NFL Black Monday Open Thread: News from Halas Hall, and around the league
by Dane Noble on Jan 2, 2012 11:00 AM CST
in News
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PrintQuotes from Lovie Smith's press conference:
- "Brian (Urlacher) has a MCL sprain, and he's getting an MRI right now as I speak."
- "Starting this New Year, we are 1-0; We have to catch up to Green Bay, our rival."
- "We will start our evaluation process looking at the coaches, then the players."
- On Mike Martz: "Haven't had a chance to sit and talk and find out which way he wants to go, and which way we want to go."
Lovie Smith made a point to focus on the fact that the team was 7-3 to start the season, and that a slew of injuries were a bit too much to overcome. He noted the team will be adding a couple of 1st round offensive linemen and a franchise QB to the lineup in 2012. He feels that the OL is in the best position it's been in since he's been in Chicago.
Smith also said that the evaluation process would begin immediately... First he will meet with Jerry Angelo and Ted Phillips, then the coaching staff, then the players. Angelo is expected to address the media later in the week.
Some other interesting stories circulating through the league today:
- Colts owner Jim Irsay cleaning house, including both Polians.
- Teams now have seven-day windows to sign players from their Practice Team to futures contracts. Brad Biggs is reporting the Bears have done so with TE Draylon Ross, and G Reggie Stephens..
- Zach Zaidman has been asking some Bears players about their future with the team... Their responses here.
- Not surprisingly, there was lots of drama in the Jets camp today. Read about it here (updated link).
- Brad Biggs has a great quote from 1993 when Mike Martz was asked about Lovie Smith's future: "He has everything you have to be looking for in a head coach. For him not to be considered as a top candidate is absurd. He has great leadership, he has a calming influence on players. Has great connection with players, yet he is not their friend. He's very discipline-oriented, organized, intelligent." And here we are eight years later, when Lovie will be asked about Martz's future...
- Hue Jackson throws his players under the bus in Oakland.
- Jay Glazer reporting a couple of firings here.
Stay tuned for more updates...
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Lovie Smith
Please announce you will be firing receivers coach Darryl Drake. He does not deserve to drag your team down with his inability to get anything out of the receiving corps.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 11:06 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Both have been good , why fire them ?
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jan 2, 2012 11:13 AM CST up reply actions
Bingo
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
Tice and Hot Rod have been good coaches
Tice has youth, injuries, and overall poor depth to deal with in the OL. And his unit made progress from year 1 to year 2. They are a rather good bunch when it comes to the running game (ranked 10th best in the NFL I believe) and just needs to continue making improvements in pass pro. Hopefully, he will be given more actual talent to coach.
And Hot Rod has had some similar issues. Yet, with him heading the D-line he got the highest sack total from his DTs in any year under Lovie Smith. And, he helped to get Charles Tillman into his first ever Pro Bowl. The philosophy has always been bend but don’t break, so teams will get a bunch of yards but as long as the defense keeps them out ofthe endzone, it’s a good thing. Plus, when your defense is asked to win all the games left on your schedule, it’s never going to end well when your offense does you zero favors.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 11:17 AM CST up reply actions
Yet, with him heading the D-line
I didn’t see Marinelli in the rotation!
When I assume, I'm not "making an ass out of u and me"... I'm actually putting u between me and an ass.
He was # 90 ..... Homie can ball
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Jan 2, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
I thought he was #99?
Oh wait
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 12:07 PM CST up reply actions
Damn joke fail!
#98
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions
rumor has it
He asked the NFL to get a waiver so he could wear the number “016” as defensive linesman.
by Steve Ronkowski on Jan 2, 2012 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
Heyooooooooo!
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 2, 2012 1:59 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I don't mean to defend Drake
But what has he had to work with? Knox, Hester, Aromashodu, Rashied Davis, Sanzenbacher, Mark Bradley, Justin Gage? Berrian developed enough to get a huge deal from Minnesota, but he’s not a good WR. Bennett is an ok WR, but he’s a #3 guy.
When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 2, 2012 12:55 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
thats true
its hard to get mad at a coach for not making #1’s out of 3rd and 4th stringers
by GtM on Jan 2, 2012 1:12 PM CST up reply actions
Of course Jerry's picks were not good
But, when the same problems happen again and again, year in and year out, then coaching is a problem. It shouldn’t matter 100% who Jerry brings in, Drake has to coach them up. And yet in all 7 years virtually every receiver he has had all have the same problems; lack of physicality, poor route running, lack of focus, drops, and a general softness that would appall some of the greatest bears of all time.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:30 PM CST up reply actions
It shouldn't matter who he brings in?
Ok…
When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 2, 2012 1:50 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
Shouldn't matter 100% of the time
He has to get better production from his group. And do you buy his past assessment of Devin Hester being our best receiver? All those problems I mentioned can all be fixed by better coaching.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:53 PM CST up reply actions
Well to be fair what was Drake given to work with?
REW?? If we’re going to fire him for WR production then why not give him credit for turning a 5th rounder and KR into close to 1,000 yrd receivers and a 4th rounder worthy of a new contract? I know it’s slicing hairs but he hasn’t exactly been coaching Megatron and other 1st round talent.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
Yet Johnny Knox still drops the ball and he has had 2 receivers go over 900 yards in his coaching career
He has never had a 1,000 yard receiver. The last receiver coach to produce one? None other than Todd Haley himself with Marty Booker.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 2:37 PM CST up reply actions
Consider this story a living organism...
We’re constantly adding to the linkage, so make sure to refresh occasionally for new articles.
I'm a ninja.
A living organism.
Eww.
Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 11:31 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
zaidman a bit of a douche
Hey you just finished a disappointing season less than 24 hours ago… so how do you feel aboit most likely getting fired? #douchebag
by TheMan1 on Jan 2, 2012 11:31 AM CST via mobile reply actions
that's his job
If he throws softball questions he’ll get ripped for that
When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 2, 2012 12:30 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions
That's fair
Just a bit tired of media feeling entitled to everything and having what seems no class. Could have just hit the wrong nerve today. Just because these guys are athletes/entertainers, doesn’t mean all class or tact should be thrown out the window. I am all for tough questions but rubbing in the fact that you’re probably getting fired didn’t seem to fit into the “tough question” category and more into the douche
by TheMan1 on Jan 2, 2012 1:54 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I work in media and it's tough
But you have to ask. It’s a lot easier in sports where a guy getting paid at least 6 figures can be asked about getting canned than walking up to a car crash victim’s family and asking for a comment or a minimum wage factory worker who is going to get laid off how they feel about it.
Jay Cutler is still my quarterback.
Formerly GallopingGhost
by Sam Householder on Jan 2, 2012 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
Agreed (except on the 6-figures part; beat writers aren't paid as well as people think they are)
I had dinner with one of the Bears beat writers a few months ago, and he said the exact same thing. His first couple gigs in journalism was covering breaking news for a news outlet, and it broke his heart having the responsibility of having to interview people who were going through terrible life experiences (losing their house, robberies, etc.).
That was the exact reason why he chose to go into covering sports… It made sleeping at night a lot easier.
I'm a ninja.
I believe he's talking about the athlete/coach being paid six figures, not the beat writer.
Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
true story
Perhaps not as awkward as when I asked HH if he was watching his phone after he had been out of the NFL for a couple of months, but, hey, inquiring minds want to know and all that.
by Steve Ronkowski on Jan 2, 2012 1:58 PM CST up reply actions
Let the chopping begin
a lot of work for the Bears in the off-season if they want to hang out with the big dogs in 2012
I kinda hope
The press shuffles into the room and finds a guillotine up on the stage. Then large, brutish men in executioner hoods march Lovie, Ted Thompson, Angelo and Martz into the room in shackles.
Let them eat cake indeed.
---------
Very likely the next head coach for your Chicago Bears!
Haha
Indeed. Sorry, been talking Packers with my Packers-Season-Ticket-Holder boss this morning so their execs have been on my mind, wishing we had talent evaluation and vision like that.
Yes, Ted Phillips.
---------
Very likely the next head coach for your Chicago Bears!
I don't know about y'all
But I would definitely like Ted Thompson to take over the Bears front office!
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 12:06 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Sure, as long as
He doesn’t remain in the Packers’ too.
“Sure, go try and find a better deal somewhere else, Forte! You too, Bennett.”
---------
Very likely the next head coach for your Chicago Bears!
This affirms what we all feared, nothing it is going to change. Let the Russian Roulette begin, 2012 seaon.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 12:09 PM CST reply actions
Press conference on now on AM 670
Lovie is talking in a way I feared most; mediocrity is acceptable.
“We finished without a losing record…”
“We’re right where we like to be, at 8-8”
Really Lovie? I’d like you to be hosting the playoffs til the Bears take a trip to Indianapolis, returning with a certain shiny trophy.
E.F.K.
Lovie quotes are like a Rorschach test.
People hear what they want to hear.
Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 12:17 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Verbatim no, you're right.
Sincerely my bad. But it was a muddled we wanted to finish 8-8, glad we did given the context etc.
I wanted the Bears to do better, even with the setbacks. And while I don’t think Lovie’s coaching is necessarily the problem, hearing his BS is just that, BS.
E.F.K.
yep...sometimes it is better to hear someone else's BS instead of Lovie's
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Why intentionally misquote Lovie?
If you have to do that, you must not have much of a point.
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 Jan 2, 2012 12:40 PM CST up reply actions
My point is simple and is this
3 out of 8 years in the playoffs is unacceptable in my view.
Lovie and JA have had their chance to show Chicago that they could build a team that could win the Superbowl; they have not been able to do that, and should be removed from their jobs based on their performance.
And it was not my intention to misquote him; I wanted to put up the fact that Lovie was on the Score as fast as possible when I heard it, and compressed how he was mentioning how 8-8 was ‘acceptable’ because it wasn’t a losing record. So yes, I was wrong in my quote and in not providing context, but I did not purposely try to misquote him.
E.F.K.
That's the thing; even your context is inaccurate.
He never said 8-8 was acceptable.
As close to verbatim as I can get: “We didn’t end the season with a losing record, but we were nowhere near where we wanted to be.”
Does that really sound like anything you are trying to portray?
If you don’t think Lovie’s performance is acceptable, fine. Just say that. But if you are going to get into quoting someone, even if you can’t mark it down word-for-word, at least get in the ballpark.
I'm a ninja.
Commercial Break...
this exchange of views brought to you by the Bureau of Misinformation “working hard to make life what you think it should be”.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
You misquoted and took it out of context
let it go
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 Jan 2, 2012 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
Ultimately this is on the ownership, which means, they either don’t know any better, or want to change anything. If the money comes in, no reason to change, right?
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 12:17 PM CST reply actions
I think we have established that the business of Business is to make money
and the Bears ownership is a very successful Business.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
If they won a Super Bowl, the return is much greater return then years of mediocrity.
Cacti are prickly.
by crackedcactus on Jan 2, 2012 1:58 PM CST up reply actions
what part or the "the business of Business is to make money" got by you.
they are in business to make money and they are making money hand over fist.
why would they give that up just to make you happy?
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
The Bears ARE NOT very good at making money.
They are rated as one of the worst run franchises. Why? Because they consistently leave money on the table by passing on obvious opportunities to make more. Doing things like, say, field the best team they can.
This “cheap” label they are saddled with comes from somewhere. Responsibility starts at the top.
Being a meatball not only makes me delicious, but it also makes me all warm inside.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Jan 2, 2012 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
they are making plenty of money
they could be more ruthless about making money
but they are making plenty
and they are not rated one of the worst run sports franchises at least not by anyone who matters.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Sad to say, as long as the Bears are profitable, mediocrity is acceptable.
Winning mattered to George Halas, but not to the McCaskeys. The Bears are the McCaskeys sole source of revenue, which will not increase their revenues. Winning championships generates more money for the players, not necessarily for the organization, therefore there’s no incentive to hold people accountable as long as the money rolls in. With the Packers and the Lions both being young teams and likely to stay in the mix, it’s going to take a major shakeup in philosophy for the Bears to make a break thru.
Rams are completely cleaning house at this moment
Pretty sure a ton of Bears fans are hoping for the same.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 12:18 PM CST reply actions
Rams have been in a rut for the last decade
Bears are at least ahead of them, and are always on the brink of having a good season. Mostly, though, they are 8-8 just like this year.
ZachZaidman Zach Zaidman
Lovie Smith on how far Bears are from Packers: “Not close enough.”
ZachZaidman Zach Zaidman
Lovie Smith says the Bears will look to improve his defensive line. He says the Bears need to rush better defensively.
ZachZaidman Zach Zaidman
Lovie Smith says his receivers didn’t produce enough
ESPNChiBears Dickerson and Wright
Smith says improving the pass rushing capabilities on the defensive line is a serious priority in the offseason. JD
"Outside of the sacks we have one of the better Offensive Lines in the NFL....."
- Jerry Angelo on the Offensive Line
So D-line is a "serious" priority according to him
Now, he did acknowledge that our receiving corps “didn’t produce” but if he honestly thinks getting a better pass rush is a higher priority than anything else…fire him now. I bet his pass rush would improve if an acquisition of a talented player were made in the secondary. After all, it doesn’t help matters at all when a QB can get rid of the ball in half a second to a wide open TE or receiver…
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
so are you saying that a better pass rush is not a serious priority?
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Not a serious priority that should be placed ahead of WR or OL
We need a better pass rush from players not named Julius Peppers, but not before an improvement of talent in the receiving corps as well as better depth with the O-Line.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
where does he actually say that he is placing the pass rush ahead of other concerns?
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
It's the wording he uses
He said the receiving corps didn’t produce, but when he goes back to say the D-Line is a “serious” need while not giving that label to the receiving corps, it can raise some eyebrows.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 2:42 PM CST up reply actions
so there is nothing wrong with what he actually said its what he didn't say that troubles you
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
I think ECD is sayin
He fears Angelo’s Dline obsession is blinding him from solving/addressing other major issues (WR, LT, CB).
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 2, 2012 1:48 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Thank you
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:50 PM CST up reply actions
and here I thought he was talking about something Lovie said.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
First three draft picks
will be DE, CB, and LB. I can almost guarantee it!
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
If they get a free agent WR or two ... fine
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 Jan 2, 2012 2:08 PM CST up reply actions
Make that a FA wideout and a FA O-Lineman
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 2:43 PM CST up reply actions
I would say the perfect free agency period for the Bears would mean
two WRs and a LT. Not holding my breath, but that would be my wish list.
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 Jan 3, 2012 8:14 AM CST up reply actions
Numerous times I’ve said this, Lovie and the FO are over their head here, the reality in NFL has changed a lot, since he has become HC.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 12:19 PM CST reply actions
Lovie doesn't adjust during games...
or seasons or, well, ever. Why should that change? I think if the Bears had a stellar GM/FO, then Lovie might be a passable, care-taker coach, but the combo of bad player selection and the inability to modify the scheme to hide the talent deficiencies makes this a losing proposition more often than not. It’s like the idea of having a fast defense playing on a slow surface or bringing in an OC whose system is built on great WRs and elite pass blocking to a team known for getting off the bus running. This whole team concept is so counter-intuitive that ONLY a change in the entire FO or coaching staff (or both) will fix the problem!
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
While I don't necessarily with your assessment of Lovie
I do agree with you completely that the coaches and FO aren’t on the same page, and even within the coaches there is disagreement on how to win.
It would be refreshing to see a team that actively pursues the same goals on all levels, not a dysfunctional “collection of step-children arguing over a TV remote.”
E.F.K.
We are on the same page, win, that’s all.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
I think you and I...
probably agree about Lovie more than you think. My main argument for firing Lovie isn’t because I feel he’s such a terrible coach as much as I do not see him capable of being able to make the changes necessary to be more than just above average.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
Agreed.
I wrote it above, but 3 out of 8 years in the playoffs is unacceptable in my view.
Lovie and JA have had their chance to show Chicago that they could build a team that could win the Superbowl; they have not been able to do that, and should be removed from their jobs based on their performance. Sure, Lovie may be a decent coach and JA may be a decent evaluator of talent, but they do not have the hardware in the trophy case that people care about.
E.F.K.
Really?
I’d say a ton of franchises would kill for 5/8 years in the playoffs (including a Super Bowl berth). The Jerry hate is understandable and opinions vary on Lovie, but weirdly we’re in the midst of a pretty successful era. Doesn’t mean we should accept 8-8 but at least we’re not consistently horrible anymore.
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 2, 2012 1:45 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
3/8 years in the playoffs
I get the fact that Lovie is an improvement over the Bears teams of the Wannstedt and Jauron years. I just don’t think that we should keep him around because he isn’t “consistently horrible”. Are Bears fans really that scared of taking a chance on a new coach and front office?
E.F.K.
Sorry on the 5/8
Stupid small andriod buttons. But I see your point, the playoff chances we’ve had haven’t been as numerous as the top teams. But its also kept us out of the cellar. I think a big part of the fan’s frustration now is knowing we’re close but not being able to organizationally pull the trigger to win it all.
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 2, 2012 1:59 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Angelo
did say at around mid season something along the lines that the rules had changed to help the offense and that defenses are no longer the key. He stated something about teams needing top WRs to put up points…..Are something like that…..Course it was sad he realized this at mid season THIS season…..but eh…..
"Outside of the sacks we have one of the better Offensive Lines in the NFL....."
- Jerry Angelo on the Offensive Line
by CloudyFuture on Jan 2, 2012 12:31 PM CST up reply actions
that should have been learned...
.. last season when Bears couldn’t knock the Packers out of the playoffs (they couldn’t score a TD), and then lost to them in NFC Championship because they couldn’t keep up with them offensively.
Angelo can pay me and I can tell him what everybody around the league is saying.
There weren't many really good WR FAs this offseason, I'm certainly glad we aren't shackled to Sidney Rice.
If he stands pat this year, with an excellent crop of FA WRs then its going to be baffling.
"You have a young group and if they start feeling too good about themselves, that’s not a good thing. So it’s my job not to let them. So probably they will hate me. But that’s OK too. My wife hates me and she’s still married to me." - Mike Tice
skjensen Sean Jensen
#Bears coach Lovie Smith hammering away at his message: “I definitely don’t think we need a complete overhaul, by any means.”
ZachZaidman Zach Zaidman
Lovie Smith pointing out the Bears will be adding two first round offensive linemen to his team next year, a franchise QB and Pro Bowl RB
peggykusinski peggy kusinski
#Bears HC Lovie Smith on clamor for change: “look at our team & how everything played out – what direction you think we’re headed?”
"Outside of the sacks we have one of the better Offensive Lines in the NFL....."
- Jerry Angelo on the Offensive Line
Two 1st Round Offensive Linemen Next Year?
How? We only got one pick in the first round, is Jerry gonna trade away our later round picks for another No.1?
That took me a good 5 minutes to wrap my head around exactly what he was saying
but Yah those are the 2 first rounders Lovie is talking about, don’t go getting excited thinking he meant actually going out and aquiring new talent.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 2, 2012 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
I'm hoping the franchise QB and RB mean Cutler and Forte.
"You have a young group and if they start feeling too good about themselves, that’s not a good thing. So it’s my job not to let them. So probably they will hate me. But that’s OK too. My wife hates me and she’s still married to me." - Mike Tice
Yes
This is the complete translation of Lovie’s statements for the hungry minds out there:
“were adding two first rounders to the O-line next year”~ Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi
“a franchise QB and a pro bowl RB” ~ Jay Cutler and Matt Forte.
Basically, he is counting on the offense improving once it gets healthy, with a possible addition coming in at the receiving corps.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:24 PM CST up reply actions
Does this strike anyone else as the core problem with this FO/Coaching staff?
We’re counting on the same people to make this offense better as if when they were in there we were an offensive juggernaut. Our offense, when it was at its best was due primarily to Cutler improvising and making plays out of nothing and not because of some grand plan.
Will it be better than the piece of crap it was with Hanie/McCown in there? Obviously, but we were not a good offense when comparing them to the elite teams in the league. Again, these people seem to consider mediocrity as their benchmark for success.
Another thing that needs to be considered when talking about our offense is the fall off of our defense and special teams as one ages without decent replacements and the other possibly losing it’s architect. Those two phases have given the Bears some of the best field position in the NFL over the last several years and we still rank in the lower half of offenses around the league.
2 first round offensive lineman !
If we could re draft right now, Chris Williams probably wouldnt get picked until the 4th or 5th rnd if at all. Gabe Carimi is still a big ? . The man is still having surgeries and who knows what his future is. If u rated teams on how many first rounders they have on the roster, we would be tops in the league.
by Ryan21 on Jan 2, 2012 1:14 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Lol.
If we could re draft right now, Chris Williams probably wouldnt get picked until the 4th or 5th rnd if at all.
If Drafts could be done with hindsight, I’d bet they would always look about 90% different in the first few rounds for every team. Also, I don’t agree with you about 4th or 5th round for Williams.
If u rated teams on how many first rounders they have on the roster, we would be tops in the league.Um, you got any stats on NFL teams with the number of 1st round picks on their rosters?
I'm a ninja.
Ha. no I didnt look it up.
REW. Okoye. Gholston. Peppers. Urlacher. Cutler. C. Williams. Carimi. Idk if Barber was. I was trying to make a point on how draft pedigree really shouldnt matter when you are talking about nfl veterens.
by Ryan21 on Jan 2, 2012 1:53 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Really?
vxmcclure23 vaughn mcclure
Smith said the team has an excellent tight end in Kellen Davis who is capable of doing things like other top tight ends in the league.
ZachZaidman Zach Zaidman
Lovie Smith says the OL is the best its been since he’s been here
"Outside of the sacks we have one of the better Offensive Lines in the NFL....."
- Jerry Angelo on the Offensive Line
I guess when you are standing in a deep hole...
almost any view is looking up!
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
I still remember
Cutler throwing a pass at a wide open KDavis it hitting him in the chest and bouncing to the ground…..Happened twice this season….I was like WoW……But eh….
"Outside of the sacks we have one of the better Offensive Lines in the NFL....."
- Jerry Angelo on the Offensive Line
by CloudyFuture on Jan 2, 2012 12:33 PM CST up reply actions
I thought KD would be better...
than he has shown to be. But I guess you could say that about many of the guys the Bears have drafted in the last 8 years.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
Oh good lord...
Nearly blacked out from the sheer amount of stupidity from THAT statement
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 12:58 PM CST up reply actions
What the hell do you guys expect from him? If he's gonna make changes, it's not happening through the media.
17'$ h4pp3n1n9!?!?!?
I understand, and even respect, Lovie's desire to be a positive influence...to a point.
This statement, however is borderline insulting to the fans, the media, and his players…
Starting this New Year, we are 1-0
Does he really think everyone is that stupid to believe that it actually means anything?
Please, Lovie, just be realistic for once in your time with this team.
The Bears struggled...
to beat one of the 5 worst teams in football who were also missing their top 2 QBs, and star RB.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
When you live in a city where Jordan’s Bulls brought 6 championships, in the 90’s, the Bears where a little distraction, so to speak, still…I think for the most part , Lovie is getting a pass for making the team better, we have not won a championship since the inception of the NFL, more than once, not enough.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 12:39 PM CST reply actions
I keep my loathing
on Angelo more than anything else…..Its his talent evaulation that has set this team back more than anything else…..I mean Lovie can only go with what was given him….That said Im pretty sure that Lovie has some say but in the end its Angelo pulling the trigger……I would settle for Angelo (and ruskell) being let go and a new GM brought in & Lovie staying (though I know that will not happen)…..But eh…..
"Outside of the sacks we have one of the better Offensive Lines in the NFL....."
- Jerry Angelo on the Offensive Line
Why Ruskell?
I know he was a failure in Seattle, but why do people keep calling for his head in Chicago? Has he even had time to prove himself/screw up yet?
I'm a ninja.
Guilty by association
for one. Two is that he hasn’t proven anything in his time in the league and yet he has been put into a leading role in our clubs ability to evaluate and bring in talent. Sure, he hasn’t done much on the Bears, but would you trust Ruskell to run the Bears? I wouldn’t.
E.F.K.
To run the Bears?
He is neither HC, GM, nor President.
So, fire him based on association with Angelo, and based on work he did before he came to Chicago? Okay…
I'm a ninja.
He is the heir apparent to the GM job if JA steps down.
There have been reports of JA’s retirement, (whether they are true or not is irrelevant to my point) meaning Ruskell would take the reins as GM once JA steps down. Therefore my question, would you trust Ruskell to run the Bears? I wouldn’t, based on his history with Seattle, and the jury is still out regarding last years Bears draft in which he participated.
Furthermore, based on the length of time this current FO and coaching staff has had to build a consistently winning product (JA since 2001, Lovie since 2004), I would argue that why not go in a different direction and completely clean house? The FO and coaching staff are ultimately responsible for the product put out on the field, and that product in its current form hasn’t reached it’s main goal in over 25 years.
Sure if we clean house we can end up with a new coach and front office that is bad to mediocre, resembling the Wannstedt and Jauron years, but a new staff could also turn this franchise around and build a consistently winning product. The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over expecting different results; I think it is insane to keep trying the same combination of front office and coaches over and over expecting different results.
E.F.K.
*I agree with you totally *, no Ruskell for me either, not inclined to take any chances with him.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
Ruskell is the heir apparent?
According to whom? I feel like my head is spinning in circles here…
To go back to the top of this, you think Ruskell should be fired because he is associated with Angelo, and because of something that has actually never been stated.
If you just want to be one of the “I’m pissed and we should fire everyone” crowd, then fine. That’s your prerogative.
I'm a ninja.
Perhaps youare not seeing the obvious assumptions being made here...
Ruskell was, by the prevailing majority opinion and your own admission, a failure in Seattle. Thus, he was not hired for his track record of success. Which means he was hired by JA for something on the continuum of familiarity to outright nepotism. The Bears organization has a history of promoting from within; Babich, Marinelli for example. It is not wild speculation that JA may retire soon; he had said as much in a variety of media outlets and is being widely criticized as doing a bad job. Ergo, having the belief that Ruskell is a likely candidate to replace JA and not believing him to be likely of success is not irrational at all.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
Ruskell in Seattle: President and GM - Responsible for complete football operations
Ruskell in Chicago: Director Of Personnel – Responsible for assisting GM with roster.
But again, the discussion was reasons why we should fire Ruskell, and all I could get out of him was “guilty by association” with Angelo, and “because of something that has never been stated” (the idea of him being heir apparent as GM).
I'm a ninja.
True...
it’s not cool to be fired for something you haven’t yet done. It’s also not cool to be hired for a role that you have been shown to be bad at. It’s a bit disingenuous to believe that his role with either team is dramatically different. If he was the boss of the talent evaluators in Seattle, he had to be somewhat involved in the talent evaluation, whether it was his primary responsibility or not. I do see your point about the lack of clear rationale in calling for him to be fired, but the evidence points to him not being a good candidate if JA leaves/steps down/gets fired.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
I wouldn't classify myself as the "I'm pissed off and we should fire everyone" meatball variety
I would say it’s “I’ve been consistently disappointed with a Bears team led by Lovie Smith and filled with talent selected by Jerry Angelo, as a GM-Head Coach duo they’ve had their shot, now clean house and bring in someone else crowd.”
Ruskell should be fired because he was brought in by a GM who has shown that he has a lack of evaluating talent, whether it is ‘on-the-field’ or ‘off the field’ talent. From the scouts to the GM, the Bears lack of success in talent acquired through the draft is appalling. Sure, Ruskell has only been here one year and we can’t judge this past draft affirmatively yet, but he was hired by a man who has failed to consistently win.
But perhaps I should ask a different question: What have you seen from the Bears front office and coaching staff that should grant them another year in their current jobs? If it were the third year or so of Lovie’s and JA’s tenure in CHicago, I might be more inclined to let them stay and see if they could turn around their own mess. But no, they’ve had the better part of a decade to mold a team in their image, and that image is one of mediocrity and failed expectations.
E.F.K.
STOP IT Dane, you make too much sense.
We have enough cooler heads around here…rabble rabble…
Being a meatball not only makes me delicious, but it also makes me all warm inside.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Jan 2, 2012 2:29 PM CST up reply actions
As to sources to indicate Ruskell is the heir apparent for the GM job
Dan Pompei:
Don’t jump to any conclusions about Angelo retiring. But if Angelo were to leave the team, I think Ruskell would by far be the leading candidate to replace him.
David Haugh:
Still it’s hard to foresee a finish that would prevent the conservative McCaskeys from letting Angelo hand-pick Tim Ruskell as his replacement if he wanted to before next season.
E.F.K.
so we are to take the opnions of a couple of sports writers as gospel?
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Listen, I get that you and I disagree
But where have I said that we should take what they say as gospel?
Furthermore, I invite you to disagree with me, however continually trolling people while offering no discourse or thoughts of your own does not advance any conversation, and thus is a waste of time for both you and me.
E.F.K.
how does calling me a troll make what you did any more reasonable?
You are block quoting sportwriter speculation to support your assumption. You have no facts just supposition and how does parroting what Pompei and Haugh say represent having a thought of your own.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
My thoughts were that the front office should be cleared
And then Dane, LostInSTL, and I had disagreements, so I was trying to clarify for Dane, with sources, the reasons for my suppositions as to why Ruskell is probably the successor to Jerry Angelo, why he should be fired as well etc etc.
I do not like either Pompei or Haugh, and I often disagree with their arguments. No matter, because when it comes to the inner-workings of an organization, that of which you nor I have much knowledge, I would assume that Bears beat reporters might offer some insight; hence my quotes, which were used in the context of my greater argument. So yes, it is supposition and not fact that Ruskell will replace JA in the future, yet most of what we fans base our opinions and thoughts on is well thought out supposition and probabilities, not fact.
In terms of your conjecture that I have no facts to support my opinion, there are many indisputable facts that support my opinion, my opinion being that I wanted to see the front office dismantled and a different “regime” put into place.
The facts are:
-0 first round draft picks drafted by JA finished the year healthy for the Bears. Sure, I understand injuries happen, but the lack of talent the Bears have filled their team with from the draft is appalling.
-The Bears have missed the playoffs 4 out of the last 5 years, and only made it 3 out of the 8 years Lovie and JA have been HC and GM.
-Most of all, in that tenure they have 0 Super Bowl wins.
So I don’t think it unreasonable that I wish to see this front office disbanded and replaced, especially given the fact that they have had the better part of a decade to build a winning team and have not.
I would hope you could see the difference between trying to advance an argument, even if you do not agree with it, by proposing an argument of your own, rather than simply stating what I have said as not being so, or insinuating that I am merely a squawking parrot incapable of original thought.
E.F.K.
you have no facts that Ruskell is heir appearant other than the speculation
of a couple of sports writers.
Jerry would have to leave on good terms with Ted Phillips and the McCaskey family for his recommendations to carry much weight. We don’t have any proof that Jerry would even recommend Ruskell as his successor should Jerry decide to retire this off season.
I am really tired of Jerry.
Guilt by association ? Doesn’t that make you guilty of something, just by being here?
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
I am confused as to what I'm guilty of by association in my being here.
Could you please tell me? (not being sarcastic)
E.F.K.
you are guilty of association!
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
It's not like they are...
speculating that Ruskell is going to grow wings and fly. Besides, what leads you to believe Ruskell won’t be considered as a candidate? Saying Joe Paterno is the heir apparent to JA would be a far cry from apparent.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
I'm not saying he won't.
But I also don’t think firing him now because one day he might be GM makes any sense either.
I'm a ninja.
That's where we agree...
and what makes for fun on the ol’ WCG!
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
That's not why I'm advocating that he is fired
I’m advocating that they completely clean house, because of which he is fired.
E.F.K.
Not in the way I am using the words
ap·par·ent: (3) according to appearances, initial evidence, incomplete results, etc.; ostensible rather than actual
spec·u·la·tion: (3) a conclusion or opinion reached by such contemplation
Yes, Ruskell is not the publicly appointed successor to Jerry Angelo. However if multiple sources (I can find more if you would like) that constantly report on the Bears and have sources within the organization are speculating that Ruskell is the successor, then according to initial evidence and incomplete information, it is apparent Ruskell is the successor.
E.F.K.
My immedaite response is...
do we really want to wait to find out? But honestly, what he has done is more indicative of what he might do than what he hasn’t. I guess it’s possible he could be better this time around, but the odds are against it. REW was not a great #1 WR in Detroit or Dallas, and not surprisingly he was not one here in Chicago either.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
They're cut from the same cloth
Everyone believes he’ll be just as bad or worse in talent evaluation and player personnel decisions.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
and everybody believed Hanie was a legit #2 QB
what everybody believes is always right.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
by ed_brown on Jan 2, 2012 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
He was terrible at drafting in Seattle
Sound familiar?
Big difference between hindsight (Hanie) and actual results in player evaluation (Ruskell).
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
you don't think we have results in on Hanie's evaluation?
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
I don’t mind Lovie, the FO is driving me mad, and their inability to draft talent.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 12:52 PM CST reply actions
My issues are with JA and Ted Philips, because one hired the other, and kept around him for ten years.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 12:57 PM CST reply actions
Not sure why there is a ton of anger towards current management
Injuries killes 2011, nothing more nothing less. at half time of the San Diego game we were playing well enough to beat ANY team in the league. A few tweaks and this team goes from good to great in my opinion, I am all for the current management team and say keep up the good work. Take a look at what has happened to MN if you want an example of what a pure disaster looks like. We are doing ok and I expect great things in 2012, go Bears.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 2, 2012 1:19 PM CST reply actions
The injuries...
did not fail to win more than one of the last 6 games, the back-up players did. The lack of depth at very key positions is what hurt the Bears, not the injuries. The defense had stability at every position except safety and it still failed to be more than middling average in points allowed or yards. JA’s inability to staff his roster with quality depth and Lovie’s inability to adjust his team’s play/scheme to compensate for the injuries were what caused the collapse.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
I don't blame the defense
I remember them keeping the Raiders out of the end zone multiple times as field goal after field goal were kicked. I remember the Chiefs barely getting past midfield with the exception of a lucky hail marry. I remember the Broncos being shut out with 5 minutes left in the game. Thats almost 12 quarters of solid football. Then finally against Seattle they just ran out of gas fighting the uphill battle they were fighting.
there were some issues with second stringers and I hold the offensive coaching staff fully responsible but lets lay off the defense, they played as good as they could considering the shitty situation they were handed.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 2, 2012 1:52 PM CST up reply actions
The Chiefs...
and Raiders who also had injuries to key starters at QB and RB. It’s an excuse for the Bears but not anyone else? The point is, the Bears had injuries like many other teams and failed miserably with a good head start. The Chiefs were able to beat the Packers and Bears despite their injuries.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
well the Bears lost some players to injury and smelled up the joint
Pack lost half their team and win the SB. The evidence of talent gap was well displayed this year/exposed. Blame falls on the coaches.
by TheMan1 on Jan 2, 2012 1:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Ok but take Rodgers away from
The Pack last year for 5 games and they don’t make playoffs. The Pack’s injuries were extensive but didn’t affect the player that was the lynchpin to their SB run.
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 2, 2012 1:53 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
exactly Its not the number of injuries its WHO gets injured
This is a league of stars and remove the stars and you get really crappy really quickly
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 2, 2012 1:57 PM CST up reply actions
Like the wholly awful Vikings...
who lost their 2 top QBs and RBs and still managed to be close in the entire game against the Bears starters on defense.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
Im not buying the "Vikings were still in it" argument
I think the only thing anyone on theVikings cared about was Jared Allen and the sack record. Otherwise I saw a Vikings team defeated on all levels, not suprising coming off a 3 win season. Bears coud have been up by 100 or 3 and the Vikings werent coming back,
The end of that game couldnt come quick enough for most of that Vikings team as they were clearly resigned to their fate by the end of that game and one could clearly see they all wanted the train wreck known as the 2011 Vikings to finally end.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 2, 2012 2:33 PM CST up reply actions
The game was decided by less than 1 score...
which, by definition, makes the Vikings “still in it”. Whether you “buy it” or not isn’t relevant. The Bears struggled to beat a very bad Vikings team who were missing their top 2 QBs and RBs. This says much more about the quality of the Bears than it does about the Vikings. The Vikings did lead 10-0 in this game, so it’s not like the Bears built a lead and the Vikings gave up.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
Indeed.
The Vikes were two (blocked/botched) field goals from victory.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson; "More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
Did you see their backup yesterday?
And they came from behind and won a shootout. But beyond that they make no names and make stars, or at least good players. Plugging in people everywhere and getting good results.
by TheMan1 on Jan 2, 2012 2:33 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
But the Packers didn't lose their QB
arguably the most important position in this sport. Remove Rodgers, Brees, and Brady from their respective teams for an extended period and those teams get mediocre very quickly.
White Sox fans need not apply.
by Bears-Cubs Bulls on Jan 2, 2012 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
See: Manning, Peyton
If its free, take two.
by T.J. Shouse on Jan 2, 2012 2:02 PM CST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs
Since we ALL here want the same thing, win,why the question? You always have to strive to get better, and that beat ANY team, umm I don’t know about that, really.
by transylvanian bear on Jan 2, 2012 1:23 PM CST reply actions
I bet Caldwell is being shown the door as well
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:47 PM CST up reply actions
While the Bears FO stands pat
Chicago sports at its finest!
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
Agree with the sentiment but to be fair, the Bears weren't the worst team in football.
by frenchbears113 on Jan 2, 2012 2:02 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No
but they haven’t won a SB in this current regime either.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
Damnit
Toub will interview voor HC job with Dolphins. He really earned it, but it would be a big loss
You're never a loser until you quit trying - MIke Ditka
I can't provide the link since I'm not on my computer but apparently Toub is going to interview for the Dolphins HC gig
by frenchbears113 on Jan 2, 2012 1:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Uh-oh
Link please?
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:48 PM CST up reply actions
Ment for Dutch
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 1:49 PM CST up reply actions
I can recall a certain former ST coach who was a pretty good HC
I think he had a sweet mustache as well. Would hate to see Toub leave, even though he deserves his shot to have the big headset.
by Steve Ronkowski on Jan 2, 2012 2:07 PM CST up reply actions
"A couple of first round offensive linemen"
Is there someone available in free-agency that is available? I guess I don’t get how they’re going to acquire two.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
He's referring to C-Will and Carimi.
Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 1:56 PM CST up reply actions
Ah
Kind of misleading cause he used the word “adding.” They were never really subtracted to begin with if not for injuries.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
adding to what they finished with is what Lovie is trying to say
he has a point, but this team even with all the injured starters returning needs help, and not just a little. LT, WR x2, CB, S, DE, and at some point they better get a couple of LBs. Urlacher’s injury should remind them how important that is.
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 Jan 2, 2012 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
Webb
has looked worse than when the year started. I sure hope they address LT, WR and CB as well.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
I just wish...
Lovie would refrain from the “clever” and overly optimistic comments. He could simply just say he is comfortable the core talent on the team and the proper upgrades at positions of need will be addressed. He is so evasive otherwise, why not just be consistent?
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
Bears need to load up exclusively on offense
Do they need help on defense? Yes but no more then every other team currently in the playoffs. This is the season to draft and sign the best Wrs and OL available. If you can get a special CB or LB…fine, go for it. But in what could be Urlacher’s last go around and the other core defenders last real run…they need to load up on offense.
People slammed ATL for blowing a whole draft for a WR and look where it got them. Despite Detroit blowing draft after draft on WRs they now have a team built for the future while we keep praying that Devin Hester and our defense pulls out another one and we keep retooling on the D-line. Enough. It’s time to go all out and load the offense…Period.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
For argument's sake,
Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, and Gabe Carimi. At to a lesser degree, but still effective additions: Chris Williams, Marion Barber.
If we could add one more solid offensive lineman, and a talented WR, we should be offensively set for a while.
I'm a ninja.
True but Carimi is unproven and I don't think Barber will be back
Also Knox may be done mentally. Get rid of Martz and REW as well in my opinion. We’ll need at least 2 WRs at least and another that can play on ST if Knox isn’t the same. Hopefully one in FA (Wayne perhaps) and a 1st round WR (move up for the best available). We need another playmaking TE as well. Also it’s time to give Cutler control of the offense with another OC.
Next, sign Mcown then convince Orton to come back to Chicago as a backup, if not perhaps Grossman or some other QB but improve the position and give competition for Mcown for the backup spot. Finally, pay Forte. Some say franchise him, I say pay him. Give him MJD money and be done with it.
He’s earned it unlike other guys on this roster and it’ll do wonders for player morale and other FAs that may consider the Bears. In business you have to pay for things sometimes. Start there and if JA wants to spent rounds 4-7 drafting D-lineman, fine. Just make the offense priority for the first time around here.
Hey Rose. I don't see the appeal!
Barber might be back considering that Kahlil Bell fumbled the ball 3 times in 2 starts
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
Rather have Barber as a #2 back than Bell
I think Bell is what he is a nice #3…
"Violence is not always the answer."
"Violence is the question, and the answers always YES!"
Pass on Reggie Wayne
It is my opinion, of course, but I think receivers generally start losing their hands above 33 and Wayne is starting to get to that age. I don’t think he has as many good years left.
Again, I have no evidence to back it up other than my own observations and thoughts.
Bell definitely needs to work on his ball security but he has more promise than Barber.
Jay Cutler is still my quarterback.
Formerly GallopingGhost
by Sam Householder on Jan 2, 2012 3:09 PM CST up reply actions
not really
while offense is the most immediate need, the defensive playmakers are getting up there and that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Urlacher’s injury is a wake-up call.
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 Jan 3, 2012 8:16 AM CST up reply actions
Let's get something straight
Comparing the Bears front office situation to the Rams and Colt is beyond stupid and preposterous.
The Bears are somewhat mediocre, yes, it’s true and we all know it but look at the records; Lovie is 71-57 as a coach and JA is 95-81 as a GM. Good, not great.
I am convinced Lovie has gotten more from bad teams in ‘07 and ’08 than most coaches could have. Angelo, as baffling as he is and as many bad moves he makes, he isn’t awful either. For all their faults they get results. The NFL is built to have parity and 8-8 teams, JA and Lovie are above that mark. We’re talking about them being B students in a league where C is the norm.
The Bears have a team primed for the playoffs, injuries and scheduling are the two biggest factors that can hurt a team and the Bears had both against them this year. We just need a couple of pieces and this team is back there next year.
The Polians haven’t had a solid draft in forever and they are the reason a Peyton-less team gets 2 wins. Any half-brained GM could build a team that can win 5-6 games without their franchise leader. Angelo’’s drafting and free agency moves have been getting better the last few years. I think this team will be fine for 2012, lets not put JA/Lovie in the same category as the Rams and Colts. Please.
Jay Cutler is still my quarterback.
Formerly GallopingGhost
by Sam Householder on Jan 2, 2012 2:25 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Great post.
Follow-up on this: “Any half-brained GM could build a team that can win 5-6 games without their franchise leader.”
How many games did Chicago win after Jay Cutler went down?
I'm a ninja.
It's not like the Bears went 6-0 or 5-1 or anything.
I imagine that would more apply losing the franchise leader for the entire season, instead of a portion.
Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 2:34 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah that was my weakest point
and the biggest hole in my argument, but still the Bears wouldn’t have been THAT bad over 16 games, I don’t think…
Jay Cutler is still my quarterback.
Formerly GallopingGhost
by Sam Householder on Jan 2, 2012 2:35 PM CST up reply actions
I've said before
That there is a world of difference between what happened with the Colts (Star QB injured before the season with many doubts regarding his recovery) and here (Star QB injured in a freak play half-way through the season).
The backup situation around here was loaded and ended up being horribly mismanaged, but the Colts dropped a bowling ball right in their toes. If we knew Cutty would be out for an “undisclosed duration” from week 1, McCown would be here by week 5.
While we disagree on much of this...
the only real exception I can take is the scheduling being against the Bears. The Bears failed against the “easiest” part of their schedule. We can argue all day about the injuries and other factors in the lack of success this season, but the schedule was not “against” the Bears.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
you're right
most of the frustration is coming from that, Lovie and JA have built a team that is mostly on top of the second tier, bottom of top tier teams.. and after a few years of that you want more.. Its not that they suck and we should run ’em out of town, just should always be aware of potential upgrades
by GtM on Jan 2, 2012 2:34 PM CST up reply actions
the Bears would not have won 5 or 6 games without Cutler.
We barely beat one of the worst teams in the league yesterday.
by Ryan21 on Jan 2, 2012 3:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
1 out of six
That means the Bears would’ve won 2-3 games all year. The team’s second-stringers are much worse than most teams. Talent evaluation has been a problem for some time now.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
Reply fail to Dane...
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
I find Lovie's comments troubling
The tone of them seems to be “Don’t blame me”, “we have a great core of players” who, when the get healthy, we “will have back 2 first round OLinemen, our Franchise QB, and a host of pro-bowlers”
He fails to point out that they staff failed miserably to contingency plan, develop their back-ups very well, or game plan for the shortcomings of their personnel.
I’m no Lovie hater. I think he does more with the less than most coaches out there. But the entire staff’s inability to do a better job evaluating and developing young players is below average. They ain’t awful, but we could certainly improve A LOT.
So stand up Mr. Smith, take SOME responsibility for the inconsistencies, and do something about it.
Being a meatball not only makes me delicious, but it also makes me all warm inside.
by Suffering from Chicago Sports on Jan 2, 2012 2:38 PM CST reply actions
funny you should say your no Lovie H8er cuz sound just like one of them
just look who +1’d your comment.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
yeah...
but you’re a me H8er so what does that say?
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
So wait.
Ed_brown is a LostinSTL hater who is a Current-Bears-Regime hater… I’m confused now.
Weekend contributor and official editorial lackey/waitstaff at Windy City Gridiron
If a people-avoiding gaming hermit is on Twitter, I should be too. Follow me!
by Steven Schweickert on Jan 2, 2012 3:08 PM CST up reply actions
Welcome to the club...
wait, which club is this again?
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
The Brotherhood of Optimistic People :D
Or BOP for short
[runs and hides]
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 3:52 PM CST up reply actions
just because I wanted you fired from the HC job or the Lovie H8er club
does not mean I H8 you, especially since the new HC of that club is doing such a good job.
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
It's all in good fun...
besides, I know you can take it.
There's a fine line between stupid...and clever!
lol your one of my guys
. "Most football teams are temperamental. That's 90% temper and 10% mental."
--Doug Plank
Jeff Fisher to interview for both Miami and St. Louis HC jobs
Looks like no Jeff Fisher for Front Office 2012…
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 4:44 PM CST reply actions
I don't think that was ever a thing.
Took the 'G' out your waffle, all you got left is your Ego.
Editor at windycitygridiron.com | @Kev_WCG
Sure it was.
People like to give other people positions on the Bears that they’ve never held in their entire careers.
I'm a ninja.
And a decision regarding Mike Martz is likely to come tomorrow if not tonight
According to CSN Chicago, Lovie Smith will have a discussion with Martz within these 36 hours and a decision will be made. Early indications suggest Lovie Smith will move on and seek a new OC. Nothing has been announced or made official as of yet.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 5:13 PM CST reply actions
Norv Turner Norv Turner Norv Turner
and Mike Tice if he won’t come
WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan
Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)
"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
to be as bad a WCG Contributor as you are an announcer/authority on anything. Peace be with you. " (JoetheBoss)
Well Norv Turner seems likely on his respective way out of San Diego
But, what is interesting is the Chargers are being patient with this.
Btw for those about to ask for a link, I’ve already made a fanshot titled “Mike Martz likely on way out of Chicago” and here is the quote that indicates this notion:
The fact that Smith did not express the strong hope that Martz will remain on his staff, as Smith did with special teams coordinator Dave Toub, suggested that Smith will make a change and have his fourth different offensive coordinator going into his ninth season.
The bolding was done by me for emphasis.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 5:33 PM CST up reply actions
I hate to be this guy
But I hope Martz stays, if just for the sake of consistency. Cutler was making strides and the offense needs consistency, it grew a lot this year only to be held back by injuries, I think it could be a severe setback to the team.
Jay Cutler is still my quarterback.
Formerly GallopingGhost
by Sam Householder on Jan 2, 2012 6:34 PM CST up reply actions
Don't hate to be that guy
I don’t agree with you on the subject of Martz, but I value alternate opinions that oppose my own.
The main reason I don’t think Martz should be back is because at this point, I would prefer to see the front office from the President down cleared and replaced, if for nothing more than even with injuries and adversity, the front office and coaches are ultimately responsible for whatever product takes the field. (There’s a more detailed argument in one of my previous posts) Once a new President is hired, they would bring in a GM, who would be allowed to bring in an entirely new coaching staff etc. etc., and I think it’s important to do it this way for several reasons:
1) If you build an organization from the top down, the people at the top pick people they like to work below them, and it continues on down. Thus the organization as a whole is more or less built in the image of its creator (or boss etc), and this in turn allows it to function more effectively in the pursuit of its goals (or as they say, be on the same page).
2) If everyone in the front office and upper coaching staff (i.e. head coach, off. and def. coordinator) start at Year 1 of their tenure next year everyone is equally accountable for the product on the field without excuse. Eventually in time if the Bears have not won the Superbowl or have established themselves as a winning franchise (Ditka forbid), the whole organization is responsible and should be held accountable. This would hopefully prevent scape-goat coaches from shouldering the blame, justly or not, and also as a way to cover up other deficiencies. I.e. Ron Turner’s firing and possibly Mike Martz’s.
3) In addressing your point of continuity, I agree that continuity is extremely important in developing players and building a successful franchise. However, quality should not be sacrificed for the sake of continuity. In my opinion the quality of Mike Martz’s offense, in the extent that the Bears have adapted it and executed it, is not worth continuity. Sure, injuries have severely effected the way the offense has performed, but every team in the NFL faces adversity (the cliche being last years Packers), and yet the Bears seem overcome when faced with adversity (posting a 1-5 record after losing Cutler). Furthermore I feel that Martz’s offense is dated, especially his unwillingness to use tight ends as a viable threat in the passing game or his lack of audibles, and thus should be replaced, even if it sacrifices continuity.
Thus perhaps in a dream scenario for me the new head coach would bring in an offensive coordinator with a modern version (or at least a similar version that addresses and fixes the deficiencies of the “Martzfense”) of the Air-Coryell offense. It could be modified to the Bears strengths so as to keep some continuity while also bringing in a fresh set of ideas.
Just my thoughts
E.F.K.
That is what my thought is regarding Martz
Except, these past two seasons came times when he had to be rained in if not called out by members of the same staff and roster. For the most part, players want him back for the sake of continuity, not necessarily because of the person themself.
Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that
by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 2, 2012 8:19 PM CST up reply actions
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