The 10 Most Important Bears in 2009 - #6
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 14, 2009 11:00 AM CDT
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In this ongoing series, I'll look at which Bears I think will need to contribute the most in 2009 for them to have a successful season. Some things I thought about when compiling this list were: what potential impact they may have, how much the team will look to the individual for guidance or leadership, how badly the team would suffer if they lost the player to injury, and other intangible attributes. Hopefully this series will spark some good off-season Bears discussion!
#6 Lovie Smith - Defensive Coordinator
Notice I'm putting the onus on his new coordinator duties. I'll give Lovie credit for realizing his buddy Bob Babich was in over his head, he just should have caught on before all 16 games were played last year. By calling the defensive plays Lovie Smith is putting himself on the chopping block. If the Bears can't get their defense back to a top unit, the blame will fall squarely on him.
Lovie will no doubt expect his defense to be able to play their Cover 2, as it is their defensive identity, and leave the blitz happy days behind. One thing he'll need to identify is exactly how much the league has caught up to what the Bears do. Will he add some wrinkles to the D? Will he be able to think outside the Cover 2 box? Will they be able to disguise some of their base sets in creative ways? Some experts say the days of using the Tampa 2/Cover 2 as a base defense is over. I feel if you have the right personnel (as the Bears do) and aren't too stubborn to tweak things up a bit, you can still run the D effectively.
As I said with #8 on my list, Rod Marinelli, the coaches can only do so much, the players have to make plays, but with Lovie putting himself so far out there he needed to be on this list. (Just not in the top 5)
Bottom line is if the Bears defense fails, Lovie, and only Lovie will held accountable in the court of public opinion.
The List so far:
#10 - Nathan Vasher - Cornerback
#9 - Kevin Payne - Strong Safety
#8 - Rod Marinelli - Defensive Line Coach
#7 - Devin Hester - Wide Receiver / Return Specialist
#6 - Lovie Smith - Defensive Coordinator
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I love Lovie
But I agree that he is putting himself on the chopping block if our Cover 2 fails again.
However, if he turns things around, he will be our coach for at least 2-3 more years.
I think we pretty much know what we're getting in Lovie Smith...
He’s mild mannered, he’s a disciple of Tony Dungy and the “Cover Two,” and he’s reportedly one of the highest payed coaches in the NFL (you may not have known that).
I’d be interested in seeing who we think the top 10 key players are – heading into the 2009 season. Lovie’s brilliant play-calling and motivational tactics not withstanding, the players are going to decide how far the team goes this year…
I like Lovie too.
He’s managed our team to the playoffs twice in five years, and has a healthy 45-35 record. Do I wish he were a little more vocal? Of course, but that’s just not who he is. Being the Assistant Head Coach, maybe Rod can be that in your face personality and provide a little edginess that I believe some of our players need.
My guess on the top five…
5 – Bennett (needs to take some of the pressure off Hester).
4 – Pace (needs to be able to protect the backside of our franchise).
3 – Graham (needs to be able to convert to the biggest weakness on our D).
2 – Cutler (needs to be able to step in, learn the offense and not throw critical INT’s).
1 – Tommie (needs to figure out where the old Tommie went and provide QB pressure).
- 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
I like your top 5
and the reasoning…
Thursday at 11am we’ll see my #5… here’s a tease… it’s not Bennett!
I’d love to see everyone list their top 10 at some point and I’ d compile a cumulative list
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 14, 2009 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
as long as...
it isnt davis lol
Bring back our honey bears...sick and tired of hearing about the dallas cowboy cheerleaders and the bars they go work at when they quit. cold weather + cheerleaders in skimpy outfits = lots of fun
Is that an offer for this thread or will there be a separate post for it?
Ten most important isn’t the same as Ten who need to step it up.
1. Jay Cutler would have to be first on my list. I’m still not very high on him (though I think he’s worlds better than Matt Cassel, but that’s damning him with faint praise.
2. Hester has to be a competent receiver who puts up at least high #2 stats. He can’t be a more productive Rashied Davis with more yards on PIs than actual catches.
3. Earl Bennett needs to do something.
4. Tommie Harris needs to get back to being an all-world player.
5. Kevin Payne needs to not suck.
6. Corey Graham needs to not suck.
7. Lovie Smith needs to not be Bob Babich. The Bears gave up 350 points last year. They gave up 168 in 15 games in 2005. If they can find a happy medium in there, like 275 points, then they’ll be a certain contender. Lovie has to make sure they’re in that area.
8. Rod Marinelli – See #7. His area of the defense needs to be especially better.
9. Mark Anderson – He’s still on the team, right?
10. I expect to see at least one pro-bowl appearance from the Linebacking monster known as Brilance Briggslacher. If not two. Or three.
Is Clint Hurdle fired yet? YES
Is John Paxson fired yet?
Is Ralph Friedgen fired yet?
Is Vinny Del Negro fired yet?
Is Dan O' Dowd fired yet?
Is Jerry Angelo fired yet?
Nice!
a top 10 that needs to STEP IT UP!
good feedback!
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 14, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
I’m with you ES46NE10 – we had same train of thought. If it were most important, Briggs and Forte would have to be included. But I view this list from this perspective:
In this ongoing series, I’ll look at which Bears I think will need to contribute the most in 2009 for them to have a successful season.
To me that says, STEP IT UP!
- 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 David Taylor on Jul 14, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks Wilt - you're such a tease!.
I didn’t figure I’d hit your top 5, but I figured I’d try a run at it.
- 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 David Taylor on Jul 14, 2009 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions
only 1 DLineman?
If the D Line steps up our Defense can revert to 2005-06.
Harrison, Tommie Harris both have to be in the top 5.
If you want to crown em...
by JohnnyTruant on Jul 14, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Those 5 are definately going to be big keys to how far the team goes this year
The free safety position (hopefully they name Graham the starter) and Tommy Harris are the keys on D – assuming Nate Vasher can stay healthy and revert to form. I would almost throw Chris Williams in the mix because I think you basically know what you’re getting in Orlando Pace and Jay Cutler.
Corners v. Safeties
A big question I have is what will Lovie do if the safeties continue to not cover anyone. We all hope Corey Graham will step up, but who knows. It’s possible we could wind up with a bunch of good corners (Tillman, Vasher, Manning, Bowman, Moore) and not so good safeties. If that’s the case, will Lovie try and use nickel/dime packages to try and get more corners on the field? That will be interesting.
It is attractive to put Tommie H at #1, because when he can play to potential it adds huge value to the defensive effort. On the other hand, tackle was not a huge weakness last year, and overall the Bears look fairly deep at the position. Truth be told it is the defensive end position that really has been hurting. Alex Brown has made some nice plays, but that’s it. Very little production from a marquee position. Yet nobody even has a DE on the top 10 list.
Guys, come on! You have to have more faith in the system! You think you’ve got problems? HA! I’m still trying to figure out the plan for the cowboys. Your plan appears to be better. I say that there are not 10 important bears players, there is an entire team full of important players and if everyone does their part and steps up then things will be great. I didn’t realize that alot of you didn’t want Lovie as the coach. I’m shocked because I actually like him and think that he’s good. Now, if Jay should throw some critical INT’s, who cares, let it ride because the ride will be worth it. There’s a big deal in the media about it, but they seem to forget that he is still learning and that he had those picks because he had no run game and no defense. He was forced to throw all the time. franchise qbs can be fun and stressful all at the same time. Remember, you showed how much you wanted him there and he wants to be there so let the bumps pass and enjoy the show. Too much emphasis is made on an early record, but alot of qbs have been shaky at the beginning and ended with a bang! You’re not the only team that shopping with the broncos-we have every intention of winning the Shanahan sweepstakes. Why should everyone else be deprived of what they need-if they don’t think that it’s any good, somebody else does!
Needagoodtime!
You really changed gears right there:
I didn’t realize that alot of you didn’t want Lovie as the coach. I’m shocked because I actually like him and think that he’s good. Now, if Jay should throw some critical INT’s, who cares, let it ride because the ride will be worth it.
But yes, Lovie isn’t the most popular feller round these parts, but some folks like him. Certainly though, and I only bring it up because you mentioned it, not nearly as bad as that circus show Wade Phillips y’all have down there.
LSU Tigers Baseball... NCAA National Champions- 2009.
I couldn’t agree more. Why do you think we’re willing to pay Shanahan whatever he wants. He has a new playground to play in. We are basically buying time until he arrives and we estimate it will take 10-15 million a year for his services. I’ve had franchise qbs to throw end zone interceptions and contrary to what some may believe is not the end of the world. Honestly, I don’t know anyone who uses the term “feller” but it was funny.
Needagoodtime!
by Loveforjoy! on Jul 14, 2009 11:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Couple of thoughts...
One, if Shanahan does come to Dallas, it won’t be for 10-15mil/ year. Pat Bowlen is still on the hook for around 21mil (3 years remained when Shanny got canned)… so if the Cowboys wanted to pay Shanahan 4mil/ year, he’d still get the difference (3mil) from Denver.
Two, your comment about franchise QBs throwing INTs… is that another abrupt gear change? I’m only beginning my first cup of coffee, but I’m having a hard time following your train of thought there.
Third, I use the word “feller”… It is common nomenclature where I am from.
LSU Tigers Baseball... NCAA National Champions- 2009.
What about the wonder kid?
Jason Garrett?
Isn’t he the head coach in waiting?
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 15, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
It vertainly appeared that way,
until the Cowboys allowed him to talk to the Lions. So Jones either knew that there was no way Garrett would actually go to Detroit, or he has changed his stance on Garrett’s future.
LSU Tigers Baseball... NCAA National Champions- 2009.
I’m having a hard time following your train of thought there.
To be honest, I have that problem with all of Loveforjoy!‘s comments. They’re seemingly written on happy pills. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing, you understand, but…..
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
yoyoyoyoyo mon
"Some people wish it would happen, some people want it to happen, and some people make it happen." ~ Michael Jordan 23
My Top 10
no coaches. I agree they are important, but I thought it would be more “pure” to just list players.
10 — Nate Vasher
9 — Kevin Payne
8 — Chris Williams
7 — Tommie Harris
6 — Kevin Jones
5 — Earl Bennett
4 — Walle Ogunleye
3 — Devin Hester
2 — Corey Graham
1 — Jay Cutler
Here is my logic: I believe that the guys who should rank highest are players who 1) have some question mark around how they will perform this year and 2) have no solid backup available if they play poorly. That’s where the team really gets hurt — where it absolutely needs a guy to play well, and he doesn’t, or gets hurt. (For example, it would be great if Urlacher had a Pro Bowl year, but if he is injured or absolutely stinks we have other fine LB’s available).
Many of the guys on my list have little or no track record at their position with the Bears, and have questionable backups. These are the guys who will make or break the season, in my view.
Re: Graham
While I really hope Graham can transition to FS, he hasn’t wowed anyone yet… the stuff I read about him claims he’s picking up stuff pretty slow… hopefully he’s reading his playbook as much as possible and once camp opens he makes big strides…
as it stands now Steltz is atop the depth chart…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 14, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
That’s why I view him as critical. He is a fine athlete who has shown he can cover and work effectively in the secondary. If he can make the leap to FS and give a “B” performance, it will be a huge boost to the team. If not, we’re in the soup. I have nothing against Steltz — seems like he’d make a good SS. But I shudder at thinking about him trying to chase down Adrian Peterson, Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin when we play the Vikes.
That's is a scary thought
I don’t think anyone is comfortable with Stelts being annointed the FS job.
But I shudder at thinking about him trying to chase down Adrian Peterson, Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin when we play the Vikes.
There ain’t no trying to catch those guys. Once they have you leaning the other way it’s over.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
I think you did a great job on your description of Lovie, but I feel he is the most important this season.
My Top Ten is:
1. Lovie Smith – If our defense doesn’t step up this year, I think everything else is a non-issue. I would also include his duties as HC, though, because he has made some bad decisions in his staff choices and, in my opinion, he also needs to make this team more “tough minded” to reach the ultimate goal. Teams take on the personality of their head man, so it falls on him.
2. Tommie Harris – As one of the highest paid Bears and DT’s in the NFL, he needs to return to form as an impact player or he’s taking up a lot of cap space for an “average” player. He needs to set the tone on every play to help lead the defense back to respectibility.
3. Jay Cutler – I only rank him this high because of the expectations that the entire fanbase has for him and anything short of a “very good” performance will be viewed as a failure. That could affect the entire personality of the team.
4. Chris Williams – It seems like everyone is assuming that he is going to step in and be a solid pro, yet we don’t really know what he can do. If he is a bust, there is a huge hole in the O Line and everything starts there.
5. Matt Forte – He needs to match or exceed his rookie season. If he has a sophomore jinx situation, an area that is viewed as a strength going into the season, becomes a huge concern and puts more pressure on the QB and defense.
6. Wide Receiver – I know it’s a bit of a copout, but it doesn’t really matter who it is. One of these guys has to become a legitimate threat. We need someone that defenses are afraid of, in order to open up the running game and keep the offense on the field.
7. Nathan Vaser – Another guy who has to return to his former self. The Cover -2 needs both sides of the field locked down so the LB’s and Safeties can stay home and complete their assignments.
8. Devin Hester – He’s being paid as starting WR and he needs to prove that he can handle that, along with being more effective in the return game. I’m not even saying he has to do what he did his first 2 years as a KR/PR, but he has to do better than he did last season to give the Bears the field position they want. He isn’t scary at all anymore, if he plays like he did in ‘08.
9. Brian Urlacher – He is the face of the franchise and a return to glory for him sets the stage for the entire organization, not just the defense. Unlike some, I don’t think he had a terrible season in 2008 but, like Hester, we need him to be scary again.
10. Steltz/Graham – Whomever is going to be back there with Payne has to do the job and give the D-line time to get to the QB
awesome list!
I like your reasoning for those picks… these lists are so subjective, but they are fun to do
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 14, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Like the list too
but I don’t think Lovie is as important than the players on the field. He’s done it before, so I’m sure he has a very good idea on how he’s going to call games. Ultimately, it’s up to the players to make plays.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
Normally, I would agree with you about players vs. coaches
but I think Lovie and his staff have under achieved ever since the SB. True, some players have let him down, but he’s also been slow to make changes or hold those particular athletes accountable. It’s my belief that if we miss the playoffs again, he has to go. If we do well and go deep into January, he deserves another chance.
I agree
he should be gone if they don’t earn a playoff berth.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
No D Ends??
Most of your reasoning is sound, but how can you not have a defensive end on the list. For the vast majority of teams the sack leader is a d end. Why do so many Bears fans seem to think the rush should come from the tackles? The lack of pass rush points back to the ends much more than the tackles.
Umm...
there are 5 spots left. I think we’ll see at least one (Ogunleye) DE on the list, and possibly a second as well (Brown or Anderson).
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
I think...
he was talking about BearFan61’s list…
he had no DE’s in his top 10
as for my top 10… patience!
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 15, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, my bad!
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill
I understand your point,
but I think the ends we have have been pretty consistent over the last few years. Anderson being the exception after his rookie season. I’ve always been of the belief that pressure, especially up the middle, is more important than an actual sack number. We have not had that inside pressure for awhile and if we can improve in that area, the DE’s will take care of themselves, in my opinion.
Every player is on the list! They all have to play their part to get team results. I haven’t attended one championship parade that centered around a couple of players. Heck, even the coaches attended. For the time being, I will have to hold these 5 titles close until Mike Shanahan arrives to give me a 6th one. Darn those Steelers for breaking the tie!
P.S. I was wondering if the Bears organization has their super bowl rings on display at their headquarters (we actually do in Dallas) and if so can you go in and see them? I invite all of you to come by Valley Ranch , if you should make it to Dallas, and go on a tour of our headquarters and the new stadium. Do the Bears have daily tours and if so is it year round?
Needagoodtime!
Just a general comment after reading everything.
Anyone remember how frustrated they were, when we couldn’t beat the packers? For YEARS and Freakin’ YEARS they had our number. Now is that the case anymore (with Lovie)? Beating the packers consistently goes a long way with me.
Some of you may not find this as important as I do.
I will always love
the way Lovie stated his three goals when he was first hired, then set about achieving them (or at least 2/3 of them).
That includes turning the tide against the The Re-Un-Re-retired One and the Cheese-slurpers.
Then winning the division.
Then, at least GETTING us to the SB.
I would love to see that sort of “I’ve put my mind to these stated objectives” type committment and success with him calling the defense this year…
On the other hand, I do get riled at Lovie’s perpetual non-plussedness, his stubborness, and all the lack of in-game adjustments.
About Rivera—love the guy. Loved what he did for the D, and I always felt like the players played FOR him.
But I have to wonder—does anybody else wonder—what is/was about Rivera exactly that PREVENTED HIM FROM BEING HIRED AS A HEAD COACH?
I remember him doing multiple interviews (forget where exactly?), yet no one signed him on as a H.C., so he basically just made a lateral move to SD.
It sort of begs the question about Rivera, doesn’t it? (Especially in this day and age where you’d think—all other things being equal—a Latino coach might be considered a great PR move by a team)
So WHY NOT? Ideas? Insights?
I've thought the same thing about Rivera.
I still wouldn’t mind seeing him become the HC of the Bears if Lovie blows it this season.
Also, just a small point on one of your comments. Rivera actually took a step backward after being let go by the Bears. His first assignment with the Chargers was as Linebackers Coach. He didn’t take over as DC until later.
Riveria
I think all his experience will make him better in the long run… he played in the 46 D, then the blitz happy Eagles D, then the Cover 2 Lovie D, and now he’s in the 3-4 Charger D…
I think I remember reading somewhere that he wasn’t a overwhelming interview
some day he’ll get his chance…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 15, 2009 11:57 AM CDT reply actions
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