I Bear-ly can write this...

[PhotoGuy]

"Gloom, despair and agony on me-e!
Deep dark depression, excessive misery-y!
If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all!
Gloom, despair and agony on me-e-e!"

Pass me the jug of white lightin... my Bears are horrible...

[cover2]

It always could be worse you could be a Ram's fan like me , Pro's not being good is one thing, but playing soft is just a , well words don't describe it, I bad mouthed the chiefs for years about being a middle of the road team year after year, Hoping for a change , guess I should watch what I wish for.

C2

[spartan68]

It always could be worse you could be a Ram's fan like me , Pro's not being good is one thing, but playing soft is just a , well words don't describe it, I bad mouthed the chiefs for years about being a middle of the road team year after year, Hoping for a change , guess I should watch what I wish for.

C2

well at least the rams will have the #1 pick in the draft! you always gotta look at the bright side of things buddy

[PhotoGuy]

Since I originally wrote this, we have an almost entirely new coaching staff from the coordinator level on down.

I am not very excited about it, however, because the same minds that have been drafting recently and choosing to get rid of our best players (Jones, Benson, Columbo, etc.) for NOTHING are still in charge.

Instead of fresh new ideas we get retreads.

A lot of Chicago fans are opposed to the Cover 2, but not only is Lovie going to keep the scheme (which is fine by me, our problems are not schematic) he committed to hiring a Cover 2 defensive minded guy... which narrows the pool to just a very few at this point in time. I have no problem with us running the Cover 2, but you gotta have SAFETIES WHO CAN PLAY FOOTBALL to run it. If you don't have any SAFETIES then you just get killed.

On O, we get the Rams retread Mike Martz. We are about to see the "Greatest Show On A Badly Sodded Field" I guess (hopefully, the parks district will figure out that we actually NEED to have a playing surface that is something other than painted mud)...

The O-Line greatly improved when Pace was replaced by Williams who was moved over to his natural position. Williams stepped up and OWNED Jared Allen in the Vikings game... and man, that's saying something when you beat that guy.

The young recievers really came on late in the year, and the improved offensive line play helped every aspect of the game. Speical teams have never been a problem, so basically that leaves us with certain glaring needs to fix. More pressure on the pass rush. WE NEED AN ACTUAL FREE SAFETY. Depth at O-Line. Improved pass rush.

I don't have much confidence in Angelo and Smith, honestly, but it is who we are going to have next year, so I guess I will just suck it up. They can't screw up the draft that bad this year, since we have no high round draft picks to throw away again.

Your Rams? Now THERE is a mess.

[wolverine55]

For what the Bears are now, Martz was probably a good hire. Lovie Smith can say "We get off the bus running the ball" as much as he wants, but that's not Bears football right now. And, that may not be a bad thing considering the NFL as a whole is really set up for pass offenses now. I honestly don't think that the Bears are that far away from having a great offense. One thing people need to remember is that almost ALL of the skill position players last year were in their fourth year or even younger. They should get better, but a big caveat is the oline. Really, the Bears need help at all three spots--OT, OG, and C--because Kreutz probably won't be around much longer.

Defensively, Urlacher back will help both physically and mentally. I really hope the Bears resign Pisa Tisamoa (I know I didn't spell that right, their free agent from the Rams) because those two plus Briggs would still give the Bears one of the best sets of 4-3 backers in the league. Photoguy is right though. If no edge pass rusher or safety is found, the Bears will have trouble getting off the field. Hard to fathom thinking this after the last few years, but I'm actually much more worried about this side of the ball than I am the offensive side.

[wolverine55]

Photoguy, just read on espn.com that Darren Sharper from the Saints will NOT be given the Franchise Player designation from New Orleans making him a free agent. He would fix the safety position for one, two years tops but the Bears were very interested in him last year as a free agent. We can only hope they pursue him this time around as well.

[wolverine55]

Serious rumors that Julius Peppers will be either a Bear or Redskin by this time tomorrow. We shall see...

[PhotoGuy]

The team owners have announced that they have cleared upfront money of up to 25 million right away for free agent signings, so somebody is coming to town. Peppers? I could live with that.

[wolverine55]

The Bears have already signed Brandon Manumaleuna, a TE from the Chargers who has played in the Martz system before and is a good fit because in the Martz system the TE is really a glorified offensive tackle. He's huge for a TE, something like 6'2'' 290. I have mixed emotions on this as it is a good signing yet may lend some credence to the Olson trade rumors.

Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor are in for visits as well. In fact, Lovie Smith himself flew down to North Carolina to meet with Peppers and bring him to Chicago for more meetings. I say the plan should be to hold him hostage and not let him out of the city without signing a contract!!

[CHITOWNILLINI]

I am a diehard Bears fan, and am very pleased with their recent signings. However, I believe that the offensive line still needs to be addressed. They are aging as a group, and if there are no holes for Taylor and Forte to run through and no adequate protection or time for Cutler to throw, what the defense does won't matter. It will help them immensely that Urlacher is back healthy and Peppers is a beast, but IMO, if they don't address the line, there will be problems. Does anyone els have thoughts on this?

[wolverine55]

You're right, but there's plenty of offseason left. Whether it's the draft or more free agency, they line will be addressed.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

I agree with you. I think so too, but on Chicago sports talk radio, they are roasting management for not addressing it sooner. As they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. The team has several issues to address, but I believe all will be. GO BEARS!

[PhotoGuy]

Personally, I think free safety is a bigger need for the Bears than OL, but we obviously need help at both. The thing is, the OL free agents are... well... unimpressive while there are still options at FS.

The Bears don't need a left tackle, really they need depth and competition at guard and center, and those guys will be there in the third round. It is also a deep draft for free safety, so I think we will either see not much more in the way of free agents or one more add of a guy like Rams free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. Atogwe was given the lowest possible tender by the Rams, meaning the bears can afford him... and he will continue to add to our collection of guys with absolutely unpronounceable names.

Besides, signing Atogwe will make our friendly local Rams fan CardsFan really mad, so that's an added bonus :)

[wolverine55]

He's the kind of player the Bears should get. Most of the Bears better players are under contract for several more years and Atogwe would be a possible long-term solution. Apparantly, the Saints and talks with Sharper are breaking down, but he's a one year fit, two at the most and I don't think the Bears are in position to take that type of player.

[wolverine55]

A couple under the radar moves. The Bears signed a FB, Eddie Williams, who had been released by the Redskins. He will be a second year player, but didn't appear in a game for Washington as a rookie. Apparantly, the out of the backfield receiving skills he demonstrated in college are why the Bears are taking a flyer on him.

The Bears also re-signed safety Josh Bullocks to another one-year deal. I loved the signing of Bullocks last offseason, but he didn't help improve the safety position much. Hopefully, he'll have an impact year two in the same system.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

Bullocks could very well have more of an impact his second year in the system. However, I still think the Bears need to address the safety position more and try to get someone more proven. I think management will do so. I'm excited for the upcoming season! GO BEARS!

[PhotoGuy]

Bears cut Vasher.

Time to move out the bad contracts and take the cap hit in a year where there IS no cap hit!

[CHITOWNILLINI]

They also cut Fullback Jason McKie according to 670 The Score Chicago, yesterday after seven seasons with the team.

[PhotoGuy]

Martz doesn't use a fullback, so that makes sense... the new giant TE will fill that roll in the H-Back posltion.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

It will really be interesting to see how much the offense changes under Martz. Lovie has always stressed to Chicago media and fans da Bears have traditionally been and will be a team that runs the football. Martz is primarily a passing coordinator. I hope for the team's sake there is not a battle of wills between Lovie and Martz. Time will tell, but it very well could be the offensive dynamic may be changing at Halas Hall.

[wolverine55]

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6646


Bears looking to deal Alex Brown. I'd hate to see him go, but the Bears are overloaded at that position now with Peppers and I don't think any of the other guys have the trade value Brown does. The Score had a much more definitive take on this than the above article does. The Score basically said he's done in Chicago; it's just a matter of finding a taker.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

Comcast Sportsnet in Chicago is reporting the same thing Wolverine. Apparently, this was shocking news to Alex and CSN couldn't reach him for comment. I hate to see him go as well, but my question is, if the Bears are serious about dealing him, which by all indications they are, why are they making it so public? If they can't find any takers, they'll likely release him. Either way, he'll most likely be disgruntled. The way this has leaked out could prove disastrous for Da Bears. He's a very popular figure in the locker room, and great off the field as well. Urlacher, Briggs, etc are expressing their displeasure to Chicago media outlets tonight. This could come back to bite management hugely. I hope this is not the case.

[wolverine55]

http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/03/27/bears-talking-brown-sims-swap-with-seahawks/

I agree with the article in that, at least on paper, this makes sense for both teams. At worse, Sims provides some youth and size at the guard position, something the Bears desperately need both of at that spot.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

I agree this move would make the most sense, if any move is made. Some media outlets such as ABC 7 and WFLD Fox 32 in the city report the team may be having second thoughts, according to both stations' morning newscasts today. We'll see what happens.

[wolverine55]

The Bears did cut Alex Brown yesterday. Again, sad to see him go and while I do think he's an underrated player, I think we're seeing some classic overreaction from some Bears fans. If he was THAT good, wouldn't someone have offered the draft pick or player the Bears were looking for?

[CHITOWNILLINI]

I agree with you Wolverine. I'm sad to see him go too, but the way some in Chicago are reacting, one would think the team just cut Richard Dent in his prime. Da Bears will be fine, and while Alex wil indeed be missed, this was clearly a cost cutting move by the McCaskey family.

[wolverine55]

NFL Network had rumors of the Bears pursuing recently cut Flozell Adams, formerly of the Cowboys. I'll admit it makes sense, but I don't know if they'll go a route similar to the failed Orlando Pace signing.

[arod14]

this was clearly a cost cutting move by the McCaskey family.

No...the McCaskey's NEVER make those kind of moves...do they? :)

[CHITOWNILLINI]

Nooooo. ;)

[CHITOWNILLINI]

I can't be too hard on them this time around though, they went out and spent big on Peppers, Taylor, and others. I just hope it works out like we think it will.

[wolverine55]

Overall, I was pleased with the Bears draft. I was a bit surprised they waited until the last pick to draft an olineman, but as bad as the OL is, I do think secondary was a bigger need and they drafted a CB and a S.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

Good post. I agree. Secondary was indeed the bigger need, and hopefully this draft will go a long way in rectifying it.

[Double E]

Media reports in both Chicago & Charlotte, are claiming the Bears have traded a linebacker (likely Jamar Williams) for ex-Bear safety Chris Harris. Harris is a tremendous hitter with a knack for creating turnovers. Great move by the Bears if these reports are true.

[TigerDad5]

Chief Head here, very happy with the Chiefs draft, first five picks were all character guys and captains on their collegiate football teams. Barry seems NFL ready and should be an impact player. I would have preferred Mount Cody from' Bama' to play nose with their second pick, but you can never have enough speed. I do believe the young power triangle (owner, GM, and coach) in KC have it figured out and maybe the Chiefs will play good enough for KHQA to broadcast their games more consistently.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

Media reports in both Chicago & Charlotte, are claiming the Bears have traded a linebacker (likely Jamar Williams) for ex-Bear safety Chris Harris. Harris is a tremendous hitter with a knack for creating turnovers. Great move by the Bears if these reports are true.
Those reports have indeed been confirmed by Comcast Sportsnet Chicago's Chicago Tribune Live tonight Double E. I too love this move and it's wonderful to see Chris back in town. I think he'll help the Bears tremendously once again.

[PhotoGuy]

People in Carolina are UNHAPPY about this... CH for a backup 5 year in the league LB...

Me I am loving it.

Peppers, Briggs, Ursmasher, Harris, Pisa... now we are starting to talk on D.

You can't play Cover 2 without safeties, we draft a FS and pick up CH for strong... that's a BIG improvement.

[arod14]

The Beloved getting Harris was a big pick up. The guy hits like a freight train, and might actually know where he, as a S, is supposed to be when on the field, as opposed to some of the S the Bears have trotted out since trading him and M. Brown getting hurt, and eventually leaving town. Personally, I am a Chargers fan, but have to pull for the Bears in the NFC.

What are everybody's thoughts on McDaniels, boy genius, picking Tebow, let me rephrase that, trading up and picking Tebow? I was shocked. Tebow could have been had later in the draft ( I was hearing round 3, at the earliest)...I'm not sure that guy can play QB in the NFL, I don't care how much ESPN talked up his "improved throwing mechanics". He is a hard worker, but the NFL is a business, I don't know how many guys need that rah rah guy on their team, inspiring them. He was a good college player, I just don't see it translating into good pro QB, maybe some other position, maybe. This is the kind of pick that can ruin a coaches career, using that high of a pick says that he should be ready to compete for a starting job in a year at most, not a long term project, which he really should be, IMO.

[wolverine55]

Here's my take on how McDaniels is handling the Broncos. Having a lot of high character guys in high school and college is great. In the NFL, you don't want a whole team of thugs, but at the same time, you need guys who can play. Winning is number 1 at the pro level and if you win with high character guys, great! If you win with "low" character guys, great! Belichek tells his assistants when they leave NE to NOT try and replicate what he did in NE. Belichek realizes that what came together in NE at the early part of this decade was a special circumstance of people, players, and coaches coming together at the right time. We'll see if McDaniels can break through and be one of the few, if not the first, Belicheck assistant to have success on his own as a HC.

BTW, I love Tim Tebow and do think there is a chance he good develop into an adequate NFL QB. Adequate, but not a star by any means. I know McDaniels obviously values character, but I don't know how the heck you draft the WR from Georgia Tech and the Tebow when Dez Bryant and Clausen were still on the board.

[CHITOWNILLINI]

People in Carolina are UNHAPPY about this... CH for a backup 5 year in the league LB...

Me I am loving it.

Peppers, Briggs, Ursmasher, Harris, Pisa... now we are starting to talk on D.

You can't play Cover 2 without safeties, we draft a FS and pick up CH for strong... that's a BIG improvement.
I agree with all you say Photoguy. If everyone can remain healthy, this defense can once again be ferocious. As a Bears fan, I'm beyond excited!

[arod14]

BTW, I love Tim Tebow and do think there is a chance he good develop into an adequate NFL QB. Adequate, but not a star by any means. I know McDaniels obviously values character, but I don't know how the heck you draft the WR from Georgia Tech and the Tebow when Dez Bryant and Clausen were still on the board.

That is what was shocking to me Woverine, that there were much better Pro prospects available at those spots; realy could have gotten his guys later, IMO. I am not a big McD fan, can't put my finger on it, but don't like him much. As a Bolts fan I have to hope that this all backfires in his face, bad for him is good for me. :) I think yhou could also be right about Tebow being an adequate QB, I just don't think you take "adequate" in the first round...maybe the 3rd or 4th...then you have given yourself a window for development, as opposed to a first rounder which usually are expected to contribute in a big way in year one.

[PhotoGuy]

Harris back to Da Bears, Payne traded to the Rams for a conditional 7th round pick, I am good with that. I will take a conditional 7th over us just outright releasing him, which was almost certain to happen since the Bears had 7 safeties on the roster, including Harris and two high draft picks, plus Manning (who is helped greatly by his return skills when considering value to the team).

[CHITOWNILLINI]

Once again, I agree with you Photoguy. Good post!