Thoughts From NFL Week 17: Chicago Bears and beyond

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 3, 2012 9:00 PM CST in Notes

As a Bears fan, I'm really glad the 2011 season is over (I'm not the only one). Excruciating is a word that comes to mind when I look back on the year. But, it's over and a wise man once said; "Those that live in the past are cowards and losers.", so they'll be no mourning from me. And if you don't know who said that, google will be able to help you out.

On to the regular season finale of my NFL Thoughts.

1) After a few week stretch where I was spreading the gospel of Tim Tebow, I thought I'd spotlight a picture of him being sacked. With the Steelers up next for the Broncos, I'd like to put the over/under at Tebow sacks at 4, and the over/under on when Tebow will be pulled from the game at 7:00 in the 3rd. That game will get ugly, but I'll have my playoff picks later this week.

2) Did anyone really think the Cowboys would beat the Giants for the NFC East title on Sunday Night? That Dallas team may be the biggest collection of underachievers ever.

3) What a great season for the tight end in the NFL, the position has really come into it's own these last few years with coaches taking advantage of favorable match-ups with their big athletic players. Then there's the Mike Martz system... ugh... Hopefully the Bears new offense will actually, you know, utilize the TE.

4) I'm really glad the Jets missed the playoffs.

5) Matt Flynn is about to get PAID! I remember when Flynn was drafted, 7th round in 2008, many wondered why the Packers would select a QB, let alone two (they also took Brian Brohm in the 2nd that year). That's because good organizations gather talent regardless of position. I hate the Packers...

6) I think the Arizona Cardinals will be the trendy playoff pick next year.

7) And I think the Eagles will be the trendy pick to be in the Super Bowl next year.

8) Where do you think Peyton Manning plays in 2012?

9) Congrats to Dave Toub for getting a head coaching interview, but there's no way the Dolphins hire him for that position. They want a sexy pick, and a special teams coordinator isn't sexy.

10) The Bears pick 19th in the draft, and you can already find a few mock drafts out there. Kendall Wright, WR Baylor is the Bears choice here.

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I think all of us on WCG hate the Packers...

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 3, 2012 9:12 PM CST reply actions

but I respect and admire their organization...

When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 3, 2012 9:20 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

I'm green with envy

Then I’m green with anger over being green. But hey, it ain’t easy being green.

If its free, take two.

by T.J. Shouse on Jan 3, 2012 9:23 PM CST up reply actions

Kermit?

by David in Maine on Jan 4, 2012 1:40 AM CST up reply actions

Same here

Rather, we just hate on them, to say we hate them. We ought to thank the Packers for finally showing the McCaskeys and Phillips how to win on a consistent basis.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 3, 2012 9:27 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed, I hate them but I can respect what they do

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

Leading the NFL in swagtangibles

by JoeCB1991 on Jan 4, 2012 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

1) Ugly is the word. Tebow will be useless again, but the Fat Man has very limited mobility against a beast of a defense. something like 13-7 is in order.

2) Nope.

3) TBH, at this point the o-line also needs all the help they can get. We could have the Gronk and still have him covering holes.

4) Everyone is. Even some Jets fans probably are. This way they cab dump the Sanchize and find a guy who can WIN games.

5) Let’s see how well he does outside the Packers system and without 21 available receivers on every play.

6) Aren’t they always?

7) After this debacle, and with so many good teams in the NFC, don’t think so. Then again, some analysts were putting them ahead of the Pack early in the season…

8) Chiefs? Jets? Vikings? Bears? (Oh, sure, Mr Manning, mr. offensive coordinator is now with mr. McCown, he’ll be interviewing you very shortly, please take a sit)

9) Maybe they’ll pencil him as OC suggestion for the new HC?

10) I was less concerned about the crappy pick before JA got the boot. Now we could really use some spots up the chart. Ugh.

by lmfsilva on Jan 3, 2012 9:29 PM CST reply actions

I wonder if the Jets will give Flynn's agent a call

Either that or give the QB they drafted from Alabama a chance.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 3, 2012 9:35 PM CST up reply actions

I don't think Sanchize is as bad as it seems

They have constantly changed the gameplan up on that kid. Super conservative, air it out, back to conservative, a pouty wr. That O coordinator has to go and I think he will be pretty good.

Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf

by tfrabotta on Jan 4, 2012 8:13 AM CST up reply actions

Wouldn't it be hilarious to see Mike Martz take over as the OC with the Jets?

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 4, 2012 8:53 AM CST up reply actions

Hilarious for us, yes,

although I do not believe Jets fans would use that word in the manner most intended.

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 4, 2012 9:12 AM CST up reply actions

Sanchez would break the record for most sacks and most Interceptions thrown

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

Leading the NFL in swagtangibles

by JoeCB1991 on Jan 4, 2012 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

10)

I like this CB Dennard from Nebraska. He can really take a WR out of the game. The last game wasn’t pretty, but he eventually did it.

Bearsh!tt!n It ain't obscene- I'm a Bears fan that likes hittin and exclamation points.

by Bearsh!tt!n on Jan 3, 2012 9:58 PM CST reply actions

only issue is he is a little short

Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf

by tfrabotta on Jan 4, 2012 8:14 AM CST up reply actions

Perfect!

Just what we look for in a CB.

by ddub101 on Jan 4, 2012 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

5'10 205lbs.

I bet the lions were impressed by his bowl game.

Bearsh!tt!n It ain't obscene- I'm a Bears fan that likes hittin and exclamation points.

by Bearsh!tt!n on Jan 4, 2012 2:40 PM CST up reply actions

that last W

cost us quite a few spots

by TR MacReady on Jan 3, 2012 10:01 PM CST reply actions

yes it did...

When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jan 3, 2012 10:19 PM CST via iPhone app up reply actions

Kendall Wright?

from what I saw in the bowl game, he’s a speedster with repectable size. Could be a good pick.
Does anyone envision trading up for Justin Blackmon (I think ECD mentioned this in a different thread…)
because, you know, that dude can flat-out ball. and then some.

by BOBdaBEAR on Jan 3, 2012 11:04 PM CST reply actions

Right now

He’s a projected top-5 pick so it would cost alot to get him. Rather go the top-flight Wr route in FA.

If its free, take two.

by T.J. Shouse on Jan 3, 2012 11:08 PM CST via Android app up reply actions

this

i reallly want lb de or db in the first but i wont be mad with a wr. either way there are too many good fa wrs to not get one

by TR MacReady on Jan 3, 2012 11:46 PM CST up reply actions

If he slipped to 10 I would jump up to get him

Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf

by tfrabotta on Jan 4, 2012 8:15 AM CST up reply actions

I've looked at

quite a few mocks and i dont think i saw one where wright was in top ten.

by TR MacReady on Jan 4, 2012 10:19 AM CST up reply actions

nvm

i thought you were talking about wright

by TR MacReady on Jan 4, 2012 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

Hmmm. Can't beleive the kid from South Carolina isn't a first round talent.

Jeffery. Got kicked from the game on a bogus call but was still player of the game. At least you know he won’t let a DB push him around!!

by GentlemanJack on Jan 4, 2012 2:28 AM CST up reply actions

Jefferey does have first round talent and will go in the first round.

He just had terrible quarterback play for most of the year. Last year he put up over 1000 yards and had some amazing catches. And he still didnt do bad this year. He should be gone before we even pick because of the teams like us who desperatley need a reciever

Wouldnt it be funny if we had another DE with the last name Salters!

by fortefan09 on Jan 4, 2012 5:34 AM CST up reply actions

I certainly do envision trading up for Blackmon and wouldnt mind giving up some picks to do it.

A quality reciever like him doesnt come along very often. He’s the Andrew Luck of Wide Recievers.

Wouldnt it be funny if we had another DE with the last name Salters!

by fortefan09 on Jan 4, 2012 5:33 AM CST up reply actions

Ultimately I feel it depends on whomever takes over as GM

If it’s someone who has the same ideas as Lovie Smith, I can see them picking up a good veteran WR, then in the first round select a DE since it seems to be a “serious” need to improve the pass rush. Personally, I can envision an aggressive trade up to draft Blackmon or perhaps Coples, but in the end of the day it depends on who is the GM.

Jay Cutler is our QB, and I for one am proud of that

by Erik Christopher Duerrwaechter on Jan 4, 2012 7:34 AM CST up reply actions

1) Over on both. Historically horrific, but they’re used to that for the first 3 qtrs.
2) No. But I kept watching to see if any of Jerry Jones’ neck-veins’d burst.
3) Apparently, we already have one of the best heading into next year… can’t wait.
4) Quitness. Lebron style.
5) This D-Bag just cost his superstar teammate an MVP award. Selfish…
6) who’s their QB next playoffs?
7) who’s their QB next Superbowl?
8) Dallas
9) yeah, but he ain’t here forever…
10) I like this CB Dennard from Nebraska. He can really take a WR out of a game. Been doing it for years. Also, no way Dallas can pass on Janorice Jenkins, the football gods would not allow it.

Bearsh!tt!n It ain't obscene- I'm a Bears fan that likes hittin and exclamation points.

by Bearsh!tt!n on Jan 4, 2012 12:07 AM CST reply actions

Regarding #10.... Alshon Jeffrey abused Denard in the Capitol One Bowl. He is a good CB but he didn't take one of the best college receivers out of the bowl game that NFL scouts were most likely watching.

by frenchbears113 on Jan 4, 2012 9:09 AM CST up reply actions

1. For some apparent odd reason, I think the Broncos will be in it……….till the end of the 3rd. The steelers and the ol’ geiser defense will pull away.

2. Hate the Cowboys, like the Giants. They’re my dark horse playoff team………and they make me like Salsa :)

3. (sigh)………..yea……….SMH…

4. Really, really glad. It still irritates me, to this day, that Rex quit on his team before they made the playoffs in 2009. HE. QUIT. ON. THEM!! He even told the media.

5. He definetly has potential, but has to fit the offensive system wherever he goes.

6. It all depends on the QB situation. They can win with Skelton, but not a Super Bowl.

7. Maybe………….Maybe………

8. I think he’ll still be on the Colts roster. I just don’t beleive the Colts will just dump him after (If) they get Luck.

9. Definelty gunna miss him if he leaves.

10. MOAR DL AND SAFETIES!!!!

by C-Razzle on Jan 4, 2012 8:26 AM CST reply actions

#10

Trade the 1st round (19th overall) and 3rd round from Carolina (74th overall) to Arizona for the 14th overall. Draft Michael Floyd.

If we stay put at 19, I really don’t see anyone (right now) who can come in a make a impact as a rookie. I don’t see them going OL in the first. Carimi hopefully will be back healthy. CWilliams will be back, EWilliams just signed an extension. Would Wisconsin center Peter Konz be a reach at 19?

"He took a shot in the most sensitive and painful area" - MIke Tirico

by boondock_saint812 on Jan 4, 2012 10:32 AM CST reply actions

Blackmon and Jeffrey are better than Floyd.

by frenchbears113 on Jan 4, 2012 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

I’m well aware Blackmon is better than Floyd but we’d have to give up a ton to move into the top 5 to get him. Don’t know much on Jeffrey but as far as stats go he hasn’t produced like Floyd has. I’d be happy with both. If both are available at 19, I think either one work out well.

"He took a shot in the most sensitive and painful area" - MIke Tirico

by boondock_saint812 on Jan 4, 2012 11:09 AM CST up reply actions

Because Jeffrey has had absolutely NO QB throwing him the ball.

Also once Garcia was kicked off the team, they became an extremely run-heavy team. Look at last years stats for Jeffrey. Also look at what he did to Alfonzo Denard, a 1st round grade CB, in the Capital One Bowl. He ABUSED him left and right. And it was Denard who started the fight not Jeffrey. When Jeffrey is given the chance to produce he does and in a big way. He’s a lot like Fitz IMO. He’s a big target with good hands, excellent route-running and the ability to attack the ball at its highest point. The big knock on him is that he isn’t a burner but then again neither was Fitz coming out of college.

by frenchbears113 on Jan 4, 2012 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

re: Konz

I saw one mock draft earlier today (I forget where, one of the big sports websites…CNNSI.com maybe, or perhaps CBS Sports or Fox Sports) that had a mock draft and had Konz going to the Titans at #20. He’s the clear-cut #1 center in the draft, who they say could also very much play guard in the NFL. They say he is an absolute mauler. So do I think he would be a “reach” at #20? Not at all. I’d be thrilled with the Bears taking him at #19.

by JohnPaul on Jan 4, 2012 3:07 PM CST up reply actions

Do you think we can bring Olsen back? Maybe find a way to utilize a special talent like him? Martz sure as hell didn’t want to.

by JG1133 on Jan 4, 2012 10:46 AM CST reply actions

He's not a special talent. He was average here and is average in Carolina.

by frenchbears113 on Jan 4, 2012 11:01 AM CST up reply actions

seconded

I had him on my fantasy team…ugh.

by Pretender85 on Jan 4, 2012 11:22 AM CST up reply actions

i just dont understand this love for olsen

we should thank our lucky stars we got a 3rd for him

by TR MacReady on Jan 4, 2012 11:25 AM CST up reply actions

regarding the draft...

I dunno, I still would love to see us go OL with our first-round pick rather than WR…and far more than any position on defense. I realize we had some injuries this year but geez, according to the stats on NFL.com, we had the #27 O-Line overall O-line performance in the league this year (which is weighted mostly in rushing efficiency), which also was #27 in sacks conceded and #28 in QB hits conceded. In other words, we were within the top 5 worst offensive lines in the league in every major statistical way to measure that.

Whereas defensively, though we weren’t the sort of dominant defense that us Bears fans have come to expect, we still rated a very respectable #17 in total defense and #14 in scoring defense. We also rated #19 in sacks, #6 in Interceptions, #7 in fumbles recovered.

All things being equal, I’d like to take OL with the first pick and a WR with our second.

by JohnPaul on Jan 4, 2012 3:02 PM CST reply actions