Deep Thoughts from a Slow News Week
by Jacob Hayes on Apr 1, 2010 6:00 PM CDT
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It goes without saying that this is an extremely slow time of the year as a football fan, and usually even slower as a Bears fan knowing that your team rarely enters the Free Agent market. However, times have changed in the Second City and while we've been more active that we've been in years we are now deeply within one of the few dead periods of football, heightened even further by our lack of picks in the first and second round. So I've decided to take a bit of time to share a few thoughts for discussion
Nathan Vasher will be better for the San Diego Chargers than he ever could have been for us.
Everyone knows the saga of The Interceptor, but too many people like to play a game of revisionist history when it comes to this guy. It needs to be said that this guy was at one point a very good corner for us, and it's a shame he no longer had a place here. With that said, he definitely no longer had a place here. Vasher's game was always predicated on his great ball skills, his aggressiveness, and his generally fluid hips. A terrible couple of years filled with a multitude of groin injuries and wrist injuries not only appear to have permanently hampered that previous ability to shift, cover, and recover, but also robbed him of that aggressive streak by proxy. It remains to be seen how much the wrist injuries affected his ball skills, and he could still recover to some extent, but it wasn't going to happen here. He is not playing at the level of a starting cornerback in the NFL, and you can't rebuild a players confidence when you're benching him for a rogues gallery of promise.
Vasher signing with another team is the best thing that could have happened to him, and I hope he makes to most of it and becomes something he couldn't have been here. The third CB on the roster.
Alex Brown doesn't get enough respect, but that's more than made up for with undue credit.
It's a strange bit of warring opinion when it comes to the pending trade or release of Alex Brown. For the record, I'm steadfastly in the camp of thinking he should remain on the team, specially if he is willing to renegotiate his deal, However, that's not what I wanted to talk about, I wanted to say a quick piece about Alex Brown as a player, and teammate. Alex Brown was essentially a 6 sack a year guy playing as a RE, which is about as mediocre as it gets. It was never an impact player, but he has been the most consistent part of our line for years. This is where a case can be made that Brown would have been more productive if the rest of the line had been better. However, if that was true at one point it's extremely unlikely to be true now. I can't think of a single DL that has ever went from okay to great due to the addition of an impact player, specially when that impact player would be forcing him into a position that doesn't fit the strengths he has.
So, I just addressed the undue credit that Brown has received, but he also isn't receiving his due respect in a lot of corners of Bears fandom. Alex Brown again was one of the only reliable linemen on our team for years, and reliably okay is much better than flashes of greatness followed by a void of nothingness that the rest of the line has shown. Alex Brown isn't a hall of famer, but he was definitely a high character football player that always played the game to the best of his abilities, and led on the field as well as off. This as much as anything makes me proud to have had him in a Bears uniform, and I definitely wouldn't mind seeing him stick around at a reduced salary as rotational depth and a steady locker room presence.
The Bears are going to have youth all over the secondary, and we need to be ready for the growing pains.
Al Afalava, Craig Steltz, Kevin Payne, Daniel Manning. What do all of these guys have in common? They are all in the hunt for Safety positions, and none of them have more than 30 games starting at the position in the NFL. Same goes for our cornerbacks, because after Tillman we've got Corey Graham, Zack Bowman, and possibly Moore and Turrenne, with Bowman having the most starts at 12. Needless to say all of these guys need to be hitting the playbooks hard, studying tape until their eyes bleed, and hitting camp like there was no tommorrow, but we as fans need set our expectations properly before the pre-season even starts. Experience matters a lot in the secondary, we've seen smart players that are extremely gifted athletes make bone-headed mistakes, or simply bite on a fake leading to a touchdown.
It's going to happen, consider this your fair warning and try not to throw these guys under the bus while they are going threw some growing pains, or at least wait until Week 4 or so until you try to drum them out of town.
Final Thought
This is something that has just been going through my head the past couple of days. It is completely within reason that Urlacher is going to have a resurgent year this year. He isn't known for slacking on conditioning, he had more than a few lingering health issues, and facing facts he isn't a spring chicken anymore. Basically, taking the year off could very easily lead to him playing like a player much younger than he is, and if we all remember back not that far ago he was a really amazing player when playing at his best.
With that said, if he does have a Pro Bowl caliber year and the interest is there would you be okay with trading Urlacher for players or picks if it meant getting younger as a team. If so, what would it take for you to give up #54?
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I would trade Urlacher but only if the price is right.
by I love football! on Apr 1, 2010 6:14 PM CDT reply actions
dont trade urlacher if we cant replace him...
Don’t create a huge weakness for some draft picks who might be busts. Esecially with JA drafting.
by Ryan21 on Apr 1, 2010 10:58 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Urlacher will retire a Bear
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 4:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Liked the post as a whole...
Minus the trade Urlacher part. If he has a Pro-Bowl year, doesn’t that make him more valuable for us as a leader and captain of the team, for the next 2-5 years? As of now we’ve got a pick in each round of next year’s draft. Even with a Pro-Bowl year next year, with his age, how much value would we get in a trade?
I’m an Urlacher homer, so I’m a little biased, but he’s one player that I don’t think should get traded. Just my opinion.
Roll Tide... National Champs!!!
I love Urlacher...
One of my favorite players, even though he isn’t a very nice guy from what I hear.
However, it’s very unlikely that he continues to have Pro Bowl years, in fact that was kind of my postulation that his play may be the best we ever see out of him this coming year due to his age, the large amount of rest, and the sudden upgrade of the front four.
He is also one of the top ten players as far as popularity goes as I’ve heard, and there actually are teams out there that have made strange trades for the name value and the fans it’d put int the seats before, see Joe Montana.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him have similar value, of around a late first round pick.
However that’s kind of the heart of my question, is a fading Urlacher better for the team than a first round pick that could be used to find his replacement, or another starter at another position.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
If you mean Tomlinson...
He was literally gotten rid of at the lowest of his value.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
Urlacher is worth
more to us than he’s worth in trade. Other than the Raiders, teams don’t give up good draft picks for older players. I doubt we’d get more than a 4th or 5th, and that just isn’t worth it.
DEJESUS!!!
I don't see any team offering enough for it to be worth it for us to move him.
Basically, he’s worth a lot more to us then he is to anybody else. Aside from the fact that he’s an excellent MLB who fits our system well and knows the system well, there are a lot of non-football reasons why moving him would be a bad idea. And those reasons do count for something.
Brad Miller is god.
It's not out of the question that a struggling small market team...
would offer a first round pick for him if he was coming off of a Pro Bowl year, specially if they are already playing a 4-3. Examples:
Carolina Panthers
Jacksonville Jaguars.
The question isn’t if we could get a first for him, it’s whether or not he is more valuable than a single 1st round pick, because if so that’s pretty much the high limit for him with his age and position.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
It is out
of the question that a team would give up a first for him, because he’s NOT coming off a pro bowl year, he’s coming off a long list of injuries and playing at considerably less than a pro bowl level.
DEJESUS!!!
I do believe you're missing the idea that this is a hypothetical question...
that involves him having a Pro Bowl year this coming year due to an upgraded DL and a year off to heal lingering injuries and refill the gas tank.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
I'd take a first for him no question
But I don’t think we’ll get that much for a 31-year-old player who just missed nearly all of the season with an injury and was clearly in decline even before that.
Brad Miller is god.
Seriously?
A first, no question? With the track record that the Bears brain trust has for first-rounders… let alone the draft in general? Or are you imagining a new GM next year?
the thing about Brown...
is that he was a relatively complete lineman, even if he wasn’t spectacular. I think this is what caused him to be both over- and under-rated. He’s overrated by those that overvalue that and he’s undervalued by people that look at sack totals as the sole measurement of a lineman’s performance.
The bottom line is that he has been consistently the best guy on the line since his arrival in Chicago and he would have been a very good guy to line up opposite Peppers. It will literally take two guys (Idonijie and Anderson) to replace his production.
I’d honestly rather have him back than have Manumaleuna.
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 1, 2010 6:38 PM CDT reply actions
I'd probably also take Brown over...
Manumaleuna + Taylor.
by Shawn Domagal-Goldman on Apr 1, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Taylor is gonna be more valuable than just what he does on the field w/ production
Hopefully he will be a mentor to Forte and push and challenge him every single day to become a better more complete player. As far as Manu goes, I’m not a fan of the pickup, only b/c it will likely take snaps away from Olsen. He’s a perfect fit for Martz’ offense, which I’m also not that big a fan of. We’ll see though.
Roll Tide... National Champs!!!
I wouldn't
since Brown no longer has a position on the team and those guys do, but I agree that the Bears vastly overpaid for those guys. I wouldn’t ever give a new contract to a RB over 30, and who on earth pays a blocking tight end that much?
DEJESUS!!!
Really ?? Come on ....
…… Peppers hasn’t played one fricken game for us yet he’s already considered overpaid … get real .
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 2, 2010 1:55 AM CDT up reply actions
90 mil?
thats over paid anyway you swing it
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 4:23 AM CDT up reply actions
he gets paid more
than Haynesworth i think? I read he’s the highest paid now.
if he doesn’t end up breaking the sack record…it’s an overpayment
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
And all of you would ......
….. be killin the orginization if we didn’t sign him and your killin them now that we’ve signed him , is there anything they can do to please you ?
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 2, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't be mad
At the Bears for not signing him. Never have really like Peppers.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
And when he gets 10-14 sacks this year you'll be his biggest fan...
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Apr 2, 2010 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Fair enough...sorry to question you character.
Howevery the majority of the Peppers nay-sayers will be his biggest fans when he does well, which I think he will.
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on Apr 2, 2010 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
No worries
I just hate when people don’t stand by what they believe, when we get a player, I try and form an opinion and only change it if I can see a real change. I hope Peppers lives up to it, but considering how Haynesworth didn’t live anywhere close to his contract, I wonder how good Peppers will have to be to live up to his money.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
Theres a misconception about
Haynesworth not living up to expectations…He may not have had the individual numbers but if you look at the rest of their D line they had career years with his arrival and the rookie had a great year also..as a whole he improved the line by just being there. Comparing him and Peppers is completely different..If Peppers gets 8 sacks but his presence gets Harris, MA, and Izzy more sacks along with our Db’s more picks then i’d say he was well worth the money
L.A.----Where playing Like the Sparks is tolerated by a Hall of Fame coach.....
Truth
But it should be noted that most players on the defense looked up to Brown as a leader, so i’d say that gaining Peppers can’t do that much to build up the other guys around him any more than Brown did.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
There's some truth in that,
But Urlacher and Briggs are the unquestioned leaders of the defense. The attention Peppers will receive is what’s gonna build up the rest of the line imo. Brown was never the focus of an opposing offense and with his level of production he couldnt build anyone else up. Even with the amount of 1 on 1 matchups he had he couldnt get over 6 sacks which doesnt justify making 10.5 mil over the next 2 years
L.A.----Where playing Like the Sparks is tolerated by a Hall of Fame coach.....
for the record
i wanted Kampman
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Another nugget..
Rob Sims signed his 1-year tender with the Seahawks to speed up a possible trade. The Bears, Lions and Eagles are reportedly in the mix for the guard. So maybe we’ll have a new guard in the coming days and Omiyale will be shifted over the RT.
I would be nice to know what the hell is going on with our O-Line before the draft, specifically what position Omiyale is going to play.
by boondock_saint812 on Apr 1, 2010 6:49 PM CDT reply actions
What would it take for me to trade Urlacher ?
Nothing , hes a Bear for life and shame on you for mentioning the notion of trading him . Do you trade Butkus because he got old and injured ? Do you trade Payton because he got old ? Do you trade any franchise face due to age ? In my opinion the answer to all is NO . There are few players I’d say no to trading them if it betters the team , but 54 is one of them .
And Vasher , your kiddin me right ?
You mean like how...
Joe Montana was a 49er for life?
Jim McMahon was a Bear for life to use a Bear reference, or even Ditka coaching the Saints?
There are tons of players that were faces of their franchises that ended up playing for other teams at one point or another. It’s a valid question on whether or not you trade a guy who at that point would be 33, whose game is predicated on movement and agility, when he is at a high point of value coming off of a Pro Bowl year.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
No I mean like how ....
….. Elway was a Bronco for life , like how Ray Lewis is a Raven for life , like how Peyton Manning will be a Colt for life and so on .
Also this injury ( his wrist ) has likely bought him another few seasons . No wear and tear on his body for one season could really buy him more time i nthe NFL at a pro bowl level . Does that mean we trade him ….. NO . That means hes got a few more years to get a ring in a Bears uni and no other .
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 1, 2010 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Right, but you're missing the point here.
Star players that are identifiable with the franchise do get traded, and it’s hard to argue that the 49ers did the wrong thing when they traded away Montana who is without a doubt a more iconic player than Urlacher could hope to be.
I think the injury likely is going to give him a monster season this year, but time doesn’t stop passing due to injury, and while he was definitely able to save his body and finally heal tons of lingering wounds it’s extremely likely that his play will continue at its current level more than a season or two simply because it is almost entire based around agility and movement combined with intelligence.
For an example of the ravages of age, look no further than Orlando Pace. One of the best of his generation at LT, and still has the same power he always had, but age obliterated his agility and movement ending his career. Speed/Agility/Movement are generally the first thing to go on a player.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
And I didn't agree ....
….. wit hthat trade either . Joe should have retired a life long 49er . And sorry but Urlacher should be a Bear for life no matter what we could get for him , period . He put the time in on some our our worst teams ever and he deserves to be a Bear for as long as he desires .
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 1, 2010 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone who
is a ______ for life in this day and age either got hurt before their career ended or got way overpaid by their team at the end of their career.
For almost all players, it takes getting cut to make them realize they need to take a gigantic paycut or retire due to diminishing skills. Urlacher is never going to agree to play for a mil a year for the Bears (his ego is too big), but someday that’s all he’ll be worth based on production. So the Bears can either pay a $1 mil player $8mil, or they can cut him and let him realize that’s all he’s worth. I know which one I’d want my GM to do.
DEJESUS!!!
LT is no longer a Charger.
That says it all.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I'm not agreeing or disagreeing but one point that hasn't been brought up in comparing the Montana trade...
the Bears don’t have a “Steve Young” quality player to slide into Urlacher’s role.
There's a BIG difference in when Montana got traded
They had another good QB waiting in the wings that turned out to be a future HOFer…As of right now we dont have anybody behind him that could be a future a all-pro much less HOFer which would make a trade in any case unlikely and would probably hurt the team in the long run unless we got a young beast with the pick
L.A.----Where playing Like the Sparks is tolerated by a Hall of Fame coach.....
Agreed
If you have someone ready, like Young for Montana or Rodgers for Favre, then move on, but if you have no one ready, don’t trade them or let them go.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
Right, but that's the heart of the question...
Is a fading Urlacher worth more to us than a first round pick.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
Honestly
I dont think we would get a 1st round pick for him. and anything less than that wouldnt be worth it…..It has made me think about what the Bears are gonna do to try and replace him..
L.A.----Where playing Like the Sparks is tolerated by a Hall of Fame coach.....
+1 sir
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 4:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I bet that Lovies mind is as blank in that picture as his expression always is.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Trade Payton? Shame on you!
Walter left the game the same way as when he came into the league on his terms, it was one win from the super bowl and he left it all on the field and sometimes I wonder if he could of played both ways and stopped Darrell Green from knocking us out of the playoffs! He never got old he became better with age like a fine wine, he will always be The Greatest Of Them All!
I was making a point ....
…. that just because players get old and their production declines don’t mean you kick them to the wayside rather you honor what they have done by keeping them past their prime . Payton is still the best Bear to ever put the uni on , but according to some we should have gotten rid of him and got some picks for him instead of him retiring a Bear .
To me there are just players like Butkus , Payton , Sayers and Urlacher whom deserve to be Bears for life no matter how much their play slips or how much you could get for them .
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 1, 2010 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions
While I agree
With your point, the Packers have done very well with Rodgers, and I think he is their new face.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
Just think what the Packers could have done with 2 more wins last year
from the Vikes… get the bye week, win the division… too bad ole’ Favre beat ’em up and down… god it sucks to be the Packers
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 4:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope the Bears have a good use for the $5Mil...
they saved by cutting Brown. Seriously, Brown is a solid DE with unspectacular but consistent play. I’d rather the Bears cut Harris and save that money for a good DT. I agree on Vasher and I have said this about a few other players before. I am a big believer in “fit”. Vasher did not “fit” on this Bears team any longer, but he may in SD…we’ll see.
I am not as worried about the DBs on this Bears roster, I’m worried about the DB coaches. Lovie and Hoke have not shown the ability to get very much development out of the players they drafted. Graham and Bowman have skills, but they seem to lack the finish that would make them consistent starters. Tillman may not live through the next season and I’m not really impressed with the Jennings signing. Let’s face it, the Bear’s D has progressively sucked over the past 3 seasons, and much of it, IMO, rests on Lovie and co. The safeties would be OK if the Bears didn’t run a Tampa-2 base, but alas we know the answer to that one.
Urlacher, if he plays more than one game, will be better than last year, so the bar isn’t real high. He has gas in the tank, but the Bears D line has to play lights out for Uralcher to be a pro-bowler again. He’s a better fit for this Bears team, but if the Bears fail again this year, he may have better fortunes elsewhere because this will be a rebuilding team that won’t be good enough while he’s still a stud.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
Harris is paid...
as a top 5 DT and does not even come close to being in the top 10. Thus, he’s wasted money. That cash could easily be spent on 2 other players who would have a more significant impact on this Bear’s defense. Tommie lacks effort, misses tackles and cannot stay healthy. Beyond NOT making a plays how is he a good DT?
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
SMUDGERS????
I’m tired of everyone ignoring you now! Come back and dispense your wisdom…. nevermind, I’ll make my own lame ass attempt.
Tommie is kind of a bargain now that we’ve ALREADY overpaid him. Don’t believe me, ask Smudgers.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
Don't put facts
out there. It ruins a repetitive, ignorant rant across multiple threads.
DEJESUS!!!
nothing comes close to ignorant rants across threads
than last offseason/season with the Bronco fans
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 4:31 AM CDT up reply actions
You can kiss my hairy fat facts...
Mr. 21. Even at $2-3 mil this season, he’s overpaid. He was just MORE overpaid a few years back, when he couldn’t stay on the field or be useful when he was on it. I am all for cutting guys who are not performing, but why cut those who are? My argument is more about the idea that paying Harris at all is just wasted money, whereas paying Brown $5mil has some value.
I’m sorry my “ignorance” bothers you so much…maybe when you are all grown up we can have a big boy debate.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
I don't think tomas21 was having a pop at you
But rather, more at the meatheads who rant and rave to share their repetitive, ignorant rants across multiple threads. That’s how I read it.
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
awesome.
I’m used to be ignored, though.
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"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 Apr 2, 2010 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Harris doesn't come close to being a top 20 DT
4-5 years ago, he was the most disruptive tackle in the game. That was then…
not to mention his best year
was 07, and we went 7-9, and our superbowl year, he was out the last two games and ALL of the playoffs…i’m just saying we won some of the toughest games without him, but guess who did play, Alex Brown
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 4:32 AM CDT up reply actions
I disagree.
And so do most of the “experts” around the league.
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"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 Apr 2, 2010 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Harris had an awful year last year.
And I’m not saying that he’s the bees knees, but he’s still regarded (when healthy) as one of the best DT’s in the game.
Furthermore, you say four to five years… Just year before last Harris was the sixth in sacks amongst Defensive Tackles. And the year before that he was second. I’m not trying to make excuses for the guy, he does need to find his old form and stay healthy. There have been times when I wished they would just wash their hands of him. But to say he’s not even a top 20 defensive tackle, well…
It’s not a smart business move to cut a guy after you’ve ponied up the majority of his contract, if you believe he’s finally healthy and can regain his form. For what we are paying Harris over the next couple of years, he’s definitely worth giving another shot. But then again, we could cut him and watch him regain his form elsewhere at $2-3m year.
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"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 Apr 3, 2010 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
But that's just the point
He hasn’t been healthy. And they knew he had knee problems when they drafted him. If he doesn’t come through this year, they need to consider trading or cutting him.
In the mean time, he’s way over-paid for the production they’ve gotten out of him – at least for the past 2 years. And yes, 4-5 years ago he was the most disruptive tackle in the game. Lately, not so much.
semantics and word play.
not saying he’s the most disruptive, just that he’s still widely considered around the league as one of the best in the game (when healthy). And assuming he’s healthy and we’re only paying him what we are…
But I do somewhat agree, if they don’t get increased production from him this year, they should Vasher him out of town. If he gets another injury, it might be time to Mike Brown him.
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"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
Yea
And we all saw how well our safeties have played since we let him go.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
while I was sad to see him go,
I thought it was a smart move. The guy just couldn’t keep healthy. I wish him the best, as will I Tommie if he can’t keep healthy this year and they decide to jettison him.
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"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
as much as Harris has been a disappointment,
we do not have enough depth at DT to consider life without #91.
Urlacher
I’m all for Urlacher getting traded if the Bears are in a rebuilding mode, simply because that would be the only way he gets a Ring. Other than a rebuilding phase, I don’t see a trade happening and this kind of rebuilding would mean the Dark Ages in Halas Hall for a long time. I’m in agreement with MidwayMonster54 on this issue. Some say you see teams turn it around in a year, and that rebuilding doesn’t have to take years, but I say there are a lot more teams that slide into what I call the “dark ages” and it takes them years to make it back. Better to let Urlacher, if his skills are waning, mentor his successor, and then maybe eventually coaching for the Bears.
"Do or do not... there is no try." - Yoda
+10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 1, 2010 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions
And Sklz711 you know its illegal to disagree with Yoda !!!!!!!!
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 1, 2010 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Didn't Yoda actually get wrecked in the movies?
I forget, I tend to block out most Star Wars related memories.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
Naw...
…you’re thinking of that tackle that the Bears might sign.
"Do or do not... there is no try." - Yoda
Urlacher
never struck me as overly bright, or a good leader. He has excelled due to exceptional athletic ability and instincts. I don’t see anything in there that would make me want him as a coach.
DEJESUS!!!
I'd say he's actually fairly bright...
He does a great job diagnosing offensive looks and such, however I’ve also heard his leadership ability is highly overrated and is much closer to a Kreutz punch in the face leadership style than a Singletary leader among men style.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
tomas, Sklz, and Url
It’s football, dude. Not rocket science. Look all over the league and you will see a lot of guys that can barely count to 11 but have an instinct for the game greater than the average human being. This includes the coaches. Ever heard of football speed? These folks have football smarts, and Urlacher is one of them.
Secondly, a good leader isn’t always about who it the loudest or who talks to the media the most. The Bears had many reasons to suck this past season, and one of them was the missing leadership on defense by #54. Briggs couldn’t fill the bill. No one else stepped up either.There are better leaders than 54, but not on the Bears team, nor on the Bears horizon on defense. All subjective of course, but just pull 54 out of the equation and mark my words.
"Do or do not... there is no try." - Yoda
Eh...
His leadership ability was one of the main reasons he got rated so highly on that most overrated list, not his ability as a player.
I tend to agree, Mike Brown was much more of a team leader type guy and Urlacher gets way too much leadership credit just because of his diagnosing skills and the fact that he’s the one that calls the audibles more often than not along with getting plays called in.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
Remember...
Urlacher himself said that Brown was the leader of the team when he was there.
IMO
Brown was the vocal leader that everybody listened to and got amped hearing talk. Urlacher, again IMO, is the one that leads by example and his desire to win. He’s cocky as shit, but it rubbed off on the ’05 and ’06 teams. Knowing they had a leader in the middle of the defense who knew exactly what he was doing and was sure of it, juiced the rest of the D up to play at a higher level.
Roll Tide... National Champs!!!
Does anyone think Taylor Mays
could transition from Safety to MLB like urlacher did? He has got the frame for more weight.
i have been wondering the same thing
i say in a cover two D he could easily be a LB
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
I don't know
but i’d love to have him in either position, any player would hate to come across the middle against him
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 4:34 AM CDT up reply actions
trade urlacher but only for
1st and 2nd ronders 10 years into the future. one of thos epicks has got to be good aye?
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
Yeah? Well, I'll... I'll...
be very upset. >:o[ Lol
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by Ashley Czuba on Apr 2, 2010 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
our schedule peeps
14th hardest this year…yes it’d be a lot harder if we didn’t play the Lions twice
Linkage
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
Are only ez oppnents are the Bills and the Lions.....fml
by I love football! on Apr 2, 2010 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Eh?
Seahawks, Bills, Redskins, should all be wins, and if not we don’t deserve the playoffs.
Dolphins and Panthers, I expect to be games but should also be wins.
Cowboys/Pats/Jets/Giants/Iggles, are all going to be tough games, but are all winnable games, specially the Eagles/Pats/Giants.
I really don’t see any reason we couldn’t go 11-5 to 12-4 dropping possibly the Jets, a conference game or two, and your choice of either Cowboys/Pats/Giants depending on which you think is tougher.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
I disagree that you can base difficulty on last years schedule
the Lions were a strong team last year, and if they get Suh, with Delmas and Van Dan Bosch… they won’t be a walk in the park, the seahawks will struggle to put up points too, but their success will ride on Carroll’s coaching and this draft, they could be sleepers too.
Redskins also have a young talented Defense, and again, depending on the draft…could be a wilcard team, in terms of playing.
that said, I believe we can beat all the teams we play, especially the Cowboys/Pats/Giants… all highly overrated Cowboys are always “slated” to win the superbowl and don’t, Pats are getting old in their Key position, Welker will never be the same, and the Giants were terribad
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't completely disagree...
But if I’m not picking us to lose more than one game between the four we’re playing against the Vikings and Packers, I’m sure not picking us to lose to the Lions, Redskins, or Seattle.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com
who said we have to lose? ;)
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm saying...
Lions- 2
Vikings-1 (possibly ) 1 1,
Pack11
Seahawks, Skins, Bills
Dolphins-1
Panthers- 11
Pats
Cowboys- 1 +1
Jets – -1
Giants
Eagles- +1
So i’m saying 11-5
The Eagles and Pats games can go either way so i’m saying 9-7 at the lowest and 11-5 at the highest
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
I completely concur about the 9-7 10-6 11-5 scenario.To be honest,how many times have we guessed at this time of the year and have been wrong…..
by I love football! on Apr 2, 2010 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
exactly
which is why i went with the logical…kinda give a
+ or – of it…but honestly one can never tell how a season will go, for all we know the lions could go 12-4 and make it to the nfc title game…it’s allabout who shows up to play on gameday
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
If the Lions did make it to the NFC title game I would be happy for them.
They deserve a hug……..
by I love football! on Apr 3, 2010 1:02 AM CDT up reply actions
i know i know…it’s unlikely….and i’m kind of wondering what drug i was on posting nonsense like that, but i was just trying to make the point…anyone can win on any given sunday…
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
Please don’t get offended,I was only jking.You made your point very clear, and it’s a good point.Like the 05-06 Saints in 04 they were 5-11 then in 05 they were 11-5 so it’s a valid point.
by I love football! on Apr 3, 2010 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Lol no bro
I’m not offended at all.
I got exactly what you meant
and agree fully
Haha like i said i kind of posted nonsense but i’m glad we agree that anyone can win at any given time
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
“fml” ?
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
F*** my life
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 2, 2010 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
I see 9Wins and 10 at the most.
The games within are division will be key.Because outside of the division is hell……..We need at least 2-0 against the Lions and at least split GB and Vikqueens.
by I love football! on Apr 2, 2010 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Outside the division
I could see wins against Buffalo, Seahawks and the Redskins (will Rex be their quarterback?) but the rest will be tough wins
+1
I have to agree with you I mean the Eagles maybe? I guess we really have been blessed with a ez schedule the past few years…..
by I love football! on Apr 2, 2010 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
HAPPY JAY CUTLER DAY!!
One year ago today “The Trade” happened. What a great day of optimism it was.
"Dick Butkus once tackled the Packers."
"Dick Butkus played all 11 defensive positions...at the same time."
"Dick Butkus once sacked a quarterback simply by looking at him."
by Sam Householder on Apr 2, 2010 10:41 AM CDT reply actions
Did you wear your jersey today?
:]
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by Ashley Czuba on Apr 2, 2010 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Not you... lol
I bought GG a Cutler jersey for his birthday last year and he said he was going to wear it today. Haha. But you should def. get one. :]
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by Ashley Czuba on Apr 2, 2010 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I did not
I was at the construction site and didn’t want it to get dirty. lol
"Dick Butkus once tackled the Packers."
"Dick Butkus played all 11 defensive positions...at the same time."
"Dick Butkus once sacked a quarterback simply by looking at him."
by Sam Householder on Apr 2, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
But, what about male models?
-------
"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
a crazy thought
how about moving urlacher to strong safety? he played there in college.. then move a young stud at mlb..
I like it.
We seem to like people playing out of position. LETS DO IT!!!!
I'd argue that Ogun
was more consistent than Brown was in their respective Bear careers. Again, 5.38 sacks per year and he wanted the Bears to renegotiate for more years, plus more guaranteed money. Good move in my opinion.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
And I'd completely disagree with that.
Ogun was so friggin’ inconsistent.
-------
"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
Meant more than just sacks
see below please….
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
as did I.
-------
"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 Apr 3, 2010 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Too many people only use sacks as the measure for DE play
As I’ve stated before, Alex was one of my favorite Bears of recent years but if they spend the $5 Mil wisely, it’s a good business decision, so I’ll be fine with the move if that happens. That being said, one of the reasons I like him so much is the fact that he consistently made big plays at crucial times. Tackles behind the line, batted down passes, pressure to make the QB throw a pick, his own interceptions, and I seem to remember a couple of blocked FG’s as well. All of the things that a very good DE should do, Alex Brown has done since he came into the league. Forget about the stupid sack totals, too often sacks are useless and come at times when they don’t affect the outcome of a game but still count in the stats. (i.e. Michael Strahan’s sack of Favre for the record)
I’ve heard many former and current players say how sack totals are unimportant, it’s pressure on the QB that matters. I totally agree with that philosophy.
I look at all the stats
If you’ve seen my other posts about this issue, you would know I use stops, QB pressures, hits, FF, etc. All I meant was an argument could be made…that’s all.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Didn't mean it as a personal attack on you
it just seems to be a common thread when people are discussing this subject. I just happened to read yours when I decided to write it.
No biggie
I didn’t think it was a personal attack on me. Both Ogun and Brown were pretty inconsistent as pass-rushers, and in Lovie’s scheme DEs are primarily responsible to get after the QB or ballcarrier in the backfield. Neither of them were effective the past few years, thus the revamping of their position. While I’ll miss both of them, the D-line should be improved with Pepp, Izzy, and MA.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Not entirely true
Over the past 2 years Brown has had 6 sacks each year, pretty solid for someone who isn’t a committed pass rusher. He averaged 5.5 sacks, and while not super high, it is still pretty solid. To say he’s not the best pass rusher is true, to say he is not consistent is false.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
If
you consider being consistently average consistent. 5.38 per season is pretty middle of the road, and should be duplicated with a platoon of Anderson/Idonije. Their pressures, hits, and sacks will all be in line with what Brown did when they receive similar snap totals.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
I hope you're right.
I also hope that they can somewhat duplicated AB’s production in the run game and his football smarts when it comes to reading screens, staying at home, not over pursuing, dropping back and covering when called upon, etc. We will see soon enough.
-------
"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 Apr 4, 2010 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
Defending the running game
definitely concerns me a tad bit. Anderson actually rated better than Izzy, but again, both of them were primarily playing on passing downs. It’s difficult to gauge because usually LBs or secondary players will make tackles when the nickel or dime is out there. I kind of hope Alex tests the market and comes back to the Bears for a reduced price. Doubtful, because “he needs to feed his family.”
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
He wasn't a main pass rusher
He was meant to contain the run, which he was very good at. And yes, consistent can be average, it can be bad, it can be great, by definition you can be consistent anything. Brown was consistent at being an average rusher and consistently great run stopper.
My emptiness says it doesn't care.
Cowboys Cut Hamlin
The Bears should consider signing him.
"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on or by imbeciles who really mean it." - Mark Twain
I have a question about this Atogwe situation
If nobody gives him an offer before the Draft will the Rams have control over him, or can he refuse to sign with them.
by DaHamsta on Apr 3, 2010 2:12 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
NFL Network was sayin...
Bears should go after Flozell Adams… but didn’t we learn our lesson LAST YEAR with Pace?
GO BEARS!!!!
They're also acting as if we don't have q LT
Williams also dominated Allen.
by DaHamsta on Apr 3, 2010 9:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
As a younger Bears Fan
I have grown up watching number #54 and hes my favorite bear of all time and it would kill me to see him get traded.
I love Ditka, Payton, Sayers,Halas and of course ol Papa Bear but I grew up with urlacher and cant see him leaving this team
I watched The 80's Bears.
They were gettin dismanteled. I also have been in watching the Urlacher era. I would put him my top 5 Bears MLBs behind Iron Mike and Butkus. But I’d rather us address the Free Safety and O-line issues before anything else. DaHamsta I agree w/ u and I also like Williams at LT. I’ve look at highlights of some of these safetys in the draft and Berry is the BEST ONE. Unfortunitly we can get him. I did like what i saw from Allen and Burnett but Berry is more of the GAMECHANGER we need. BEAR DOWN EVERYONE!!!!!!
Mc Nabb just traded.
NFL Network’s Schefter is reporting that Donovan McNabb’s been traded to Washington for a possible 2nd round pick. Doesn’t directly impact the Bears but when you can only get a second round pick for a probowler and highly rated QB. What did we think we could get for an Olsen, Harris, or any other name we may trade?
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
It's a second round pick this year
and a 3rd or 4th (depending on certain conditions) next year… btw. :]
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
It ain't
two 1sts and a 3rd plus Kyle Orton, that’s for sure…
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
Haha,
I was just letting you know, but yes, I agreed with the rest of your post. :]
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
But McNabb is much ....
…. older than Jay and only has 4-5 good years left in his body . Also McNabb is often injured and could be so this season behind the Skins o-line .
Jay is a young , franchise QB coming into his prime years . So theres a big difference between the two .
by MidWayMonster54 on Apr 4, 2010 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Skins got adealsteal
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 5, 2010 3:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Skins got a deal steal meal
-------
"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
one upper
Chuck Norris once met Dick Butkus and had a very odd feeling come over him. Chuck later realized it was fear
by BearNecessities on Apr 5, 2010 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
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