NFL Thoughts: Chicago Bears and Beyond

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 31, 2011 3:00 PM CST in Notes

What an interesting week it's been. Jay Cutler went from the most hated Bear to a sympathetic figure, and he did this all by not speaking to the media. But Aaron Rodgers went from one of the great stories of the 2010 playoffs to kind of a jerk because he opened up to the media. I wonder if Trent Dilfer thinks his dig at his injured teammates make him a better leader?

Last week Sean Jensen of the Sun Times had a great quote from Olin Kreutz in regards to Jay Cutler. It tells me all I need to know about how his teammates feel about him. And you can find that quote after the jump.

‘‘We always say in our locker room [that] we take guys for their actions and not their words,'' Kreutz said. ‘‘And a lot of guys in the NFL will give you a lot of smoke, a lot of ‘I love my team, I love this and I love that.' But their actions don't show it.

‘‘Jay won't give you a lot of smoke. He just shows you. Day in and day out at practices, he works, and you don't see him promoting himself. He just wants to be one of us. Guys can blow smoke and shake your hand and be your friend in your face and be a total [expletive]. So we appreciate that about him.''

Before the 2010 season I made some NFL picks you can take to the bank, I got a few right and a few wrong. I had Brett Favre not playing all 16 games and Bernard Berrian still failing to reach 1000 yards. But I missed on my AFC pick of the Ravens and I thought the Jets were all hype and would miss the playoffs. So I'll make some Super Bowl NFL Picks to try and redeem myself.

1) The Steelers will beat the Packers 17-10.

2) Rashard Mendenhall will be the MVP

3) The opening coin toss will be tails... because everyone knows tails never fails.

4) I saw an over/under for the length of Christina Aguilera's National Anthem set at 1:50. I'd take the over. Big voiced divas always belt out a little something extra on the big stage.

5) I saw another site place the over/under on Brett Favre mentions at 2.5. It's Joe Buck, take the over.

Now a few more random thoughts...

6) The Zone Blitz will get a ton of hype, and with the NFL being a copy cat league I'd expect a few teams to switch their defense for 2011. Here's a great article from nfl.com on the Zone Blitz. And I just want to go on record again by saying that the Tampa 2 and the Zone Blitz should be a perfect marriage. Both defenses are predicated on speed.

7) Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey is more than likely not going to play in Super Bowl XLV because of a fractured ankle. Jack Youngblood played in Super Bowl XIV with a broken freaking leg! I'm just saying...

8) I think Twitter is the worst thing to ever happen to professional athletes. More often that not players stick their foot in their mouth with their regretful comments. How refreshing in this day and age to have a QB in Chicago that doesn't play that game.

9) The NFL Pro Bowl... yawn...

10) Did any players stand out in the Senior Bowl that you hope your favorite team will draft?

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Kam Chancellor!!

Oh wait…that was last year

by tommite622 on Jan 31, 2011 3:26 PM CST reply actions

I'll take over on 1:50 anthem

There a subSTANTIAL amount of money being bet on that…

Late in the season, in the midst of an inning and it’s just past the top of the hour so Pat mentions that we’re due for a station break. Ron kinda mumbles "Didn’t we just have one of those?" and without missing a beat Pat says "About an hour ago."

by Champaign Cubbies on Jan 31, 2011 3:27 PM CST reply actions

Leonard Hankerson

A WR from Miami could still be around in the 2nd, and I would love for the Bears to have him

by tommite622 on Jan 31, 2011 3:28 PM CST reply actions

I thought this was interesting

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/senior-bowl-stock-rise-and-fall-012911

Esp the WR from Boise. Only got to watch one or two of their games, is he a go up and get it guy? At least he’s listed at taller than 5’8 or whatever our guys are…

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. -George Halas

by Allie on Jan 31, 2011 3:44 PM CST reply actions

You mean Austin Pettis?

6’3" tall go up and get it type guy. I watched a lot of Boise St ball this year (a buddy of mine is a big Boise Fan). The kid is better than advertised, and I was honestly hoping for a poor senior bowl showing from him because I wanted him to fall in the draft for (hopefully) the Bears sake.

I would be thrilled to see Pettis go to the Bears

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 31, 2011 5:55 PM CST up reply actions

Greg McElroy.

Extremely smart kid with very comparable numbers this past season with the top passers/prospects in this year’s draft. Projected 5th round- undrafted. Would love to see him come in a late round/undrafted.

WILDCARD BITCHES!!! YEEEEHHHAAAAA!!!!!

by Acreman20 on Jan 31, 2011 3:57 PM CST reply actions

Homer?

Are you from BAMA?

by l3ig_lvlike_430 on Jan 31, 2011 4:01 PM CST reply actions

Obviously, Jay Cutler works for the Chicago Bears team.

The gushing support for him and the constant declaration by players that his demeanor and persona has no bearing on the team’s attitude and performance makes it clear that Cutler is a valued commodity in the locker room for the player he is.

That’s fair.

But, I think it’s also a “fair statement” for fans who are used to a more stereotypical approach to the “QB persona”, where he is typically more vocal and is not only the leader of a 11-man unit, but also the field coach. A coach is typically the LAST person you would want to see looking unconcerned and destitute along the sidelines ("I’m looking at YOU, fans of high tempered coaches) and I think the same can be said for quarterbacks.

But, those fans can’t have it both ways!

I remember fans getting up in arms when he lashed out at Juaquin Iglesias in offseason TCs. Or, how about when he pointed out that Devin Hester was not a typical get up in the air and “go get it” type of receiver? Fans reaction were all along the spectrum there too!

Listen, I’m not saying that Jay Cutler’s demeanor is that big of a concern to me or anyone else…

… But, it could be better, couldn’t it?

I mean, it’s not going to win championships, but it can endear you to a city who is looking for a leader on a team that hasn’t had a celebrated QB since “Jordan was shooting buckets for Dean Smith at Chapel Hill”.

Cutler is in a very unique situation since coming to Chicago via Denver that has a lot of undue expectations upon him and a lot of question marks. And for a city who has yearned for that stereotypical offensive “leader” in the mold of some of the great QBs of NFL past (vocal, gameday inspiring, likeable)— I think it’s going to be tough to live up to those real (but CERTAINLY unfair) expectations during his tenure.

Semper Fi

"BRING GERALD HARRIS BACK TO THE UFC!!!"

by ChicagoMarine on Jan 31, 2011 4:06 PM CST reply actions

One way to correct it though...

… Is to “win”. Winning solves everything!

I think the Bears admin owe it to him to get him the personnel he needs going into ’11-12. A big play receiver, some OL help, and a solid PR campaign.

Jay needs to enjoy a bit of this offseason, then use this undue criticism as fuel to get even better in the Martzfense and his fundamentals.

Semper Fi

"BRING GERALD HARRIS BACK TO THE UFC!!!"

by ChicagoMarine on Jan 31, 2011 4:10 PM CST up reply actions

Just win

and Jay can sit on the bench naked for all I care.

People are trying to correlate his non-chalant attitude with his willingness (or unwillingness) to do everything in his power to raise his teams’ chances for success. Isn’t that how all QBs are judged?

"The problem isn't that people aren't smart, it's that some folks have an attention span of about seven days. Look at the broader picture and you'll always be smarter." - Bill Barnwell of F.O. on why the media picks playoff winners on Monday.

by propheteer on Jan 31, 2011 11:02 PM CST up reply actions

I still think he needs to work harder, but...

… That has no bearing on his demeanor. He needs to work on his mechanics and decision making. And that is evident in his lack of form and inconsistent play.

He can turn it around though.

Semper Fi

"BRING GERALD HARRIS BACK TO THE UFC!!!"

by ChicagoMarine on Feb 1, 2011 10:17 AM CST up reply actions

Hopefully

the disappointment of losing while on the bench motivates him greater than ever before.

Everyone seems to agree that he needs to improve his mechanics in order to take the next step. Year two- Martz needs to install good habits in Jay. Most notably, better footwork.

by propheteer on Feb 1, 2011 8:08 PM CST up reply actions

Even solves puppy electrocutions and bathroom indescretions.

And I think you must have the only Gerald Harris-related signature in the world. I didn’t think he should have been cut for it, but that last fight was pretty bad.

"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST

by JerBear50 on Feb 1, 2011 3:11 AM CST up reply actions

One fight shouldn't cause for a cut though

… I’ve seen some fighters “literally” send it in for 3 fights before Dana says, “Ok… that’s enough! One more and your out!”

Semper Fi

"BRING GERALD HARRIS BACK TO THE UFC!!!"

by ChicagoMarine on Feb 1, 2011 10:15 AM CST up reply actions

I was surprised to see him go,

especially being from TUF. They tend to let those guys hang around if they do well because they’re a known commodity. I was shocked when they cut Nover as well, even though he was a tool. I wish like hell I was off this Saturday. That’s gonna be a really good card. I’m gonna miss my boy Torres in his first UFC card.

"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST

by JerBear50 on Feb 2, 2011 5:48 AM CST up reply actions

Totally Agree

There's always next year....

by Jessica312 on Feb 1, 2011 6:37 AM CST up reply actions

Loved the 3-4 article

Great read!

"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."

by GriggsBriggs on Jan 31, 2011 4:54 PM CST reply actions

Aguilera and the Black Eyed Peas?

Yawn….

I’ll watch during the national anthem because its the national anthem, but the halftime show will just be used as a toilet break for me, which will be more enjoyable than hearing their awful music.

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

by JoeCB1991 on Jan 31, 2011 5:36 PM CST reply actions

I'll listen for both of us.

The Black Eyed Peas are fire in my book!

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 31, 2011 5:49 PM CST up reply actions

In that their entire discography needs to be used as a bonfire

to melt all the snow expected in the blizzard.

by Steven Schweickert on Jan 31, 2011 8:49 PM CST up reply actions

but they will make it a good night!

a good good night. such a good night.. a good.. good night..

by GtM on Jan 31, 2011 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Ummmm....

I’ll try very hard not to hold this post against you….

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
I remain a pessimistically hopeful Bears fan.

by Just Dave on Jan 31, 2011 9:27 PM CST up reply actions

Can I negative rec this comment?

by propheteer on Jan 31, 2011 11:03 PM CST up reply actions

Cracked.com disagrees

http://www.cracked.com/video_17618_black-eyed-peas-have-officially-written-worst-song-ever.html

Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

by JoeCB1991 on Feb 1, 2011 12:51 AM CST up reply actions

Thought on the random thoughts

1) I got that Packers 28-17

2) Aaron Rodgers will be MVP, though Clay Matthews will be the guy who should have been (Kinda like Peyton Manning in ’06 was the MVP, but Bob Sanders should have been)

3) Good call….

4) Great Call…..

5) So good it hurts (and it will) Call….

6) Absolute brilliance……

7) And if e does play, we will never here the end of the difference between Cutler and Pouncey………and it will still be total BS. That wouldn’t be tough, it would be stupid…….

8) Agreed. Twitter and 24 hour sports media……

9) They played that already?

10) Austin Pettis, WR, Boise St.

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 31, 2011 5:48 PM CST reply actions

when will knox ever do that?

The. Bogans. Prophecy.

by T.Moore on Jan 31, 2011 5:54 PM CST up reply actions

When he grows 4 inches, for starters, LOL.

Pettis is 6’3"

in•san•i•ty \in-ˈsa-nə-tē\ noun
1 : The practice of repeating the same action while expecting different results.

by Timothy Hockemeyer on Jan 31, 2011 5:57 PM CST up reply actions

I should say when will he ever try to do that

but whatever

The. Bogans. Prophecy.

by T.Moore on Jan 31, 2011 6:15 PM CST up reply actions

Exactly...

Knox is a 6’0 WR that has 4.3 speed… he wasn’t drafted to be a high-jumping, aggressive WR.

People see that we have a need for that aggressive, go-up-and-get-it WR, but we can’t expect guys like Knox to be that. Sure, there were times where he could have been more agressive, but we also have to remember who he is and what his main role will be.

by Dane Noble on Feb 1, 2011 10:54 AM CST up reply actions

Knox?

He has yet to figure out that you block out the DB while you go fo the ball :(

pbanachi

by pbanachi on Feb 1, 2011 3:17 AM CST up reply actions

I thought SB MVP should have been Dominic Rhodes.

He ran up our gut all day long in that goddamn game.

"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST

by JerBear50 on Feb 1, 2011 3:16 AM CST up reply actions

Sometimes I just wonder if Trent Dilfer thinks.

by oripunk3485 on Jan 31, 2011 6:33 PM CST reply actions

Prediction

The Steelers will beat the Packers 17-10.

Naw….the fast track in Dallas will produce some fireworks just like in Atlanta.

Steelers 27-24.

Cutler vs Pouncey?

Just another example of the drastic double-standard in the sports media these days.

by propheteer on Jan 31, 2011 11:07 PM CST reply actions

6) So you're saying fire Lovie and hire Bill Cowher?

"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST

by JerBear50 on Feb 1, 2011 3:19 AM CST reply actions

No

I think the Tampa 2 could utilize some zone blitz concepts. This season they actually started to do a bit of, but I’d like to see more.

If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Feb 1, 2011 9:00 AM CST up reply actions

Just messin with you.

I’m not on the Cowher-at-all-costs bandwagon.

"The time has come to get deeply into Football. It is the only thing we have left that ain't fixed." - HST

by JerBear50 on Feb 2, 2011 5:41 AM CST up reply actions

Love Kreutz's quote about Jay

very well said

There's always next year....

by Jessica312 on Feb 1, 2011 6:36 AM CST reply actions

by T.Moore on Feb 2, 2011 2:00 AM CST up reply actions

I think he has 3 incidents in his past

If you go in the bathroom, turn off the lights, and say "Da Coach" 5 times while facing the mirror... Ditka will appear and slap the wussy right out of you.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Feb 3, 2011 10:49 AM CST up reply actions