Expectations: The Bar is High, and Failure is Not an Option
by Dane Noble on May 1, 2009 11:39 AM CDT
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At the end of the 2008 NFL season, a season that once again ended in disappointment for Chicago Bears fans, there were a ton of areas of concern: QB, OLine, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Head Coach, Wide Receiver, General Manager, Defensive Backs... the list goes on and on.
It would have been hard to find an aspect of our team that we would not have to worry about going into 2009... one of our only bright spots was Matt Forte, but Running Back was still an area of concern because at the pace he ran the ball in 2008, he would be exposed to getting run down or injured in 2009.
Little by little though, the leaders of our franchise starting making moves, and as we enter the month of May, the Chicago Bears look like a totally different football club.
The trade for Jay Cutler may very well have changed the course of history for the Bears, but let's also take a look at other things that will be different in 2009:
A revamped OL: The Bears signed Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, and Kevin Shaffer. They saw John St. Clair go to Cleveland. And Chris Williams is expected to be 100% healthy. We should see a much-improved OL in 2009.
A young WR corp: Devin Hester will enter his 2nd season, and should see more productivity thanks to the upgraded OL and QB. Earl Bennett, who didn't see the playing field for whatever reason in 2008, has has plenty of time to learn the position, and has his old college QB throwing him the ball. And Juaquin Iglesias should be able to immediately contribute, either out of the slot or as a 3rd WR. I expect Iglesias to be a go-to guy in the hurry-up offense.
Depth at RB: It is not uncommon to see running backs who had productive rookie seasons to experience "sophomore slumps", and we know that Matt Forte could not possible keep up with his workload in 2008. One big key to our offensive success in 2009 may very well be Kevin Jones. He will not only be able to spell Forte, but should also be a dangerous weapon himself. We should see a productive rushing attack based on the 1-2 punch of Forte/Jones, and with defenses having to respect our passing game.
Defense: The addition of Rod Marinelli should pay huge dividends, as one of the biggest areas of concern was virtually no pass rush in 2008. Marinelli is one of the best in the business, and with Lovie Smith calling our defense, and Bob Babich being down-graded to linebackers, we should see a huge jump in production from our defense.
The forecast for 2008 was essentially "partly-cloudy, with the chance of rain", but right now, for 2009, it looks like "mostly sunny". While we still have some areas of concern, like in our defensive secondary, we should see some good evaluations coming this weekend, and hopefully will be able to find some players that can contribute in that area in 2009. I also expect big things from Craig Steltz.
While I am not ready to call for the Lombardi Trophy just yet, we are definitely setting a tone in not only the NFC North, but in the NFL overall. I can say with confidence that the forecast of a Super Bowl may very well be in the not-so-distant future for our Chicago Bears...
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the NFL is a bit of a stretch
but I’d definitely say the NFC
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions
When you add a potential top-5 franchise QB,
and get one of the best defensive minds in football in Marinelli, along with having possibly the best special teams unit in the NFL, then I’d still say setting a tone in the entire NFL, because all 3 phases are legitimately upgraded. And I like run-on sentences.
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by Dane Noble on May 1, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
it's true that all three phases have been upgraded
but to the level that we could be compared to the AFC powers such as TEN, SD, NE, PIT, and IND, I don’t see that. also taking into consideration several AFC teams who got significantly stronger like the Brownies, the chiefs, and the Texans. Houston might be the most dominant team in the league (yeah, I got balls) next season.
the balance of power in both conferences is determined by the coaches. when the NFC won 14 straight superbowls(I think) look at the coaches in that conference. Ditka, Walsh, Gibbs, Ditka, Jimmy Johnson, Seifert, Ditka, Holmgren, Green and of course, Ditka.
The AFC coaching is way better than the NFC who have better players. It’s. So, right now I don’t think the Bears can be the top team in the NFL, but in the NFC, no doubt.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions
So, right now I don’t think the Bears can be the top team in the NFL
and neither do I…
While I am not ready to call for the Lombardi Trophy just yet
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I'm confused :(
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions
what are you confused about?
He thinks the bears have made noise throughout the NFL. You are bitching about a bunch of stinkin coaches(no disrespect to Ditka)
Nobody rec’d the bible or the declaration of independence. Those turned out swell.
-Ifuwanna
by KtownBear on May 1, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions
No worries... I'm here to help.
1- I said the Bears are setting a tone in not only the North, but the entire NFL.
2- You said the NFC maybe, but not the NFL.
3- I said yes, the entire NFL. Simply because all 3 phases of our game are becoming solid, and doing so quickly.
4- You said a lot of teams were doing that, so you didn’t think we were ready to be the top team in the NFL.
5- I pointed out that in my post, I didn’t think so either. Yet.
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ahh Okay. should had read the last part more thoroughly
If anybody needs me, I’ll be in my bathroom trying to slit my wrists with a butterknife.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions
He typically replies within 2 minutes...
something must have happened…
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He's taking the Browns to the the super bowl.
Nobody rec’d the bible or the declaration of independence. Those turned out swell.
-Ifuwanna
by KtownBear on May 1, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Lmao.
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he already did...
I’m still claiming his 360 for another month, or I’ll tell his girlfriend about that little incident.
It was her desk that he across the room. Keyword was
Nobody rec’d the bible or the declaration of independence. Those turned out swell.
-Ifuwanna
by KtownBear on May 1, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
*chucked*
Nobody rec’d the bible or the declaration of independence. Those turned out swell.
-Ifuwanna
by KtownBear on May 1, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions
You have to think
That this offseason we have improved at least 3-4 wins over last season. Although it could be fewer because I am not sold on our secondary but I have high hopes Smith and Marinelli can quiet those fears quite quickly.
by Sam Householder on May 1, 2009 12:25 PM CDT reply actions
Can we please stop
with all the “Marinelli the savior” crap. Just because he had success with 1 team, doesn’t mean he will we the Bears. If you need some convincing, ask Brian Billick, Al Saunders, Marvin Lewis, Norv Turner, Wade Phillips, Mike Nolan, etc, etc, etc.
No one ever said he was a savior...
But it is common knowledge around the NFL that he is one of the best at what he does. I’m just talking about expectations being high. If you want to be Debbie Downer, then go ahead. But don’t attack me for having some optimism about some things that I think are good…
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Widely considered
one of the best D-line coaches in the NFL, and he’s had great success. There’s reason to believe he can at least marginally upgrade the pash-rush, especially since they added two guys in the draft who are extremely athletic and fast.
"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
Who's attacking?
I didn’t attack you. I asked if we could please stop annointing Marinelli as the savior to a bad defensive line. I’m sure he is the best Dline coach in the league. Why was the Lions Dline so shit last year if he’s so great? I think it’s stupid to assume that Marinelli will transform the d-line back to it’s old form. Will it happen? Maybe. But to assume it will just because the Bears brought in Marinelli is not wise. It’s easy to be considered the best Dline coach when you have the personnel (Rice, Sapp, etc.) he had.
Ugh.
Why was the Lions Dline so shit last year if he’s so great?
Surely, it could have nothing to do with the management fiasco, and the fact that the management got rid of it’s only Pro Bowl Dlineman… You really want to put that on Marinelli?
I think it’s stupid to assume that Marinelli will transform the d-line back to it’s old form. Will it happen? Maybe. But to assume it will just because the Bears brought in Marinelli is not wise.
I am not assuming he will. I am hoping he does. I am having high expectations from him. A bit of optimism. We had a terrible pass-rush last year. Marinelli is great at that. Why do you have a problem with me correlating the two?
It’s easy to be considered the best Dline coach when you have the personnel (Rice, Sapp, etc.) he had.
And you think Marinelli had nothing to do with their development? Sapp on a number of occasions has attributed not only his success, but the success of that Buc defense to Marinelli.
Look McRipper, I am in no way trying to put the cart before the horse, and I know that the last 20 years or so has bread a lot of negativity towards our franchise… I’m just saying that things are looking up and that we are putting the pieces in place. And my opinion is that Marinelli is one of those pieces.
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That's fine
I have no problem with what you said at all in your post. I’ve seen numerous posts about how Marinelli’s going to fix our Dline and all that crap and I really hope he does. I’m just a pessimist by nature, so I don’t feel that way at all. Until I can see first hand how much his coaching improves the Dline, which I will give about half the season to prove to me, I’m going to say that our Dline is still a concern, and that Marinelli’s coaching is not the missing piece.
not the first time...
especially in chicago. haven’t we all seen stellar OC/DC’s completely implode when given the head job??? now, if anybody on this post needs confirmation, i’ll be glad to add it when i get home (although GB is probably posting that stat as we speak). plus, it’s not like marinelli can actually hurt our Dline at all. PMA is the theme kids.
Marinelli had his hands so completely tied in Detroit
that it wasn’t even fair. He is a class act, and always took the blame, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who was the real prolem in Detroit (hint: it wasn’t Rod M.)
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word...
unless we’re talking about The Empire Strikes Back.
ZING!!
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions
plus, it’s not like marinelli can actually hurt our Dline at all
True, short of actually giving them short, sharp kicks in the ‘nads. Not that that’s necessarily good coaching or a motivational tool, mind.
he might make them lay down some new turf at Soldier Field
with a pickaxe and shovel.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions
The sad part...
is that Marinelli was never even a defensive coordinator. The Lions literally handed him the job directly from being a position coach. Who does that? Oh. The Lions. He’s back to what he should be doing and he should definitely take on a D coordinator position and have success with it before he is ever awarded a head coaching job again. It’s just common sense.
by uli on May 1, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions
The Lions literally handed him the job directly from being a position coach. Who does that?
Jim Zorn? Mike Smith? John Harbaugh? Raheem Morris? Tom Cable?
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on May 1, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Vinny Del Negro... oh wait he never coached
sorry. couldnt resist.
Go Bulls
Yes and No...
Both of those guys (Sapp, Rice) have publicly acknowledged the fact that Marinelli turned them from raw talent into perennial Pro Bowlers- those guys love him. And being able to coach a position and being a head coach in the NFL are two entirely different animals. You have to remember that Marinelli was never even a defensive coordinator- which was yet another bone headed move by Lions management. No one is disputing that he is, legitimately, a bad ass when it comes to the D line. The guy can chisel raw talent and has been doing it for years.
by uli on May 1, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Great logo!
I just bought a bumper sticker identical to the picture you posted.
"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
My biggest concern is still QB
Not because of Cutler, but if he should go down early in the season we are sitting there with two undrafted free agents. I would feel more comfortable if we signed a veteran for a backup. I can’t believe I’m saying this since I’ve been one of his strongest critics, but if he doesn’t end up anywhere else Grossman might not be a bad choice. He knows the system, he has playoff experience, and withouth the pressure of even thinking he might be the #1 guy maybe he’ll relax and play better if you need him for a 2 -3 game stretch. I’d rather have someone else but he wouldn’t be the worst option. Other than that, I agree with most of the other people here that I think the team is improved and should compete for the NFC crown. The only team that scares me if we met in the playoffs is Philly, only because we get bullied by them and teams like them. Lovie has no excuses this year, barring any really serious injury issues to Cutler.
I don't think Rex is finished in the NFL,
but surely as a Bear. And as far as Philly goes, since 2004:
2004: Loss 9-19
2007: Win 19-16
2008: Win 24-20
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You're probably right about Rex
I still think it’s our single biggest need going into camp though. I forgot we beat the Eagles last year, it just seems that Lovie’s teams get pushed around by physical opponents, but I bow to your information….the NFC is our!
R U Kidding
It is not about to happen w/rex!!!! He was destroyed by the fans. If he has an ounce of dignity and pride he will never come back. Chi fans wont accept him, and he probably wants to go somewhere that he rarely will have to come here to play. He would probably get boo’ed for holding a clip board for another team.
If you live in Chicago you are a bears fan, if you move from chicago you stay a bears fan, if you move to chicago you will be a bears fan.
Broncos release Young after signing or drafting four running backs
This might be a good pick-up for us. it would give us quite a stable. Forte,Jones,and Young.
If you live in Chicago you are a bears fan, if you move from chicago you stay a bears fan, if you move to chicago you will be a bears fan.
I'm not sold yet on anything other than
upgrading the QB.
we need to develop someone to spell forte. i’m not sold on pace being “the answer”…. I think he’ll maybe play 3 games before he gets hurt.
And unless Marinelli does turn the d-line around, I don’t see us pressuring the QB.
Just too many questions yet for me to call us anything close to favorites in the nfc.
Appreciate the skepticism...
but the Bears really have made some great moves this off season. You can’t fault them for being really pro active. Not that you were, but just in general. The Cardinals had the same record as the Bears last year and they came very close to winning it all- having optimism in the NFC for the Bear in 2009 is not unrealistic. It’s an open ball game as far as I’m concerned and the Bears have done more this off season than any othe team in the league.
Orlando Pace missed two games last year due to a sprained knee and allowed 2 sacks all year long. All his other major injuries came to his arms and shoulders, not his legs, which are the key to playing LT. He really should be fine and is going to be far more effective than St. Claire. There’s reason for real optimism there.
by uli on May 1, 2009 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Forte - Jones great one two punch
but now Wolfe has to step up to the plate as that 3rd down change of pace. So far he has not done so, but in his defense I don’t believe he has gotten enough opportunities to make his case. I live on the west coast and don’t see nearly enough Bear games, however every time I have seen Wolfe get his chance the O-Line screws the pooch. Give Wolfe his opportunities or get someone else.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
2009 season outlook
RB – Jones didn’t really do much as a compliment to Forte last year ( I think he averaged less than 3.5 yards per carry). So, I don’t really look for him to be a complimentary back, but really just a back up. I think the key to the Bears improving the running game is their continued upgrading of the offensive line. They’ve done a pretty good job of improving the tackle position, and Omiyale could improve one of the guard spots, but this is an on-going process. Last year, the Bears struggled at times to run the ball up the middle. Cedric Benson had the same problems when he was our feature back – due to a lack of a push up the middle.
WR – Angelo picked up some guys who should help to improve the passing game. Johnny Knox is sort of a wild card – but a very intriguing prospect who can fly. I think Iglesious is the most NFL ready. The addition of Jay Cutler (and some upgrades on the line) will also make the receivers who are on the field look significantly better.
FS – I think Craig Steltz is a good, young player, but the Bears already have a pretty decent strong safety in Kevin Payne. What the Bears really need is a free safety to play center field and help upgrade their pass defense. Mike Brown had the heart of a lion, but he just wasn’t able to excel as a free safety last year (due to his limited speed and range) – and this was one of the reasons why the Bears pass defense was at the bottom of the league (# 30).
CB – I am hopeful about the potential of DJ Moore. I look for him to push Nate Vasher and possibly win the starting job opposite Charles Tillman. This kid is a great ball-hawk with a 40 inch vertical. He will definately infuse the position with some youthful energy.
DE – I think the Bears did a great job of at least attempting to address this situation in the draft. I would like them to give both Gilbert and Melton a shot at getting signifigant playing time at end. Even if Gilbert gets a shot at some time at tackle, he could help to upgrade the pass rush. This is obviously a big key to their pass defence.
Jones - Knee Rehab
Most backs don’t do well the first year back from the type of knee injury Jones had. Hopefully he will do well this year. I would have liked to see the Bears pick-up some more competition at running back.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
you forgot
that we have 3 DE’s in their contract year and players play much much harder in their contract year.
If you want to crown em...
knee surgery
It takes 2 yrs to fully recover from a knee opJamal Lewis is a prime example,After a mediocre season after surgery he broke out for over 2000 yds.With a good full-back and a backup Forte should have a good season.
hope everyone's right about Jones
If his performance is anywhere similar to last year, ugh – but I don’t remember if he can pass block well. I also don’t have big expectations regarding Wolfe, but hope springs eternal. Let’s just say that he’s not this generation’s Dennis Gentry yet.
when you have the personnel (Rice,
If memory serves, Rice was a big disappointment before Marinelli took him under his wing – some of the things his detractors say about him is quite similar to what Buddy Ryan’s detractors claimed. Specifically, that his influence was overrated, it’s the players who make the coach, etc. But his scheme fit the ’85 team perfectly, and thay played more for him than Ditka in that season.
No sir.
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