Preview of '5 Bears with Most to Prove' Series
by Dominique Blanton on Jul 5, 2011 7:00 PM CDT
in Roster Analysis
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PrintThursday I will start a five part series on the 5 Bears players who have the most to prove. Coming up with a solid 5 players out of 15 was challenging, but at the same time fun. I tried to base this list off of players who have high expectations this season, players who need to take that next step, and players who, until now, have failed to deliver on expectations. Because there's not much to criticize about the 9th ranked defense last season, I could only come up with six guys on defense with the most to prove, compared to the 30th ranked offense last season who comprise the other nine..
The series will actually start on Thursday, but here's a look at 15 players who was considered for the five spots in the series.
Earl Bennett - Bennett had an impressive season in his 1st year in Martz offense, which saw him towards the end of the season become Cutler's most reliable target. Although he didn't have a great statistical season, his performance didn't go unnoticed by Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz who has a bigger role in mind for Bennett in 2011.
Zackary Bowman - Coaches and fans had high expectations for Bowman going into the season last year. When Bowman showed in week 3 against the Packers that he wasn't up to task as far as zone coverage assignments and tackling he was immediately benched for Tim Jennings. Going into training camp this year, Bowman will have a chance to earn his job back.
Gabe Carimi - Some fans are prematurely looking at him as the savior for this offensive line. While one man doesn't make an offensive line; Carimi will still have to show coaches and his offensive teammates that he will not be overwhelmed by the difference in competition between the NCAA and NFL.
Jay Cutler - Being the most sacked and hit QB last year, playing a whole 2nd quarter on a MCL tear, and on top of it all playing with Type 1 Diabetes; Cutler doesn't have to justify his toughness to anyone. However he still has to prove that the light has finally clicked on as far QB mechanics is concerned.
Johnny Knox - Knox might be the most talented receiver on the team, but there are still things he needs to work on to take that next step in a WR development.
Mike Martz - After a disappointing start to the season that at one point saw his starting QB get beaten into a concussion in front of millions, Martz after the bye week starting balancing out his game plan. The biggest wonder is if he can sustain that balance next season while also staying true to his scheme.
Henry Melton - Used only as a situational pass rusher last season; Melton will go into this season being counted on to fill the 3 technique void left by Tommie Harris.
Joshua Moore - Being active for only 3 games last season for special teams purposes, Moore has a chance to show coaches this training camp that he wants the starting CB position more than veteran Tim Jennings and a hungry Zack Bowman.
Greg Olsen - Improved significantly as a blocker to where Martz rewarded him by giving him many opportunities to make plays in the passing game lining him up as a traditional TE, Joker TE, and at times at H-Back. Olsen has to prove he can build off 2010 and turn 2011 to a pretty good to great statistical year.
Nick Roach - The fast and athletic linebacker for the past two seasons has taken a backseat to the more experience Pisa Tinoisamoa.
Chester Taylor - Taylor in 2011 will have to prove he can hold off his #2 spot from talented youngsters Khalil Bell and Harvey Unga.
J'Marcus Webb - Webb showed in 2010 that he has the skills to be a starting Tackle in this league. Now he has to prove that the light cut on mentally in his 2nd year.
Chris Williams - A former 1st round pick in 2008, Williams was deemed the "Left Tackle of the future" the day he was drafted. Fast Forward 3 years later and Williams is now not even a lock to make the roster.
Corey Wootton - Going into his 2nd year, Wootton will need to prove to coaches that he can be counted on to make an impact on the defensive line.
Major Wright - Injuries last season robbed him from getting a full-time starting spot in his 1st year. With the likelihood of Danieal Manning finding another home this season, Wright will need to make the coaches comfortable of losing Manning to FA.
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I think Hester should b on there if they try the wide receiver experiment again
I think Hester first and foremost is the #1 kr/pr of all time, even better than my personal fave Mel Gray and former Bears great Gale Sayers. But he is only an average wide receiver, with him being the 3rd best behind Knox and Bennet.
I also hope we have football. in 2011 cuz I’m stoked for the Monday Night game in Detroit. I would love to see my Lions get the win at home in front of a national audience, but of course playing a team like the Bears is no easy task. Should be a close tough game for both teams.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Jul 5, 2011 9:51 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
He is the greatest return man of all time
anything he does as a receiver is just gravy.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
by ed_brown on Jul 5, 2011 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
preach it
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 Jul 5, 2011 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions
my list
Zack Bowman – guy got benched got something to prove.
Jay Cutler – people were burning his jersey for pete’s sake.
Henry Melton – showed promise now he’s gotta prove he’s not a wasted draft pick.
Chris Williams – I think the guys a loser, but it would be nice if he proved me wrong.
JMarcus Webb – last year proved he could do it, now he needs to prove he can do it good.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Where is the Ed...
I used to disagree and argue with last season? Couldn’t agree more. Add Martz to that list and I’m all in!
no point in arguing about the things we agree on.
Martz situation reminds me of the old “when life gives you lemons….”
The offensive line was so bad that running between the tackles was next to impossible and even a three step drop was a risky venture. Game planning must have been a nightmare for him.
I would build an offense from the bottom up by adding skilled position players to a unit with a good offensive line but Jerry seems to believe in doing it the other way.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
I agree with your list completely except for the order...
Given that it’s the most important position in team sport, I think Cutler has the most to prove since this is his 3rd year and will be the second in the same system, plus his play to this point hasn’t justified the two 1st round picks. Also, whether it’s fair or not, he has to overcome the controversey from the NFC Championship game. I agree with the post that his toughness shouldn’t be in question but if he has a down year it will, in many people’s minds, validate that he doesn’t care enough. Again, I’m not saying it’s fair but it’s one of those perception is reality things.
I hope he finally has that breakout year we’ve all been waiting for but if there isn’t noticeable improvement in his decision making, then I think most fans will agree that 3 years is enough time to give him and we should be looking for another option.
There was noticeable improvement in Cutlers decision making last year.
It’s been documented that Cutler was under more pressure than any other QB in the league last year. If he posted an average passer rating under that pressure what could he do if he was only under an average amount of pressure? When did we forget that football is a team sport? What is this crazy urge to fire the victim and let the transgressors go free?
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Unless Jay has a complete melt down this year I don't see the brass up stairs giving up on him after 3 years.
The NFC Championship controversy does stick peoples minds, but at the same time he did brought you one game away from being in the super bowl in only his 2nd season here. I think more than anything they will look at the pieces around him and see if they can add talent to get him over that hump.
by Dominique Blanton on Jul 6, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
then I think most fans will agree that 3 years is enough time to give him and we should be looking for another option.
After 2 years in which he’s had to learn two new offensive systems and is already within striking distance of the monumentous achievements that are the Bears’ franchise passing records? We sure are quick to ditch the baby wth the bathwater. If that’s what “most fans will agree” then, frankly, we’ll fully deserve the years of mediocrity that we’re going to endure while waiting for the next Sid Luckman (or even the next Jim McMahon) to appear.
Cosmis: JESUS LORD IN HEAVEN DANIEAL MANNING JUST KILLED A MAN
I think you misunderstood my comment, I agree with you but if...
he continues making bad decisions, throwing off his back foot, more picks, etc. then i think most fans and probably most “experts” will say 3 years is enough. Granted the line has to improve, one more “go up and get it” type of WR would help, but I was strictly commenting on the things that Jay can control no matter what/who else is around him.
At that point you have to start to question whether he is the type of player who can make people better or is the type who only looks good when the other players are great. Again, you have to think about the hype he came in under, the price you paid to get him, etc. Fair or not, that’s a different situation than someone you draft yourself. The ROI has to be there much more quickly than on an untested rookie. Jay is going into his sixth season in the NFL and having a rocket for an arm isn’t enough anymore.
I agree, and that’s why I don’t rate him as an elite QB. If he doesn’t stop making boneheaded throws off his back foot into double coverage, he never will be – but I suspect that’s still partly due to changing systems with such frequency. The price may be steep for merely being good for a long time, but if he can be under center for the Bears for another 5, 6 seasons? Some stability and a decent level of play is better than the lottery we’ve had at the position for so long.
Cosmis: JESUS LORD IN HEAVEN DANIEAL MANNING JUST KILLED A MAN
You're right, and I should have been clearer in my original comments.
I didn’t mean they should just dump him after 3 years but if he has a less than decent season, I think they should at least be making other plans for the future. Drafting a young QB (not in the 5th or 6th round) to push Jay and start to learn like the Packers did with Rogers or even looking to make a trade and get some draft picks if they could get good value.
Perfect list
What’s a joker TE? I’ve never heard of the term.
I don’t necessarily agree that diabetes makes someone tough. You either manage it well or you don’t. I’ve read they test his blood sugar up to seven times a game. So, he certainly has an entire training staff to help him out with food and insulin.
"Our ideas held no water but we used them like a dam" - Modest Mouse
Whether he has staff helping him or not
Diabetes is not a joke, and is certainly tough to go through; especially through the rushes and stress his heart goes through on game day.
I'm not down playing it
I have it myself, and find it somewhat insulting when people point it out like I overcame a defect or something.
"Our ideas held no water but we used them like a dam" - Modest Mouse
A Joker TE moves around the line scrimmage and kind of poses as a wide receiver in some sets.
by Dominique Blanton on Jul 6, 2011 3:13 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks
Always saw how Olsen was in motion last season, but didn’t know that’s what Martz called it.
"Our ideas held no water but we used them like a dam" - Modest Mouse
Excellently sums up the hopes and worries of the 2011 season
If your list would have allowed 18 players, I would add:
1. The unknown OG to be signed in FA – he will have to prove that he brings to the bears exactly what is lacking.
2. D. J. Moore – has less to prove than Josh but a lot is still riding on him.
3. Chris Conte – his level of play (if Manning goes) will decide the effectiveness of our pass rush.
Encouraging professional football in Israel
by BearDownIsrael on Jul 6, 2011 12:32 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I agree, excellent post!
My Top 5
#1. Cutler is the most scrutinized QB in the league. He also may very well be its most talented. Two first round picks and Kyle Orton is the value that Jay Sizzle must play up to. Cutler is easily the Bear with the most to prove, imho.
#2. Chris Williams is a number one draft pick that has yet to meet expectations. Like Cutler, when you invest so much into someone, you expect the pay off. He doesn’t have to be the Bears tackle of the future. But Williams does need to be very good this year, no matter what position on the line he plays.
#3. Mike Martz had a tale of two seasons last year. One season consisted of too much faith in Devin Aromashodu & too much passing with a turrible O-line. Then another season where the attack was balanced with the run & pass, while keeping opposing defenses off-balance. Many owners and GMs will be watching whether Martz can continue to keep the offense on track. If he can, Martz may be a head coach in 2012.
#4. Major Wright is gonna be a starting safety this year for the Bears. He was the Bears first pick a year ago (albeit a 3rd rounder). The Bears are likely to let Danielle Manning walk because of the faith they have in Wright. Wright now must prove he can takeover the safety position that Manning manned pretty well in 2011.
#5. Melton, Paea, Adams, and Toeania all have to prove they can get the job done at DT. Without pressure up the middle or without disciplined gap play from the DTs, quite simply the defense will fold. Imho, three out of four of these guys must play very good to great, if the Bears want to make another Championship run this season.
#5a. Johnny Knox is in his third year. That’s the year WRs are supposed to take that big step forward. Knox really needs to take that step forward if he wants remain a starter. He’s been criticized for not fighting for balls and giving up on routes. With talk of adding a vet WR this off-season, more pressure than ever has been placed on Knox to hold his own.
Mike Martz had a tale of two seasons last year. One season consisted of too much faith in Devin Aromashodu
…Aromashodu was pulled after the first game, wasn’t he? I got the impression Martz started with him because he’d become considered pretty much de facto the Bears’ top WR after his strong performance at the end of last season, when he finally got some playing time, and then pulled him when he could because he didn’t fit into the style of WR that Martz likes. Frankly, if Martz could have dumped Olsen to the bench and let Manumaleuna play every snap that called for a TE, I suspect he would have done, too, only the Bears front office wouldn’t have let him.
Two first round picks and Kyle Orton is the value that Jay Sizzle must play up to
I’d forgotten about the Orton part. He should grow a neckbeard.
Cosmis: JESUS LORD IN HEAVEN DANIEAL MANNING JUST KILLED A MAN
Yes, Aromashodu was pulled after the first game
I got the impression that Martz deemed Aromashodu, the go to guy (at least in week one).
Then again, had Bennett been healthy. Maybe Aromashodu never even sees the field.
Ooo, you could be right – he was targeted something like 10 times in that game, now that I think about it, though that doesn’t exlude the possibility that he felt Aromashodu had been imposed upon him to start by the boss(es).
Cosmis: JESUS LORD IN HEAVEN DANIEAL MANNING JUST KILLED A MAN
Yes, it's possible he could've been imposed upon him
At the same time though. Martz seemed to be calling ALL the shots on offense, early in the season. Pass heavy, seven step drops (both inside our own ten yd line), seldom calling a run, etc…
Again, still doesn’t exclude your thought… I’m ready for a new CBA.
Major Wright
Has to prove that he can stay healthy. He looks pretty natural out there, otherwise.
by Sound_Automatic on Jul 6, 2011 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
That, Aromashodu got the short end of Martz’s stick is obvious, and the fact he might have been boss’s #1 , not Martz favorite would be the other.
by transylvanian bear on Jul 6, 2011 11:43 AM CDT reply actions
I think the difference between Aromashodu and Bennett is
Bennett runs good routes and catches everything he gets his hands on, and Aromashodu runs sloppy routes and drops half the passes he gets his hands on.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
winner winner
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 Jul 6, 2011 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions
And actually blocked on running downs
"Our ideas held no water but we used them like a dam" - Modest Mouse
Martz better develop his pet project, or shove it somewhere,…His meddling with the draft, got on me a little, and the way he is using ( wasting ) the talent on the roster. Olsen should have gotten more passes his way ( see Waleuna here ) , since we always used The Wale to block, or whatever he was doing out there . Also his genius should have been able to take advantage of our speedsters better ( maybe, that line was a killer ),…still he is considered to be all that. Our offense had to be corrected ( insert Forte more often) by Lovie, otherwise we were heading towards disaster , starting to lose before the break.
by transylvanian bear on Jul 6, 2011 11:52 AM CDT reply actions
I was reffering to Enderle, who I am sure he wanted. It doesn’t look like he likes Hanie all that much ( this is totally a Collins reference).
by transylvanian bear on Jul 6, 2011 12:00 PM CDT reply actions
Does Cutler equal Orton and any two of these guys?
David Terrell, Marc Colombo, Michael Haynes, Rex Grossman, Tommie Harris, Cedric Benson, Greg Olsen or Chris Williams.
I think so.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Thank you for reminding me how incompetent Jerry Angelo is in the first round.
This doesn’t bode well for Carimi.
Above all; keep 'em guessing, never let them lose their sense of confusion.
Some not his fault
Harris was a hit until he got a dehabilating injury, same with Columbo but without a chance to contribute. Benson was an idiot early on. Olsen is a stud!
"Our ideas held no water but we used them like a dam" - Modest Mouse
These guys all looked good at the time they were picked
Cuitler’s passing rating his rookie season was 88.5 compared to Orton’s which was 57.9 and I don’t think you can say Vanderbilt has a better football program than Purdue. He just has that much more talent than Orton. Since I doubt that Jerry would have picked a couple of stud offensive linemen we would likely have been sitting in the same boat with a less talented QB.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
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