alexander had undergone multiple surgeries on his left knee prior to that. He hasn’t played in the league but is hoping to make a comeback and is potentially a candidate for a reserve/futures contract after the regular season concludes. He was listed at 6-foot-5, 217 pounds when he last played.
“He was one of the best receivers in the league, in my opinion,” Royal said. “What you guys weren’t able to see in practice, even that next year. He came in and blew it up for half the year but that next year (2013), OTA’s and minicamps, he did in the beginning of training camp, I remember, and it didn’t look like anything. Turned out to be awful. He was killing it. Long arms, tall, he can run. Forget the (40-yard dash) time. He can run. Good routes. When you look at it, some guys are good athletes so they can make plays. He was a freakish athlete who had good technique too and that’s when you have a guy a defense can’t stop. He would have had 1,500 yards every season. It’s not even a question.
“I stay in touch with him. He’s working out hard trying to get back and he just needs a chance. I was so excited when I heard we were bringing him in, he would be a great teammate. You hate to see good people like that get hurt. He was gonna be, I am telling you, he was gonna be so good because you couldn’t do anything to him. The smaller guys he could just jump over and the bigger guys he could just run by and he had technique. He would make some plays where you were like, ‘Oh, my god.’”
10b. The Bears are beginning to get an idea of what the complete 2016 list of opponents will look like. Only two games are determined by their finish in the standings. They will play a home game next year against the like finisher in the NFC West and have a road game at the like finisher in the NFC South. The Rams are currently in third place in the West, matching where the Bears are in the North. The Falcons hold the third spot in the South right now. The Bears will play home games with the Eagles, Redskins, Jaguars and Titans and have road games against the Cowboys, Giants, Texans and Colts in addition to the normal divisional rivalries.
10c. Can’t imagine the Bears' roster exemption for offensive lineman Tayo Fabuluje extends beyond this week. He returned from the suspended list last week and the team was given an exemption. When his exemption expires the Bears will either have to activate the rookie sixth-round pick to the 53-man roster (and clear a roster space to do so) or consider an alternative move.
10d. No carries this week for Ka’Deem Carey and I suspect the reasoning is two-fold. For starters, the Bears only handed the ball off 21 times and there were only 56 offensive plays. They got to him last week against the 49ers because they had 78 snaps.
10e. Cutler has 3,027 yards passing and needs 812 in the remaining three games to surpass the franchise record of 3,838 set by Erik Kramer in 1995. No, Bears’ passing records don’t mean a whole lot when measured against most other franchises, but someone has to hold them. According to Pro Football Reference, a quarterback has thrown for more than 3,838 yards 176 times in NFL history, with many names repeated multiple times on that list.
10f. The Vikings opened as a 4-point favorite over the Bears for Sunday’s game at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings are expected to move into their new stadium in 2016. So it should be the third and final time the Bears play at the University of Minnesota’s stadium.
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10 thoughts on the Bears' 24-21 loss to Redskins
Ten thoughts after the Chicago Bears lost against at Soldier Field, falling 24-21 to the Redskins on Sunday, Washington’s first road victory this season.
1. The best tight end on the field Sunday was the Redskins’ Jordan Reed, who has just chewed up safeties and linebackers alike in two meetings against the Bears, but how about Zach Miller?
Given an opportunity to be in a clear showcase role, he’s stepped up and put up five catches for 85 yards and a touchdown playing with a fractured rib, a similar injury to what landed starter Martellus Bennett on injured reserve.
Miller was more or less a fullback for the first seven games of the season when he was targeted only five times in the passing game. In the last six games, he’s got 18 receptions for 278 yards and five touchdowns, including a 9-yard touchdown from Jay Cutler in the third quarter that brought the Bears within 21-14.
He’s been reliable for Cutler and the quarterback has shown no hesitation throwing the ball his direction. If you’re looking for a positive for the offense, he’s certainly got to be one of the bright spots and with a series of injuries that made him a question mark coming into the season, he’s three games away from being on the field for all 16 games.
He looks like one of the few candidates for a potential contract extension before this season ends if general manager Ryan Pace is going to even consider such a move in his first year. The Bears have roughly $3.5 million in remaining salary cap space but that can all be rolled over into 2016. It’s more of a cash budget issue, in my opinion. If the Bears have remaining cash earmarked for this year, perhaps they look for a way to put it to use with three weeks remaining in the season.
There are 64 players under contract counting the 53-man roster, nine on injured reserve, offensive tackle Tayo Fabuluje, who has a roster exemption that will expire this week after being suspended, and Kevin White, who is on the reserve/physically unable to perform list. Of those 64, 25 (39 percent) are coming out of contract after this season. That’s not an alarming number. The most important player in the group is wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, who figures to be a good bet to be secured with the franchise tag. There will be a lot of attention for running back Matt Forte but based on how the playing time and touches are being divided, it seems more likely he’ll be elsewhere next season. By my count 11 of the 25 players coming out of contract are on a minimum salary benefit deal and it might be 12 if that is what tight end Rob Housler received. Not sure on that. The players with MSB deals aren’t eligible to sign a new contract until the beginning of the 2016 league year in March. Miller does not have an MSB deal. He’s making a straight $660,000 this season and that means he could be extended at any time if that is a direction the team wants to go.
The market for Miller, 31, looks different than it did in the first week of November when he wasn’t running routes very often. But he wants to be back.
“I hope so,” Miller said. “I want to be here. Love the organization. Front office-wise, I think they are doing great. No one even gave us any chance to do even do anything this season. Look at it, four, five, six plays in each game and we could be sitting at 9-3 as opposed to 5-7, 5-8. You know what I mean? We’re that close.
“(The last month of the season) is a good opportunity for me to step up and show people I can play well. It sucks that (Bennett) is hurt. He was a Pro Bowler last year and a dominant guy, a big, strong, athletic dude.”
Miller is never going to be a powerful blocker in the run game but let’s be real here. His strength is running routes and catching passes and reality in the NFL is the tight ends that do that well are rarely major assets in the run game. In fact, you could call the all-around tight end that is a big-time threat in the passing game a unicorn if you want. No, not that unicorn either.
It will be interesting to see what shakes out for Miller. He’s produced in the passing game now that he’s been given an opportunity. He’s playing through a rib injury and he’s stayed on the field this season.
2. It’s a good thing for the Bears that Reed isn’t in the NFC North Division because he might just wear them out. He’s one of the smaller tight ends in the league, listed at 6-foot-2, 237 pounds. For the sake of comparison, Martellus Bennett is 6-6, 273 and Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is listed at 6-3, 216. But Reed plays bigger than his size and he can run.
He’s had three career games of more than 100 yards and two have come against the Bears. He led the Redskins with nine receptions for 120 yards and a touchdown and went for 134 yards on nine catches with one score when he played them as a rookie in 2013.
“Almost the exact same numbers,” Reed said. “It’s crazy.
“They had a mixture of linebackers and safeties covering me, which is normal. Usually I get more safeties than linebackers but this week they kind of had more on some routes I could take advantage of 58 (Jonathan Anderson) and 59 (Christian Jones). Shouldn’t have let (Jon) Bostic go.”
Reed played with Bostic at Florida so that explains the reference to the former linebacker that was traded to the New England Patriots for a sixth-round draft pick earlier this year. The Bears found Reed difficult to bring down and he was a sure thing for quarterback Kirk Cousins, catching all nine balls thrown his way. He said Washington thought it could take advantage of some matchups on linebackers and that proved to the case.
“He is almost like a wide receiver because he runs really well after the catch,” safety Chris Prosinski said. “I was part of that a few times. He’s a bigger body. As far as weight, he is not huge but he’s got a lot of power. He runs really well. You have to go low or just wrap up until you can get your teammates there. I know there is one where he broke up the middle of the field. I should have just gone low and cut him.”
3. Saw a graphic during the Fox broadcast of the Cowboys-Packers game that the Bears’ four losses by three points or less is tied for the most in the NFL. Those four losses have come in the last eight games and that doesn’t include a 26-20 loss to the 49ers in overtime last week when the secondary blew coverage on Torrey Smith to allow a touchdown. It was another close game and a poor result.
Turnover ratio is always a good place to look and certainly the Bears have not gotten enough takeaways this season. It was even against the Redskins with Kyle Fuller’s interception of Kirk Cousins cancelling out a fumble by quarterback Jay Cutler on a sack/strip. The Bears were minus-1 against the 49ers, minus-2 in a 17-15 loss to the Broncos, plus-1 in a 23-20 loss to the Vikings and plus-2 in a 37-34 overtime loss to the Lions at Ford Field.
The Bears have gone from being bludgeoned in games late last season to playing close games this season but finding frustrating ways to lose to some pretty poor teams. The 49ers and Redskins won for the first time on the road this season at Soldier Field. That’s a different thing if we’re talking about road games in October. We’re in December. They also gave the Lions their first victory of the season.
So you look at it and no question there are some positives. They’re a play here and a play there from winning a handful of these games. But when you launch into that line of thinking, you also have to acknowledge they are a play here and a play there away from losing games to the Raiders, Chiefs and Chargers, the three AFC West clubs they defeated by a total of six points combined.
No question, some progress has been made this season but there is a lack of playmakers on defense and as I wrote in Monday’s edition, they need some upgrades on the offensive line. None of the running backs are across the 4.0 threshold in terms of average per carry and that’s kind of just an average figure. Very pedestrian. Matt Forte is at 3.96, so he is very close.
But this is the NFL. It breeds parity and so many games are down to the wire each Sunday. With a break here or there, the Bears are in the thick of the playoff race right now. They simply have not been good enough to make those breaks for themselves. Their 2-7 record in the NFC is the worst in the conference and that has to be a little disconcerting. Was the success (3-1 record against the AFC West) partially attributable to John Fox and many members of his staff having a good scouting report in the division from time spent in Denver?
4. Very good game once again for Jay Cutler when you look at the final numbers -- 19 of 31 passing for 315 yards and two touchdowns. Once again, the biggest plays came when he improvised a little. Buying time to find Jeffery against broken coverage for a 50-yard strike late in the fourth quarter. He kept another play alive with his legs to hit Deonte Thompson for a 36-yard bullet.
“The type of quarterback he is, D-linemen hate him,” said Redskins defensive end Ricky Jean Francois. “We like guys that stand still and just sit there. Jay is going to move around and he doesn’t panic. He looks to make a play downfield.”
Jean Francois is a guy that could have called Cutler a teammate. He signed with the Redskins in February after he was released by the Colts and called it a no-brainer to reunite with GM Scot McCloughan, who drafted him originally in San Francisco in 2009. The Redskins landed him with a $9 million, three-year contract. But before that happened, Jean Francois told me the Bears were in play.
“They made an offer,” Jean Francois said. “It went sideways. We didn’t get what we needed to get done so Scot McCloughan called me and I was a familiar face. I was gone.”
Jean Francois said the Bears were interesting because he had experience playing for coordinator Vic Fangio.
5. Plenty of uproar on social media after kicker Robbie Gould missed again this week, pushing a 50-yard attempt wide right with 1 minute, 40 seconds remaining in regulation. The kick could have forced overtime and Gould had a tail wind. He said he could have been good from 60 yards kicking to the South goalposts in that situation.
My guess is the Bears do not have a tryout with kickers this week as some readers asked about last week. For starters, remember that Gould has been a fixture for the Bears for a very long time and he’s been very good this season with the exception of a couple games here of late. The Bears are 5-8 right now and while they are mathematically still in the playoff picture, that isn’t happening. If Gould has more issues down the stretch, it’s a topic for the offseason, no question. And that is when the Bears could take their time and survey the landscape instead of seeing which handful of kickers they could bring in for a Tuesday workout.
Perhaps I am wrong on this, but I think Gould is fine for the remainder of the season. He’s in a bit of a slump. That happens. You see top pass rushers go through multiple games without getting sacks. He’s got to make these kicks though. There isn’t margin for error like he’s had lately in missing six of his last 15 attempts.
“I definitely didn’t rush it,” Gould said. “I had good tempo all day. I had really good tempo all week. I just pushed it right. I don’t know what to tell you. Obviously, I thought when it left my foot it was pretty good. The wind was blowing right to left and it just stayed right.”
Gould was practicing field goals in the moments before the kickoff of the game. He did work last Monday at Halas Hall which he typically doesn’t do. He’s working on it. Let’s see how the final three games play out for him.
6. In Washington, they are calling the signing of veteran linebacker Mason Foster to a one-year contract on Sept. 29 one of the better moves by general manager Scot McCloughan. Injuries wiped out the Redskins at linebacker and Foster got his first chance to start on Monday night in a loss to the Cowboys when he had seven tackles and a forced fumble. He followed that up six tackles, tied for the team lead, against the Bears, who made him part of their final cuts the first weekend of September.
Turns out Foster, who had played in the 4-3 only in Tampa Bay earlier in his career, benefitted from his stay with the Bears as learning to play in a 3-4 scheme prepared him to help out the Redskins. The “Jack” position in Vic Fangio’s defense, an inside linebacker spot, is very similar to what the Redskins call the “Mo.”
"Being exposed to a defensive mastermind like Vic and all of the looks we were exposed to and learning both the Mike and the Jack positions when I was with the Bears definitely helped a lot,” Foster said. “I had a good feel for the 3-4 so when I came to Joe B’s (Barry) defense, it was some of the same stuff. I just had to learn the terminology.
“I wasn’t really pissed off when the Bears cut me. I had a good time and I learned a lot with Coach Vic and Coach (Glenn) Pires. I had a good time and I learned a lot. Definitely disappointed because I wanted to be part of the Bears. I felt like I had played well. There are no hard feelings, this is a business. I was like the next place I land, I am going to make the most of it. It definitely worked out.”
The release of Foster created opportunities for younger players for the Bears like Christian Jones and Jonathan Anderson but it looks like interior linebacker will likely be on the team’s list of positions to upgrade.
7. Willie Young has made no bones about it. He’d like to be back in a 4-3 defense in the future. But is he playing well enough to put the Bears in a position where they are better off with him than without?
Young got credit for what looked like a coverage sack from my vantage point but he still had to finish the play and he’s been playing solid of late and has a sack in four consecutive games for the first time in his career. Expanded playing time opportunity allowed Lamarr Houston to factor in with a team-high nine tackles, according to press box statistics. Houston was making plays in the run game although some were downfield. Both were coming off major injuries from last season. Both are playing better in the second half of the season. Hard to say what the future holds at outside linebacker for the Bears this offseason but I know they can’t afford to get rid of any players until they’ve replaced them. Maybe Young is playing himself into another season here. His contract is flat. He will earn the same $2.45 million in 2016 as he is this season with a $50,000 workout bonus. That’s club friendly when you talk about a guy with 15 ˝ sacks now over the last two seasons.
8. Could the Bears play their way into a top-10 pick? It’s possible but they might have to lose out to make it happen. There are seven teams with a worse record right now. Cleveland, San Diego and Tennessee are all 3-10. Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit and San Francisco are 4-9. Jacksonville, New Orleans and St. Louis are 5-8 like the Bears and the loser of Monday’s game between the Dolphins and Giants (both teams enter 5-7) will also be 5-8. For what it is worth, six teams are currently 6-7 and as long as there isn’t a rare tie on Monday night, a seventh team will join that bunch. Talk about a wide pack of mediocrity at this point. And there is no question that coach John Fox will be playing to win the next three weeks. He’s not thinking about draft position. He knows he’s ultimately judged on one thing and that is a win/loss record. That’s always the bottom line and from his perspective, and the perspective of every other coach, nothing helps build a program more than the experience of winning.
Cont -------->>>
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Any first round pick of a WR PLAYING would be greatly appreciated at this point in time.
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So Zach Miller has a broken rib and he's limited. And what rib ailment does Bennett have that put him on IR?
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Injury updates: Tight end Zach Miller is playing with a broken rib, a league source confirmed. Miller was limited at Thursday’s practice. He and rookie Khari Lee will take on added responsibility after the Bears placed Martellus Bennett on injured reserve this week.
Also limited Thursday were Eddie Royal (knee), Tracy Porter (ankle), Sam Acho (shoulder) and Antrel Rolle (knee). Marquess Wilson (foot) and Pernell McPhee (knee) did not practice.
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I am pretty sure they have NO chance for the playoffs, unless they buy tickets to sit in the stands. Improvement? Yes, like determination, grit, not giving up, playing hard. All things that were lacking last year. If we can get some more talent, and keep everyone reasonably healthy I think we could make some waves next year.
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What's next for our CHICAGO BEARS ?
Do they have an outside chance of making the playoffs?
Have you seen any improvements on this TEAM this year?
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msn is reporting the brother in law wandered off in the desert and died. Period. That household will not be the fun factory anytime soon. Way too young to go.
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Disappointing but probably not a bad idea. Really, the Bears aren't going anywhere this season, so why risk getting him injured again? Wait till next preseason when he'll probably blow out a knee..... ::)
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Too funny:
To make room for him on the roster, Washington placed defensive tackle Stephen Paea on injured reserve because of a toe injury.
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disappointing:
Kevin White’s rookie season official will be over, before it ever began.
According to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are expected to put White on season-ending injured reserve next week, in lieu of adding him to the active roster.
The Bears must decide whether to activate White or shut him down by Tuesday, the expiration of the three-week window following White’s return to practice from the Physically Unable to Perform list.
He developed a stress fracture in his shin during offseason workouts, resulting in his placement on the PUP list from the outset of training camp.
White was the seventh overall pick in the 2015 draft. He becomes the second first-round receiver this year to have his rookie season lost due to injury; Ravens receiver Breshad Perriman never played due to a knee injury.
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Well they found Jay's brother-in-law. No wonder Jay wasn't himself.
https://www.yahoo.com/tv/s/kristin-cavallari-brother-michael-found-dead-being-reported-203624105.html
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What rock did they find him hiding? I hadn't even heard of him. All of a sudden there he was running a KO.
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That kid was scootin....
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You all saw Deonte Thompson's acceleration on that KO return - can he play some WR too? We have no one on offense with that kind of speed.
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Hmmm, I guess that means he is done for the season, but this means he is still a Bear. Now my speculation is he will likely be traded. He has too much value to just cut.
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Wow, he gone:
The Bears have been without a full complement of wide receivers all season because of injuries and they’ll have to play the final four weeks of the year without their starting tight end.
The team announced Tuesday that they have placed Martellus Bennett on injured reserve. Bennett missed Week 12 because of a rib injury and returned to action last weekend against the 49ers, but either suffered a new injury or aggravated the old one to lead to the roster move.
Bennett ends the year with 53 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns. He was more productive in 2014, but never seemed to click with the new coaching staff this year amid offseason contract concerns and in-season frustration about his role. He’s signed for a base salary of $5.085 million with the Bears facing $1.125 million of dead money under their cap if they decide to move in a different direction.
The Bears also announced that they have signed Rob Housler to round out the tight end group. Housler had one catch in six games for the Browns earlier this year and 105 catches for Arizona the last four years.
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Made me think of the movie "A Million Ways to Die in the West"
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Just saw where Jay Cutler's brother-in-law is reported missing, found the car on the side of the road
in Utah, lives in Cali. Doesn't sound good, hope Jay doesn't have to attend a funeral of someone not
yet 30.
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Exactly...when you have a kicker with Gould's career numbers from inside 40 yards, you run those last few plays to chew up the clock and play for the 3...no doubt about it.
You can talk about Fox's play calling the first 58 minutes of the game all you want, but that's the correct plan in the last 2...
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That last kick was a gimme, no excuse..
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Watching the game, I thought that Gould rushed those two kicks. He later said as much in his presser. He typically has ice water running in his veins, but both kicks looked rushed when they didn't have to be
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Sporty
Man I'd give my left nut to see the WR corp that we have on the bench !
Why don't we use Meredeth ?
The mystery of KEVIN WHITE & Eddie Royal continues to elude me.
BEARRRSSE organization keeps saying they are ready to go ...
but another week of no shows. After awhile ... you get tired of the BULLSHIT.
What ... are they saving them for a Superbowl run?
BEARS have a losing record so far ... WTF ??
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He did have a part in it, though, Jman. His pick six was one ugly play. Anyone that looks at that play and says 'throw it' is crazy. The D was all over it! He turns and simply whips the ball into a pack of defenders. He should have turned, saw all those defenders, and simply threw it over their heads. He had a part, the D had a part in blowing two huge plays at, of all times, the end of the game, letting the QB run straight up the gut for a fricking TD and then the bomb to end it. Yeah, the D is getting pressure, but they cannot get pressure every single play. And when that happens, the secondary HAS to make a play!
There were many goats in this game, including Fox, who should have pushed at least closer to the endzone or even tried to get IN the endzone at the end. We saw too many 'line up for the FG' plays with former coaches and they're former for that reason among others. Gould already had missed one FG so the writing was on the wall. Fox should have gotten his team closer. Not letting Cut throw there to get more yards speaks loudly about his trust for his QB, who already threw a bonehead pick six earlier. Fox really should know better than to settle for a mid to long range FG to win a game. 20-30yarders are easier to make than 30+. The facts are we're just not a good football team. We have really no one on D that scares anyone. We need to get a couple true impact players on that side of the ball next year. Those players win games like this, just like MJ did for the Bulls. A couple star players can make those key plays at key times and we desperately need that....
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JCUT 3-12 at home ... but this wasn't JCUT's fault.
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I would agree that Gould is not the biggest problem on this team. He definetly cost us THIS game but it wasn't the long snappers fault. More talent on D and it wouldn't even be an issue. Just saying it is frustrating that we lost to one of the most beatable teams on the road in the nfl.
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Fellows as you all know I am also a Gators fan. No way, no how do I let Gould walk. Try playing football with no FG kicker, it ain't pretty. See Gators for proof.
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Except for one difference....O'Donnel had to deal with putting the ball down after catching the ball from the new long snapper
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The weather was absolutely perfect. Did you see the pics of the flags laying flat and the anouncers saying the windy city wasn't windy? No excuse for Gould at all.
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It had the most to do that this is still a stupid team that makes stupid plays whenever it is expected to play well.....
All the demons from the last week (FINALLY ending Packers dominance) were excised but the root "evil" still has to be- how many times in the last 30 YEARS has this team shit the bed when it was favored ? It will come but not this year......
This team is a work in progress for sure, but until it cures itself of STUPID it will always dissapoint,,,,,,
This loss rates alongside last years losses under the previous regime....
Lost to a FUCKING gym coach. If they are not embarasssed they should be......
The future looks better because the present is so dark.....
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Plus it was a short field goal..
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The problem today may have had nothing to do with Soldier Field, but more to do with the new long snapper.
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I think this loss ended our playoff hopes. This one should have been in the win column without doubt. We didn't show we were ready for a playoff berth.
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what was the weather like? Remember Soldier field is one of the hardest stadiums in the league to kick in. Gould is usually automatic, doesn't make sense for him to be missing.
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Interesting idea about Gould and the long snapper. If he threw the other guy under the bus, he is a total douche. All time leading points guy, yeah real nice. I would rather resign Forte and let him play RB than let Gould pad his stats. And his kickoffs have been sketchy at best.
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I swear I saw Gould limping around after one of the kickoffs - he got in the middle of one of the tackles.
Cutlers #s were atrocious. His pick 6 killed us.
Where is Mundy? dude has been out all year.
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The thing is it is pretty obvious to me Gould threw the long snapper under the bus. They got rid of the longsnapper and he still sucks.
Kickers are funny. Maybe he has an injury. His kickoffs have been horrible all year. Plus he has missed multiple FG's.
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We have too many positions to fill to think about letting Cutler walk. Gould on the other hand..
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That would not make me unhappy. At all.
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It does suck. BUT, it's official - Jay should be with a new team next year.
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I was thinking lets be a little more aggressive too. But I don't think they trust Jay, which is for good reason. I guess I am back to the don't care, hope for a good draft next year, which totally fucking sucks.
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Jeffrey 4 catches.....12 targets....horrific.
I am tired already of this coaching staff thinking field goals are OK.
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Cutler threw the pick 6 and was wayyyyyy off on so many passes. He was just as bad as Gould.
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Gould all the way. TWO misses, short FGs.
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That loss is on Cutler and Gould.
#31 Prosinski can not play NFL football....and the other safety #38 Amos can not tackle. Where is Mundy and Rolle?
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There are some major issues with Fox and this coaching staff.
1. constantly running the ball.
2. constantly playing for field goals.
Some really bad decisions today and in the loss to Detroit and Minny and Denver. We will now piss away FOUR.
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Royal has been hurt much of his career.
This year is no particular exeption
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Royal reminds me of Orlando Pace, a stud that was supposed to come in and do great, but turned out to be a dud.
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Royal has been a huge disappointment.. Our receiving corp should've been one of the better in the NFL. Instead, we've dealt with injury after injury.. Even with Marshall he was injured all the time.. Cutler has had to make do with a patch work group all season. Kudos to him for making the O work under less than an optimal situation..
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The Bears have a chance to move to 6-6 and keep their toe in the Wild Card race in the NFC with a victory over the 49ers, so the appearance of quarterback Jay Cutler on the injury report on Friday is the sort of thing that catches the eye.
Cutler was limited in practice on Friday because of an illness, but concern about the possibility that he’d miss Sunday’s game appears low. Cutler is listed as probable on the injury report, so, while illnesses can of course, get worse, he should play.
Cutler won’t have Marquess Wilson catching his passes and Eddie Royal’s status is still up in the air. Wilson, who is third on the team in catches and second in receiving yards, has been ruled out after hurting his foot in practice on Wednesday. Royal is questionable after missing the last four games with a knee injury, but his lack of practice time isn’t a great sign for his availability. Tight end Martellus Bennett is expected to play after missing Thanksgiving.
Safety Antrel Rolle also didn’t practice because of a knee injury and hasn’t played since Week 10, but drew the same questionable tag as Royal.
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Bennett has been a little bit of a head case everywhere he has been. Comments about the Bennett brothers BOTH being nutty and me first are out there.
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I didn't know that - he's actually signed thru 2016.
Lots of talk about Bennett's attitude but Willie Young requested to be traded earlier in the season. But the fact that he was probably considered damaged goods worked out for the Bears. Now that he's healthy and understands the defense I think he's content.
Hopefully, Bennett can get things straightened out too. When Bennett catches a ball on a spot, it's like "OK, how many more yards is he going to get out of this?"
As for Tracy Porter - he's a FA after this season - first priority after Jeffery and Forte.
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We still have Young under contract for one year. We can keep him if we want him
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I hope we don't lose Young, but it may very well happen..
As far as Bennett. Fox and Pace are building a team to compete for years to come. Bennett is a player you'd want to hang on to, but I don't see them dealing with a guy that's not a team first guy. Plus, he hasn't been playing all that well the last while.. Maybe Bennett calms down and all is well, I personally don't think that will happen..
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Willie Young and Lamarr Houston filling void for limited Pernell McPhee
Rich CampbellContact Reporter
Chicago Tribune
Willie Young waved his arms to signal the pass was incomplete. That's as much of a celebration as he could muster immediately after helping to force Aaron Rodgers' fourth straight incompletion in the final minute of the Bears' 17-13 victory over the Packers on Thursday.
Don't be mistaken. Young likes to celebrate. But that requires energy, and he emptied his tank playing a season-high 59 snaps.
On the inside, though, Young was thrilled. The self-proclaimed defensive end — don't dare call him an outside linebacker — seized his opportunity to do what he does best when the Bears needed it most, pressuring Rodgers off his spot on third and fourth downs during the decisive sequence.
"It was a huge level of satisfaction as far as being able to still be somewhat productive with everything else that's going on," Young said.
Everything else. Yes, that's how Young and Lamarr Houston have helped the Bears defense endure the last three weeks despite Pernell McPhee's ailing left knee.
They have made a positive impact because they are more comfortable with everything else required of a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Recognizing routes. Understanding route combinations. Fitting the proper gap against the run.
None of that came easily for Young and Houston after they were asked to help fill one of the new scheme's premier positions. They each had to transition this year from being a 4-3 end, and do so while recovering from a major surgery. Houston tore the ACL in his right knee in October 2014 and Young tore his left Achilles tendon last December.
McPhee's knee problem flared in early November, the impetus for a progress report. And the two converts have responded well.
Houston played a season-high 49 percent of the snaps against the Packers and finished tied for the team lead with nine tackles, by the coaches' count. His four sacks in the last four games have helped validate the persistence he showed while serving on the scout team early in the season.
"Hopefully, I'm just showing them I'm a ballplayer," Houston said. "I don't think you can label me like, 'Oh, he just does this,' or, 'He can't do that.' Pretty much every situation that has me labeled as something I'm not capable of doing, I've taken the opportunity and conquered that."
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio complemented Houston's run defense, which is what he was known for when the Bears signed him as a free agent from the Raiders in March 2014.
"Much like Willie coming off the injury, there was this slow development in training camp, etc.," Fangio said, "He's feeling more comfortable now and he's getting to play regularly and he has done well with it."
Young played a season-high 76 percent of the snaps against the Packers. He has a sack in each of the last two games, and he has five tackles in three of the last four.
"Whenever you can be put in a game situation, and as long as you're the kind of guy who can learn from your mistakes, learn from your teammate's mistakes, that's what's allowing me to play even faster now," Young said.
He said his coverage responsibilities require him to study 10 times as much game video now than when he was a defensive end. And while an outside linebacker doesn't drop on each play, handling different responsibilities throughout the course of a game was an adjustment.
There's a rhythm element, as well as a conditioning factor. Young has tried to make time for practicing his pass rush techniques because he has devoted so much of his focus to learning the new coverage responsibilities.
That's one reason he was so happy in the final minute Thursday to put both of his hands on the wet Lambeau Field turf and rush Rodgers from a four-point stance.
"I'm back home, man," Young said. "Any time I can put my hand in the dirt, I'm more than comfortable."
McPhee played only 56 percent of the snaps over the last two games, but Fangio said Wednesday the knee has "calmed down a little bit."
As the Bears continue to manage McPhee's playing time, they at least can be comfortable knowing that Young and Houston are as well.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
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We got 6 more games...we'll see if he turns it around.
Complete TEs haven't been very common in Chicago...
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M. Bennett is definitely going to get traded before next season. Instead of an unproven draft pick, I would be looking for good player who no longer fits a new coaches system. No more trading proven for unproven, seems you usually lose in that deal.
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I don't think it's a medical decision any more - he wouldn't be out there running at practice if he had any issues with the bone not being fully healed (this ain't the Cowboys rushing Tony Romo on the field after he busted his collar bone - of course it could be considering the history of the BEar's medical staff).
Right now it's just a matter of White getting in shape and strengthening his injured leg.
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I see it as strictly a medical issue up to the doctors and Pace.
If he's healed let him get some game action.
If he risks compounding the injury shut it down.
I agree. But if he can get a taste of the pros, let him get it. Plus we can see what he has AND that could put a little heat on Alshon to perform/come contract time. I see it as a win/win as long as he doesn't get hurt/reinjure himself.
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I see it as strictly a medical issue up to the doctors and Pace.
If he's healed let him get some game action.
If he risks compounding the injury shut it down.
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I agree about White. He is working in individual drills. Running at full speed and cutting. If he feels good to go and the doctors think he is good to go, let it rip It's not like we can keep him under glass forever. I would perform every diagnostic test on him. Xray the leg, MRI, check it all out and see how it looks. Though he may not be able to undergo an MRI with a plate in his leg
Tomorrow is not promised
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The Cubs have been waiting till next year now for over 100 years. Don't give me that well next year is good enough. You let him play and hope for the best. Maybe he is the difference to get to the playoffs this year. Marques Wilson hurt again. We need more horses, the more the better.
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I'd hate like hell for him to come out in less than playing condition and have a career ending injury..
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Last week the Chicago Bears decided to activate the 21 day window to allow rookie wide receiver Kevin White to practice. Earlier today White, who is still technically on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, was participating in individual drills for the first time this season.
Last week White was doing side work and working on his conditioning, but today he was out running routes and catching passes.
Playing in an actual NFL game is still a long shot, but just going through practice with his teammates can give him an edge as he looks towards the 2016 season. Then again, head coach John Fox isn't ruling out this year yet, "He's improving. He's on target. We've got a 3-week window that we'll just take one day at a time."
When White was asked how it felt being out there he said, "Maybe just a little weak, but it felt good to be back out there," and on if he's pushing to play this season, "Hell ya!"
The Bears still have about two weeks to watch White practice before deciding on activating him to the 53 man roster or putting him on season ending injured reserve, but so far so good.
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I hope they get that whole Bennett situation figured out.
If he is traded we would then have another hole to fill in the offseason. Picking up a 3rd rounder for him in a trade still doesn't mean he will get replaced. And don't tell me Zach Miller fills his shoes.
Hopefully, Bennett gets healthy and his mind is right so he can go out and dominate like he's capable. (This BTW also helps his contract situation).
The Bears have an outside chance of making the playoffs and once you're in anything can happen. Bears need Bennett to be a big part of the offense starting Sunday.
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It's the ENTITLED generation
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He actually has had the droppsies at times this season...
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Good riddance, imo. The guy wants to cop a attitude because he isn't the key focus in passing? Stupid. You're either a team player or you're not. He gets plenty of balls and has no right to cry....
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My guess is they look to trade him after the season is over.
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My guess is Bennett is gone. Fox and Pace have already shown that they aren't going to tolerate players that aren't for the team, just ask Marshall.
One other thing, they also showed that they can win without Bennett...
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There's no crying in Football!
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The Chicago Bears have thrust themselves into playoff contention. Their effort to finish the job could be undermined by a lingering rift with tight end Martellus Bennett.
Bennett, who boycotted voluntary offseason workouts due to concerns about his contract, didn’t make the trip to Green Bay for last Thursday night’s win. As explained by Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bennett expressed frustration during practice last week regarding his role in the offense. That has created to suspicions that Bennett didn’t play last week not because of a rib injury but because of his attitude.
Bennett denied creating a scene at practice, but Biggs reports it happened.
“I wasn’t pissed off,” Bennett said. “I didn’t play last week.”
He also didn’t watch the game, opting instead to wait for the film of the victory to be uploaded to his tablet. That admission, in and of itself, suggests that something is going on. How many players who aren’t with their teammates for a road game don’t actually watch the game involving their teammates — especially when it’s a prime-time game?
Coach John Fox declined to address whether he believes Bennett is upset.
“You will have to ask him about that,” Fox said, per Biggs. “I don’t know. I don’t really care. I get upset too. I think he is one of the top-five targeted tight ends in the league.”
Fox is accurate on that point; Bennett currently is fifth in total targets. But with 50 receptions in 2015, he’s off the pace he set in 2014, when he caught 90 balls.
Bennett’s frustrations possibly flow from the emergence of Zach Miller, who has four touchdown receptions in the last four games. Regardless, it’s obvious there’s an issue and the question for the offseason will be whether the Bears bring Bennett back for the final year of his current deal.
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Reading article VG posted upstream with McCaskey....
DP: How did you feel about Bruce Arians, who was the other finalist for the job?
GM: I liked him. He had a track record of success. He succeeded in Indianapolis under very difficult circumstances. He handled that very well. I thought he and I hit it off pretty well. In the end, Phil said he was more comfortable with Marc, so I supported it.
Phil Emery chose wrong on the head coach and it cost him his job. Period.
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The 49ers gave the Cardinals all they could handle Sunday.
Gabbert actually played pretty well.
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Q&A with George McCaskey part 1 (http://www.danpompei.net/#!georgemcaskey1/t6udc)
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Have we ever benefitted from having a long period to prepare for someone? Seems the opposite. And for either Gase or Fangio to depart following this season for greener grass elsewhere would be the lowest blow for this club....hope it doesn't happen...
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I just hope we don't lose Gace or Fangio. That could be a setback for next year. But I am pretty excited for the rest of this year, even if we do miss the playoffs.
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Ditto. Again, I think everyone is buying in. Hope its as much fun as last Thursday night.
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I believe this is a different Bears team, coached by better coaches. Looking forward to the next 5 games...
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Pretty much the way I see it. But I think they will be a better team next year.
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One thing I haven't heard mentioned is that the Bears have 10 days to prepare for the 49ers. That alone should be enough of advantage to put a W next to it. However the Skins, Vikes, TB and Detroit to end seasons. I see 8-8. With our shitty conference W-L we will not be going to playoffs this year.
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Bears beat the Crackers and drop in Power rankings....mAkeS sEnSe....
http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings
That's because the Packers aren't as strong as some had hoped.
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Wiederer: Yep. This is a take-care-of-business stretch the next two weeks. Win two games you’re supposed to win, then head to Minneapolis in Week 15 with playoff aspirations rising.
That said, the Bears can't let the final result of Thanksgiving night cloud their assessment of what actually happened for four quarters. Had the Packers simply made a couple more plays, the Bears are 4-7 and a long way out of the playoff conversation. So even with this surge in confidence, the Bears must put last week’s win in the proper frame.
You can also say that for most of the Bear losses. A play or two against Lions, Vikings, and Broncos and the Bears are winners.
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The PFT ranking had the Bears jump from 20 to 16.
1. Panthers (11-0; last week No. 2): It’s been a year since they’ve lost a regular-season game. The real question for the rest of the current year is whether they’ll win three games in the postseason.
2. Broncos (9-2; No. 6): The Broncos could be paying a quarterback $19 million next year, after all. Just not the one they thought.
3. Patriots (10-1; No. 1): Will Tom Brady eventually be throwing passes to Tony Gonzalez, Randy Moss, and/or Terrell Owens?
4. Bengals (9-2; No. 4): The Bengals are back. As long as they don’t have to play at night.
5. Cardinals (9-2; No. 3): Good teams find a way to win even when they’re playing the opposite of good.
6. Vikings (8-3; No. 8): The Steve Hutchinson/Nate Burleson Tit-for-Tat Bowl finally has both teams playing for something other than spite.
7. Packers (7-4; No. 5): If Peyton Manning or Tom Brady had young teammates who weren’t spending enough time preparing to play, the last thing either of them would need to do is complain about it publicly.
8. Seahawks (6-5; No. 9): Russell Wilson played better than ever with Marshawn Lynch not in the building. Which may not be a coincidence.
9. Chiefs (6-5; No. 10): Yes, the 49ers kept the wrong guy.
10. Steelers (6-5; No. 7): That fake field goal was so bad that the Colts were laughing at it.
11. Colts (6-5; No. 14): 4-0 is the new 40.
12. Texans (6-5; No. 15): Few teams have improved more than this one during the season, and few can figure out how they did it.
13. Raiders (5-6; No. 13): Every time the Raiders give us a reason to give up on them, they give us a reason not to.
14. Bills (5-6; No. 12): They need to finish 4-1 to match what they did without LeSean McCoy, Tyrod Taylor, Charles Clay, and Rex Ryan.
15. Jets (6-5; No. 16): Stephen Ross no longer owns the Dolphins; the Jets do.
16. Bears (5-6; No. 20): Thirty years after a team to never forget, the Bears are gradually piecing together a season to remember.
17. Washington (5-6; No. 25): I like that at home; I hate that on the road.
18. Giants (5-6; No. 11): How bad would they have played in Washington if they hadn’t had two weeks to get ready?
19. Falcons (6-5; No. 17): Matty Ice has a modified nickname.
20. Buccaneers (5-6; No. 18): Is it a drop if it never actually touches your hands?
21. Lions (4-7; No. 24): The Lions have mastered Cooterball.
22. Ravens (4-7; No. 28): Thanks, Ravens, for the annual reminder that the Texans actually paid many millions of dollars to Matt Schaub.
23. Rams (4-7; No. 21): Apparently, “kiss my ass” comes from the Competition Committee’s special parliamentary procedures known as Robert’s Rules of Odor.
24. Dolphins (4-7; No. 22): If the Dolphins fire someone every time they lose to the Jets, the Dolphins may eventually have no one left to fire.
25. Jaguars (4-7; No. 23): At least folks in Jacksonville can enjoy the holidays without being distracted by playoff seedings.
26. Eagles (4-7; No. 26): At this rate, the Eagles may give the Titans a first-round pick to take Chip Kelly.
27. Saints (4-7; No. 27): Drew Brees will make it to 45 only if he becomes a kicker.
28. Chargers (3-8; No. 31): The Chargers are so bad that beating the Jaguars is actually an upset.
29. 49ers (3-8; No. 29): The 49ers are so bad that Rob Schneider is calling them out.
30. Cowboys (3-8; No. 19): At least the expectations won’t be quite as high next year.
31. Titans (2-9; No. 30): If the NFL played 45 minutes game, the Titans would be a lock for the Super Bowl.
32. Browns (2-9; No. 32): A Pick Six and a Kick Six and anyone who watched that one got sick at least six times.
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I saw that... WTF?
Big test this weekend. Can this team deal with success? We should beat San Fran, I'd like to say easily, but this team isn't that good. Should be a little redemption for Fangio. I'd love to the Bears dominate..
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Bears beat the Crackers and drop in Power rankings....mAkeS sEnSe....
http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings
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Never easy: Coach John Fox explained the decision to switch long-snappers Saturday, when the Bears waived veteran Thomas Gafford and signed Patrick Scales, formerly of the Ravens.
“Those changes are never easy,” Fox said. “Thomas Gafford did a lot of great things for us. He was a good man, the kind of guy [you want] in this building.
“We struggled over the last three weeks a little bit in our consistency, in particular our short snaps. We had one go a little bit haywire in the Green Bay game. At the end of the day, all our decisions are based on what makes this team better and what’s better for this football team.”
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That's what I was thinking when I was saying maybe there has been complaints about his work.
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Goulde has missed a lot more FG's this season then normal. Perhaps the long snaps have been an issue.
I haven't noticed any really bad snaps but they may not be where the holder needs them.
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I saw that too and was surprised. He was a holdover. Perhaps there was a complaint about his work.
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I don't think it was because of bad snaps or poor blocking but maybe because Gafford only had 2 tackles this season. Kind of low considering he's played 11 games.
Also Scales is 27 and Gafford is 32.
But I agree its a questionable decision to be made in mid season during a playoff push.
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Wonder why this move was made?
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-waive-LS-Gafford-sign-Scales/f600219b-0051-42d1-9535-17c9122bd148
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We need Atlanta to lose one more and they face the Panthers twice yet, so that is likely. I think we need to win out also:
The remaining schedules
Seattle - Vikings, Ravens, Browns, Rams Cardinals (need to lose 2)
Green Bay - Lions, Cowboys, Raiders, Cardinals , Vikings ( Need to lose 3)
Vikings - Seahawks, Cardinals, Bears, Giants, Packers (need to lose 4)
The above doesn't factor in tie breakers, so we could tie a team in the remaining 3 and still get in, but I think our tie breaker status now is not in our favor as 3 or our 5 victories are against the AFC
If the Vikes beat Seattle Sunday, we need the Rams or Cardinals to beat the Hawks... wish that Cardinal game were not the last game of the season, resting players.
Green Bay has a tough way in if they lose Thursday to the Lions. Raiders, Cardinals, Vikings in the last 3, Raiders and Cardinals on the road, easier to see two losses there
If the Vikes lose to Seattle, we could be playing them for a tying record in 3 weeks.
We have to win out to get in, I believe...
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They absolutely need to keep this staff intact for the next few years. Pay them what they want. We can't start building and then have to rebuild again with a new assistant staff. We've got some good folks finally especially on the D side. We can't let that go. I really like Fox but he needs good assistants and we've got em, now keep em...
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The bears have to win out to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. I don't think they are going to win out.
They might be able to lose one more game but that is their only margin of error. The hole is just to deep.
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Right now I think a road grader RT is where we are weakest, move Long back to RG. Offensively we need a stud TE and a decent slot receiver. Defensively we need stud LBs. I am not satisfied with McClellan. Maybe Hood can take that LDE position. We could also use a couple of CBs to develop. That said I think we are further along with the additions we've made during the season. Safety and CB has improved dramatically. Pass rush has improved lately. But if the game plan is to have homegrown talent as opposed to FAs then I would draft the best talent available at the most needed positions. I hope we can keep Jeffery happy but he has to be able to play 16 games to be worth bigtime bucks. Jeffery and White could be a marvelous pairing if White is all he is cracked up to be. While the playoffs is an ultimate goal I think player evaluation for next year should be the immediate goal right now. I think seeing what he can do this season is important for the future. It could also impact the draft priorities
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Forte is a class act, and I would like to see him finish his career as a Bear. Cap friendly deal would be icing on the cake.
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I would be good with bringing Forte back on a cap friendly deal.
As much as I want to win, I don't think going out and signing a bunch of FAs is the right way to do it.
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I saw an interview with Forte today. He says he wants to remain in Chicago because it is his home and his wife is from there, his kids go to school there. He understands he is at the end of his career and is not going to get a big payday. However it is a business and he knows he may not be a Bear next year.
He said he told them last year that he was willing to re-do his deal to help the cap so they could sign some guys but the bears weren't interested.
So I am guessing if Pace and Fox want him they can keep him. It is all about how much cap space they feel he is worth versus what other teams are willing to pay Forte.
Hopefully they are able to bring him back on a 2 or 3 yr deal.
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Yeah, we've got to re-sign some of our own FAs first. Jeffery has to be at the top of the list. Porter is next. McClellan looks like he's found a home in the middle, but no mention of Willie Young - he has been coming on the last few weeks. Super motor. And what about #22?
Outside of or own I'm sure Wilkerson would be a huge addition to the guys we have now on the d-line...who are basically just guys.
Glenn would be nice too but this Leno kid is growing on me. He is a pretty good pass blocker but he probably just doesn't have the size to be a dominant run blocker. Would we be better off spending FA dollars on signing another position such as SS, CB, OLB, or on offense a right guard.
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I agree with everyone here. I figured we'd suck in the first half of the season and come on in the second half,but,with all the injuries my expectations have been shattered. This is a great staff that gets the most out of it's personnel. I really hope we can keep the staff together no matter the cost.
Build the trenches in FA with the likes of Muhammad Wilkerson (DE) and Cordy Glenn (OT) thru FA,resign players like Jeffrey (WR) , Jarvis Jenkins (DE) , Porter (CB) and maybe McClellin and with another good draft we may be in contention for it all next year?
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Fox has the pull and the rep that attracts solid coordinators and in contrast to the premature end of the pairing of Lovie and Chico, his ego is not too big to co-exist with the hot shot coordinators.
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I think Fox is solid but he has two top notch coordinators as well.
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I think maybe Sutton was scratched because Bruce Gaston played so well last week
True, but Bears decided to play #90 Ziggy Hood.
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True but Tucker was a horrible DC.
Also Pace is still looking for talent and protecting young players (cutting Clausen to protect Fales).
The bears are headed in the right direction. I suspect they will be very competitive next year.
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A lot of the players that played for Tucker are not playing for Fox. Young, Fuller, Houston and McClellan are about the only holdover starters.
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One more thing in regards to coaching. This team is a prime example of what I've said for years. Even without the name players, a good coach gets the most out of the players he has, that is what Fox has done. I can still hear the "poor Tucker, he doesn't have the players to have a good defense". You have to have a good coach, period.
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I read somewhere that there is no chance White sees any game time this season. Forte better shake the rust, otherwise Langford will continue to get most of the reps. Langford needs to get better in the passing game, he dropped the one (should've been an easy catch) that cost us a first down.
Cutler deserves a lot of credit this season. He's playing really well, he's cut way down on the mental mistakes.
I agree that this is looking like the best coach (and staff) we've had since the Ditka days..
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I think maybe Sutton was scratched because Bruce Gaston played so well last week
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Let's just make it 6 straight then! It is great to feel good about this team. Even in the losses we have been competitive, with the exception of the Seattle game and that was a Clausen nightmare. This team is so much better to watch and so much better coached.
What is also nice is that we are getting contributions from Houston and Young. Houston now has 5 sacks tied with McPhee. He may just turn out to be a good purchase yet. He and McPhee have a lot of the same make up, body type, and plenty of nasty.
I wonder why Sutton was a healthy scratch? Not much was reported.
I liked what I saw of the nose tackle Penell from the Packers. Would like to see us pry someone like that off of their team.
Hoping the 10 days rest will be good for Forte, he showed the rust. Not sure what to think of Royal, he has been one injury after another.
And Marqueze Wilson. Who'd have thought he would continue to develop. The announcers mentioned that the Bears and Cutler really like him, and he made several nice catches and extended drives. Would love to see what Kevin White would do, maybe we will still get the chance.
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Honestly, I'm pretty happy right now with this year. It was supposed to be much worse as a first year turnaround usually is. Instead, it was bad early and it's gotten much better and with last nights great win, MUCH much better. Guys, we beat the fricking PACK in their house on the night they were honoring Favruh! If you don't love that, turn in your Bears stuff. Couldn't get no better. Would be nice to see White and what he can do before the end of this season. Don't see them getting to the playoffs. Pretty hard to win 5 straight.
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well we've won just one game at home this year
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The toughest game is always the next game...so this week it's the 49ers.
The good news is it will be at home and our banged up guys get 10 days to heal up. It would great to have Jeffery, Bennett, Forte, and Eddie Royal available.
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With the team seeming to improve week by week nothing would shock me. I was listening to the Score today and that same discussion was mentioned. What was said was that the Bucs and the Vikes would be the toughest. Both are in contention for playoff spots. My guess is it all boils down to which teams want it bad enough. Also brought up was the fact the Pack still have to face the Lions and the Vikes yet. And while I don't like the Pack or the Lions or usually watch Thursday night football on the NFL network I may just pay a bit of attention to it next Thursday when the Lions play the Pack.
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The Bears are 5-6.
Their next 5 games are:
49ers
Redskins
@ Vikings
@ Buccaneers
Lions
Every game is winnable but we know they will more then likely drop a game or two they should have won.
I predict they end up 8-8.
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Secret weapon Shea is back, maybe he breaks Rodgers collar bone again......THEN, we MIGHT have a chance.
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We need to get some pressure on Rodgers...
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I agree. We need everyone to even have a half a chance..
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No Bennett? No Jeffery? No chance.
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Running back Matt Forte said that he expects to be in the Bears lineup against the Packers on Thursday night, but tight end Martellus Bennett won’t be joining him.
The Bears ruled Bennett out of the game on Wednesday because of injured ribs. Bennett was listed as a non-participant in Monday’s practice and limited in Tuesday’s session. Zach Miller and Khari Lee are the other tight ends on Chicago’s 53-man roster.
Forte was listed as questionable, as was wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery missed last week’s game with a groin injury and said Tuesday that he hopes to make it back to the lineup on Thanksgiving, although he knows he won’t play “if the training staff sees how I feel and I don’t feel too well.”
Linebacker Pernell McPhee and safety Antrel Rolle are also questionable due to knee injuries. Rolle did not play last week while McPhee returned to the lineup after missing Week 10. Wide receiver Eddie Royal and running back Ka’Deem Carey have been ruled out.
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I agree, let him get his feet wet. If he has the whole off season to not get ready, he may not be the same player we drafted. Just saying.
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if he is healthy enough, a few games experience would be a good thing. It lets him get his feet wet and lets the coaches get a feel for him.
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Day late and dollar short. red shirt for next year. or the next injury.
It will be like an extra draft pick next year.
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Day late and dollar short. red shirt for next year. or the next injury.
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Wish he were active for the Pack, but I doubt that is even possible. No doubt we need more weapons. Jeffery is questionable week to week.
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Part of me agrees with you - part of me says just put him on the shelf.
I assume he's been cleared medically to practice - so now it's more of how he feels and whether he can perform at an NFL level.
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If at all possible, White needs to get a few games under his belt this season.
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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000587061/article/kevin-white-to-practice-tuesday-for-bears-per-report
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I think it was some porn movie company since he had that mustache going. Just saying. ;)
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Paper said the Ravens had no backup QB on their roster. Interesting
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Didn't Clausen play for Trestman too?
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Probably Trestman since he's OC for the Ravens and they just lost Flacco - think they'll taken Clausen?
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Bears cut Clausen and promoted Fales to the active roster. They did this to protect Fales because some team wanted to sign him to their active roster.
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He's a JAG that used to be a Jag.
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#31 Prosinski keeps missing tackles. Reminds me of Conte. This guy is brutal.
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F-ing prevent defense gave the Broncos a field goal. Prevent defense prevents you from winning.
We're not putting enough pressure on this young QB.
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Broncos at Bears
Quarterback Peyton Manning (foot, rib cage) and linebacker DeMarcus Ware (back) were ruled out by the Broncos early in the week. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (ankle, finger), defensive end Antonio Smith (hip) and defensive end Vance Walker (shoulder) are all listed as questionable. The Bears have two questionable players on offense — wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (groin) and running back Matt Forte (knee) — and two on defense — linebackers Pernell McPhee (knee) and Shea McClellin (knee) — this week. Wide receiver Eddie Royal (knee) won’t play.
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I see the Bears are heavy favorites. That usually means they will get their asses handed to them.
Last time I looked the Bears were 1.5 point dogs. I would think it would be more
With decent coaching they are approaching the realistic level of their talent. Appreciate and enjoy it.
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that being based on the fact Manning is out. I sure as hell fear their D over Manning..
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They started out as 5.5 dogs and are now favored by 1.5
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Cannot imagine Bears being favorites....really at all. I do think they have a shot at winning, but I don't believe it likely...
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I see the Bears are heavy favorites. That usually means they will get their asses handed to them.
Last time I looked the Bears were 1.5 point dogs. I would think it would be more
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I see the Bears are heavy favorites. That usually means they will get their asses handed to them.
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Wow, 6-3...and 3 Ls in a row. I stand corrected.
And the Pack is visiting the Vikings on Sunday. Guess we HAVE to root for Minnesota, you know, only to help our chances for the wild card.
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No, they're 6-3 ;D
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Oh and I forgot to mention we lost our QB for a game and a half and our starting HB has been out 2 games. Starting MLB missed 3 or 4 games. Not to mention our top receiver Jeffery being in and out of the lineup all season.
We'll be sure to put asterisks next to your loss column due to the injuries.
You're 7-2 - you have Aaron Rodgers - life in the NFL is so cruel.
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Losing a Pro-Bowl WR and their starting MLB before the season even started was a bad beginning for GB but injuries to nearly every other WR and continuing losses have made it the most injured team in the league. Chi is listed as the next most injured.
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I had hoped that the Packers would start healing but if they keep on losing more players the Bears will win that game.
Bears have had their #1 draft choice out all year. Last week had their #2 receiver out, their center out, their top pass rusher out, top defensive lineman (Ratliff) was cut cuz he went crazy, and the Packer still have Rodgers and you're worried?
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I now have another reason to hope that the Bears kick Green Bays ass. Otto, he may never come back if that happens...
The pure definition of front runner. Let's see what happens Sunday. A win and he is back talking smack up to the Bears game. A loss and we will only hear from him if the Packers win again.
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I now have another reason to hope that the Bears kick Green Bays ass. Otto, he may never come back if that happens...
I had hoped that the Packers would start healing but if they keep on losing more players the Bears will win that game.
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Chris Harris Jr. knows Bears coach John Fox has an edge
Posted by Mike Florio on November 19, 2015, 6:37 PM EST
John+Fox+0EGykRNvtHHm
Getty Images
The Broncos, who has lost two games in a row, badly need a win. It won’t be easy to get one this weekend.
They head to Chicago to take on the Bears, who are coached by the man who coached the Broncos from 2011 through 2015. Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. knows that this gives the Bears an edge.
“He definitely has the inside scoop,” Harris told reporters on Thursday. “He developed a lot of us. We were all here when he first got here. He knows all about us. He knows what we’re good at and where we’re not good. That’s going to be a challenge right there, but their players are the ones out there playing, not Coach Fox.”
Harris is right. Fox knows the personnel well; he knows what they do well, what they don’t do well. He knows what they like to do, what they don’t like to do.
It’s a gigantic advantage, as big as the edge Bills coach Rex Ryan had when facing the Jets last Thursday night. It could be even bigger, given that no one knows much of anything about Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler — but Fox knows him better than anyone in the NFL. Fox drafted him and watched him practice for three full years.
There’s a chance that personnel, even without Peyton Manning, is good enough to get it done. If they do, they’ll have to overcome the obvious advantage that Fox brings to the game.
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That helps..
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DeMarcus Ware won’t play this week against the Bears
Posted by Darin Gantt on November 19, 2015, 3:38 PM EST
DeMarcus Ware
AP
The Broncos are going to be without stars on either side of the ball this week against the Bears.
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak just told reporters that outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware would not play this week, joining quarterback Peyton Manning.
Ordinarily, you’d say on the sidelines, but the team isn’t sure if the passer or the pass-rusher will even travel with the team.
Ware missed Week Six with the initial injury, and aggravated it Week Nine against the Colts. The 33-year-old Ware has 6.5 sacks in seven games this season.
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I saw a clip a few minutes ago that Osweiller was taking a ton of snaps under center. One of the Bronco RBs said it is much easier to run the ball when the QB is under center because they can see better.
Not sure it will matter but maybe it makes a difference.
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Didn't Kapernick (sp) lite up the Bears in his first start? Let's hope history doesn't repeat. Anybody watch him much while he was at Northwestern ?
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Brady's game winning drive doesn't happen if Landon Collins catches an easy pick...
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I think I read somewhere that Osweiler is the tallest player in the NFL or maybe the tallest QB. He should have a pretty good view from up there....
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I dunno. The Broncos have the 29th ranked run offense but I think they'll probably start out with Osweiler making conservative throws to a pretty good set of receivers.
If they are going to rely on anything it will be their defense giving them good field position and turnovers.
Also, I just saw that Osweiler is 6 foot 7.
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I now have another reason to hope that the Bears kick Green Bays ass. Otto, he may never come back if that happens...
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I think they'll be very conservative and try to lean on the running game.
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Denver is another challenge and I would caution they will be the ones playing it close to win it at the end with a new QB.
I didn't realize Dick Jauron was coaching the Broncos.
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We are all excited as Bears fans after the gut wrenching last several years. The needle appears pointing up. If I was Fox, and I am not, I would put the video of Brady's game winning drive on for the team. First 3 passes incomplete, facing 4th and 10 and under 2 minutes to play. No panic, pass complete 1st down, and then on to win. A perennial playoff contender that knows how to win and does it at an amazing clip.
We have won nothing. And the players need to build confidence but not become full of themselves. They are under 500. If the season ended today, they would not be in the playoffs. So while we have a little bit of success, it is really nothing to the teams that do this year in and year out. So don't pat yourself on the back and back slide here. Keep grinding and keep building. Keep playing the way you have been playing on both sides of the ball the last several weeks.
Gase's game plan was much better than the one he rolled out against the Vikings. I completely expected the same side to side action against the Rams. He studied and he knew where he would attack. Denver is another challenge and I would caution they will be the ones playing it close to win it at the end with a new QB. So don't lose that edge. If we lose the next two weeks but are competitive and not boneheaded, I can live with that. Our roster does not compare. But if we go into a shell offensively or make a bunch of errors, it will mean that we are still who we have been. And I am hoping to never re-read that chapter again.
Go out there like we have accomplished nothing, because we have not. And build toward a winning culture that is sustainable.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3-eavMSBnk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3-eavMSBnk)
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Yeah people need to stop printing playoff tickets.
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If we win this weekend, we can start tooting horns. Still way too early to do that, IMO. I like the definite progress, it's starting to look like a competent NFL team for once. BUT....we aren't there yet....headed that direction
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Rosenbloom with a surprisingly rosy article....maybe too rosy. Bears recent success has come against the Chargers with a very limited set of wideouts and a Ram team with an underperforming offense and QB.
Let's see if the Bears can contain Brock Osweiler Sunday...that will be the ultimate test!
Suddenly, secondary is becoming a primary strength
Don’t look now, but the Bears appear to have a secondary that doesn’t make your eyes bleed.
In fact, the Bears starting defensive backs should've opened eyes lately.
After the Bears’ dominating win against the Rams on Sunday, Kyle Fuller graded out as Pro Football Focus’ top Bear with a 3.3.
What's more, Fuller and fellow cornerback Tracy Porter (2.7) ranked among the top four Bears overall -- offense, defense, special teams -- with safety Antrel Rolle fifth at 2.3.
Add in rookie safety Adrian Amos at 0.5, and the Bears starting secondary finished with positive games.
Sure, they benefited from an inaccurate and generally embarrassing Nick Foles, but some of that was coverage. Fuller and Porter allowed only one reception each, and Porter broke up two other passes, while Fuller broke up one.
They were aggressive, read the plays well, and reacted as if they were running downhill. Just like a big-boy secondary, and that wasn’t something expected this year.
Fuller looked like he was headed to safety or the bench or worse. Amos is a fifth-round draft choice who seemed to get the job because everybody else already had failed. Porter and Rolle are vets, but who knew what they had left?
Geez, who knew anything about the Bears defense that suddenly was changing to a 3-4 scheme?
Turns out, things are turning positive.
Porter has played a bigger, more aggressive role this month in helping the Bears win two of three, including one on the road against the quarterback who led the NFL in passing yards at the time. You can see why Ryan Pace and John Fox wanted him. You also might be able to see what Fuller is learning from him.
A look at some numbers for the starting secondary this month explain a bit of the group's progress and effectiveness.
In the three games in November, according to NFL stats, Rolle has 12 tackles and one pass defended, and yeah, it should’ve been two if he had seen that large Vikings receiver coming across the field to win the game.
The league stats credit Amos with nine tackles and one pass defended this month.
Porter has made nine tackles and defended four passes, while Fuller was credited 10 tackles and three passes breakups to go along with an interception.
You don’t want your secondary making a bunch of tackles, but it’s better than missing a bunch of them, right? Raise your hand if you still have Chris Conte night terrors.
Widening the shot of the secondary -- I’m not including Sherrick McManis because I don’t want to make you cry -- this Bryce Callahan guy has nine tackles and one pass defended in three games this month.
The Bears defense has become a force, but it wouldn’t happen with the kind of secondaries we’ve seen in years past.
In fact, the Bears seem to have defensive backs who won’t make you flinch every time Aaron Rodgers winds up, and when have you ever felt like that?
Copyright © 2015, Chicago Tribune
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The Chicago Bears elevated cornerback Jacoby Glenn to their active roster from the practice squad Tuesday and waived cornerback Terrance Mitchell, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reports.
Glenn (6-foot, 180 pounds), an undrafted rookie out of Central Florida, has spent the entire season on the practice squad. Coaches credited him with seven defensive tackles, one pass breakup and one special teams tackle during the preseason.
Mitchell, acquired in 2014 after the Cowboys waived him, beat out Tim Jennings for a spot on the 53-man roster after the preseason. But a hamstring injury sidelined him after Week 5, and he never took another snap. Coaches credited him with one defensive tackle.
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As for Langford here's what the NFL combine writer said about him - which is why he lasted to round 4:
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Running back who has played wide receiver and cornerback at Michigan State. Improved a great deal since 2013 season. Has feet to avoid the trash and bounce it outside. Has burst around the corner and can separate from linebackers in pursuit. Finished his 2014 campaign with 22 carries of 15-plus yards, placing him fifth in running-back heavy Big Ten. Effective with chip blocks and will square up blitzers and take them on in pass protection. Has blocking and pass-catching talent to play on third downs. Good spin move and plus lateral foot quickness. Maintains balance through contact. Showed special-teams potential as a sophomore.
WEAKNESSES Not a physical runner. Broke very few tackles this year and churned out pedestrian yards after contact. Gains extra yards by sliding laterally out of tackles rather than leg churn. Lacks commitment between the tackles. Seems content to absorb hits rather than dish them out. Scouts believe he will be a "bouncer" in pros, looking to take runs outside prematurely. Has burst, but not as much wiggle as anticipated.
SOURCES TELL US "I don't see him as a starter. I think he can be a backup or compete as a third down back, but he doesn't run tough enough to be able to project him as a starter in really any scheme." -- NFC East scout
NFL COMPARISON Donald Brown
BOTTOM LINE Langford showed improvement from 2013 to 2014, but he doesn't accelerate through contact and will usually get what is blocked. Without an ability to maximize his yards with each carry, teams could peg him as a "committee back" with an ability to play on third downs.
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And Marcus Allen played for the Raiders until he was 32. He then left for the Chiefs and had 5 more productive years.
Maybe the Bears can sign Forte to a 1 or 2 year deal. I just can't see much of a market for a 30 year old running back come off an injury.
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Is the trading deadline over yet?
If I were New England I'ld be offering a pretty high pick for Forte right now.
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Forte and Langford are similar in that they can both run, catch, and block, smart with assignments. Albeit the sample is extremely small with Langford. Forte is extremely durable and we don't know about Langford yet.
Forte is a glider, I think more of a Marcus Allen type of runner. I don't know exactly who to compare Langford to just yet, but he definitely has jets. He's tough between the tackles, and has great speed at the corner. He is a season away from being who he will be I think. But if I had to compare and this is probably with my Bear goggles on, I would say he resembles a Neal Anderson. Or maybe a Thomas Sanders. I really can't put my finger on it him yet, but I would disagree that Forte's and Langford's running styles are similar
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Decent D, control the clock, a QB that has an arm.. Man, doesn't get any better than that..
Maybe it could with a 2nd wideout with some speed...Kevin White next year could really open up the offense. Right now I'm hoping we get Royal back.
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The way those 2 kids played Sunday, Forte get any more snaps? That wasn't exactly a chump defense they played against.
He should get the chance to break Walter's record as a Bear, but if the trade looks good.....
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Not exactly. Forte is more finesse while Langford explodes through a hole and has the speed in the 2nd level that Forte doesn't possess. Both are good receivers and decent pass blockers.
Forte does not score on the screen pass and doesn't get 11 on the 3rd and 10 pitch.
I agree. And in regards to having both (this season), I love seeing us pound the ball. Decent D, control the clock, a QB that has an arm.. Man, doesn't get any better than that..
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Not exactly. Forte is more finesse while Langford explodes through a hole and has the speed in the 2nd level that Forte doesn't possess. Both are good receivers and decent pass blockers.
Forte does not score on the screen pass and doesn't get 11 on the 3rd and 10 pitch.
I'm glad we will have both this season.
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Forte and Langford are darned near clones,with Langford being obviously younger and faster. But they are near identical in how they run and catch the ball. It's pretty amazing....
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If Langford keeps playing well, there is no way I see them giving Forte 6m ± per year.
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Despite his size Ka'Deem Carey is a power short yardage back. I saw that last year.
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I kind of like the change of pace that Carey is providing to Langford. Langford and Forte are very similar, with Langford being a little faster. If they keep all 3, I think Jaquizz Rodgers is the odd man out.
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I know what you are saying about Forte but over the years he's consistently been a pro bowl quality player running behind a line without pro bowl quality blockers aside from Kyle Long (2 years).
When Forte comes back it will be interesting to see how he and Langford can be used in the backfield together or splitting time. Great problem to have.
As for a decision on whether we re-sign Forte for next year - that can wait.
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Anderson was a helluva back, injuries did him no favors... I like Forte, I think he's a really really good player, I just never thought of him as a really great player (although before the injury, he was having a great year). Too early to tell about Langford, we shall see..
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I hope that turned out in your favor. Competing against pro football players is tough. He was a hell of a running back though. I really don't how these guys are doing it, but sure as hell am
loving every minute of it. Boths sides of the ball have become a lot of fun to watch. I'm not cringing everytime Cutler drops back or the OTHER teams qb drops back. The players may not be hall of
famers but they're razor sharp on the uptake and don't miss a trick. Gotta keep that staff for a few years. Have to.
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She was asking for it
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Yes, he hit on my girlfriend in Chicago
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Langford could break that top 10 list.
I am a huge Forte fan but the Bears could be facing the same dilemma they had in the late 80s with Walter Payton and an up and coming young fast running back who in my opinion reminds me a lot of Langford.
Does anyone remember Neal Anderson?
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Ahh, Leonard Williams....how he would have looked nice in a Bears uni. It is nice to see us having some success finally with draft picks, though..Hope the trend continues and increases
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Pro Football Focus just revealed their top 10 rookies and they have Amos in 5th behind Buffalo Bills corner Ronald Darby, running back Todd Gurley of the St. Louis Rams, defensive end Leonard Williams of the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers' corner Damarious Randall
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Hmmm things seem kind of lax at Halas Hall with all the drug busts lately. Kind of don't like that trend at all.
I don't think the Bears are doing anything different then any other team. I am sure they have pretty much the same % of players trying to gain an edge. I think if might just be that the randomness of the testing done was a higher % of the Bears. I don't know how they do it but I would assume that whoever administers the testing goes to one or two teams and does it. How do they pick the names of who gets the test? What criteria do they use to choose players? SSN? DOB? They could use any number of combinations to choose who gets tested. At work we have random testing and I know when I get the list to send people from a third party company I have no idea what criteria they use. I give them a roster of approximately 220 employees and they send me a list of about 20 people every month. I know some people who have been testing 6-7 times last year and some who never got tested. Maybe its just the luck of the draw that a number of Bears players have been hit.
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Maybe they can get all the 'bad breaks' out of the system this season and next season catch all the good ones ;D
EXACTLY!!!
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Maybe they can get all the 'bad breaks' out of the system this season and next season catch all the good ones ;D
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Ego should be suspended for NOT using performance enhancing drugs :D
The Alshon injury made me go WTF !
When.Will.The.Bears.Catch.A.Break..
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Hmmm things seem kind of lax at Halas Hall with all the drug busts lately. Kind of don't like that trend at all.
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Ferguson has no performance to enhance.
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Bears’ Ego Ferguson suspended four games for PED violation
Posted by Michael David Smith on November 12, 2015, 4:17 PM EST
Ego Ferguson
AP
For the third time this week, a Chicago Bear has been suspended four games by the NFL.
The Bears announced today that defensive lineman Ego Ferguson has been suspended for a violation of the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances.
Ferguson is on injured reserve, so he wouldn’t have played the next four games anyway. But the suspension will cost Ferguson: Players on injured reserve collect their weekly paychecks, while players on suspension aren’t paid. So Ferguson will lose four weeks of his $600,000 salary. That works out to about $143,000.
Ferguson was the Bears’ second-round pick in last year’s draft. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week Four of this season.
Bears receiver Jalen Saunders was also suspended four games this week, as was rookie offensive tackle Tayo Fabuluje.
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It's getting to be totally ridiculous with the Alshon injuries. The guy plays, he gets injured. The guy practices, he hurts himself. On and on.
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Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery has been no stranger to the injury report this season and he’s back on it this week.
Jeffery missed practice on Thursday because of a groin injury, which comes after he missed time in the preseason with a calf injury and four games in the regular season because of a hamstring issue. Jeffery suffered the injury in practice on Wednesday and the timing isn’t great for his chances of being in the lineup against the Rams.
Coach John Fox said Jeffery is day-to-day, which was the same terminology he used when Jeffery was missing those four games earlier in the year and would probably be the terminology he’d use if asked about the late Sid Luckman’s status for this weekend’s game.
Wide receiver Eddie Royal and linebacker Pernell McPhee were also out of practice with knee injuries. Royal didn’t play last Sunday while McPhee has started every game for Chicago so far this season.
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That's a great questions. Also, does he forfeit his practice squad salary?
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Does that mean he has to be on an active roster before the games start counting?
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WTF???
Chicago Bears practice squad wide receiver Jalen Saunders will be suspended four games for an undisclosed violation of league policy, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Saunders was dealt from the New Orleans Saints to the New England Patriots at the end of training camp, but was released by the Patriots soon after. He signed with the Bears practice squad on Sept. 7.
Saunders has played in nine games in his career – three with the New York Jets and six with the Saints – primarily as a kick returner. He’s also spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks practice squads.
A fourth round pick of the Jets in 2014, Saunders has been unable to stick on a 53-man roster.
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I am not sure Fangio wants to be a HC. Gase most definitely does.
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Bears will play hell keeping Gase and Fangio for long unless some mr green comes knocking.
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We have a fantastic coaching staff. Now we just need to get more talent and to keep them healthy.
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funny the line playing well with so many playing different positions and new guys playing.
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The only drugs Fabuluje should be taking are diet pills.
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Bears rookie offensive tackle Tayo Fabuluje has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, the team announced Tuesday.
Fabuluje has played in four games this season.
The Bears drafted Fabuluje in the sixth round last spring. He played collegiately at TCU and also attended but never played at BYU.
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Cutler and Gould (except for the Charger game) are the main reason we've been in games this season.
He's on the verge of breaking 90 on his QB rating...he's never finished a season at 90 in his career.
He has a tremendous amount of trust in his O-line as well as the primary receiver. He doesn't get happy feet and he rarely checks down.
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Wish he would use the pump-fake or head-fake more often
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He's actually been moving well in the pocket this year- even when it collapses (the sack/fumble last night notwithstanding).
His mechanics still suck at times tho but his arm seems to bail him out.
He's playing as well as he was a few years ago before getting hurt. QB is definitely NOT the problem with the Bears this year......
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But some things don't change.
Cutler is still staring down his primary receiver and often times is totally oblivious to the pass rush. He's been successful this year because somehow our pass blocking has been pretty good and for the most part Jeffery and Bennett overmatch most defenders.
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Raising sons can change a man
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Sign that the end times are upon us... Cutler getting love from the media... :)
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"It's Official". Right!
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HAS Cutler been released yet?????
It's OFFICIAL and forever....Cutler SUCKS and we CAN NOt win with this...and this is harsh - LOSER
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8 ET on ESPN
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Game tonight right? Just can't say that I'm really looking forward to it.
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I thought pairing those two was odd.
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Chris Williams had back issues BEFORE the draft...Bears decided to draft him anyway.
On the other hand, no teams were aware of any injury to Kevin White, even if it had occurred while he was training for the combine.
Williams and White scenarios totally different - any player can get a season ending injury on any play or any practice for that matter.
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Injured? I suppose
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Hope you and yours have a great time. A win would be nice. Anyone hear anything about the Bears first pick? Dressing ? Working out ? Hanging with that left tackle from Vandy that had his back
worked on before playing one game for the Bears ? I see where they would have a lot in common.
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Going to the game tonight wishing it was a better season.
The Chargers are more beat up than the Bears but Rivers is jusrt playing lights out.
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The last two teams that have beat the Pakers rear have had excellent play on the DL getting pressure on Rodgers. We absolutely need to follow this to knock these suckers out of our Division. We need to get the best pass rushers we can get. Yeah, we need good play in the secondary, but getting to Rodgers and knocking his azz out is what we need to focus on first, then we can improve the secondary. IMO....
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I am betting we stay pretty low key in FA. Filling in 2nd tier guys and building through the draft.
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Alright here is my plan for reviving this team. Thru free agency sign Cordy Glenn (OT) and Brandon Brooks (OG) to bolster the offensive line. Sign Muhammad Wilkerson (DE) away from the Jets.Resign Jarvis Jenkins and that would shore up both lines and give us some flexibility in the draft.
As for our first rounder I am mulling who we should target. I'm looking at us drafting between 5th and 7th. I really am very impressed with the play of QB Paxton Lynch of Tulsa.To me the #1 QB should he enter the draft. I really think CB is perhaps the biggest need and that would lend creedance to selecting Hargreaves (CB) with our first,however,I am also liking what I see in Clemson's (DE) Shaq Lawson. He would make a nice bookend pass rusher to McPhee at OLB. In Lawson's case I would like to see a trade down in order to acquire another 2nd rounder.
So at this point in time I'd go with a draft of;
1) Vernon Hargreaves (CB)
2) Jeremy Cash (SS)
3) Carl Lawson (LB) or Kyle Murphy (OT)
VH3 is a the rare combo of athletic freak and excellent football mind, i had the pleasure of watching alot of his HS games, he was also a fixture at USF football practices from a young age. I have a feeling he will drop to 5-10 range in the draft and someone is going to get a steal of a deal on him.
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He had a few drops, and he made a handful of bad throws. Memphis couldn't stop the triple option at all. I'm not sure who could, the way Navy played last night. They were tough.
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Yeah I read Memphis lost big to Navy,but,that can't be attributed to Lynch's play as much as to the total inability of Memphis' defense to control Navy's run game. They ran for something like 375 yds. and had the ball 37 minutes of the game. It wasn't one of Paxton's best games,but,was not bad. 26 of 42 comp. for 307 yards. 1 TD and 1 INT.
I read there's a lot of interest exhibited by the Texans,Broncos and Bills in particular. This might be a good year to have the top pick in the draft in order to do some wheelin and dealin.
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(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-0/s526x395/11219617_1703399849879808_5435152075973041849_n.jpg?oh=93db7179f9bb6b4c05a85e1e0e6b4bdf&oe=56C6FC8D)
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And he got his butt handed to him today as Memphis went down
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Paxton Lynch does not play for Tulsa.
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Alright here is my plan for reviving this team. Thru free agency sign Cordy Glenn (OT) and Brandon Brooks (OG) to bolster the offensive line. Sign Muhammad Wilkerson (DE) away from the Jets.Resign Jarvis Jenkins and that would shore up both lines and give us some flexibility in the draft.
As for our first rounder I am mulling who we should target. I'm looking at us drafting between 5th and 7th. I really am very impressed with the play of QB Paxton Lynch of Tulsa.To me the #1 QB should he enter the draft. I really think CB is perhaps the biggest need and that would lend creedance to selecting Hargreaves (CB) with our first,however,I am also liking what I see in Clemson's (DE) Shaq Lawson. He would make a nice bookend pass rusher to McPhee at OLB. In Lawson's case I would like to see a trade down in order to acquire another 2nd rounder.
So at this point in time I'd go with a draft of;
1) Vernon Hargreaves (CB)
2) Jeremy Cash (SS)
3) Carl Lawson (LB) or Kyle Murphy (OT)
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In all fairness to Willie Young it's hard to show what you got when you only get a handful of plays a game. Fangio doesn't rotate his OLBs that much so Houston and Young have had limited snaps. It might be due to both being less than a year off major surgeries. We'll see.
Also, I noticed when Young is in there he's usually coming off the right side - he played left DE last year. But now McPhee usually plays on the defense's left side.
As for Fuller, he can play CB. He's just not an elite shutdown guy but I think he's been doing OK. It's hard enough finding a starting CB but 2? Also, SS is much easier to fill than either CB or FS. Not sure where Amos' best spot is - FS or SS?
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I'll bet the NFL is wishing it could flex both teams off Monday Night this week with both being a miserable 2-5/6 and going nowhere fast.
We need picks so it would have been nice to get them from a Houston/Young trade. Houston hasn't really done much since he's been here. Young has and usually makes plays when he's in but neither fit in this system. So not only do we not have talent, the talent we do have doesn't fit the system we have....
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There was a linebacker from Georgia that I saw against Florida this past weekend that was all over the field. May be a good class of linebackers coming out. He was more of a tackling machine than a pass rusher though. I think we need to look at the Denver defensive model and try to emulate that. Good pressure up front, and strong press coverage by the corners. We need about 10 players to remedy that... maybe 9
Some are saying the Fullers natural position may be at safety. Maybe he ends up being a free safety and Amos at strong. But then we need two corners
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I like that red headed LB from Temple. I think his number is 8. Forgot his name. I like him to replace McClellin. I think that temple guy is going to be a stud in the NFL.
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Willie Young and Lamarr Houston have not shown much this season (Houston not much last season either). It must be noted both are coming off serious injuries and they haven't been afforded many snaps in 2015. Since they weren't dealt by the deadline they'll get the rest of the season to prove their worth...probably not to the Bears though.
How do Lamarr Houston, Willie Young fit into pass-rush picture?
The Bears' Lamarr Houston and Willie Young in action this season. (AP photos)
Rich Campbell and Dan WiedererContact Reporters
First-year Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace has proven his willingness to deal when the terms suit him, but that scenario didn’t materialize at the NFL’s trade deadline Tuesday, which came and went without a transaction at Halas Hall.
Instead, the Bears proceed toward Monday night’s road game against the Chargers with the roster intact, including outside linebackers Willie Young and Lamarr Houston. For now, at least, they remain part of a defense in need of a more consistent, effective pass rush.
So how do Young and Houston fit into the Bears’ pass-rush picture over the final nine games and beyond? And what other factors must Pace consider when building this critical element of the defense?
Rich Campbell: Now that the deadline has passed, Dan, it appears the conversion of Young and Houston to 3-4 outside linebackers will have a full season to play out — for better or worse.
If one of them had taken to the position and demonstrated the pass-rushing form that attracted the Bears to them as free agents two offseasons ago, it would have checked a giant box on Pace’s rebuilding checklist. But it was telling Sunday how Sam Acho played most of the snaps opposite Pernell McPhee in the fourth quarter as the Bears tried to protect their 20-13 lead.
Neither Young (left Achilles) nor Houston (right knee) is a year removed from major surgery, and that must be taken into account. But for either of them to have a future with the club after this season they must do more to convince coaches. Neither has any guaranteed money left on the deals to which former GM Phil Emery signed them in 2014, so the Bears could move on relatively easily and seek pass-rush answers elsewhere.
Dan Wiederer: One thing has been abundantly clear through the first seven games: Enhancing the pass rush in the offseason is a must. And it will require an investment early in the draft to be certain. At this point, the Bears have only 12 sacks, fewer than all but four other teams. In addition, McPhee is responsible for five of those. So it’s not as if the Bears have been getting an abundance of pressure from multiple players.
I think we can say with certainty that Young is not in the team’s plans beyond this season. Like Jared Allen before him, he is, by no fault of his own, a square peg trying to squeeze through a round hole.
Young is a defensive end. And the transition to outside linebacker has been predictably bumpy.
Houston? I had higher hopes that he would make a bigger impression on the new regime and become a significant factor in this D. For whatever reason, John Fox and Vic Fangio haven’t seen enough to increase his playing time. So yeah, at present, I foresee significant turnover at the outside linebacker position in 2016.
Campbell: Same here. Just look at Fox’s history in Carolina and Denver. In his first season with each team, they drafted an elite pass rusher second overall — Julius Peppers in 2002 and Von Miller in 2011. Fox came up as a defensive backs coach, and he understands how the back end depends on the pass rush. Plus, the extra attention McPhee has garnered the last two games shows how the Bears would benefit from balancing their rush.
But here’s the thing: The 2016 draft class — at this early stage, at least — has a shortage of top 3-4 ends. It’s too soon to start linking possible prospects with where the Bears might pick, but they might not be in position to make value and need match up there.
Wiederer: I’m not saying the Bears need to use their first-round pick on a pass-rushing threat. But they’d better get themselves aligned to address that need somehow in the draft. In free agency, for what it’s worth, Miller’s contract with the Broncos expires in March. If you want to tease the fans of Chicago with that nugget, have at it.
Campbell: Whoever they acquire to play opposite McPhee, he has to be elite. It’s what makes a 3-4 defense great. And as long as we’re talking best-case scenario, it should be a speed rusher. That’s not McPhee’s forte. The Bears could really use an outside linebacker that can bend the edge.
But let’s switch back to the present for a moment. I’m with you about Houston. Entering the season, I felt like he was a wild-card player (for lack of a better term) in this transition to a 3-4. He had some success as a stand-up edge defender in Oakland, and I thought he might have recovered from right knee surgery in time to make a bigger impact than he has.
That said, he was known for his run defense more than his pass-rush ability with the Raiders, so maybe that was an unrealistic expectation. Houston is an intense guy, and his frustration with the current situation has seeped to the surface at times. It will be really interesting to monitor his mindset and outlook as we move into the second half of the season.
Wiederer: It’s only interesting if he gets a longer look on the field. If not? It is what it is. It’s clear at this point that Fox hasn’t felt compelled to increase Houston’s playing time. And it’s hard to see that suddenly changing. The difficult part to analyze at this juncture is why the coaching staff feels the way it does about Lamarr. And Fox has little intention of sharing his reasoning.
And just to loop the pass rush discussion back to this week’s game in San Diego, the Bears are going to be hard pressed to get Philip Rivers on the ground. Rivers is on pace to throw for more than 5,500 yards. And while he’s been sacked 19 times behind a banged-up O-line, that total also comes with 348 passing attempts as well. In other words, the Bears’ D best understand that the Chargers quarterback isn’t going to hold the ball long. So the odds of having an explosive night Monday as far as pressure goes seem low.
Campbell: But the Bears at least should have opportunities. The Chargers rank 15th in the NFL in sacks per pass attempt. Coach Mike McCoy likes to try to limit defensive substitutions with an up-tempo, no-huddle approach, and the Bears will have to make some personnel decisions to counter that. San Diego has thrown on 66.02 percent of its plays this season — fourth-most in the league. If the Bears played Acho more against the Vikings last Sunday because of their running game, then maybe we’ll see more of Young and Houston on Monday. Those two have to make the most of whatever chances they get.
rcampbell@tribpub.com
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In the offseason I'd like to see us land thru FA Muhammed Wilkerson (DE) of the Jets, Cordy Glenn (OT) of the Bills and Brandon Brooks (OG) from the Texans. That would help to shore up our offensive line and add some needed pass rush on the defensive line. With around $60 million to spend we'd still have plenty to sign our own.(Jenkins,Jeffrey at least maybe Forte,Acho,McClellin?)
If we don't go after Paxton Lynch (QB) with our first selection I'd be happy with either Hargreaves (CB) or maybe a trade down for an extra 2nd rounder and grab Shaq Lawson.(DE) although I see him as an outside LB in our system. I think he'd make a nice bookend to McPhee.
In the 2nd I'd like to see SS Jeremy Cash if he's still on the board.
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Agreed. And they couldn't get it done in time.
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Ryan Clady their regular LT tore his ACL in the Spring. Joe Thomas is going to be 31 years old. Denver is trying to win the Super Bowl THIS year as they are trying to get as much help for Manning in what I expect will be his last year in the league.
Good trade for both teams ...not for the Bears.
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Interesting. Would you pull the trigger on this trade?
Browns & Broncos rushing to beat the NFL trade deadline that will send LT Joe Thomas & a 4th pick in '16 to Denver for a 1st/2nd in '16
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If we can bottle up Peterson we have a chance. I hope I am wrong, but I see him getting 200+ yards tom.
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I believe they have a shot at beating the Queens Sunday. Don't believe they're there yet, either, so the game is more a 60% Queen win, 40% Bears. Maybe even closer to 50/50. Bears used to beat them at home. Whether this particular team can remains to be seen. I like Fox, but the guy has little to work with. Next year will hopefully be better but the year after is when we should be making some waves in the league....should....
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you know the this team is bad when we're still talking about Ratliff...
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What's B & B's riff on this, on Fox?? Those are a couple of blathering idiots, IMO. Don't listen to em anymore because everyone who calls in are idiots, don't know anything and are immediately mocked. How they still have jobs is beyond me...
I totally agree with this. I used to be a regular listener, but the idiotic stuff they say made me stop listening all together. Do they still do the thing where they call listeners meat head or meatball fans? That was back during the Dick Jauron days, when it was clear HE needed to go and they kept defending him and saying it wasn't his fault. Sheesh. I did used to like to listen to the Bear and Bull, both no longer with us.
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B&Bs riff is basically that the media should have been made aware immediately when the incident was unfolding for the public safety and for the safety of those in the building. Wrong.
Then their big rant was that Fox was an idiot for not sharing more information. They called him a boob, said they despise him, just stupid rhetoric.
The one thing they eventually got right, was that Fox should not be the one addressing the issue. Which I completely agree
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They said that Ratliff was a known Gun owner and made threats to Pace and the Bears and that this was a workplace thing and the Bears didn't handle it right. As I said before they were pissing and moaning on the incident Wednesday that they weren't privy to all the details of the incident. Its almost like they want to run the Bears their way and they weren't allowed to so they were pissed.
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What's B & B's riff on this, on Fox?? Those are a couple of blathering idiots, IMO. Don't listen to em anymore because everyone who calls in are idiots, don't know anything and are immediately mocked. How they still have jobs is beyond me...
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I wanted to comment on this whole Ratliff scenario. I heard the whole expected discussion today on the Score. I wish I had a real clear timeline, but here is what I have pieced together.
Ratliff arrives at Halas Hall in no condition to work. The Bears contact a family member to come and pick him up. Later, Ratliff returns to the facility and a heated conversation with Pace ensues in the parking lot. Ratliff leaves and the Bears Director of Security contacts the police. Ratliff returns and continues his rant, while police are on site, again this all happened in the parking lot. At this point, Ratliff leaves the premises. Later, I heard that Halas Hall has a parking gate. So it wasn't like he ever drove out of the campus and got let in each time. So that is what I have heard. There are two fronts to discuss here.
One, the John Fox press conference and two, the safety of the public, employees, and others at HH.(Halas Hall) Since Fox is being ripped apart by the media, let's dissect this. Fox is a head football coach and Ratliff is a key asset, defensive tackle. Fox doesn't negotiate contracts, help players rehab, or run the security of HH. He should have never been placed in the position to discuss the Ratliff situation. The Bears should have set up a separate press conference with another individual to discuss the Ratliff situation and they should have instructed him to defer questions to that person. He should have only been responsible to answer questions about the Bears players and preparations for the Vikings, period. In my opinion, those questions should have been directed to the Director of Security at HH or Ted Philips. I would have chosen the Security Director. That is his job. Campus security, building security, emergency preparedness, etc. This was not a football issue, this was a potential violent employee at his workplace. For Boers and Bernstein to pile on and call John Fox a boob and say that they now despise him shows their childish immaturity and they railed on him for hours. They are the boobs. From hearing them rant and others that they paraded in during the show, Mark Potash, Dan Durkin, etc, it was evident that they are good at their jobs but not good at understanding facility management and likely have never run a department. Talking heads, entertaining for sure, but not facilities experts. So there were two wrongs here. The Bears for letting Fox fall on the sword, and the media who have little concept of how this situation should be handled. They also prattled on about how the Bears should have immediately informed the media about what was happening. Sounds like their feelings were hurt. On this, I agree with Fox. This was a personal situation and it was being handled to the best of the Bears ability, and the police were called. The media had no "right to know", sorry guys...
On the second point, I have worked in facilities management primarily as a director of housekeeping in hospitals over one million square feet. My duties have also included system director for security, as well as safety director and emergency preparedness - primarily for hurricane preparations while we lived in south Florida. I am not saying any of this to share my resume, I am setting this premise as someone who is intimately aware with building security and public safety. So what about the safety of the public and those inside of HH? From what has been reported, none of these confrontations occurred inside the building. Had they occurred inside, then B and B have a strong point. Ratliff reported to work unfit for duty, and the Bears requested he leave the facility. What got Ratliff riled up is not significant to this discussion. Ratliff had passed through the security gate of the parking lot but was not in the building. He attempted to come back into the facility and was stopped in the parking lot. He begins to leave and the Bears contact the police. He attempts to come back into the facility and the police have a conversation with him and he finally leaves the campus. The police could have arrested him had they felt they had cause, so they must not have felt that his threats were serious or maybe they determined he was on something but in the custody of a family member so they let him go. That is for the police to answer.
So was anyone inside the facility in harms way? No. This is how it should work. In an emergency situation like this, Ratliff is outside the building. I would imagine that the outside exits are locked so that there is only one passage into the building, which is also through Security. By keeping the threat outside the building those inside were safe. The security director did the right thing by contacting the police. It wasn't like Ratliff showed up with a machine gun in the parking lot and a bullet proof vest, etc. Tshirt, shorts, and flip flops were the attire. So Ratliff is pissed off and saying some crazy shit, likely drunk, and security called the police to make sure he left, end of story. The other point of this situation, again this is how this should work, is that those inside should not be allowed to leave while there is an active situation. By what I have heard there were people leaving the building earlier before this escalated and before the police were called. Hub Arkush commented that he did pass Ratliff and that they exchanged short greetings while he was leaving, and he could tell that Ratliff was in discussion I believe with Pace at the time. This was before the police were called and the situation had escalated. Once the situation escalated, and the police were called, in my opinion that is when anyone trying to leave the facility into harms way would have been stopped by security - or should be. They may have called a lockdown which is where no one is allowed to leave. Again, since the Director of Security was not interviewed, we do not know the steps. So the threat is outside, the occupants are inside and they should not be allowed to exit toward where the threat is. There has been no report that anyone was allowed to exit toward the threat. At this point, unless new information is released, the Bears security handled this correctly. I wish a police officer or a security professional not involved in this situation had called in, as I would like to hear their opinions.
Wmljohn, aren't you over security in a bank building in Washington? What are your thoughts? Anyone else?
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As messed up and lost as this season is, might as well ditch everyone who is underperforming or in the case of Ratliff, psycho, and start from scratch. Can't hurt anything as this is a lost season. Might actually help with a better draft pick....
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You should have heard Bernstein's rant today. NOT however unexpected.
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Sounds like he needs Alonzo Spellman's meds.
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'I am the devil'....wow, sounds like a pretty messed up dude...
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I can't believe Ratliff showed up drunk or worse....I am sure there were other times...he is a tortured sole...
A little more info and similar article to the one above...this one is a little worse of a picture of Mr. Ratliff:
Earlier this week, reports said Jeremiah Ratliff was cut by the Chicago Bears when he showed up "in no condition to practice" and had animated arguments that led to him being removed from the facilities.
As it turns out, the confrontations were much more frightening than first reported.
The Bears sent Ratliff home, then right after that they cut the four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Ratliff returned and said he “he felt like killing everybody in the building," according to a Chicago Tribune report that cited the police report from the incident. Ratliff left with his belongings, then returned again to get his cell phone. At that point, according to the Tribune, he said “I am the devil” and that he “wished staff member’s children would die.”
He left the Bears facility after that, and the Bears called police for extra security because they believed Ratliff owned multiple firearms, the Tribune's report said.
This reportedly wasn't Ratliff's first blowup at the Bears facility. Bleacher Report's Mike Freeman reported that on the Friday before the final game of last season, Ratliff was "behaving belligerently toward players and coaches" at practice, and wasn't allowed to practice. Ratliff got even angrier, leaving but returning and destroying a game clock, "smashing it and kicking it," and shoving an assistant coach to the ground. Amazingly, Freeman wrote, head coach Marc Trestman never intervened and even made Ratliff a captain for Sunday's game.
Ratliff also had issues when he was with the Dallas Cowboys. Ratliff and owner Jerry Jones had a huge argument in 2012 and the two needed to be separated in the locker room.
While Ratliff has been a good NFL player, it's clear now why the Bears moved on so suddenly.
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The Alabama kid is on the practice squad isn't he? They would have to promote him first.
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I still wonder if we are going to see the Alabama kid if Grasu cant go.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-offensive-line-slauson-spt-20151029-story.html#navtype=outfit
There is a question even if Slauson can go
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Fox has been known to have hard practices during the closed sessions (its his M.O.). He must feel that the extra effort is worth the risk because it translates to better game day performance....
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Slauson will play LG or center if Grasu is out. Patrick Omameh would replace Slauson at LG. All three were listed as limited on the last injury report I saw.
So how does a guy get hurt during the bye week? Suck it up rook.
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Suit up, boogie..
LOL Yeah I am nowhere near big enough to play on the line, sorry.
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LOL. They probably activate the Alabama kid off the PS, just guessing.
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Suit up, boogie..
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So they are saying Grasu has a neck problem, and Slausen has some other problem. Who is going to play C??????
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Hardy has 3 sacks in his 2 games back - that's all that matters to Jerry Jones.
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That story is wild... I wonder if the Parcells or the Belicheats of the world would put up with that kid of behaviour.
Jason Garrett not disciplining Hardy... and now Jones talking about a big extension for him is crazy.
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And that was Trestman......
The Chicago Bears released Jeremiah Ratliff last week after an altercation with G.M. Ryan Pace, but according to a report, that was not the first time Ratliff was involved in a violent incident at Halas Hall.
According to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, Ratliff had a similar altercation with teammates and coaches prior to a practice during the 2014 season, but head coach Marc Trestman did not discipline the nose tackle for the incident:
“In the last week of the season, according to a player who witnessed the entire incident, Ratliff showed up to practice and was behaving belligerently toward players and coaches. The coaching regime, then led by Marc Trestman, would not allow him to practice.
“Ratliff went ballistic, this player said, and was asked to leave practice. He departed but later returned. Practice was stopped and most players went off to the side while a small group of players and coaches tried to calm Ratliff down and get him to leave.
“It didn’t work initially. Ratliff destroyed the game clock on the practice field, smashing it and kicking it. Later, he shoved an assistant coach to the ground. While all of this went on, Trestman never intervened. He just stood off to the side and watched.
“And this is the most incredible part. The uber-enabling part. Not only was Ratliff never punished by Trestman...he was named one of the captains the next day.
The entire locker room was incredulous.”
So not only did Trestman fail to intervene while Ratliff assaulted one of his assistant coaches, but he also rewarded Ratliff’s outburst by slapping a “C” on his chest for the final regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Ratliff, who signed with the Bears in 2013, was suspended for the first three games of the 2015 season because of a DUI case in Texas, and he had started in two games for the Bears this season before being released last week.
According to several reporters, Ratliff had a heated argument with Pace at the team’s practice facility last Wednesday and was escorted out of Halas Hall be team security.
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I think it might be a different story right now without James Jones though. He has made the injuries not seem to matter. I think if Jones isn't out there the Packers would have already lost. Lucky for them
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Rodgers could be throwing to Moe, Larry and Curly and it wouldn't much matter.
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Otto - Actually an objective link. The only thing I fault in that story is that they count the entire season of missed games instead of how many they have missed to date. Bears and Packers both have players marked with 16 games missed when 16 have not been played.
Counting the Bears players with injuries we have 19 YTD, while Green Bay has 11. You are very fortunate that James Jones was out there for the plucking, when Nelson and Adams went down.
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Laremy Tunsil is showing everyone why he is the top LT prospect in the draft.
It's a shame the NCAA has made him sit this long.
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Pekin
I am not sure I have ever seen a team hit this bad by the injury bug.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/32for32x151021/ranking-most-banged-nfl-teams-1-32 (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/32for32x151021/ranking-most-banged-nfl-teams-1-32)
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Wshfl - Bingo. It is like Bernstein wants everything run by him so he can have first comment or give his approval. That BS about Kane and the holier than thou crap. I remember how Marriotti used to hammer Chicago sports teams, like he was on some pedestal. We saw what happened to him later. We all carry our burdens and issues. The folks like Bernstein tend to think they are judge, jury, and executioner while they have no flaws of their own
So sorry Dan that the Bears didn't call you and ask how they should handle the Ratliff situation. I'm sure you would have been spot on...
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And Bernstein was pissing and moaning that even when the police were questioned about details they were mum. And by not giving details their program didn't have their debate class for the day, just like the Kane stuff that likely wont go to trial. They wanted it to go to trial so that they had a program or two or whatever to hammer the Hawks or dissect whether Kane should be cut by the Hawks. It seems like they want to run the teams instead of team management.
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exactly.. You show up for work drunk, see ya later... The guy obviously has issues...
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He showed up intoxicated and they sent him home. He came back and got belligerent and they called the police and cut him.
What more are they expected to do? The Bears have fucked up plenty since I have been a fan but I don't see how this is one of those times.
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I was listening to the Score on Thursday, during the time in the program between Goff and Spiegel and Boers and Bernstein, call the transition. Usually, this is an hysterical exchange between the 4 and I always look forward to it. Bernstein went off on this tangent and was saying what if Ratliff comes back to Halas Hall and sprays the building with bullets, and innocent people are killed because the Bears didn't report it. You could hear the collective 3 jaws dropping from the other 3 as he expanded his thoughts. He had went to the extent to see what the Bear's culpability was by discussing it with and attorney friend. The attorney stated that the Bears had no negative legal exposure, but that it might be the moral thing to do, blah blah blah. Goff redirected the story back to what was likely plausible. Perhaps Ratliff showed up under the influence, and the Bears asked him to go pee. He then became infuriated with that request, and reacted. A much more likely theory, than, the guy is under the influence and the next thing he is going to do is come back and take everyone out. It was so far out of left field.
For those of you that have not listened to the Score, I find Jason Goff incredibly sharp and funny. He will one day be teamed with the top line on the Score. Again, I am able to now listen to the Score daily through Tune In radio on my Iphone. Spiegel and Goff is typically the highlight as well as the transition segment.
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As of right now put me down for Paxton Lynch (QB) with our first pick in the 2016 draft. This guy is phenomenal. Very mobile for a guy 6'7". Cannon for an arm. From what I've seen so far this guy is the most consistent of all the QBs I've been able to watch. If he declares he'll definitely be a 1st rounder. The only QB I would take in the first.
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Offends their 'metrosexual' sensibilities.....
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Thanks to liberals football will be gone in less then 20 years. They are on full attack mode to get rid of it.
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Lynch tonight vs. Tulsa...
32/44 for 447 yards, 4 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, 0 picks
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Now with the Bogen kid dieing watch Bernstein renew his BS.
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Stelz that is just liberal Bernstein's crap about knowing every morsel of what is going on. He is the same clown who wants football eliminated because it can and does contribute to concussions. If you understand his agenda then that piece makes more sense. All football should be touch football.
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Paxton Lynch and Memphis are on ESPN right now...think he had around 325 yards and 3 TDs at halftime.
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More details about the Jerimiah Ratliff situation:
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/10/23/bernstein-delay-in-reporting-of-jeremiah-ratliff-blow-up-is-troubling/
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That is also true which is another reason he slipped in the draft. I've seen him miss a few tackles here and there but he has also shown a willingness to go hard to the LOS on running play. His tackling looks good to me especially for a FS.
He just needs to start going after the ball.
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I thought the knock on Amos was he wasn't a good tackler/hitter. Yeah a couple more shots like that and people will be keeping an eye out for him. We need about 5 or 6 more guys like that.
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Bearhit - That was the hit. At full speed, he stopped dead in his tracks. I don't believe they replayed it more than once. That was a clean shot. Wow.
Dallas - Hoping he can develop into a strong quality starter for us. I think a few more hits like that will give WR's pause crossing the middle.
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He has the physical tools...size and speed. The concerns for him coming out of college were his instincts - he doesn't take a lot of chances in trying to get to the ball in the air:
Average instincts. Hyper-focused on responsibility and seems unwilling to take chances. Would rather see it than sense it.
He has played 6 games - 23 tackles but has yet to get a pick or even a pass defensed.
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That's not the first time I've seen Amos flying in to nail someone. Kid's got some Fencik in him. We may have found a piece of the puzzle with him...time will tell....
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Rookie Safety Adrian Amos
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2015/10/19/zach-zenner-ribs-detroit-lions/74220058/
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Speaking of Fencik, who was the defensive back that broke the ribs of the Lion's running back this past week? I hadn't seen that kind of hammer from the back end since Tony Parrish
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It took everyone for that team to be successful. Would they have gotten as far as they did without the Fridge anchoring the middle and collapsing pockets? Or Dent rushing from the edge?? Or Hamp? Or Willie Gault flying downfield to catch one of JMacs deep balls? Or Paytons grace and leadership and incredible rushing determination and skill? Each one of those LB's were skilled at what they did and were needed. Fencik with his ferocious hits and Ditka orchestrating it all. It was a once in a lifetime team that we will never see again....at least not in Chicago....
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That team was nothing without Jimmy Mac
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It wasn't that Payton was the entire offense. It was that Buddy Ryan's defense was so dominating that all the offense really had to do is play ball control, which was Payton's strength. Once the Ryan defense was gone, the Bears were no longer the dominant team.
Just about any coach could have led that team as well as Ditka did. His weaknesses were multiplied when he took over in New Orleans.
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He actually has said that is his biggest regret.
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Ditka for president. LOL
If Ditka had run for the Senate we wouldn't have to be contending with Obama.
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Hood was on injured reserve and let go by the Jags. Is he still on IR?
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Ditka was the right guy at the right time. I don't think a lot of coaches could have kept that group headed in the right direction as wild as they were.
His strong personality kept it together for just long enough. I am not sure how many could have kept it going longer.
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His team was Buddy Ryan's defense and Walter Payton.
Well that's one of the dumbest things I've read in quite a while. You better go back to the cubs board and talk about how bright the future is, considering your lack of history. Does Matt Suey ring a bell? Or McKinnon, or Gault? Walter was great, but by no means was the offense as you portray. I guess during the Ditka years you were yearning for Armstrong. Or maybe Wannstedt did it for ya, or Jauron... WTF...
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On the radio they are saying that Ratliff and Pace had such a heated argument they called security to escort Ratliff out of the building. If that is true, hats off to Pace for not taking any shit and setting the tone for how to tow the line. Besides Ratliff wasn't in the long term future of the Bears.
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Does it really matter? The Bears are not going any where this year.
I guess not but as a fan I'd like to know why certain changes are made with the personnel.
I am guessing Raitliff wanted out and the Bears didn't want an older veteran even if he is a good player if he did not want to be there
That's what I was thinking. Or pay cut or upset with the coaches strategies. Who knows?
And Hood is a 6'3 300 lb DE, not a NT. So now we have only one NT and that's Goldman. What this seems to me is Pace cutting off his nose to spite his face.
The Bears have been playing Sutton at nose too and we just got the PS player from Green Bay...Gaston. I think he's going to be a nose. I think they were playing Ratliff more at DE. Maybe they really liked Ziggy and Ratliff was the guy that had the limited future. It's tough cuz he's going to get better coming off that injury and he was a leader.
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And Hood is a 6'3 300 lb DE, not a NT. So now we have only one NT and that's Goldman. What this seems to me is Pace cutting off his nose to spite his face.
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Does it really matter? The Bears are not going any where this year.
I am guessing Raitliff wanted out and the Bears didn't want an older veteran even if he is a good player if he did not want to be there.
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Lots of questions and I doubt we'll get many answers.
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My question is this....How do the Bears know Ziggy Hood is in football shape and ready to contribute.
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And now the real reason from the Trib...
The Chicago Bears cut veteran defensive lineman Jeremiah Ratliff on Thursday, a day after he and general manager Ryan Pace had a charged conversation at the front of team headquarters.
The subject of their interaction was not initially known, but releasing Ratliff comes as a surprise in a strictly football context. He was regarded by coaches as one of their best linemen, if not the best.
“We felt moving forward without Jeremiah was in the best interest of our team,” Pace said in a statement released by the team. “We appreciate his contributions and wish him well.”
Ratliff’s apparent row with Pace on Wednesday morning was not his first run-in with team officials.
Last Dec. 26, Ratliff caused a disturbance at what turned out to be coach Marc Trestman's final practice, and he was escorted out of the facility by team personnel. Still, he was allowed to start the season finale at the Minnesota Vikings that Sunday.
Ratliff was suspended by the NFL for the first three games of the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. That stemmed from his guilty plea in April to a DWI charge that resulted from a crash in January 2013.
To replace Ratliff on the roster, the Bears signed former Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Ziggy Hood.
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Odd move. Ziggy is 6 years younger - Ratliff was 34. Maybe the Bears wanted to get younger and felt confident in their NT pair of Goldman and Gaston or they noticed that Ratliff was slowing down.
He wasn't getting to the QB but he did have 8 tackles in the 2 games back from his suspension/injury.