The Inside Scoop: Another Session With Bears Beat Writer Sean Jensen
We are delighted to have Chicago Sun-Times beat reporter Sean Jensen join us for another Q/A session right here on our home field. Last week, Sean talked about defensive schemes, personnel issues, coaching strategies, etc, and today he's back for another round of in-depth conversation with the best Bears fans on the planet.
With the Bears sitting at 2-0, and a huge game this coming Monday at Soldier Field versus Green Bay (and the following week traveling to New York to face the Giants), we are suddenly sitting at gut-check time, even though the season just started.
Just like last week, feel free to drop your questions and comments below. This is a huge treat for all of us, as we have the ability to tap into a resource who is at all of the practices, all of the games, in and around Halas Hall all year long.
Sean will be joining us around 3pm CT... in the meantime, make sure you peruse the Sun-Times for the latest updates, and check out Inside the Bears, which is run by Jensen and Neil Hayes.
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Danieal Manning's Progression?
In your opinion, how has Manning performed in the first two games of this season? Has there been some growth, in your opinion?
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
Sorry! I had a phone call. Just got done. Here i am.
Manning has been solid. I think he’s looked better this year than last. His speed really helps, especially since Harris isn’t so fast.
Any new snippets
on why Tommie Harris has been nonexistent so far? I haven’t seen him with much of a burst or providing much penetration in the first two games. Thanks!
"How do you know somebody is great? When you see how they respond to adversity. Anybody can man a ship when the waters are calm." - Jerry Angelo
Tommie Harris
I’ve heard mixed reviews of him. But, I just got off the phone with someone I really, really respect, who watched this Cowboys game closely, and he said Tommie Harris did a very nice job… when he played. The person told me that Harris doesn’t seem to be playing as many snaps as before, but that he definitely flashed his athleticism from the inside. He’s curious to see if Harris can continue to improve and get healthy again.
How has Lance Louis performed so far?
I haven’t heard or read his name being mentioned in post-game analysis.
"How do you know somebody is great? When you see how they respond to adversity. Anybody can man a ship when the waters are calm." - Jerry Angelo
Bears safeties
Manning seems to be out of position and inable to close on a runner before they get yardage or after a WR makes a catch. Harris seems to be slow to get to a play (with exception of the one big hit last week).
What do the Bears need to do to shore up the secondary with some very capable passing teams approaching on the schedule? Are the players playing in different spots than they’re accustomed to (Harris) causing some problems, is it more execution based or scheme related?
No.....
Manning has played very well both games. He has rarely been out of position. I know you don’t like the guy, but damn what are you basing your post off of?
by Dozjah on Sep 23, 2010 1:19 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree
What I’ve seen is the lack of big plays from the opponents offense. Isn’t that what safety play is all about?
"How do you know somebody is great? When you see how they respond to adversity. Anybody can man a ship when the waters are calm." - Jerry Angelo
Actually I have nothing against the guy.
With 1 pass deflection and no picks, I do not see him as being “in position” much.
What is yours based off of
Have you seen him play?
Since the preseason? He has played better than The hitman. Remember he’s the strong safety now so Int’s are not necessarily his biggest concern. If your based off Int’s then look at Rush yds against and his 11 tackles which rank 4th on the team? Why the hate?
PS: We rank first in rush D. So you’re based on…………………………………………. Thought so…
Pof, Pof, Pasa! Watch out for the monsters!
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2010.htm There?
Pof, Pof, Pasa! Watch out for the monsters!
Redbull?
Better than the Hitman, as of this far in the season is not saying much. Manning is not terrible, I do not dislike him, I just do not see what you are. I see him having poor vision and reaction skills. Has he played bad, no, he hasn’t but I am not ready to say it has been good either.
Also, didn’t know rush D was a Manning stat. Wow, he is beast. Let me get this straight, his deflections and picks are not valid stats but the whole D rush stats are, now I am getting it.
you're misusing stats
that aren’t really related to the quality of safeties. PD and Picks aren’t useful in evaluating safeties.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Sep 23, 2010 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you envision the Bears making any moves in FA associated with the O-line?
Why not? or If so, then who?
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
Offensive Line
Why did Frank Omiyale look so much better in pass protection against Dallas than either Williams or Schaffer did? If it was the play calling and the quick drops, why weren’t those being used earlier in the game? If it was something physical or talent based, why hasn’t Omiyale been playing LT the entire time?
Sean Jensen's Power Rankings?
If you were to rank the Bears after the first two weeks, where would that be and why?
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
Craig Steltz
I think it’s pretty obvious the coaching staff likes Steltz, I’m a pretty big fan of Steltz myself. What do you think Steltz’s best attributes are and could you see him winning and keeping a starting safety spot in the future?
WILDCARD BITCHES!!! YEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!!!
Steltz
What the coaching staff likes most about Steltz is his ability to play either spot, as well as star on special teams. Steltz can do it all, and he’s a very solid athlete. He’s not the athlete that a Danieal Manning is. But, Steltz is a heady player, and he doesn’t make glaring mistakes.
Williams or Wright
Sean,
Which injury provides more of a negative impact for the Bears in the next few weeks: the loss of Chris Williams at LT or the loss of Major Wright at FS?
Unreasonable people make life difficult...
Williams or Wright
Given the depth at safety, I think the loss of Chris Williams would hurt more. But, Wright will heal, and he’ll be able to help toward the end of the season. He’s, by far, the most athletic safety, and I’ve seen enough flashes from him to think that he’ll be a good player.
Don’t lose patience with him. These injuries also seem fluky; he was very durable at Florida.
We often hear about scuffles between teammates during the offseason
but not really during the season. Naturally, players are more focused on preparing for the other team, and less about competing for a roster spot… but:
Do things ever get heated during regular season practices, and if so, do you think grudges ever get held?
Scuffles in practice
Not really. In-season practices aren’t very physical. And it’s not nearly as hot outside. I think the heat sometimes contributes to the training camp fights.
Monday night will go along way in establishing a pecking order in the NFC North,
but how close are the 0-2 Vikings and Lions to the 2-0 Bears and Packers?
I know in the locker room that this is
really “just another early division game”… but do you think the guys know how big this is to the fans?
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
by Allie on Sep 23, 2010 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Offensive Line (again ^_^)
I’ve noticed that, in general, when compared to the rest of the NFL, the Bears offensive linemen seem to be more finesse and speed guys than pure strength guys (not a knock on them, they can still out-strength me 4-to-1 easily). I haven’t seen too much offensive playcalling that could take advantage of this type of linemen, such as screens, bootlegs, and pitches; i.e. plays where the linemen are pulling or getting downfield early. Is this just my perception? How successful have the Bears been with these type of plays as compared to standard inside handoff or dropback/pocket passing plays? In your opinion, have they been utilizing the linemen’s speed correctly in their play calling?
What is it like being a beat writer for the Bears?
I know many people have to imagine it as being a dream job… getting paid to follow every detail of our favorite football team.
But, how demanding are the deadlines? How many hours per week do you work? What is the most challenging part of your job?
C’mon, man… make us not envy the career that you have. :)
by Dane Noble on Sep 23, 2010 1:44 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Good question, I'm interested in the answer to this one.
David Taylor's personal hype man. Check out his website unless you're a loser. http://www.cheekymonkeyart.com/
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 23, 2010 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Beat writer job
I love what I do. For the most part, I don’t feel I’ve "worked’ since graduating from Northwestern in 1998. I get excited to work and write stories about the NFL and players. What’s best, though, is inspiring, engaging and exciting NFL fans. That’s very gratifying.
Our business is struggling, so I need all of you to go out and buy our paper! I promise I’ll deliver things in there that you can’t just get online.
Growing up in Boston, I read and delivered the Boston Globe. It really helped build my passion for sports and sportswriting.
by Sean Jensen on Sep 23, 2010 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Thanks for the insight.
Unfortunately, as I am an English major and teacher, I think newspapers are dying out to the internet. I think this (blogging) is becoming the venue of the future. I still love print but i think arenas like this capture a very necessary crowd. Again, thanks for your time here!
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
For me
the internet is about more than just being in the “necessary crowd”, its much more accessible. I can change fonts easily on my computer to a degree that is impossible in newsprint.
Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas
Good point.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.
First off , Thanks for dropping by again Mr. Jensen . Now on to my question .....
…. Whats up with Chris William’s injury ? Theres been no mention of how long hes gonna be gone or what exactly the injury really is . Any insight on the situation ?
Also whats your opinion of the media ( minus a select few ) not giving us any respect ? Most of the NFL guys still say that Detroit & Dallas both lost the game and give us no credit for beating those teams . Your thoughts on that situation ?
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Sep 23, 2010 1:48 PM CDT reply actions
Chris Williams
I didn’t mention Chris Williams as prominently as Major because I didn’t believe it was as serious. I don’t think he’s practicing today, but I do think he’s got a shot at playing Monday night. They will let his hamstring rest, then maybe test it on Saturday. That would be my guess. If he’s even limited on Friday, then you should feel good about him playing.
Thanks for the info my man !!!!
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Sep 23, 2010 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Lovie or Marinelli?
Outside of our players being healthy, do you credit the good play of the defense to Lovie or Marinelli calling the plays?
Kreutz and Garza-
With all of the recent chatter around the Tackle positions, we aren’t really hearing a couple of other guys mentioned: Olin Kreutz and Roberto Garza.
Between the two of them, they’ve got 20 seasons under their belts (Kreutz/11, Garza/9), not counting the current season, and they aren’t getting any younger.
What are your thoughts on succession planning for those two guys, especially considering Jerry Angelo hasn’t exactly been known to build the OL through the draft?
by Dane Noble on Sep 23, 2010 1:55 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I have a soft-spot for Earl Bennett...
Since I used to hail from the Middle TN area and there was a question asked about our receivers to Moon, more specifically about Devin Aromashodu and why he didn’t see more use against Dallas. The most interesting part of the response to me was the statement that Earl Bennett is faster than DA, which I found amazing as Bennett to my memory has never been seen as a fast receiver.
Is Earl Bennett really faster than Aromashodu? If so, is it due to straight line speed or Earl’s route running?
As a follow up, I noticed that even without much of a training camp Earl Bennett came right back in and contributed against Dallas. Has he become better at digesting the play books after his rookie year where he famously struggled? We know that Cutler at least has some small amount of input on who he is throwing to, do you think his previous familiarity throwing to ball to Bennett at Vanderbilt helped him come back more seamlessly than other receivers might have?
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com - Artist formerly known as Sklz711
Earl Bennett
There’s no way he’s faster than Aromashodu. But, Bennett is more of a pure slot receiver. He runs good routes, he’s got solid hands, and he’s just crafty in tight quarters. DA isn’t really built for the slot, but they’ve put him there, because of need. I’m sure both will have a role in this offense.
Matt Toenia
What do you attribute his recent success too?
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 23, 2010 2:04 PM CDT reply actions
Good question...
He looked super-agressive last week when he rotated in for Adams. Adams is faster and more nimble, and Toeina is more agressive… good rotation of guys there if you ask me (which you didn’t).
I'd say motivation
Which is why he’s in the rotation and being very good and why Harrison has been inactive for the first two weeks.
Pof, Pof, Pasa! Watch out for the monsters!
I think they are good rotation guys...
What do you think Dane?
In the 8th grade Mike Ditka won his school's Science Fair with a model of a working volcano. There were 17 other working volcano's made that day, but only one named Mount Ditka.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 23, 2010 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Toeiana
Matt is a very good athlete, with good explosion. I’m sure he feels he could have contributed earlier, but he’s not a high draft pick, so he’s had to earn his playing time the hard way. But, at training camp, he was just too hard to ignore. He stood out, just like he did in Dallas. Expect him to be a regular in the rotation.
Josh Beekman
He was a fairly surprising cut to some people who follow the team, and there has been a lot of reports on why he was let go from not fitting Mike Tice’s big bully type mold, his disappointing pre-season, and I’ve even heard he looked lost at center while Kreutz was out.
Is there any light you could shed on the Josh Beekman cut, and if it was a matter of not fitting Tice’s mold does that mean that Williams could become at risk if he doesn’t improve this season/next pre-season?
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com - Artist formerly known as Sklz711
I don't believe so...
I heard there was interest out of Seattle and Houston, but that’s the last I heard.
Associate Writer - WindyCityGridiron.com - Artist formerly known as Sklz711
Beekman
I can’t say with certainty. But, I don’t think Beekman was a Tice kind of guy. He was undersized, and, from the indications I got, he didn’t do things the way Tice wanted. Tice likes big, he likes athletic, and he likes nasty. I think Beekman was 0-for-3.
He definitely didn't have the mean streak.
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Sep 23, 2010 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Same with Williams!
Tice said during training camp that he liked William’s athletic ability but that he lacked the agressiveness he looks for.
He sounded some what resigned when he stated that some guys are just not that way :(
pbanachi
We might need a “Waterboy” moment with Williams!
"44 years of football history and nothing to show for it. I wish I wasn’t banned at the Norseman.." - tfrabotta
"Fellas, what are they, unblockable? Is that the '85 Bears over there?" - Tom Coughlin, Giants '06 training camp
~~~ Check my profile for links for SB20 and America's Game: '85 Bears ~~~
Maybe Sandra Bullock can make him aggressive.
-------
www.cheekymonkeyart.com | facebook.com/cheekymonkeyart | twitter.com/cheekymonkeyart
by David Taylor on Sep 27, 2010 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Peppers vs. GB LT
Sean,
How does the Clifton injury impact how GB will block Peppers Mon.night? Their 2nd string LT is a rookie.
I might add
that he’s not slated as a LT either.
"How do you know somebody is great? When you see how they respond to adversity. Anybody can man a ship when the waters are calm." - Jerry Angelo
Peppers vs. GB LT
Doesn’t matter who is there, the Packers will give that player help. Whether it’s Clifton or the rookie, Peppers will get doubled a lot, and the Packers offense will dare Anderson or Idonije to beat them. Those guys have done a nice job against the run, but I think they need to ramp it up on passing downs, especially against Rodgers. If he gets time, it will be a long day for the Bears defense.
Look no further than the first two games. First game, against Buffalo, Rodgers wasn’t sacked, and he had a rating higher than 115. Then, against Philadelphia, he was sacked three times and had a rating in the 70s. You have to get after Rodgers to slow down that Packer offense.
You hear that Mark Anderson?
He's a 300-pound man who moves like a defensive back. That's what you're dealing with." — Bears coach Lovie Smith on DE Julius Peppers
by BearNecessities on Sep 23, 2010 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Who do you think has been the best player the first two weeks?
Who’s performance has gone under the radar and lastly?
Best player in first two week?
You have to go with Cutler. The throws he made against Dallas were ridiculous. He played a near perfect game. Then, against Detroit, other than the one pick, he also played very well. Can’t fault him for the fumbles.
On defense, I’d have to say Brian Urlacher. He’s been everywhere.
Agreed!
Semper Fi
PREDICTION for 2010-2011 NFL Season: "The England Patriots will finish 8-8 plus or minus 1" ~8/13/10 1230p
by ChicagoMarine on Sep 23, 2010 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I agree on both counts
Thanks for answering my question even with the random “and lastly” at the the end of it.
Between all of the greats that have played for Da Bears over the years...
Which player do you think could help this 2010 team out the most?
WILDCARD BITCHES!!! YEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!!!
Since our running game has been so incredibly abysmal
Have to go with Walter Payton.
And if we didn’t have Urlacher & Briggs – Butkus would be a consideration.
Guess Again.
This O-Line can slow up the pass rush just enough for a “Super Quick” QB like Cutler to pull the trigger, … but can’t run block worth shit.
Even the “All Universe” Walter Payton wouldn’t average much over 2 yards per carry :(
pbanachi
You're drafting the Sean Jensen Fantasy Team of just curent Bears players:
Who do you pick 1st?
Thank you again for being so generous with your time, not only here, but throughout the year.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
It's been a long time since the Bear's QB would be the 1st pick.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
So really
how awesome is Ditka?
David Taylor's personal hype man. Check out his website unless you're a loser. http://www.cheekymonkeyart.com/
How awesome is Ditka?
he’s pretty awesome. Can’t argue. He cracks me up.
by Sean Jensen on Sep 23, 2010 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
I knew it. I'm jealous you've even spoken to him.
Tell him I said hi. :) And thanks for answer my question.
David Taylor's personal hype man. Check out his website unless you're a loser. http://www.cheekymonkeyart.com/
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 23, 2010 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Pure awesomeness...
I knew it. I’m jealous you’ve even spoken to him.
"How do you know somebody is great? When you see how they respond to adversity. Anybody can man a ship when the waters are calm." - Jerry Angelo
Why doesn't Richard Dent get the love he deserves from the HOF committee?
I mean John Randle got it….
David Taylor's personal hype man. Check out his website unless you're a loser. http://www.cheekymonkeyart.com/
exactly.
David Taylor's personal hype man. Check out his website unless you're a loser. http://www.cheekymonkeyart.com/
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 24, 2010 1:25 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
How soon can you see Corey Wootton getting some serious playing time?
WILDCARD BITCHES!!! YEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!!!
Gotta go...
Thanks everyone, for your great questions. I hope you found this interesting. Gotta go chase down Mike Tice, and a couple of players now. Check me out on Twitter skjensen and at the Sun-Times website!
by Sean Jensen on Sep 23, 2010 3:30 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Thanks again, Sean!
Thanks again, Dean!
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
Love the info & thanks for your time !!
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Sep 23, 2010 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Great info
Appreciate your time and effort. It is nice hearing from you on WCG, stop back by again.
by TheMan1 on Sep 23, 2010 4:17 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions





















