The Bears biggest off-season move was...
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on May 13, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
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So far it's been an exciting and busy off-season for the Bears. Topped off, in my opinion, by signing the flashiest free agent on the market in Julius Peppers. But let's not sleep on the other less subtle moves the Bears have made. The other free agents they've signed, the coaching moves they've made, the potentially productive Draft they managed, and trading for a former, and more important to some, popular Bear.
Even though there's still time for Jerry Angelo to make another ripple by trading or signing some other free agent, my guess is he's done. So going about the business of deciding which move could be most impactful for Chicago in 2010 is on the docket today. What ever criteria you decide to go with on your selection is up to you, but I think we'd all like to hear what everybody has to say regardless of your selection. After the jump I'll dive into each choice a bit, so before you vote in the poll be sure to think about the options.
There were some other moves the Bears made, in re-signing a few of their own and promoting Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator, but I think the following have the greater chance for making a positive impact. I'll list them in alphabetical order so as not to sway the vote.
Chris Harris
Hindsight is always 20/20, and it sure was good to see the Bears right a wrong in reacquiring Harris from Carolina. He immediately becomes the best safety on the roster, and could start at either FS or SS He is penciled in at SS for now, but you never can tell. He also brings a great attitude with him by fully accepting the mentoring/leadership role ala Mike Brown.
Brandon Manumaleuna
The Bears plan on using Manumaleuna as an H-Back leading plays for their tailbacks and as a TE. Expect him to catch only about 10-15 balls, but if he can improve the run game and provide good pass protection help from time to time he'll more than earn his keep.
Mike Martz
A Mike Martz relationship can be rocky at times, as his personality can rub some the wrong way, but there is no questioning his expertise with the Xs and Os of football. If he has the Bears offense rolling no one will care if he's acting like an arrogant S.O.B., but if the offense sputters early things could get dicey.
Julius Peppers
He can be a dominant force at times, but has been accused of coasting through games. Mind you his teammates have never accused him of slacking. Maybe it's just the media spinning things looking for a story. Will the 30 year old freakish athlete start to decline? Or will he continue drawing double teams and racking up stats like these; In eight years he has 81 sacks, 6 interceptions (with 2 TD), 46 passes defended, 30 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries (with a TD). He is the best defensive lineman the Bears have had since the 80's.
2010 Rookie Class
Drafting a guy in the third round that has a legit chance to start at free safety in week 1 is fortunate. Major Wright may have the truest FS skill set on the roster. Especially for the Bears system where they want the FS to be a hammer. Having Corey Wooten sitting there in the fourth was the definition of "value pick", and I seem to remember the Bears getting solid rookie production from another fourth round DE that fell to them. In 2002 Alex Brown had 9 starts as a rookie. As unlikely as it seems, maybe one of the other draft picks or undrafted free agents will step up and make some noise.
Chester Taylor
I expect Taylor to get a bump in touches from what he had in his time as a Viking. And with the back friendly passing game Martz will run he may eclipse his career high 45 receptions. A 50/50 split on the touches with Matt Forte would not surprise me.
Mike Tice
He's not getting the same "Guru" talk as Rod Marinellli did last year, but he is widely considered one of the better offensive line coaches in the NFL. If he can help stabilize an offensive line that started to come into it's own last year and help along some of the young Bear lineman he may get some "Guru" talk as the season wears on.
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Chris Harris
has to be the best pickup, he shores up our secondary, provides a lot of knowledge at both Safety spots, especially for Wright to learn from. He seems like he’ll be a good leader back there as well, and his ability to generate a turnover… yeah. best pickup. especially because it didn’t cost 90 mil
"That's racist."
by BearNecessities on May 13, 2010 11:09 AM CDT reply actions
Julious Peppers
Is a Chicago Bear. That’s just awesome. It’s old news I know, but still…. Julius Peppers is a Chicago Bear. Freaking wow.
That being said, I voted for Chris Harris. We desperately needed some help at safety and got it and we didn’t break the bank.
If the O-Line just becomes Great...
that would be Great.
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on May 13, 2010 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't you mean
just becomes good??
"He is remarkably bright", a "terrific talent", the sky is the limit for Cutler"
-Mike Martz-
Hell if they suck
it will be an improvement over last year
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
Me too
I voted for Tice, and I think if the line can actually open holes for the running game the offense will take off.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Absoulutely agree...
it the O-line is even slightly above average, we’ll see a marked improvement in Cutler (thus, the WR’s as well) and, especially the running game. If those things improve, even to the middle of the pack in the NFL, our defense is off the field more, we turn the ball over (offensively) less, and there’s less pressure on the Defense to play near perfect games just to give us a chance.
Same i Voted peppers
But Tice was a close second to me.
I want to see some nasty road grading lineman this year.
by Bear Lovin 21 on May 13, 2010 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions
I trust that Tice can improve the line
but wouldn’t you be ultimately disappointed if it wasn’t Peppers would made the biggest impact? He’s our big ticket item for the season. It seems like that is the one that would really get to me the most, we invested a lot in him.
by PolishSausage.Ditka.Bears. on May 14, 2010 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Martz changes the entire O
Martz will affect everything about our Offense.
Peppers should help the entire D, but he doesn’t change the approach.
Martz will have the biggest impact — now weather that is good or bad is yet to be determined (I think it will be for good).
by MakeHalasProud on May 13, 2010 11:31 AM CDT reply actions
+1
That was my thought as well.
"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
Editor/Writer for WindyCityGridiron.com
by Ashley Czuba on May 16, 2010 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Tice
I am not completely sold on Martz system yet. I am reserving judgment until game day. If he can tune it to our players and re-invent it (not just X out the Rams and write in Bears on the old playbook).
For Marinelli promoted to DC, I consider this a fail. My guess is Lovie will be calling the shots and Marinelli will be a puppet. I am not fond of another Lovie scheme year (see last year for results) and yes I know injuries played a part in that.
Peppers was a good signing (if he plays like it) and Taylor was also good. I am fond on having 2 fully capable RBs to share time. Manumaleuna makes sense but it is a high price for another blocker.
That leaves Tice, and I have high hopes he can shore this team up in that area. Without any “splashes” on OL this off-season.
Jay Cutler (I know... I know)
I think the acquisition of Jay Cutler in 2009 STILL had a major impact on the 2009 offseason and the 2010. From coaches, to the draft, to salary cap— Jay Cutler was a huge investment that had a significant impact on how the Bears were able to operate in the 2010 offseason.
Semper Fi
Sir
that wasn’t an option ;)
"That's racist."
by BearNecessities on May 13, 2010 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
Ha! Good point!
I had a hard time answering that one. Mike Martz is a reaction to Jay Cutler, Julius Peppers LARGE contract didn’t cost two drafts and is front loaded, Tice is for o-line and protecting Cutler…
… But, the biggest point is that we were still paying for the acquisition of Jay Cutler in 2010. So, technically, he’s still an offseason acquisition.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on May 13, 2010 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Mike McCaskey resigning
may trump them all. We’ll see.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
That isn't in effect til after the season...
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on May 13, 2010 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Firing Ron Turner
I voted for Martz since if they hadn’t fired Ron there would be no Mike. The O gets rolling this year we have a big year if not well somebody needs to call Merry Maids cause there’ll be some house cleaning going on.
BearNecessities you're my assistant, okay you're supposed to
back me up and go get me juice boxes when I tell you. Now go get me
a juice box.
voted for tice
It’s obvious that Peppers will have an impact, as will having the rest of the D back and healthy. The key for this team will be having the offense perform better than they have in recent years, therefore, I felt that Mike Tice could have the biggest impact. I believe that a good team is built on it’s line play and if I am right, then you have to hope that Tice has a big impact on the team. I have not been a huge Chris Harris fan, and some fans have a short memory of this guy, but there were reasons he was traded away. My biggest memory of him is going for the big hit and forgetting to tackle. There are other bad memories too. I have to hope he is an upgrade to what we had before we got him back.
"Do or do not... there is no try." - Yoda
I hope Tice has the biggest impact
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on May 13, 2010 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
I think the Tice - Martz combo is the winner
I think they will go very nicely together (fingers crossed). Improved blocking schemes and better gameplans.
"He is remarkably bright", a "terrific talent", the sky is the limit for Cutler"
-Mike Martz-
If anyone wants to brighten their day...
head over to the Norseman and read the thread (the past…..)
Saints fans are twisting the knife becuase they are still whining that the refs stole the NFC champ game away. Good for a chuckle at the Queens expense..
From a saints fan..
“C’mon, some of y’all are still crying about superbowl IV It’s just sad.
Congrats on all your numerous playoff wins and winning records."
"He is remarkably bright", a "terrific talent", the sky is the limit for Cutler"
-Mike Martz-
Man those are some bitter, tore up souls over there.
They should hook with the Donkey fans and just have a big cry together.
Adrian Pedestrian!! Now that's funny Mr. Bayless...
They deserve everything they get...
"He is remarkably bright", a "terrific talent", the sky is the limit for Cutler"
-Mike Martz-
which should be a nice
7-9 record this year
"That's racist."
by BearNecessities on May 14, 2010 6:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Martz
I believe hiring Mike Martz will have the biggest impact (positive or negative). I wanted to say Peppers, but in the end, the D will be improved because of him, but I don’t think he will have a bigger impact on the team than a completely new offense which is completely different than what has EVER been ran here, which will be throw a lot, run some.
by Subotai on May 13, 2010 1:27 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed.
Peppers adds more intensity to our defense, but Martz changes the entire build of our offense. The hiring of Martz will have the biggest impact, no doubt.
-------
"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 May 13, 2010 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
There's different ways to vote here.
I looked at it as who would have the biggest impact on the upcoming season. In my opinion, Martz will hands down. I think that way because of how he’ll change not only the playbook, but the entire philosophy behind our offense. Even if we end the year with the same record, our offense will look completely different doing so. There’s an excitement to it.
I’m a big “build through the trenches” guy, so I understand your vote.
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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 May 13, 2010 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Voted JP
But I hope to Ditka it’s Martz and that it results in this:
- Less Cutler picks
- More yardage
- More touchdowns.
Because if it doesn’t work, you’ve got a guy that threw a lot last year for a lot of picks… and it’ll likely be the same guy, throwing a lot, for a lot of picks (and maybe more).
(But hey, it said “think” and not “hope”… so, Peppers.)
Peppers, when he’s going, could change the complexion of our defense quite nicely.
by Steven Schweickert on May 13, 2010 2:07 PM CDT reply actions
"but i hope to ditka......"
that is the first time i have seen that and it is classic, frickin love that one. oh and i voted tice cuz it all starts up front in the lines
"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt". -Mark Twain
by pappabearhalas on May 15, 2010 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Peppers
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan.
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad.
Not to get completely off-topic,
but Martz has seen better days than in that photograph. Can someone get the guy a manzier?
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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 May 13, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
I want to know
why he’s standing so crooked?
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on May 13, 2010 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
It's the infamous side-wedgie pick.
You have to rock back-and-forth so people won’t notice. Or at least that’s what I’ve heard. ;)
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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 May 13, 2010 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL
Now I see it, his right hand is just starting to creep back there!
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on May 13, 2010 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Could be farting
the ole’ leg lift to one side maneuver
"That's racist."
by BearNecessities on May 14, 2010 6:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I can relate...
"When I played pro football, I never set out to hurt anyone deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." ~ Dick Butkus
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on May 13, 2010 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions
yes
Manssiere wa the choice – Bro was considered too ethnic. Fred Farkas had the last word, since he owned the bra manufacturing company, but an argument put the kibosh on the whole deal.
"Do or do not... there is no try." - Yoda
Now that you say it, I think the argument was Farkas wanted to ask Estelle out after she and Frank were thinking of splitting.
Was Farkas the owner of the company? I thought it was the lady whose material George touched at the elevator the day he interviewed.
Martz
Strictly in terms of football its Peppers and Harris. But Martz ability to get his offense working quickly(which I can see going real well or quite badly) is whats going to either save or get the whole coaching staff fired.
Martz’ effectiveness may be reduced by the surface. We’re not replacing the grass any time soon.
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
I voted for Tice
I know that the signing of Peppers is the probably gonna be the favorite, and I love the signing, but there is a lot invested in the acquiring of Jay Cutler, and it all starts up front, in order for any offense to have success, you need to have an OL that can give the QB time to make his reads, and allow the WR to hit their routes, also to open up some holes for our RB’s, our defense will be a helluva lot better, if we can stay healthy, no question about it, but we got Jay to put some points on the board, so our defense doesn’t have to try and keep us in the game, but be able to put pressure on the other the other team, while the try to catch up. A good OL, makes Jay better, which makes our WR better, our RB’s better, which will let our defense stay rested and ready to tear apart the opposition, so therefore Tice has to be the best signing for the off season.
What were they thinking?
by touchdown bears on May 14, 2010 11:55 AM CDT reply actions
I voted Martz
I think his scheme best fits the wide receivers strength (speed), and his hiring means no more Turner.
by Dominique Blanton on May 14, 2010 8:11 PM CDT reply actions
Biggest off-season move
It’s Mike Martz. Can’t wait to see how creative the offense is and how the tailors the offense to the personnel we have. Liked the other moves too (and would like to have seen more OL help) but this is an easy choice for me. Realy gives the other D-Coord something to think about too. Think about the guys we have that didn’t get on the field last year like #19. There will be a lot of matchup problems and now we have a creative offensive mind who can exploit these matchups!!! Should be a lot of fun to watch what happens.
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