Is This the Bears' Best Off Season Ever?
by Adam T on Jun 2, 2009 9:43 AM CDT
20 comments
In this article, the author says "I know it would be hard to argue with anybody objectively labeling this the best off-season in Bears history...". Let's try, if we can.
The Bears have addressed all major needs to various degrees. The biggest move of course is the trade for Jay Cutler. Bringing the Bears their first franchise quarterback in at least 25 years depending on your opinion of Jimmy Mac.
They have also used a fair amount of FA money to bolster the offensive line. The biggest signing is Orlando Pace. Angelo has also signed Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer as well. Omiyale looks to be in the starting line up, while Shaffer is battling 2nd year man Chris Williams.
They resigned Kevin Jones to backup Matt Forte. Jones now 2 years removed from his surgery should be ready to go and with the Bears looking to take some of the load off of Forte, will get more carries. They also signed Michael Gaines who is rumored and would be more useful if moved to fullback to help the run game.
The Bears did not make any significant moves during the off season to improve the receiving game. He did attempt to some level to aquire Anquan Boldin from the Cardinals, but his biggest move might have been his non moves, by not going after guys like TO, Ochocinco or Plaxico Burress. He did draft Juaquin Iglesias, a 2nd round prospect, in the 4th round of the draft. In the same draft the Bears brought in Derek Kinder and Johnny Knox.
On the defenisve their first pick in the draft went to Jarron Gilbert. They just recently brought in Pisa Tinoisamoa to likely start at strong side linebacker.
There is still some question in the secondary. Josh Bullocks and Glen Earl were brought in, but are not expected to be starters, but they do add depth. Bullocks is looking to back up Kevin Payne. Craig Steltz is battling CB transplant Corey Graham for the other safety spot.
The Bears made some real solid moves on the coaching staff. First, Coach Lovie Smith is taking over defensive play calling for Babich, who is not ready to handle that duty. Their self called biggest move in the offseason up until the Cutler deal was brining in Rod Marinelli to get our defensive line working. They also brought in Jon Hoke.
I know that you can't really judge all of this for a few years. We still don't know how Cutler will do or any of the rookies, but just based on what they attempted to do, is this the best Bears off season ever? Vote and leave your comments.
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Just curious why you used a Rams picture???
Also, we won’t know what kind of off-season it is until we see how this group plays. That said, I voted for it as the best, hoping it pans out the way all pray it will. I voted for it as better than the season where we drafted both Sayers and Butkus, even though they are my two favorite Bears of all time, because we never won anything after we had them on the team. Ultimately, it’s the won/loss record of the team that dictates success.
by BearFan611 on Jun 2, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Just wanted to get Pisa with Lovie
couldn’t find one with the Bears. Probably could have gone with something else though.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Jun 2, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
interesting to see how close the poll is...
and how it will turn out. the only problem is one is probably the best “on paper”, and the other is the better “on record”. and, is it just me? or do i smell a “win now” odor emulating from halas hall? not that i mind… i’d just love to stop hearing about how reagan was president the last time we won the bowl! unfortunately, living in ct, i’m a 6hr or less drive from some of the better teams in the league, so i desparately try to keep my pimp hand strong… which it’s definitely a daunting task! in no particular order, here is the list o’ crap i have to deal with on a daily basis:
giants
patriots
steelers
eagles
ravens
redskins
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.
by windycity72 on Jun 2, 2009 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ugh!
…Ravens, Redskins and Patriots on a daily basis.
Oh, it is definitely suspicious… when the Bears management and coaches decide it is on their shoulders and are feeling the heat, they go out and make all of these significant upgrades. Not a conspiracy theorist, but I do think that has something to do with some of the major moves this off-season.
- Smudgers
"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox
by smudgers on Jun 2, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
absolutly
hell, even if we didn’t sign anyone, coaches heads were going to roll if we don’t make the playoffs this year. I do like the signings, but I still hate our coaches. The signings will allow JA to pointt the finger at the coaches and allow him to keep his job(shit!) if we suck this year. I am still in favor of not making the playoffs just to get rid of lovie and turner. Let’s get some creativity on BOTH sides of the ball for once.
by stumpo on Jun 2, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only problem with that line of thinking is...
I don’t just think this is the best offseason the Bears have had, I think this would have to qualify as one of the best offseasons any team has had in recent memory. I don’t necessarily think that the moves were made in a win now conspiracy so much as the football gods smiled on us this offseason.
If you look at the moves we have made, none of them scream out “Desperation” with the exception of Lovie taking over the play calling duties. I think alot of it came about because of the fact that we traded for Cutler. After he was on board, we became a much more attractive team for other FA’s. I don’t think that we land Pace, Pisa, or Gaines without the Cutler Trade.
For once, we are a team that free agents want to play for, not a team that will have to overpay to get them to come here. Cutler gives us instant credibility that we have not had for a long time.
by sheepskinz1 on Jun 2, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just a thought here....
but, if you’re going to ask if this is the best off-season in franchise history, shouldn’t there be some other notable off-seasons listed to compare with?
A. 1965, as noted above, when they drafted Butkus and Sayers with the #3 and #4 picks in the draft.
B. 1925, when George Halas signed Red Grange a day after his last college game, and embarked on a 19 game tour which put the Chicago Bears and pro football on the map. Grange was the Babe Ruth of Pro Football.
C. 1983, when Jim Finks drafted Jimbo Covert, Willie Gualt, Mike Richardson, Dave Duerson , Tom Thayer , Richard Dent, and Mark Bortz.
"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)
.
by SackMan on Jun 2, 2009 10:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
One more...
D. 1982, when they hired Mike Ditka and drafted Jim McMahon with the #5 overall pick.
"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)
.
by SackMan on Jun 2, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i appreciate you opening up the history books...
i officially pick… C!!! however, wcg makes a good point about free agency… i honestly don’t know what metrics to use in that scenario…
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.
by windycity72 on Jun 2, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I appreciate it as well.
I never think about the 1925 off season, though It’s importance will obviously be felt as long as football is played.
by rdent4hof on Jun 2, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, I was hoping you guys could do that
thanks.
I didn’t have off the top of my head any other years. Also, all those ones mentioned are draft only, correct? They didn’t have free agency, so I don’t know how to equally and fairly match them up.
Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!
by Adam T on Jun 2, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Tough to say
That the Bears ever filled more needs in one offseason before. Solidifying the QB, shoring the O-line, getting quality RB depth, bringing in new coaches and competition at questionable positions (DB and D-Line). Filling in the weakest of the LB positions. It’s tough to say that this isn’t.
by GallopingGhost on Jun 2, 2009 11:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Definitely the most active
off-season in recent memory. I would be more than happy to say it is the best, but it is too early to tell. Got to see what the guys do. It feels like they have more energy now and that the winning spirit has gotten back into them.
Hope so, looking forward to the season!
by Fridge72 on Jun 2, 2009 11:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This is the most aggressive Chicago Bears off-season I can ever remember...
When is the last time the Bears made a significant trade or free agent signing? Adwaleye Ogunleye? Brian Cox? Erik Kramer? Then when when you throw in the O-line upgrades and the Pisa signing, the Bears had been totally out of character this off-season (which is a good thing). Cutler is probably the best QB the Bears have had since Kramer in ‘95-’96 or Jim McMahon on the ‘85 Super Bowl team. Other than that, the team has basically played a constant game of turn-over at the position for the past 40 years, or so. From Bob Avellini and Steve Fuller to Mike Tomzak and Cade McNown, it’s basically been like changing one “band-aid” after another.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Chicago_Bears_starting_quarterbacks
Cutler needs to improve his TD/INT ratio a little bit, but the coaches and scouts say that he has all of the tools to be the best (or at least a top 5) QB in the league. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how everything comes together in September…
by JimmyMack on Jun 2, 2009 11:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
'83 and '09
It’s pretty much a toss up between these two years, but as stated by Sack, in ‘83 they drafted the nucleus for the SB year; it’s yet to be determined if Sizzle and co. can take the Bears back to football’s promise land. One thing is for sure, it has been the most exciting offseason in my memory.
"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
"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu
by propheteer on Jun 2, 2009 12:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No gray options?
Yes, without question
No, they can never beat drafting Sayers and Butkus the same year
HaHa, I voted yes. 100% because this is the best I’ve seen. I’m in my early thirties, therefore this off season is (hopefully) going to be the one I talk about to my kids and (God willing) grand kids.
Pace, loved it. Always have I respected his ability (still do) and a future HOF member in my opinion. Shaffer, loved it. We essentially traded John St. Clair to Cleveland for a younger, better, more versatile OT. K. Jones, loved it. Has big upside, knows the system, insures less ware and tear on Forte, is willing to contribute on ST ( for a former first rounder with previous success, that is RARE), good receiver, and blocker. Omiyale, liked it. Versatile O-lineman are a must have in The NFL. Earl and Bullocks, liked’em. Not crazy about these guys, but both have the ability to be successful and considering the Safety FA market this year (with Bears needs), the deals make sense. And Cutler.
Draft Picks: Gilbert, Iglesias, Knox, Freeman, and Moore, loved, (3 to 4) of these guys could be starting, in the next two years). Melton, liked with BIG upside. Kinder, Afalava, and Louis, who knows? not me.
Honestly, with every Bears season I’ve witnessed in mind. Best off season ever!
by rdent4hof on Jun 2, 2009 12:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Jury's still out.
Sayers and Butkas rank as two of the greatest Bears ever, but no Championships.
Ask me in January if this is was the greatest off season ever.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
by phastphil on Jun 2, 2009 12:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't alive to see the other "great" offseasons
So I’m staying true to the one I was alive to see.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Jun 2, 2009 12:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
YES YES YES best offseason in my memory
they have 4 new offensive lineman, i count Chris Williams too, who are versatile and all can play left tackle, the most important position on the team because they protect the blind side of the quarteback, Jay Cutler, who is also new. This coming from a running and defense, special teams minded team. And they picked up what Mel Kiper Jr. calls the biggest steal of the draft, versatile defensive lineman, Jarron Gilbert. I am now hearing that DJ Moore was also a steal, for he is a top 5 cornerback in college football, who also plays nickel!
lets look back at our previous offseason moves in memory….Adam Archuleta, Darwin Walker, Moose Muhammad, #1 pick Cedric Benson, #1 pick Rex Grossman…..I have to look all the way back to the Ogunleye Booker trade for any kind of offseason moves worth mentioning because the rest of them were clowns, like Cade McClown
The Ghost of Ron Rivera haunts the Windy City...
by Oso Monstar of Midway on Jun 2, 2009 3:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not even close!
This flurry may be “D” or "E’.
Top Ten for sure, maybe Top Five, …..but “Best” ??
No way! Not even close!
by pete banachi on Jun 2, 2009 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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