Can the Bears "fix-it" quick?
by Kev H on Feb 18, 2010 1:15 PM CST
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The Miami Dolphins went 1-15 in 2007. In 2008, they improved by 10 wins to 11-5 and went to the playoffs. The New Orleans Saints in 2008 were 8-8, and finished last in the South. In 2009 they marched through the NFC and took the Colts down to become Super Bowl Champions.
The quick turnaround is entirely possible in the NFL. The salary cap and the CBA have long contributed to parity across the league that most professional sports don't see.
Sean Jensen wrote over at the Sun-Times last week about this very subject. It got me thinking, do the Bears have the tools and options to pull this off? Sean seems to think so, and he's got the opinions of Ron Jaworski and Greg Cosell (exec. producer of "NFL Matchup") to agree with him.
Definitely read this full article, as it's long, and a pretty good read. (It echoes a lot of points we've bounced around the threads here.) Let's take a look at some of their ideas, and we can see whether their glasses are rosier than ours.
Though they don't have picks in the first two rounds of the NFL draft, the Bears have reason to be optimistic based on their finish to the 2009 season and their premium personnel, particularly the expected return of Pro Bowl middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.
I'd say it's definitely not unreasonable to feel this way. We have debated here ad nauseam the young, raw talent on the Bears roster, and whether it can be developed quickly and ably into pro bowl-caliber weaponry. The Bears also have a defensive squad that, when healthy, can usually be at least a top 16 defense, if not something much more special.
It's no secret that quarterback continues to be the most scrutinized position on the field, not only for the Chicago Bears, but for all 32 teams of the NFL. A lot was made of Martz and Cutler coming together, expecially after Martz' NFL Network comments about Jay.
The new system is going to be the ultimate test that Jay Cutler will face. More of the offense will fall on his shoulders (or more accurately, his arm) than ever before. A lot has been said about his mechanics, especially since mechanics and decision-making are the things that seem to have led to his high interception count. But says Jaws:
Jaworski noted that two-time MVP Kurt Warner had ''sloppy mechanics'' before working with Martz with the St. Louis Rams. ''He was an Arena guy, but he became a rock-solid NFL passer,'' Jaworski said. ''Quick. Accurate. Read defenses properly. And Jay has more God-given talent than Kurt Warner.'' Jay definitely has that. Big arm, possibly bigger ego, though? Cutler knows he can throw it, and he's got that mentality that can scare us. The whole "I can put it anywhere, anytime" is great, but can get you into a lot of trouble. That said, it's no truth that quarterbacks have good years with Martz, and if they can work together and get in a good tandem, big, big things can happen. Particularly for Jay, the Five on the Line, and the Ones Lined Up Wide. There's a good group of young guys at the wide receiver position, and Martz seems to be excited to use Hester in the way that nearly every Bears fan has asked him to be used. The SLOT! The offensive line is the big concern. While Williams seems to have settled in a bit in the LT slot (which took long enough), it remains to be seen if he can keep that kind of performance going for a full season. There's a lot of question at the guard position, and RT. Kreutz will be the center, still, and hopefully the energy of Mike Tice can invigorate him. The X-factor, though, will be how well the assistants -- especially new offensive line coach Mike Tice -- will prepare their players. The Bears certainly won't lack creativity, Jaworski said. ''Martz has every protection imaginable.'' That he does. I think it's going to be exciting to see Tice work his group into a unit that can run those protections. So much of that pressure is going to fall on Chris Williams, protecting Jay's blind side. While Jay's quick on his feet, the classic aspects of Martz's scheme are likely to get Cutler crushed without competent blocking. Good Defense puts the ball in the Offense's hands a lot. Being realistic about everything, the Bears are likely not going to return to the level of defensive play they showed in '05 and '06. They're facing some pretty big expectations in the secondary, and there's not much to the defensive line. In a scheme that's predicated on both of those performing well so the linebackers can play out of their minds, we should probably worry a bit. That being said, this team actually can prevent the big play. If the secondary coverage improves a little more, it can buy the line some extra time to get to the QB. If the Line gets better, it helps the secondary make plays on the ball. Win-win, right? Marinelli was supposed to be the key to fixing that, but the effect was minimal on the '09 team. Shifting him to defensive coordinator seems as if it will take away from his ability to focus on working with this group, but we shall see. Tommie Harris started to look promising again, but there wasn't much in the team to make me feel like we really had something going. But he added that the Bears might consider limiting the snaps of Mark Anderson, who had 12 sacks as a rookie but just 9 ½ in the three seasons since. ''I think Anderson is a one-trick-pony kind of player,'' Cosell said. ''He can work as a pass rusher. But the more you have to play him, the less productive he'll be.'' I think this is something a lot of us saw when they tried to make him a starter--he couldn't hack it as an every down end. As a pure pass rusher, though, he's still got some skill. Hopefully this is something that can be addressed, either through FA or whichever, to be able to bring him to that role as a pass rushing specialist. Coaching Have at it, folks.
But it comes down to the Other 10 on offense.
This receiving group could develop into something great. They don't have to be superstars, but if they're hot, Martz will call for Cutler to try to put it in their hands.
So it stands to reason, average defense should put the ball in the offense's hands enough to do something.
This is the one nagging thing for me about this Chicago Bears team, and the reason I have to temper my expectations. They don't mention it much in the article, but this team's coaching staff is...uhm...politely...unique. It's loaded with experience at the major positions. (Even though Marinelli doesn't have DC experience, he's got enough league experience and defensive experience to be considered, well, "experienced.") The problem is, will it gel?
I personally believe that everyone on this staff's job is still in jeopardy. I think anything less than a Conference Championship or a Super Bowl bid, and they could still be shown the door, especially if someone like a Cowher continues to express some kind of interest.
It's just such a motley group of buddies, that I worry that if it doesn't go well, it's going to go really bad. Like, 5-11 or worse.
In closing--it's definitely possible. There's enough pieces and knowledge here for it be put together. Can it be? That remains to be seen. We should know more as we see who our draft picks are, and if we do make a big free agent move. While a lot of us don't think the big FA deal is likely, most of us didn't think the Cutler trade was possible, either.
Regardless, I'm going to stir the pot right now and make my way too early prediction now: 11-5, Division Champs, first round playoff loss.
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build it
If you create a dominant OL. ie. the Super bowl champs, it will negate even the best D. That should be our top priorty. It all begins with the O line. That said , yes, we can turn it around in one year.
by Bob Manganiello on Feb 18, 2010 1:32 PM CST reply actions
i agree with you, but there is no quick fix on the o-line, we have to hope that our coaches can coach up the players we have, because we keep throwing our draft picks away, and there arent many lineman better than the ones we have in free agency
by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Feb 18, 2010 6:23 PM CST up reply actions
With some .....
…… free agent moves and some good draft moves I could see us making a quick rebound . As long as we fix the trenches we’ll be fine . We’ve got talent at the skill positions on offense and if our D-line can provide pressure our secondary will look and play much better . Depending on a certain Viking players retirement decision either we’ll go 10-6 and be a wild card and lose in the second round of the playoffs ( if he comes back ) or we’ll go 11-5 and I say make it to the divisional round before we lose . Gotta think positive !
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 18, 2010 1:40 PM CST reply actions
With some free agent moves and some good draft moves I could see us making a quick rebound
Both are likely to be particularly problematic this offseason, so I’m going with no.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
No.
"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)
.
I prefer my Tommy Lee Jones
from The Fugitive. Or possibly Batman Forever.
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
Like this?
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
is it his arm or...
“More of the offense will fall on his shoulders (or more accurately, his arm) than ever before.”
Even more accurately, his brain. He has the physical tools but can Martz and Cutler sharpen up his mental approach to the game, that is the question. Needs to happen.
"I am not an animal!" - Merrick
I'm going to lie to myself and everyone hear and say
Yes. Just to make myself feel better about this season.
You're drinking my kool-aid.
Excellent, excellent. Not to confused with being on my kool-aid. Then I’d be angry.
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
I don't have a problem with you predicting the Bears to go 11-5
but I think that the Packers will do better than that and win the division
If by fix it,
you mean winning record. Yes. If you mean playoffs, Yes. Winning the NFC North only takes 9-10 victories more times than not. The Vikings won’t repeat their success from this past season with or without you know who. The Packers, ehh. I won’t even mention the other team by name. The central is always anyone’s guess. This being said, I’ll buy 11-5 for the Bears.
+1
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 21, 2010 2:34 PM CST up reply actions
pass rusher --> "fix it" possible
The only way to “fix it” is to improve our D.
We need a legit pass-rusher to return to being an above average D. We do not have a reliable pass-rusher on our team (that’s right, Tommie Harris’ career average of 4 sacks per season does not qualify [even with all 2.5 sacks from 2009]).
Add a pass rusher —> playoffs.
Count on Mark Anderson and Henry Milton to provide our pass rush —> another year sitting at home waiting for the Packers and the Vikings to get knocked-out of the playoffs.
I'd prefer a dominant 3-technique guy,
but I reckon the system depends on it all.
3-technique guy disrupts, pass-rushers apply pressure and force a quick throw, cornerbacks keep it in front, and safeties swarm the ball. Ahhh, 2006 seems so long ago.
A good argument can be made that getting a dominating DT
would be more effective in making the Bears a dominating defense again than a DE like Peppers or a healthy/resurgeny Kampman.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 18, 2010 5:25 PM CST up reply actions
Especially if our LBs can be as fast as they seem like they could be.
Btw, resurgeny?… I like your style.
my brain is a pretty good speller but my fingers stink at it
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 19, 2010 2:55 PM CST up reply actions
+1...
I’ve been pushing for Wilfork all offseason. I believe he could help resurrect the Bear’s D for about 2-3 years by himself.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
or Seymour but neither will happen ... oh well
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 23, 2010 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
+2
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 21, 2010 2:35 PM CST up reply actions
as long as we get pressure
I think the key is to get pressure 1 way or the other.
Pressure/disruption from a DT is definitely nice. Though I think disruptive DTs are much harder to find than DEs that can get to the QB. I’m hoping that J. Gilbert can be that guy, but as long as we hold on to Harris, Gilbert will never get the chance. I’ve always been impressed by Idonjie when will give him a chance.
One way or another, we need to acquire a D-lineman that can pressure the QB.
Just you wait: Gilbert with line up in a two-point stance – unnerving the C/Gs facing him – and them jump over them when the ball’s snapped, just like he’s jumping out of a pool. Opposing QBs are going to have to use the shotgun almost exclusively when facing him, to avoid “death from above”.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
Er, Gilbert will, even.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
So that's
Jarron “Apocolypse Now” Gilbert? Nice! Maybe that could stick.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson
"More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
Not with Lovie running the defense...
If Lovie had let a competent DC come in and set up their own defensive scheme and not simply appoint a lackey to execute his rigid, trite, and ineffective excuse for a defense, then it may have worked. I see the Bears winning a few games they shouldn’t because of the Martz/Cutler offense, but losing more than they should because of a defense that will not be able to stop the passing attack of teams that they know are going to have to pass to score on them. The Bears will have to strike draft gold on 4 players and add at least 2 solid FAs to have a chance to be better than 8-8. They simply do not have the track record to pull that off. This blame falls squarely on Lovie, and he’s the one that didn’t get fired!
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
a bit drastic?
while I too am disappointed with Lovie and us not bringing in a real DC, I don’t think we need a miracle to go 8-8. Heck, we were 7-9 last year and we’re not losing any good players this offseason. The O should be improved this year. Same (crappy) D, but hopefully with less LB injuries. Though, we do have a tougher schedule.
I think 1 legit pass-rusher gets us to 9-7 or better. Throw in a real FS, 10-6 or better. [not that I expect either one of those to happen]
by MakeHalasProud on Feb 18, 2010 6:47 PM CST up reply actions
Not really...
but understand that I was of the opinion that the Bears issues for the past few seasons were due to lack of talent/injuries until last season. It was then crystal clear that, while the Bears do lack talent at some key positions (not unlike many other winning teams) the coaching is what keeps the team from achieving a better winning percentage. My conjecture from that point is that to overcome this utter lack of competence in coaching, the team needs more than average talent to compensate. Thus, to go 9-7 or 10-6 will take more talent than the Bears are likely to get this offseason. Hence, my prediction that Lovie will drag this team down more than added talent can lift them up. Ergo, another losing season. I hope to god I’m wrong, but the signs are not promising.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
was just looking at NFL.com
This is a list of the projected freeagents as listed on NFL.com… I went thru it and quickly said to myself… "Damn, I wish we could get Tank Johnson & Mike Brown back! Tank for his TALENT and Mike cause I just love the guy and I think his tank aint empty yet! HEY, he played a WHOLE season finally this past year and thats part of why we got rid of him!
BRING BACK TANK JOHNSON AND MIKE BROWN!
GO BEARS!!!!
Just wish I coulda sorted them buy position or years played....
instead of team so I can compare!
GO BEARS!!!!
by ChiTownSounds on Feb 18, 2010 6:50 PM CST up reply actions
Somebody already said it above, but I fear that the Packers will own the division for most of the coming 3-5 years. I’m a Bears fan, but it’s pretty easy to see that the Packers have a LOT of talent, most of whom are young and healthy.
The same was being said about Chicago after 2006.......
Just saying….
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 18, 2010 8:52 PM CST up reply actions
Who cares about the packers
If the packers become better it should not effect the bear’s attempts of getting better, if the Bears can sign the right people to fit the current scheme the division is theirs. The packers still have holes in the Secondary and O-Line that a 23rd pick can’t help for sure. The Vikings are more likely to succeed now if they can have an above average Qb anyway so Halas Hall needs to get their act together and strive to own the top of the division.
so Halas Hall needs to get their act together and strive to own the top of the division
Yes, because the folks at Halas Hall have shown such stirring signs of doing just that for the past couple of decades.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
What's the difference between Miami '08 or New Orleans '09 and Chicago '10?
Bill Parcells and Gregg Williams were added to help turn those teams around. We added Mike Martz.
Just sayin’………..
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 18, 2010 9:05 PM CST reply actions
Good point
i wasnt a big fan of martz but if hes able to work some magic then hey im all for it!
by Bear Lovin 21 on Feb 18, 2010 10:24 PM CST up reply actions
I know, I know ...
the Bears have that bum Forte holding them back.
Do I win????
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 19, 2010 2:56 PM CST up reply actions
Nope, you lose......
I’ve never claimed Forte was holding the Bears back, hero. I claimed he is a below average runner, and backed it up with his bottom dwelling ranking 2 years running. But, as I have said repeatedly, he is also the best receiving RB in the league, and one of the best blocking rbs in the league.
I just want a running upgrade. Is that so bad? Or tied for last in ‘08 and last in 09 good enough? Maybe I’d be a better fan if I was happy with last. Christ.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 21, 2010 2:39 PM CST up reply actions
bro? hero? dude? When do you graduate from high school?
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 23, 2010 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
I think Cutler will have a better year, but I don't know about the record yet.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand band-wagoner fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
as regards the pack and the division. to them winning the division has to be overcoming us at lamb and doing it again at soldier field. i am willing to take bets the bears will sweep them. we have all seen it where a team that makes the play-offs one year play poorly and not upto expectations the next. and dont forget the bears have an up and coming young team in receivers who could and should have a break-out year. i predict 12-4 and at least 1 win in the play-offs
we have all seen it where a team that makes the play-offs one year play poorly and not up to expectations the next three.
Fixed.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
Quick fix ?
The Bears organisation was brought to you by the Children’s Television Workshop. Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo will turn us around in a year. Yeah, right. Lovie’s bound to pull his head out of his ass … along with a Left Guard, an NFL size wide receiver, a pass rusher and a solid free safety.
by Irish Bears Fan on Feb 19, 2010 1:13 AM CST reply actions
possible? yes. will it happen? no.
I think in theory we have enough pieces to get to the playoffs again next year. But it requires making the right moves this offseason, and quite frankly I have zero confidence in the Bear’s front office to make that happen.
I was against the Cutler trade (based on what we gave up) but I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, on the idea that at least they were TRYING to make the team better. Then we go out middle of this season and knowing that we already are going to have no 1st round pick in the draft, we trade away our 2nd round pick for a washed up failure of a player. To trade away a 2nd rounder for someone like that ANY season is pretty stupid; to do it in a year when you already know you aren’t going to have a 1st round pick is absolutely ludicrous. ESPECIALLY when it’s in a year where your collective bargaining agreement has changed the rules on free agency, drastically limiting the number of quality unrestricted free agents that are going to be available.
The Bears knew this was going to be the situation. And yet they made such a bone-headed move. Unbelievable.
So do I think these bozos will now have the ability to improve our team significantly with their 3rd-round (and later) draft picks and the very limited pool of UFA’s out there? Not a chance.
maybe just maybe...
the Bears plan was to have no #1 or #2 pick so they will have more money to throw at a FA or 2…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Feb 19, 2010 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Though in that case, their thinking had to take into account the fact that it was going to be, in all likelihood, a drastically reduced FA pool.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"if we need it, we’re not drafting it. not high anyway. look for Angelo to go after a DL/DE – because that’s just the kind of asshat he is.." - junkhorse
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
I think you hit it on the head when you mentioned the trade.
I got it, at the time they were probably thinking we can take a chance to turn this guy into an elite pass rusher but 2 straight years without first day picks? I made a comment last year that there is no way the bears would lose the 2nd round pick next year and lo and behold here we are.
The reason why the queens and the packers are beating us these days is because they are getting younger while we are getting older or stagnating. We got a steal out of last years draft with Knox but can we really rely on that this year?
We need to toss some serious money out to get Peppers because he would make the entire line better, and probably more than likely free up a lil room for Alex to grab some more sacks next year. However…i really don’t think Carolina just lets him walk away..they will franchise and trade him before they let him just leave and because of our draft status i don’t know if we can compete with other big pocket teams willing to trade for him.
by Chitownproduct on Feb 22, 2010 3:14 AM CST up reply actions
can the Bears improve?
yes, but not by much. While I hope I’m wrong I just see to many questions about this team. IF the O-line can play better, IF the LBs can stay healthy IF……to many if’s. With the reduced number of FA’s and limited # of draft picks I just dont see a big improvement to this team. I was EXTREMELY suprised when they got Cutler but I dont think it was the wrong move. If they can play to his strengths he’ll do great things for our team. Having said that it is RARE that management goes after solid FA’s. And I’m not sure THEY (owners and management) think we need to upgrade anywhere. That the team we currently have is enough to get to the next level maybe even to the SB. If they dont go after some solid players to help fill in some holes I dont see a drastic improvement.
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