Credit where and if it's due

by Fridge72 on Apr 13, 2009 2:26 AM CDT

Hello Windy City,

This is my first post so please bear with me (pun intended).

I'm seeking your feedback. I was recently watching the NFL network and the topic of discussion was Cutler's $100,000 or $150,000 work out bonus, whichever mostly irrelevant. Apparently he is eligible to receive it in Chicago though he had missed it in Denver. Fine with me, hope he earns it.

Made me wonder though, have JA and Lovie implemented a winning strategy? The timing seems uncannily convenient. We had our first mandatory team minicamp a couple weeks ago, earlier than usual (pre Cutler trade). We started our work-out program (post Cutler trade and Pace signing), a little later than other teams. Seems to me that this has really put Bears coaches in a position to evaluate players from last year, complete trades (Cutler), sign free agents (Pace, Omiyale, Shaffer, Josh Bullocks...), prepare for the draft, evaluate all new players and create a depth chart.

In the past I've been pretty critical of JA and this coaching staff. Just want to make sure that I'm giving credit where it is due. It is easy to hate on JA and coaches when I'm considering Benson and the myriad of other 1st round draft picks, the Jones trade, Bob Babich, and a couple of other things that I didn't like.

This time around I like where we are positioned, the 2009 Bears off-season has me generally intrigued, hell I'm excited.

My main question for you is: Do you all think that JA has gotten lucky in this, or has he finally brought it all together and come up with a winning strategy? Are you all as optimistic as I am for 2009? Which years off-season made you feel as or more optimistic than 2009?

I wanted to make more than one poll, one QB related, don't know how to make more than one.

Poll

Which Bears related WR that I'm interested in has more receiving yards in 2009?

Devin Hester

15 votes

Greg Jennings

9 votes

Bernard Berrian

5 votes

Brandon Marshall

3 votes

Earl Bennett

6 votes

Other

1 votes

39 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

In the NFL, I think a little luck, always has something do with success.

However, JA has been doing this for a long time. I like to think that he knows what he is doing. Right now he seems to be doing all the right things. He has been building this team for close to 10 years now. Looking at our team, I believe that all the pieces are in place. We have a load of talent in both players and coaches. I think we have a serious Super Bowl contender.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on Apr 13, 2009 2:14 PM CDT reply actions

Our mini-camp was purposely scheduled this early...

Primarily for re-evaluation purposes, and to start building a comfort level with the handful of new coaches on our staff.

Prior to hitting the daily double with Cutler and Pace, the organization was touting Marinelli as their #1 free agent signing. And, for the most part, they seem to believe that the turnover in the coaching staff will have more of an impact on the playing field than the turnover on the roster.

Also… on the surface, they seem to be placing even more significance into this year’s draft than in the past. They knew heading into this year’s weak FA class, that the draft was going to have to provide some immediate results at a few positions of weakness. The early mini-camp gave them an opportunity to re-prioritize those draft needs.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
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by SackMan on Apr 13, 2009 9:41 PM CDT reply actions

I agree, everything seem to just fall in place this offseason

Now, no more excuses. It’s up to the players and coaches for that matter to perform. I will accept nothing less than a wild card, but i expect a division crown.

by Chitownproduct on Apr 14, 2009 2:48 AM CDT reply actions