Bearstalk

IMHO the reason the 2008 Bears didn't make the playoffs was because of coaching or the lack of it.With all the moving of players to different positions, using schemes to put the LB'S at the line, schemes to use your corners in the bail instead of jam off the line, squip kicks, playing too deep at the end of the game with 6 seconds left, going for it on fourth and one by handing off to the fullback, not using Olsen,Clark & Davis(TE) in the red zone, running Forte bewteen the tackles 80% of the time and not outside more. Not using Hester/Wolfe on the little underneath screens to get them out in space. Trying to throw deep with Orton who was either throwing the ball too …

From Profootballtalk.com URLACHER ON HIS CRITICS: ‘THEY DON’T KNOW FOOTBALL’ Posted by Aaron Wilson on January 1, 2009, 6:26 p.m. Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher unleashed a personal blitz package after being knocked by critics who questioned whether his game is slipping, lashing out after the Bears didn’t make the playoffs and he was only voted as a third Pro Bowl alternate for the NFC squad. “I’m tired of criticism that is unwarranted,” Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune. “People who say stuff about me, they don’t know our defense. They don’t know football. Yes, I wish I would have made a lot more big plays. Obviously, everyone could say…

Bears | Smith to meet with Marinelli Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:05:46 -0800 Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith is scheduled to meet with former Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli Friday, Jan. 2, about the possibility of Marinelli joining the Bears coaching staff. Marinelli is expected to take the Bears coaching job, but his agent says there are other opportunities. "Rod has a number of opportunities and he is seeing Lovie and they're sitting down and talking. It's a visit," agent Frank Bauer said.

I'm not sure if you guys saw this hit today by (my boy) Taylor Mays in the Rose Bowl, but sign me up. I understand he was flagged, but that's always called in college as opposed to 60% (IMO) in the NFL. You can bet your ass no WR will be happy about having to go across the middle of the field against this guy, either. Seriously, not because I'm a USC guy, but this guy's potential is one of the best of all time. He is also a fumble forcing machine (had 1 tonight) and he's officially been stopped throwing to on his side so INT's come at a rarity. Honestly, I would think about trading up (trade our 1st, 2nd, and 6th) if I was Angelo (but he won't) to get him, then trading on…

Did you know that we have Cameron Worrell back on the team from the Dolphins and that J.D. Runnels the fullback is now signed with the Bengals?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3804004 Jones: Favre's play warranted benching ESPN.com news services Updated: January 1, 2009, 4:27 PM ET * Comment * Email * Print Thomas Jones Has Harsh Words For Brett Favre Team owner Woody Johnson has stated clearly that he wants Brett Favre to be the New York Jets' quarterback next season, but some players seem to be bristling at the thought. Days after the Jets' 1-4 finish left them out of the playoffs and helped trigger Eric Mangini's firing as coach, running back Thomas Jones blasted Favre's final-game performance and seemed to suggest the QB's play -- nine interceptio…

Article on ESPN.. Angelo looking for QB

This really gives in sight to Urlacher's views. Kind of throwing teammates under the bus Maybe he needs to give up the C on his jersey

Would Bill Parcels come to the bears if he becomes a free agent? He would clean house and do it quickly. comments welcome.

LOVIE SMITH CHICAGO BEARS Considering most league observers predicted before the season that the Bears would be hard-pressed to crack the .500 mark, Smith deserves an above-average grade. Often criticized for his bland, low-key demeanor, he deserves credit for keeping his team fired up during its last-ditch drive to make the playoffs. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner has done a nice job this season handling a unit with limited resources, and a strong case could be made for Dave Toub as the league's best special-teams coach. But the late breakdowns by Bob Babich's uneven defense in losses to the Panthers, Buccaneers, and Falcons were inexcusable. Grade: B-mi…

Bears trade 1st round pick to Steelers for their 1st, 3rd, and 5th. Bears trade Mark Anderson to Lions for their 6th round pick. Bears sign Charlie Batch to a 1 year, $2.5 million deal. Bears want Hank Baskett, but he's a RFA. Eagles want a 3rd rounder, Bears ponder, but then say f*** it. Bears let Booker and Lloyd walk. Bears move Wolfe and Davis permanently to special teams. 1 Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers ---physical, good hands, reminds me of Plaxico Burress in terms of size. 2 Herman Johnson, OG, LSU ---huge guy (6'7 350), great pass and run blocker. I was reading some stat that he only gave up 2 QB pressures all year. 3 Fenuki Tupou, RT, Oregon …

With Jerry firing the DB coach already it's safe to say where he thought the problems are this year and I agree. But with that loss we need to get players and a coach that can really help this defense in the secondary. In FA these three guys stand out to me as players we need to turn the corner in the D-backfield. Nnamdi Asomugha, UFA, Oakland Raiders Asomugha’s numbers don’t overwhelm other than his eight interceptions in ’06, but the big reason that he has only 241 career tackles and 10 interceptions is because opponents attack the side of the field that Asomugha isn’t on. He has 40 passes defensed over the past three seasons prior to ‘08 and he’s one of the NFL…

I know this is a wet dream, but there has to be at least SOME truths to rumours that he can be available. So knowing he has one year left on his contract, and wants an extension, perhaps Philli will want to move on with Klobb. Question is, what would it take to get him here? First round pick? More/less? What would the Bears give up for him? Personally, if we could get McNabb, I would give up a number one and three. Draft online in round 2 and sign free agent receiver... We have to assume Williams will step in next year at LT so we really just must replace Garza. Of course Saftey also must be addressed but hey...its a pipedream anyway. …

Step 1: Fire your DB's coach. HE GONE

Per Rotoworld: Who's next?

He never talks about adding guys. It makes me think... I've never heard Angelo talk in the tone he did when I heard this on CTL. The way he said this made me crack a grin. Again, his tone made him sound in charge. It made him sound like he understands the core of the defense's window for a ring may be closing and he wants one soon as well. But who is he referring to? Vasher? Harris? Ogunleye? Maybe even Hester on KR's/PR's? On MJH today, JD says either Anderson or Ogunleye won't be back next year. That was in a response to a question about the future of Babich. Bank on Marinelli being apart of this organization next year. He …

Ok, now that you are hooked and ready to rip me apart for suggesting Tebow, just know that I'm not thinking about the Bears drafting him. I'm thinking about the Vikings drafting him. I don't know about you guys, but that scares the hell out of me. For some reason I think he would do some serious damage for the Vikings. Thoughts? Is he not a perfect fit for them?

rotoworld

both from espn.com GO GET MARINELLI, ANGELO!

I talk about this briefly in another post, but after going to the game, I saw things I never saw (at least not to this extent). This is NOT a post to excuse Orton, or Turner, or anyone else. I am just talking about the WRs. First, everyone talks so much about Hesters speed, but what I saw yesterday, that speed is not realized. Does everyone realize just how much he gets jammed at the LOS? Worse, does everyone realize how difficult of a time he has beating the jam? I was a bit surprised by this, as receivers w/ upper tier speed are usually given more cushion, but Hester is shown little respect. Once he does get get off the LOS, he doesn't get separation. On the…