Jerry the Professor

by Dane Noble on Jul 2, 2009 10:55 AM CDT

Propheteer is stepping back from his normal "Jerry the Professor" piece, as his summer schedule is taking up a lot of his time. Thanks for your contributions propheteer!

Jerry Angelo was possibly one of the most criticized names last season, as he was building a reputation for being soft on his coaches, keeping the checkbook in his pocket when free agents were available, and never doing anything in the offseason to put together significant trades.

Then, 2009 happened. And best I can figure, it was one of two things:

1- Angelo was on the "hot seat" with his bosses, and realized that he needed to make something happen fast to save his job, or

2- Angelo was able to convince his bosses to let him work, untie his hands, and make some big moves.

Personally, I think it may have been a combination. Angelo might have been getting pressured by his bosses to improve the team, but he had to convince them to allow him to empty the chamber and make big things happen.

However it went down, Angelo definitely came out on this end looking like a stud, with everyone singing his praises for all of this offseason's moves. Since April, Jerry has been in the public eye way more than his previous years with the team, and has provided some good insight as to what he thinks about the team.

This series began in March, two weeks before the Cutler trade. It is very interesting to read the progression of his interviews with Larry Mayer. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7.

And in the latest installment, Angelo discusses the OLine, Chris Williams specifically, the coaching changes, and Devin Hester. Excerpt:

I’m very confident (in Chris Williams). Chris was a very good player coming out of Vanderbilt. He was one of the better tackles I’ve seen. He has everything you look for at the position: size, athleticism, intelligence, work ethic and strength. He possesses all the components to be a very good tackle in this league.

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Yep, I once thought Angelo had directedly inherited Pap Bear’s “nickel like manhole covers” philosphy, and he had a number of other looming blunders that are too numerous to enumerate…

So, yes, I know MY general feelings toward JA changed dramatically this off-season…(however, ask me again in December…) :-)

I think you’re right about the impetus for the sudden action, too. That “hot seat” burned his as$ enough to spur him to action, one way or another…and then the opportunity presented itself, and viola!—(and there was much rejoicing).

Self-preservation is a helluva motivator, eh?

I LOVE the interview pieces, too, and so glad to know they’ll carry through during the regular season…a great way to pick up meaningful tidbits and insights….

by Amishbear on Jul 2, 2009 1:21 PM CDT reply actions

Great jorb!

I liked how you implemented the previous chats on here. Reading his recent answers gives me more confidence in Williams making the transition, and the defensive coaching changes.

"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer

by propheteer on Jul 2, 2009 1:27 PM CDT reply actions

Thanks.

I’m really excited too about the prospect of Williams being healthy. He’s had a year to learn the system (albeit, he was probably learning the left side until about 3 months ago), and a year to strengthen his back.

For Williams, I don’t think there is any middle-ground for him. He is either going to be a total bust, or a Pro Bowl caliber player (and I predict the latter).

LSU Tigers Baseball... NCAA National Champions- 2009.

by Dane Noble on Jul 2, 2009 1:35 PM CDT reply actions

Nice read there Gbear

At least your guys’ GM wasn’t affraid to go out and try something drastic to save his own skin. If the unmentionable 1 would of tryed something like that maybe he wouldn’t be back commentating on TV.

by davis0169 on Jul 2, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions

You wouldn't be referring to this guy would ya davis?

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 2, 2009 11:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Since he’s considered a finesse pass blocker, if he learns to maul on the right hand side it’ll make him a more rounded player for when he moves back to the left. He’ll be a beast! (We hope.)

"They tried to take out the quarterback, and if they managed that, they tried to take out the backup." - Bears SB20 TE Emery Moorehead, on the mentality of *that* defense

by Spongie on Jul 2, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions