madlithuanian

How sad. How expected.

Upon further review, the move isn't a great one. And bottom line, I only want great moves this off-season. We've had too many OK, fair, poor, kinda good, etc moves over the last 3 decades. Owens doesn't really solve enough unless the Bears do absolutely nothing of note in FA and draft. And if that's the case, we're f'ed anyway...

Nice. That bodes well I think.

Ross to me is the power play. If you hit with him, he's young and could be a positive factor for years. He could be a big miss as well. But I like the upside.

any info on the guy?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/footb...0,6724458.story

Smith's had the keys to the car since 2006. He's also had the keys to the executive washroom, the keys to the mansion, etc...all because he apparently seems to have nude pictures of the McCaskeys... Sorry, couldn't resist.

Good point. I keep forgetting he's not under contract. However, odds are he'll be had for far less than F Davis or Finley. It all depends on the price and what else we're doing. But I feel that we'll have the money room to make a few big splashes... The question will be will they use that room?

Agreed. I'm hoping for a more lengthy solution, not just one for next season.

Haugh's been stealing our material! (Must be reading this site stealthly...)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/footb...0,7550977.story Chargers' Raye interviews for Bears GM job Ads by Google Free Online AdvertisingSee What $75 of Google Ads Can Do For Your Business. Try It Now! www.Google.com/AdWords Comments 6Share0 By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 3:01 p.m. CST, January 17, 2012 The Chicago Bears wrapped up their second interview for the vacant general manager position, spending Tuesday with Jimmy Raye III, the director of personnel for the San Diego Chargers. Raye met with the Bears as a candidate to replace Jerry Angelo, who was fired on Jan. 3. He is the second candidate to meet with the team, following Jason Licht, the director of player personnel for the New England Patriots, who was in Monday. Related Licht first to interview for Bears' GM job Bears don't let Hoke interview for Vikings' DC job Maps 1920 Football Dr, Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA Ads by Google Victoria's Secret Velour Shop Sexy Velour Clothing at Victoria's Secret. Official Site. www.victoriassecret.com Raye, a wide receiver at San Diego State and briefly for the Los Angeles Rams, oversees the college and pro scouting departments for the Chargers and was the team’s director of college scouting from 2000 to 2007. The Chargers have been one of the better drafting teams in the NFL since 2004 when they got quarterback Philip Rivers in a trade with the Giants and added center Nick Hardwick, linebacker Shaun Phillips and running back Michael Turner in Rounds 3 through 5. In following years, the Chargers hit on players like Shawne Merriman, Luis Castillo, Vincent Jackson, Darren Sproles, Marcus McNeill and Eric Weddle. Raye’s father Jimmy Raye II was a longtime assistant coach in the NFL. The Bears are expected to interview Marc Ross, the director of college scouting for the New York Giants, on Wednesday. Phil Emery, the director of college scouting for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Tim Ruskell, who has been the Bears’ director of personnel for the past two seasons, also are expected to interview this week. bmbiggs@tribune.com

I generally agree...but if a guy like Finley can be had w/o a serious dent in cash getting FA's at WR, OL, maybe DL and DB...then by all means we should take him. Having a 1-2 punch like NE would be wonderful.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/10066011-41...with-bears.html Dave Toub signs extension with Bears BY SEAN JENSEN sjensen@suntimes.com January 17, 2012 1:27PM Reprints RELATED STORIES Mike Martz retires from coaching Updated: January 17, 2012 1:40PM The Bears made a significant move, keeping special teams coordinator Dave Toub by signing him to a two-year contract extension. Arguably the league’s best special teams coach, Toub was a candidate for the Miami Dolphins head coaching vacancy. According to NFL Network, Toub will be paid $1 million a year, ranking him among the league’s highest-paid special teams coordinators. He deserves the distinction. Toub’s unit had a standout 2011 season, and they finished third in a ranking system by the Dallas Morning News. Toub’s unit has now ranked in the top third of the league for the last eight seasons, including at No. 1 in 2006 and 2007. Special teams ace Corey Graham will make his first Pro Bowl appearance later this month. Under Toub, Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, Robbie Gould and Brendon Ayanbadejo also have made Pro Bowl appearances. During his tenure, the Bears have 22 kick return touchdowns, the most in the league during that span. This past season, free-agent punter Adam Podlesh had his finest season, setting a franchise record with a net punting average of 40.4.

Having Tice in there could prove handy. He played the position and understands it's value. Moreso than Martz I believe. I'd certainly like to give Kellen the opportunity to be the man. But I have no problem drafting one in the later rounds is something presents itself.

We would appear to have the cap apce to nabe a couple top FA's. WR - V-Jack OL - Nicks OLB - Lawson (speed guy...fit Smith's agenda) I think would get us to a great point. I'm just not familiar with the DL names in FA.

Gotcha. I thought you were specifically referencing my post.

If the Bears re-sign Forte and a couple other guys nearing the end of their contracts, Briggs will be the only one bitching and moaning. Let him. He'll play.

I think I may be responding on the wrong thread, if so I apologize... But I feel we don't mortgage our entire draft on ANY position. WR, LT, or anything. We can get a good player where we are slotted. We need to hit on 3 of of top 5 picks. We need to pick up an OL and WR in FA. And possibly a DL or BD. We just have too many holes. No draft choice is a sure thing. I prefer leverage.

Also in agreement. We don't need to get tricky. Hester is not what he once was. 5 years ago, doing some of these ideas might have been really valid. But now, he's best suited for Special Teams, and occassionally to have the deep threat on O.

Sproles runs on other downs than just 3rd. What they are doing with Harvin is similar to Miami's wildcat usage. A nice gimmick for a team going nowhere...

You must be referencing a different post, because I've never once said to give into Briggs' demands. I said he's under contract and expect him to fulfill it. I may be willing to add some performance or achievement bonuses to it though.

Agreed. But, having the solid offseason may be the miracle he speaks of!

Because not all guys that weigh the same and have the same size are tough. You either are or are not. But, putting Hester in a place where he is better suited is a must. I just don't think that spot is RB.

What exactly did he do that was so dirty? Last I checked he went to camp, played all year and made the pro bowl. He can spout his trap all he wants about how much more he wants. He's still under contract for a while. I would deal him for a player. Maybe to take Marshall or something, but for a pick, no.

Not sure Hester is tough enough to play RB.