From the Desk of WCG - 4/15/09
by Adam T on Apr 15, 2009 12:07 PM CDT
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PrintMaybe it was the 50 year wait since Sid Luckman. Maybe it was the success that Jim McMahon had. Perhaps I was hypnotized during Erik Kramer's 29 TD season. Or maybe I was briefly bamboozled by Jim Miller's 400 yard game. I might have even let myself be a little bit teased by the short lived Cade McNown/Marcus Robinson hookups. I just didn't realize how great it would feel to have an actual QB.
It is almost like rooting for a different team. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Bears fan and I love the power run game and nasty defense, but how can you not think about a 70 yard TD pass to Hester sprinting down the sideline with the CB trailing back 5 yards? Or the pocket breaking down and Cutler sidestepping one tackler, stepping up in the pocket and connecting with Greg Olsen 30 yards downfield to convert a 3rd and 15?
Our line isn't great yet, but with some pickups and Cutler, it looks a bit more solid. Our receving corp is still pretty poor, but it stinks just a little bit less. Hester could top 10 TDs this year. Olsen should finally become the Pro Bowl TE he should be.
QB always meant something a bit different in Chicago than in the rest of the league. QB was just a job you held for 2-3 years or 2-3 games as of late until the next guy game along. Maybe you got 4-5 if you happened to have a great running back or defense to play with.
I know I'm jumping the gun a bit and things could go completely the opposite direction, but it is hard not to think about what a QB the caliber of Cutler could mean for the organization in the future. Even after his years are up. Now that the Bears have had a taste of real quarterbacking, can they ever go back to the way we were doing things?
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Braylon?
Does anybody here think we have enough bullets to get him in front of N.Y.?
You shouldn't mention
bullets and NY in the same sentance, I don’t think they are over the whole Plax thing.
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 15, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Upgrades so far:
OL:
The additions of Pace, Omiyale, and Shaffer.
The expected healthiness of Williams.
WR:
Hester and Bennett continuing to develop into NFL WRs.
RB:
A healthy Jones will provide breathers for Forte.
Forte/Jones providing extra options for Cutler to throw to.
QB:
Signing of Sir Jay
Defense:
The addition of Marinelli.
Smith calling defense.
Life is good, and only getting better. Nice post WCG!
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
I agree
Well said sir. I don’t think I’ve been this excited about the Bears season going in for a few years now. Here’s hoping Jay does what we all hope he can do.
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 15, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Technically
Jay wasn’t really a signing :)
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
If you can run the ball and play above average defense
then you don’t need a hundred receivers.
Let’s look back to our greatest moment, the 85 Bears. As I’ve posted before, we have comparable receivers to that team (which led the NFC in scoring that year):
Cutler: Pro-Bowl QB like Jim McMahon
Forte: Comparable to the great Walter Payton as a receiver.
Clark & Olsen: Comparable to TE’s Wrightman & Moorehead.
Hester: should be (hopefully) comparable to Willie Gault
?: comparable to Dennis McKinnon
We desperately need a possession receiver (like an Anquan Boldin) that’s comparable to a Dennis McKinnon.
I CLEARLY remember many analysts, before the start of last year, saying that the Bears offense might be the worst in the NFL in 2008. It didn’t work out that way (by a long shot).
This will only be Devin Hester’s second season as a WR. I expect great things between him & Cutler.
We need to run the ball like the Chicago Bears have historically run the ball. We need to play defense like the Chicago Bears have historically played defense. And we need to get a possesion receiver.
And then we need to play with a “nasty attitude” ala the 85 Bears!
Good observations
but I still believe Hester will be a great WR, and ten times better than Gault ever was. Hopefully, JA has another trick up his sleeve to acquire an established receiver in FA.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
I agree about Hester.
People criticizing him, after only one season as a WR, kind of make me laugh.
As far as Gault is concerned, he did what he was supposed to do. He had world class speed which scared defenses silly. There’s no substitute for speed in the NFL. Whenever Buddy Ryan used to scout a new opponent, his first question was “Where’s the speed?”
Therefore Gault helped open up the field for everybody else. So even when he wasn’t catching the ball, his effect on the field was measurable.
I see Hester in that kind of role for the current Bears.
I don't know if it is so much they are criticizing him
but the Bears are trying to use him as their #1 and he isn’t good enough for that yet.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
Well the national media
sure has. I’ve read comments that he’s no more than a #3. That’s laughable.
Criticism of JA and the Bears for not having a #1 and having to move Hester there is one thing.
Criticizing Hester himself, to me, is kind of stupid.
Give Hester another season as a WR (and a QB that can actually get the ball to him) and he’s going to do just fine.
Hester was essentially a rookie WR last year.
And a converted WR at that. That is 2 strikes against him right off the bat. But, with a much-improved OL, and a new QB, Hester’s contributions should greatly improve this year.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
If it's Bennett
Then he’s not even that. I’m expecting Cutler and him to link up again, though. It’s gonna be great (I hope).
I'm referring to Hester
if last year was his first than should we consider him anymore than a #3? If not then what the critics are saying aren’t that far off. They aren’t saying he is horrible, just that he needs more time and the Bears can’t wait. They need a number 1 now.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
Let's not forget
Hester wasn’t expected to be a number 1 last season. Brandon Lloyd was. the fact that lloyd and Booker didn’t work out is what has set the Bears receiving corps back.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
He's was a 3 last year
This year definately a 2, I expect to see much improvement from last year. He did what he could last year and I think he’ll be much better this year, though not a #1 yet. Might even see an improvement in the return game because the WR position won’t be brand new to him and he’ll be able to focus more on the return game.
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 15, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't care if Hester's a 3, 2 1 or Zero
I’ll take a player with his speed and explosiveness on my offense all day long.
You can’t teach speed and you can’t teach his ability to run around people.
Don't get me wrong
I love Hester. I think he’s strong like death. I’m just saying I think overall he’ll be better. And that he deserves some slack for the learning curve.
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 15, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
From the way free agency started
I now have great expectations for this season and more to come.
I am excited as anyone.
I’ve been euphoric since the day we heard the news. I expect nothing less than Super Bowls. I believe that Cutler can make average wide receivers pro bowlers, and with MF and Greg Olsen the possibilities are endless. We always have a tough defense and we also have great special teams. I see no reason why a Super Bowl cannot be realized this year.
Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.
It's pronounced "The MF'er" :)
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
We may very well be laying the foundation for a Super Bowl,
but we don’t have all of the pieces yet. There will always be bumps and bruises along the way when you deal with so much “newness”, so I am still a little sceptical about being “that good” yet.
But, if we continue to address our needs as effectively as we have this year, I fully expect us to be able to make a push for the SB in a season or two…
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
But still
the Rams had to deal with “newness”. so did the Pats. they still won the Superbowl
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I am just weary of counting the chicks before the eggs hatch is all...
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
hey, look at it this way
Fitzgerald, Roddy white, and Braylon are free agents next year. think they’d like to come to chicago now? :)
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
That's a great way to look at it...
People won’t be able to say that Chicago is where recievers go to die any more. We should definitely have more leverage in landing good WRs in the coming years.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
Can you imagine if
we got both Braylon AND Larry. WHAT!?!? WHAT!?!?!? the Asylums would be filled with Bears fans.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Dude
Just the thought makes me wanna buy a straight jacket.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
If Ron actually uses Cutler wisely? Yes.
If Ron keeps running the FB dive? No.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
Hope we can upgrade that late in the draft
Get a young athletic FB…
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Or if Lovie tries to secretly trade Cutler for Alex Smith
then we wind up trading him for a round 3 pick and Jon Kitna.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Who we cut...
And resign Rex as a free agent…
ummm fitz and roddy both resigned....
with their teams.
Awww, man what am I supposed to do about my sig now?
DAMN!!!
Well, uh Greg jennings and Kevin Walter are there. And Yamon Figurs
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions
well
I think Kampman is also in a contract year, i know Chad Clifton, Atari Bigby, and Nick Collins are as well, so there’s a good chance the Pack won’t franchise him if they can’t sign him to a new deal. but that’s just wishful thinking on my part.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions
I understand what you are saying.
But you just never know in this league. Come playoff time we could be gelling, and that is when the time to gel is most important. I look at how our team has played with these quarterbacks that we have had, and now all of a sudden we have a real QB.
Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.
by Haightminow on Apr 15, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
And if we don't win the North,
and maybe a playoff game, then we should see a shake-up in our coaching ranks. We definitely have the tools right now to make a splash.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
Locked up
We got 1 million before any other blog. Sweet Georgia Brown!
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
Just for kicks
I added Acme’s numbers in there.
But, I suppose this is why we have the best fan base in the NFC North :)
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
Is there any way
how to tell who was the 1 million person was?
Yes.
Ed McMahon shows up at your door. :)
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
by Dane Noble on Apr 15, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Wrecked the hell out of that.
Love Ed McMahon. HEEEEYOOOOOOO
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 15, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions
probably not, but
if somebody wants to bribe me, I’m will fix the numbers.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
Like one of your previous statements?
what they you use lame AOL speak
Hey man, that ain’t no cajun I have ever heard!
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
by Dane Noble on Apr 15, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Double wrecked.
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 15, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Engreenated.
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
Lol... engreenination at the expense of the bossman. Nice.
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
Just so you know
that comment has been flagged 5 times. I can delete it now.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
Lmao.
BS. It hasn’t been flagged once. But yes, you could delete it if you wanted to. :)
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
Wearing out your proxy, sir?
Because when it comes to sports, we die harder than Bruce Willis.
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Apr 15, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Let me help him out here...
if somebody wants to bribe me,I’mI will fix the numbers
or
if somebody wants to bribe me, I’mwillwilling to fix the numbers
I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious. (Vince Lombardi)
Thanks fella
I had an idea of what he meant, but it was on par to the “what they you use lame AOL speak” comment.
What a great memory.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
Better than killing your buzz
Because as far as we're concerned, there is still no team in the history of the NFL that could beat the '85 Bears.
by Ditkavsworld on Apr 15, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions
CHECK YER E-MAIL!!!!
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Apr 15, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
hopefully Cutler is around for 10 years at least!
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Apr 15, 2009 3:46 PM CDT reply actions
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