Bearstalk

After watching only the first quarter in the NFL replay, one thing became abundantly clear: Rex Grossman is scared. Even though he was facing heat the entire first quarter, Rex Grossman was throwing like he had a gun pointed at him. Timid movements, bad mechanics, late reads, and unsure throws combined to make him look rough. With or without pressure, an NFL QB needs to be more pocket aware, needs to understand when a sack is better than a lame duck pass, and what to do to avoid either the sack or the intentional grounding. There is absolutely no mystery why Kyle Orton was named the starter.

NFL is reporting that Chicago and New England are trying to coax Kevin Carter out of retirement, Word is they both would want to keep on the field for 20 -25 plays a game, He has yet respond to offers.

There are a couple of now-approved rules changes for the NFL next year, if that happens. There's also supposedly potential for loss of draft picks if a team is a repeat offender.

March 8-9 -- NFL Regional Combine, Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Flowery Branch, Georgia. March 8 -- Clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2013 Player Contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 11. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 11. March 11 -- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must exercise options for 2014 on all players who have option clauses in their 2013 contracts. March 11 -- Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, clubs must submit Quali…

From the Sun Times: NFL to release full schedule Tuesday The wait for the NFL schedule to be released will end Tuesday. A Bears spokesman said the league will use its television station as a platform to release the schedule at 1 p.m. The Bears know they open the season Sept. 7 against the Indianapolis Colts in the first regular-season game at Lucas Oil Stadium. This is about two weeks later than the schedule has been released in recent years. There was some talk at the owners meetings that the league wanted to ensure it had divisional games near the end of the schedule in an effort to eliminate as many inconsequential Week 16 and 17 matchups as possible. …

I just wanted to make a general thread for news and notes coming out of the combine. Here are some general tidbits to prepare you for the combine: Combine Dates (22-28 FEB 12) 1. Players are broken down into 11 groups: Group 1 (PK, ST, OL), Group 2 (OL), Group 3 (TE), Group 4 (QB, WR), Group 5 (QB, WR), Group 6 (RB), Group 7 (DL), Group 8 (DL), Group 9 (LB), Group 10 (DB), Group 11 (DB). 2. All groups have basically the same schedule covering 4 days, but the groups arrive on different days. Groups 1-3 arrive on the 22nd, Groups 4-6 on the 23rd, Groups 7-9 on the 24th, and Groups 10-11 on the 25th. 3. The days are broken down: Day 1: Travel, Regis…

Been talking with friends lately about what I think is a very confusing approach to QB evaluation by NFL scouts. Much emphasis is placed on taking snaps under center and playing in a pro-style offense. Then these prospect get to the NFL and are running read option up tempo shotgun formation offensive plays, which are staples in college offenses as well as multiple WRs and 1 back or empty backfield formations. So what's the big deal about QB prospects being under center? The majority of the center prospects have been making that long snap most of their college careers, so they too should be under the same scrutiny since they haven't had a QB's hands under their butt. …

Wanted to point out that NFLshops.com has a 15% off promotion and it includes jerseys. I think it would bring the price to the mid 60's on a replica Cutler jersey. I'm going to have to get one soon (want a white one) as I need to back up all the talking I did which indicated I would immediately buy a jersey if the Bears actually acquired Cutler. Coupon Code: NFLcBQG Just go to www.nflshops.com and add the jersey or whatever else into the site and you'll be set.

According to Betus.com they have us listed as 3 1/2 pt underdogs. This is a bit surprising as this would mean that on a neutral field they like GB by almost a TD.

http://www.directv.com/sports/nfl They have Jared Allen in a Vikings jersey, wtf?

The controversial signing by the Cowboys of repeat spousal abuser Greg Hardy just took another turn as the league has suspended him for the first 10 games of the season ,which puts him on track to return Thanksgiving Day against his former team the Panthers. This of course is pending his appeal of his suspension is denied.

Link

The National Football League is coming back across the pond. After playing a highly-successful game in London last October, the NFL announced today it will return to the United Kingdom for a competitive game in 2008 as part of the league’s International Series of regular-season games. Details about the game – including the venue and competing teams – are expected to be confirmed during Super Bowl week (January 28-February 3) in Arizona. RUMOURS ABOUND. The Bears are being metioned on message boards

1. Dolphins- Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU 2. Rams- Jake Long, OT, Michigan 3. Falcons- Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College 4. Raiders- Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas 5. Chiefs- Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State Your turn

NFL Films best of the coaches on the sideline Notice it's the best. If Lovie were in there, it would be a lot of mumbling and stuff about "braaaains".

This is cool enough to share in a few places. This graphic from the Guardian shows how every team in the NFL has used its cap space, broken down by offense/defense and by position. One could waste a couple hours in this. Bears spent the 5th most on their offense in the league. Found that interesting.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/mock-drafts I think since he had such a shitty game in his biggest game of year, Teo must have a monster Combine (25reps, sub 4.60) or he is a 2nd Rounder and Ertz, way way too High. At least for us

http://www.nfl.com/photos/0ap2000000342606 So all players are available but it's based on current team needs. Deacon Jones? Stupid. In that situation, I'd say the Bears draft Ronnie Lott or Mean Joe Green. And Payton going that late?! C'MON!

Interesting, but nothing we have not heard already. Still an interesting read while waiting for the season. Article from NFL.com & Video from NFL Network on Bears WRs

So NFL.com has player rankings and gives each player a specific value. Their scale is 9.00-10 Once-in-lifetime player 8.00-8.99 Perennial All-Pro 7.50-7.99 Future All-Pro 7.00-7.49 Pro Bowl-caliber player 6.50-6.99 Chance to become Pro Bowl-caliber player 6.00-6.49 Should become instant starter etc These are their rankings of who the player is TODAY. So only five players in the draft are in the 7s, but there are players in the league who are int he 8s, and maybe even a 9 or two. (even though thats mathematically impossible LOL) Anyway, they have these player…