Tice Unsure About Adding Veteran Lineman to The Chicago Bears, and That's Not A Bad Thing
by Kev H on May 3, 2010 11:00 AM CDT
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There's an old adage that says the game of football is won in the trenches. The play of the guys between Left Tackle and Right Tackle sets up the success of an offense.
This is no different for the Chicago Bears. Their offensive line has been a concern as of late, though they seemed to play better as a unit towards the end of the season. Experts and fans alike have indicated that it'd be a good idea for the Bears to add a new, veteran lineman to the team. There is one person, however, who's more hesitant to say that.
That man? Offensive Line Coach Mike Tice. As quoted by Neil Hayes in the Sun Times:
''Here's the problem with bringing veterans in: Right now, I'm a month in with our veterans here, and I'm trying to get them to do things the way I want them to do it,'' Tice said. ''They've accepted that and adapted to it pretty well. Now you bring a bunch of young guys in, and you're teaching them from scratch the way you want to do things.
Well that makes sense. He's already invested some time in his current guys. He does have a point, however, and it's a lot less crazy than it seems from outward appearance. Veteran guys often don't take well to new teaching.
I think many would agree that bringing in premium talent can rarely be a bad thing. But let's take a look at what Tice says right after the above quote:
Sometimes you bring in a veteran guy with somebody like me who is set in his ways and who wants things done a certain way, and I have to spend too much time breaking bad habits. And sometimes you can't break those bad habits because veteran guys want to tell you how they do things and how they want to take care of things. At this stage of my career, I don't want to do that. I want to be with guys who will do things the way I'm asking them to do it and buy into what I'm selling and move forward and put together a really great line.
In short--it's easier to mold the guys you're already working with, and the new guys. While it seems counter-intuitive to say that adding better players makes you worse, it definitely can. Some veteran players will refuse that teaching, especially if they've been generally considered to be good-to-great players. The general mindset is, "Hey, what I was doing was working, why should I change?"
It is, to a large part, another way of saying that intangibles matter. A lot is made of having the on-field leader, the player who inspires those around them, and helps build them up and take their game to the next level. In this case, it's the position coach who's doing that. (And it's about time.) Tice is actively invested in taking this group of guys, and developing their play, be it their footwork, their hands, or their approach to blocking. He understand the role they will play in this new offense, and how their efforts will singlehandedly (not really singlehandedly, perhaps ten-handedly?) affect the outcome play-to-play.
The other buzzword that applies here, and is more prevalent, is the concept of "gelling" or "meshing" These terms get thrown around quite a bit, especially when players aren't playing well together. For example, with a lot of new guys on the line last year, they just needed time to "gel", and it's generally accepted that towards the end of the season, especially the Vikings and Lions games, they seemed to do just that. (Nevermind the fact that players finally got to play in their positions during that period.) Tice is an upgrade at coach, and has the tools and experience to bring the Bears line to a strong, if not dominant, state.
That's really where it lies. The same things discussed so often as being things teams need to do, will ultimately prove the success or failure of the line this season. Teamwork, cohesion, and the ability to adapt.
So is Tice wrong for thinking that the Bears don't need to bring in a veteran for this squad? Only time can tell that, but what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the opinion? Sound off on this Monday afternoon, and remember, Kickoff at home against the Lions is only nineteen weeks from yesterday.
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Nice write up Kev
I am actually excited to have Tice on board as I do not think we have been doing enough “teaching” on the Oline in the prior few years.
" We get off the bus running! What do you mean we are a passing team? you don't agree with how I do things? You're fired!"
- Lovie Smith-
i'd also say
that Tice’s comments are another way of trying to suggest he matters more than the players….
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 3, 2010 11:13 AM CDT reply actions
Are you saying that as a negative towards him
or as a positive, in that many times, quality coaching can make average guys studs.
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'm not saying it as a negative or a positive
because i don’t have a solid way of assessing his value as an offensive line coach. If he’s not a very good coach then it’s not a great opinion to hold. If he’s a very good coach and has had great results doing things his way (and turning average guys into studs) then its fine.
I was more commenting on the arrogance of the statement. It seems to suggest that he only wants guys who believe in doing things the way he does, because his way is the only acceptable way
If he’s going to carry that type of confidence, he better be able to back it up.
If i’m the QB coach and I say I don’t want Peyton Manning because he’ll have too many of his own ideas on how to do things, well… I better be sure the QB i have in place can do the job damn well.
granted that’s an exaggerated example
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 3, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
But he's the coach.
Regardless of whether they like it…the guys are supposed to learn his way.
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
by Kev H on May 3, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I like that demand from the coaches
for too long our coaches have sort of let players do as they feel, and that leads to disorganization and inconsistent play
Agreed...
for too long our coaches have sort of let players do as they feel
since that mostly consisted of falling down, falling backwards, and looking confused as someone flew past them and did unspeakable things to Cutler. I’d say doing things Tice’s way is not necessarily a bad thing.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
two way street
a good coach is one who adapts to the strengths of his players
just ignoring their strengths and trying to change what they do well, even if its the way you believe it should be done, isn’t getting the most out of your players
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 3, 2010 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Tice never said anything about ignoring a players strengths
he talked about breaking bad habits.
Some vets can sometimes get by doing things “their” way, relying on their natural quickness or natural strength, but if they would utilize proper technique they will become more efficient players and quite possibly lengthen their career.
"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 4, 2010 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions
but he's making the assessment on bad habits
what one might view as a bad habit, the player might view as an integral part of their success
he could be referring to technique, to strength and conditioning habits, really anything at all
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 4, 2010 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess one will never know
If I’m coaching a kid that is just faster and stronger than everyone but has poor technique, it’s my job to break his habits and teach him the right way to do things.
"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 4, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
you're assuming
he’s speaking just to technique
i’m considering he could be speaking to far more than technique.
that’s the difference
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 4, 2010 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
What else is there except technique
depending on which ever scheme the player is schooled in.
"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 4, 2010 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions
training regimine, diet, conditioning, stance
lots of things coaches dictate other than technique
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on May 5, 2010 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions
An offensive line coach in the NFL
has little to do with anything except technique. The stance is technique.
Jim Arthur the Bears Strength and Conditioning coach will give tips on conditioning, training regimen, nutrition…
When I coach I have to be the jack of all trades. Teaching everything to the kids. NFL, colleges, and some high schools have a separate coach to teach those other things.
"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 5, 2010 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
I think we're missing some key points
Tice never said that he was changing veterans technique as I think he was just trying to say taht he wants his unit to be on page with how he does things. That can be: technique, training regimine, conditioning, diet, practice times, etc.
A FA being brought in towards the end of camp is not going to have the same type of regard or understanding of his coaching style as a player who has been in camp wih him since day 1. These are the bad habits he’s referring to. Maybe that player doesn’ want to practice in full pads, so his attitude sucks and he brings player morale down because he’s moping around the practice facility. Maybe he has the veterans and the rookies staying after to go over tape at certain points of the day and a new vet sees that as “pointless” given that he already understands those things.
I think what he is trying to say is that he is happy with his unit “as is” and is trying to build morale and “unity”. He doesn’t want anything to hinder that going forth.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on May 4, 2010 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't take it as arrogance
I’m sure if the available crop of veterans was better than Kevin Mawae, Aaron Sears, and Shawn Andrews he may be more open to adding a vet. But there are no studs looking for a job at this time and he likes his guys!
"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 3, 2010 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions
That's kinda what I was thinking.
The only one I’d consider would be Sears, but only if he had gotten his head straightened out. It’s not looking like it’s likely to happen, at least not in time to salvage his career. It’s a tough break because he was a pretty solid player.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
If true, it could be a negative about him
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 May 3, 2010 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Outstanding post
An offensive line needs time to gel. Look at the best lines throughout history and you’ll usually see guys that have played together. There are just so many unspoken nuisances that go into the comfort level guys get with a certain group.
Not to mention the numerous line calls you need to know to play successfully. Even though Olin makes the initial line calls to set the blocking, players need to make adjustments right up til the snap.
"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 3, 2010 11:17 AM CDT reply actions
Huh?
Is that whistling in the dark, ego talking or what? Like, … Why bother bringing in quality free agents if they might be a disruptive force? Again, Huh?
Or maybe he thinks all the available vets are crap?
Reclamation projects with injuries or mental issues may not be what Tice is looking for.
"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 3, 2010 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Very true.
The lack of top talent doesn’t always mean everything, look at this recent NCAA March Madness tournament…I seem to recall a team doing very well because they were well-educated with regards to the system and executed it brilliantly.
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
The problem, as I see it, is...
If Tice is right… and adding veterans is not the answer… we are not giving him enough quality YOUNG players to develop. Saying you want to develop young talent into your system is all well and good, but we need to give him the TALENT to develop.
Our draft didn’t do that, not in a meaningful way.
There are young guys already on the roster .
How do you know they don’t have enough talent to be the future of the team. You can’t have every backup lineman be a rookie. I for one don’t believe everything that comes out of Halas Hall but I don’t see Tice as being the kind of guy that would feed us a line of crap. He doesn’t have to kiss anyones tail at HH to keep his job. He is known around the league as one of the best.
Adrian Pedestrian!! Now that's funny Mr. Bayless...
Silk Purse/Sows Ear
And he’s going to build it with what? 7th rounders, cast-offs and FA’s off the slag heap that no else thought was worth drafting. Lot’s a luck there. That’s what he has to work with and that hasn’t worked in the past.
But your saying or trying to tell me he would turn down a FA vet like Tait Huh?
Wait
Is Tait a free agent this year? lulz
You're being very Un-Dude right now.
by IslandBoodler87 on May 3, 2010 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
You're not speaking of John Tait, are you?
Why would he bring back a guy who retired and was CONSIDERABLY aged in his last year?
I think there is considerablt talent on the roster— it just might not be welled trained/coached.
Frank Omiyale was a good RT with the Panthers a couple seasons ago. He’s still relatively young and is being moved back to a position that he succeeded in.
How is this a question mark?
Josh Beekman has shown he can pass block going into his 4th year, but he doesn’t have the strength to run block in a traditional sense. In Mike Martz system, he will not be asked to block in that manner often as Martz system is about screens, short throws out of the backfield and sweeps. Mike Tice is going to work with him “hopefully” in the strength department and some of the intricacies of the LG position which deals with the speed side of the pass rush.
How would an aged veteran like Alan Faneca who did poorly in pass protection in 2009 help there?
I would love to see a Steve Hutchinson or a proven pro bowl calibur Guard added to the roster, but they are not available at this point, so I think the best thing to do is instill conficence in yuor curretn roster and hope that by June 1st or late July you don’t have to take someone else’s “scraps” to complete your unit.
Semper Fi
by ChicagoMarine on May 3, 2010 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions
No! No! No!
“Like” when we got Tait from the Chiefs, … not suggesting to bring him back from the 19th hole fer Christ Sake!
So who did you think they should have brought in (or drafted).
So Who is this All-Pro they didnt go after in FA?. Who was it? Who is this vet like Tait you wanted them to go after?
Adrian Pedestrian!! Now that's funny Mr. Bayless...
O-line
is going to be crappy again. Why didn’t they add an over- the-hill veteran, or a young-green 5th or 6th rounder to start?
Disclaimer: Post laden with sarcasm.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
This sarcasm you speak of.
The internet knows not of it. All that is typed is fact.
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 love
when people get called out for their non-sense on the internet, and then proceed to claim sarcasm. No one is ever wrong!
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
I am NOT wrong!!
Occasionally misunderstood, sometimes misinformed, nay- ill-prepared in the factual veracity department. But NEVER am I wrong.
Just ask my dog.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on May 4, 2010 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Well said
My dog let’s me hear about it whenever I’m wrong. Insolent canine!
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Keep Tice in context.
I don’t see Tice as bing the kind of guy that would feed us a line of crap
Definitely true, as long as he’s talking off the cuff.
Hey guys, my first post! Been following WCG for a year now. When Tice was the head coach of all my neighbors’ favorite team, his official statements at pressers and the like could be total appeasement for the Purple’s failures. However, I used to run into him at O’Gara’s, a neighborhood pub, and just talking straight-up he was great. He knows his football stuff, and definitely wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take -Wayne Gretzky" -Michael Scott
Welcome!
I do like Tice, I’m hoping he can get these guys playing well
"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 3, 2010 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
That's what she said?
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
That's not what she said?
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
Uh,
Why is it nearly 11 minutes long?
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
You also have to look at the stats from last years line play.
It went up significantly once Williams moved to LT. The right side of the line averaged the most yards per carry in about 4.5 i believe, that was Garza’s side. I also believe Beekman is solid as a LG, and he is still young so i think Tice will do wonders for him. The only thing that has me worried is Frank O.
Being that the Bears put him at LG and it was a disaster, now they are moving him back to RT. Not that i want to see him at Guard but i am apprehensive about us thrusting him back into a different position even though it’s his natural position. Needless to say this worries me for next year, we can’t afford for him to go through growing pains at RT and get Jay killed.
The fact that Omiyale is moving now
is good for his development and familiarity. Had this been done after camp and the ota’s I’d be concerned, but he’ll have plenty of time to get acclimated to RT. Shaffer will get his reps there too, and may the best man win.
"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 3, 2010 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Tice loves Omiyale
“Frankie has tremendous quickness and tremendous acceleration laterally to the spot, and it’s obvious he has the athletic ability to play left tackle,” Tice said. “He can make the transition to right tackle or I would have just left him at guard. I think we have two (left tackles).”
by boondock_saint812 on May 3, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
good to hear
"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 3, 2010 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeppy
I was also thrilled to hear this, and it seems like Omiyale works much better in space than at the crowded guard position.
''I'm really not a Facebook or Twitter guy. I'm a prime rib and baked potato guy.'' - Sweet Lou
Thats a great sign
If Omiyale can shore up the right tackles spot, we’ll be able to control good edge rushers on both sides
I heard Tice calls everyone Frankie.
Even Lovie and Martz. He’s all “Yo Frankie!”, and like 12 guys collectively turn their heads. Then Tice proceeds to give everyone in arms reach a nookie and then a slap on the ass with an “Atta Boy” thrown in to conclude the “pep talk”. Then he squats 450 and eats walnuts by cracking the shells open with head butts on a firm surface such as a desktop or concrete wall.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
Then Tice proceeds to give everyone in arms reach a nookie
Either “nookie” means something different on your side of the pond, or you meant to type “noogie” … :-D
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
***Would have. Would HAVE. ... please note***
I stand corrected oh exalted one.
My vernacular (or lack thereof) dates me. BTW, I left a comment specifically for you in the WCG’s hiring post and have awaited your reply.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
well he was moved to Rt
at Martz’s request….so i mean it can’t be all that bad in the “football genius” wants him at Rt rght?
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
Yeah, but I can't lie to you guys that I just have an uneasy feeling about Frank O back at tackle.
Of course Mike Tice knows more than me but I just can’t shake the feeling. Hopefully he proves me wrong though and comes out with a vengeance.
by Chitownproduct on May 3, 2010 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I should hope not, sir.
but I can’t lie to you guys…
The internet is a place of honesty and integrity. And tons and tons of very, very attractive, highly successful people on chat rooms and dating sites and such.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
I think this is all good signs and very encouraging considering the "bad air" in Chicago on the offensive line.
I think the “Frank Omiyale” was a stretch to begin with and I really want to know who’s decision it was to pen him in as the LG in 2009 to begin with (Lovie’s the Coach, but Angelo suggested that he would be a starer and that he wanted to see him at the Guard position also).
He has had success at the RT position in Carolina, so there is proof that he can perform at the position. Chris WIlliams seemed to have picked up the LT position towards the end of the season with limited starting time at the position because of the faith in Orlando Pace that Lovie Smith had at the beginning of the season. Garza performed admirabley in 2009 and was one of the better guards in the league in 2009 (according to Pro Football Focus). Kruetz is serviceable and will be able to fill the middle admirably. The only concern is the LG position, which I think will fall to a developing Josh Beekman.
I think Bears fans have to take everything into the development of a lineman. For instance, Jahri Evans who was unquestionably the best Guard in the 2009 NFL season, came around in his 4th year of NFL action. the 2006 4th round pick has started since his rookie year in the league— all at the RG position. Evans plays in that Saints offense where passing and screens are a staple in the offense, so Evans did a lot more pass blocking than “traditional” run blocking. Beekman, is heading into his fourth year after being drafted in the 4th round of the 2007 draft. He is a decent pass blocker, but lacks the strength (not size) to be a good run blocking LG.
But, consider this Bears fans…
… How much “running” are the Bears going to do in a Mike Martz system? Also, factor in the coching of Mike Tice, who has had success in offensive line quality control and coaching.
I’m encouraged and I have to agree with Mike Tice on the confidence in the talent he has on roster.
Semper Fi
Like I said before...
The O-line may not be as bad as advertised. It might just be a matter of a coach getting them to gel.
That's could be
Everyone seems to keep pointing to the fact that the line play improved so dramatically after Pace was benched and Williams took over on the left side…
Lovie doesn't seem to care if you can even play a position, let alone a scheme,
as long as you’re a good athlete. That’s why our roster consists of 22 starters and 31 back-up strong safeties.
"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST
False.
He’s unnecessarily loyal to his scheme, he just doesn’t seem to care if your athleticism fits his scheme, he’ll just complain about it later.
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
Not to beat a dead horse, but if Tice is right and he's as good as advertised
isn’t that a further indictment of Lovie’s inability to evaluate, not only players’ talents, but his coaches as well. A lot of us have been saying for years that the O-line was a problem, yet they never made a move to change things until the sh*t hit the fan after this season and the Turner crew was launched. Prior to this, most of the coaching changes during Lovie’s tenure have been on the defensive side of the ball. Terry Shea’s quick release is the only offensive one, of any significance, that I can come up with. There might have been more but none come to mind.
Or is it Lovies inability...
to choose quality position coaches who can actually play up to their potential, instead of hiring buddies?
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
by WisBearsFan34 on May 4, 2010 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Another way to look at it, but basically the same point
bottom line is, he needs to be launched if the Bears don’t make the post season.
coaches
mike tice, mike martz, lovie smith, bob babich, ron marinelli…
yikes.
First of all my friend
Babich is the LB’s coach. Which he had HUGE success in. Remember when Babich was the LB only coach Urlacher had his DPOTY season. Sooo yeah. And Martz’s offense is nasty and will score. Tice is considered one of the best Line coaches in the NFL. and remember in 06…there was this team called the Bears, they went to the super bowl. Do you remember who coached that team? I think his name was Lovie Smith
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
Veteran O-LIne Addition
Tice is correct regarding the O-Line meshing at the begining of the season. The fact is that the Bear’s O-Line is not loaded with talent and the starters for the most part are past their prime! Therefore, bringing in a couple of veterans now is a great idea, but this must be done NOW, not later so that they’ll have an opportunity to mesh. Moreover, it’s critical to bring in at least one quality veteran O-Lineman that can play guard and center. Olin is a fighter and has earned everyones’ repsect, but his time is quickly passing and the future of the team must be the primary focus. The Bear’s will not win if they cannot run the ball between the tackles and considering the divisions’ impressive interior defensive lines and linebackers, upgrading the O-Line is not something that can be placed on hold regardless of the current leadership changes.
They should probably bring in at least one interior lineman
If nothing else, then just for some depth.
Tice is correct to a certain extent...
but what about depth. It’s one thing to say a vet interior lineman would be difficult. I get it that the “old dog-new tricks” cliche applies. However, the biggest concern on this Bears team for more than 2 years has been the LG spot. The only solution has been the failed “Frankie” experiment. Now, Frankie goes to HollywoodRT and the same issues exist at LG. Beekman is OK at LG, but he’s really more the back-up to the rapidly aging Kreutz in a division with some damn solid DTs. The kind of DTs that can rush in the passing game as well. So why haven’t the Bears brought in a draftee to learn for the zen master of the o-line. If an o-line guru speaks and no one is there to hear him…does his wisdom make a sound?
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
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