Bearstalk

Seahawks Add WR Mike Hass by Ed Thompson of ScoutNFLNetwork.com, January 7, 2009 at 9:29pm ET Mike Hass Profile Scout.com has learned that former Chicago Bears wide receiver Mike Hass signed a two-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday. Hass, who was released by the Bears at the end of August, had drawn early-season interest from both the Giants and the Seahawks. He was originally a sixth-round draft pick by the New Orleans Saints back in 2006.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writ...ent-team/1.html Inside linebacker Brian Urlacher, Bears -- His reputation says he's one of the most dominating defensive players in the game. But reality says Urlacher just had a season in which he made almost no big plays for a Bears defense that has slid a long way from its 2006 hey day. Urlacher had no sacks, no forced fumbles and just two interceptions this season. That's almost hard to do when you start and play all 16 games in the middle of a defense.

St Clair wants to remain with the Bears http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5511 excerpt: Knowing that Williams likely will be given every chance to earn the starting position in 2009, St. Clair wouldn’t be opposed to moving back inside to guard. In 2007, the 6-5, 315-pounder started one game at left tackle, one at right tackle and the final three at left guard. “I’ve played everywhere,” St. Clair said. “If it fits, I’m all for it. I’ve always been a team player. I can play all the positions. I pride myself on playing everything.” Coach Lovie Smith said last week that it was premature to discuss St. Clair’s role next season. …

Would he be something to look into? Granted, his crimes were bad. But, he did serve his time...and we tend to be a forgiving nation. Would Vick be of interest to us? Back-up Kyle? Not sure how I feel, but on some level, I have interest. I hated what the guy did, but if he served his time, etc... I know leopards tend not to change their spots, but jail time is one thing that can sometimes make a difference for some.

If they win it all, we'll get the 17th pick. Obviously, not a huge difference but it could be the difference between a great prospect who falls a bit.

January 6, 2009 BY CAROL SLEZAK cslezak@suntimes.com Now that general manager Jerry Angelo has established quarterback as the Bears' highest priority, I'm thinking about Michael Vick. He's scheduled to be released from prison July 20, and he has made it clear he wants to resume his football career. He's an intriguing possibility for a team in search of quarterback help. I wonder if this town could forgive his crimes. Before his hidden life became public knowledge, Vick was the most exciting player in the NFL and one of its most popular players, as well. The former No. 1 overall pick is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and took the Falcons to the playoffs twice. …

San Diego was horribly burned on the one play where they were trying to substitute. Other then that, Ron Rivera's defense looked damn good against Indy. In fact, it's amazing how the San Diego defense has improved since he took over. Is there any doubt at this point that it was a huge mistake to let him go? To be honest, when it happened I was ok with it and thought our defense could be even better. Damn I was wrong.

Bears seeking family plan? By Vaughn McClure | Tribune reporter 10:01 PM CST, January 6, 2009 If Joe Barry had his preference, his next family reunion would take place in Chicago. Barry's father-in-law, Rod Marinelli, has an opportunity to join the Bears staff. Barry wouldn't mind tagging along. "If I had an opportunity to work for Lovie Smith, I would cherish it," said Barry, who was fired as Detroit's defensive coordinator when Marinelli was dismissed as the Lions head coach. "I have a relationship with coach Smith. I have a relationship with [general manager] Jerry Angelo. So if that was an opportunity, it would be something I definitely would be…

ESPN and the Sun Times did a bit of Salary Cap work for the NFC North. Below are the figures for the four teams: Detroit: $26.8 million Minnesota: $20.4 million Green Bay: $19.09 million Chicago: $17.4 million These numbers do not reflect cap credits each team will get, including as much as $9m we are due to receive in credit for CB Marcus Hamilton. $9m for Hamilton? Wow. So we are looking at about $26M, and you can bet the others will be due increases also. What I didn't feel was mentioned much though was how each team is set up entering FA in terms of current players the team needs to sign. The bears have the following players due to hit …

Please take Bob Babich and Darryl Drake with you!!!! http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/01/br...u_coach_ex.html Peace

The Bears have proven over and over they cannot evaluate QB talent. Mike Holmgren has retired here to Arizona but I think the Bears should pay him to be a QB consultant for them in the upcoming draft and/or FA. Holmgren's track record finding QBs. Or if there's anyone else out there with similar credentials get him to help. We shouldn't sit back and keep hoping we make a good decision.

I'm still undecided. I love Britt but Nicks is impressive and could allow us to go E. Brown in the 1st, but Bey is long but still a bit bulky with nice hands.

http://www.nfl.com/partner?partnerType=rookies

I'm wondering what JA is thinking about Lovie and what Lovie is thinking about JA. I think maybe there's a little rift going on and our next move may be a sign of things to come. Lovie Smith said in his post season interview that it didn't help when he lost his #1 and #2 WR. I take those comments as strikes towards JA. I even think this started about a year ago. Muhammad was released in Feb, Berrrian was not resigned and then Lovie stated "Devin can be a #1 WR in this league" putting pressure on Hester and JA. The Bears also had Mark Bradley who IMO Angelo wanted to see get his shot, but Lovie refused. If it was Lovies choice not to play/develop and then cut …

The Texans, who finished the year (thanks to us) at .500, didn't do well on defense, and fired a handful of their defensive coaches. Expectations for this defense were never high, but after finishing 22nd in the rankings, it was low enough to make a statement. GB had greater expectations entering the season for their defense, and after finishing 20th in the rankings, basically fired all defensive coaches. Now, those are two programs I would say made statements. They finished the season and said changes were necessary after not playing well. We entered the season w/ high expecations, at least for the defense. Two years ago, the D helped carry the team…

All of you know my thoughts on who is to blame for the collapse of our defense. That being said, I also called for Babich to be the scapegoat. From everything I have been reading, it is looking as if he is staying as DC. Is this Jauron/Shoop all over again? Seriously, WTF is going on? Are they so clueless to think firing the DB coach is going fix the shit we saw on the field? Are they secretly giving the power to Marinelli to save face? Thoughts...

If we had the #1 pick in the draft, what would you do with it?

PFW

Last year around this time, most of the experts pre-drafts had us taking QB Andre Woodson at this time. Of course, by the time the draft rolled around: 1. We'd already given new contracts to Kyle Orton AND Rex Grossman making the idea of drafting a QB at #14 improbable. 2. Andre Woodson had been bad enough in the combine that he slipped to the 6th round. How the hell does a guy go from being projected at #14 overall to #198??? While I can't wait for the April 25-26th draft, I just wanted to rant for a moment that I hate all the pre-combine speculation . . . and I'm bored and pissed that the Vikings are winning in the second quarter.

IMHO this is what I think the Bears should do in the FA period if all possible. In the secondary Let M.Brown and McGowan go & get Sean Jones from Clev.and Asomugha from the Raiders Move Payne to SS and Vasher/Manning to the nickel DE see if Peppers is still there to Ogun WR get either C. Johnson. T.O or T.J. Hous, Bouldin or oneone to be the number one. Move Williams to LT, sign ST. Clair at LG move Buenning to RG and find someone to back up Tait Find a center in the draft...kruetz is getting old