Brian Urlacher? Tommie Harris? Tillman, Vasher, Briggs???? Nope, I think the critical link to the Bears defense in 2008 is Mike Brown. I am not saying we could not be successful with him on the IR. But I think his absence on the field takes more away from this defense than the absence of any other one player. We have good options at the other positions. Briggs could easily play MLB. We have players ready to replace Briggs. We have some nice looking DBs behind Vasher & Tillman. But we are not only weak in proven depth at Safety, but Brown brings far more to the defense than his playing skills at the position, he brings LEADERSHIP.

 

Chicago Bears Strategy and Personnel

 

Despite a long list of injuries that have kept him sidelined for 43 of the past 64 games, Mike Brown is still a key component in the Bears' defense - as long as he's healthy.

 

Brown has looked like the same 2005 Pro Bowl player who always seems to be in the middle of the action and around the ball. He's the starting free safety less than nine months after the torn ACL that ended his 2007 season in the first game of the year.

 

"We've noticed him quite a bit; you've noticed him quite a bit, and that's normally how it goes with Mike out on the football field," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "He's an all-pro player; he practices that way. The same player you see on the practice field you see on game day. We need him to be successful, and I see him having the best year he's had so far."

 

Because the Bears can't be sure that Brown will hold up for an entire season, they brought him back this year with a restructured contract that dropped his base salary from $2.44 million to $950,000, although with incentives, it's possible he'll make up the difference. If he's bitter about the situation, Brown's doing a great job of hiding it.

 

"I think it's definitely fair because they're giving me an opportunity to make (the same money)," he said. "They're giving me an opportunity; I just have to be on the field, and I think that's totally fair. I don't think they're losing out on anything and I don't think I'm losing out on anything because I feel like I will be able to play."

Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for and without the sacrifices of our men & women in the armed forces the liberties we enjoy would not be preserved. My thoughts are with them all.

 

With that said I also wish everyone of you guys and gals on the forum a great 4th of July. I have to go to work around noon for 4 hours but will certainly enjoy the rest of the day.

Bears DT Harris' stature continues to grow

 

Now that the Bears have made him the league’s highest-paid defensive tackle, is Tommie Harris also ready to become the franchise’s new face in place of star MLB Brian Urlacher, who has filled the role admirably, if not willingly, since making an instant splash as the team’s first-round pick in 2000? “Right now, I’d say Urlacher is still the main team leader,” a longtime team insider told PFW. “But if Harris can stay healthy and has a strong 16-game season in 2008, he could become the new team leader as soon as the next season.” The consensus is that Harris would embrace such a role a lot more so than Urlacher. Not only does Harris take great pride in his considerable charity work and squeaky-clean, God-fearing image; he’s also much more naturally comfortable than Urlacher with the media, almost always displaying an engaging personality that figures to be on public display with increasing frequency.

 

So let's say Urlacher and Harris BOTH have outstanding years, BOTH voted to the Pro Bowl, BOTH considered the best at their respective positions by the end of the year, do you think Urlacher remains the main "figure head" of the Chicago Bears or does Tommie Harris' surge in popularity and his more comfortable style with the media make him the new "poster child" of the Bears?

I wonder what the terms were. Good news!

 

Bears, Forte agree on $3.7M, 4 years

 

Not a bad deal for either side.

Interesting video from Forte, he's humble, and shooting for 1000 yards this season. I honestly see no reason why he can't get more.

 

One note on the video: Bears are without their top passer, rusher, and receiver from last year. Why does that matter? I could understand if the guys did well, but if those top three led to an offense that was widely regarded as a joke, and less effective than several college offenses, then why worry? Why care? The only considerable loss is Berrian, and he hadn't yet shown the ability to be a true #1, something for which he wanted to be paid.

 

 

Gotta agree, when you are at the bottom of the league in offense how can losing those responsible be considered a major concern. It is obvious to all of us who suffered through this that changes needed to be made.

I am beginning to think there is a definite relationship to the Bears' policy of rewarding their own when they excel and the way we seem to always be ahead of the other teams in signing our rookie classes.

 

People like to say we (the Bears) are cheap. Tell me of any other team who works as hard as the Bears to reward their own. I can not think of one that comes close.

 

Then you look at how far ahead we are of other teams in signing our rookie classes, this year and the past few. I am beginning to think it is because the rookies know that if they sign with us, get in camp on time, and perform (excel) they will also be rewarded.

 

JA has established a great reputation for the Bears management and how we handle our players. IMO it is paying off big time!!

It also appears that Chris Williams is getting closer to being signed as well. It will be another year that we will have signed all of our draft picks well before Training Camp opens which is a very good thing. Forte and Williams to be signed apparently within the next week or so and we are three weeks from Training Camp, Woo!!!! Hoo!!!!!

 

It would be fantastic if we could sign Williams by the end of the week! Like I said in the other post on Forte, I do not want last minute negotiations to get Williams in camp. Sign him NOW and get our rookie class locked up!

My wish granted! I said this morning when it was leaked that Forte would sign within 24 hrs that I hoped when I got home it would be posted he signed. Sure enough, I log on to my PC, my home page comes up (chicagobears.com) and there it is, Forte signs. Fantastic!!

 

Now let's get Williams signed by the end of the week. No last minute negotiations!

Looks like we won't have to worry about Matt Forte to much longer according to the Chicago Tribune.'

 

Forte close to signing

 

Just as we were starting to think about sweating. Jeez, we worry too much.

 

Outstanding! The last time the Tribune said within 24 hrs for a pick to be signed, it came true. Let's hope by the time I get home tonight Forte is signed. Then tomorrow morning I want to wake up to see a post on the foum saying the Tribune reports Williams is within 24 hrs of signing,

I have a feeling it'll be a domino effect... The rooks sign, then we move to Hester, then Urlacher...

 

I hope you are right.

 

We have a good record of getting all rookies into camp on time. The last few years we have had all our rookies signed before any other team came close.

 

If we get them all signed and then sign Urlacher & Hester to deals that will make both of them happy going into the season, wow, we will be in great shape.

 

With those 2 signed, we will be in one of the best contractual situations of the league, with every established player of value recently signed to new contracts or extensions. This will be huge in the near futre when others are struggling to sign and keep their key players.

A good sign, we will be busy signing rookies over the next few weeks!

Article from Chicago Tribune

 

Bears close to signing 3rd-rd. pick

By Vaughn McClure, 3:59 p.m.

 

Third-round pick Marcus Harrison is on the verge of signing a four-year deal with the Bears, an NFL source said Monday. The deal is expected to be finalized within the next 24 hours.

 

Harrison, a defensive tackle from Arkansas, could provide a spark as a backup on the interior of the defensive line this coming season. He had first-round potential, but an arrest and ACL injury caused the rookie to drop. Harrison is projected as a future starter.

 

Once Harrison signs, the Bears will have four unsigned rookies remaining: tackle Chris Williams (first round), running back Matt Forte (second), receiver Earl Bennett (third), and defensive back Zackary Bowman (fifth). The Bears drafted 12 players.

 

Williams vowed not to be a training camp holdout, while Forte could be rewarded in his deal for taking over the starting role, with Cedric Benson gone. The Bears start training camp July 23 in Bourbonnais.

I just read Najeh Davenport was just dumped by the Steelers.

 

I think he may be a decent fit. A vertan with a decidedly different running style than all our other guys. He could prove useful in the red zone without treading on some of our other backs' forte's... All pun intended...

 

Thoughts?

 

I would go for a K Jones or S Alexander before Davenport. The question is somewhat academic in that it appears, according to reports, the Bears are standing pat.

The only thing I can take out of this is that Lovie and Angelo seem to really like Forte. If they have that much faith in him to not even check out the possible competition for him it definatly shows how much potential he has. I can't wait till the preseason to see how good he really is. They see a lot more than we do, so I trust their judgement, but I also want to see for myself.

 

I agree that Forte must have convinced the staff he is capable of being a starter who can carry the load, 25-30 reps per game. The thing is if he gets injured, who carries the load? I am not convinced in my mind either Peterson or Wolfe can do so. That is my concern.

The latest update: (7/2)

 

All leagues are now full. If others want to play fantasy football, and an opening comes up in one of the 3 I formed, I will let you know. Otherwise, DrunkBomber said he would be willing to open a league for the forum.

 

FULL - 0 slot in league 1 (Sat Aug 23 - 10 PM Live Draft) FULL

FULL - 0 slot in league 2 (Sun Aug 24 - 8:00 AM Live Draft) FULL

FULL - 0 slot in league 3 (Fri Aug 22 - 8:30 PM Live Draft) FULL

 

email me at j.w.sheridan@comcast.net

 

And do not forget the Pick'ems - free to join - win gift certificates!! Check the pinned post at the top of the forum for details!

if a spot left John I'll take 1

 

It has been a little over 2 weeks and neith of the two remaining has responded to the multiple posts or multiple private messages so if you want to play, your in! I will send you an invitation with the email address you provided for the Pick'ems (hotmail). Welcome aboard!!

 

1 spot left, anyone else want to play?

 

Anf remember, 135$ in gift certificates redeemable online at the Chicago Bears Online Store is being given away for this years pick'ems!! Flea has signed up. We have 25 players so far. Anyone else wants to sign up for the Pick'em contests?

 

You can view the site at - TalkBears Pick'em Contests

Thank you Mr. Goodell, finally some rational thinking! I can not believe the Player's Union would object to the money going to the veterans instead of unproven rookies. Too many players have been drafted in the first round, got paid a shit load of guaranteed money, and never produced on the field, and some never playing a down. Totally ridiculous. Give that money to the veterans who have at least proven they are legitimate NFL stars.

The latest update: (6/29)

 

The Posters who signed up in the original thread for the Fantasy Football Leagues and have not responded to the private messages sent to them are, in no particular order:

 

The Prophet

Killakrzydav

SoxFan1

 

So far we have open:

 

0 slot in league 3 (Fri Aug 22 - 8:30 PM Live Draft) - League is FULL

2 slots in league 1 (Sat Aug 23 - 10 PM Live Draft)

0 slot in league 2 (Sun Aug 24 - 8:00 AM Live Draft) - League is FULL

 

email me at j.w.sheridan@comcast.net

 

Thanks

QB- Derek Anderson CLE, Jeff Garcia TB

RB- Marion Barber DAL, Ryan Grant GB, Rashard Mendenhall PIT

WR- Greg Jennings GB, Hines Ward PIT, Nate Burleson SEA, Reggie Williams JAX, Devin Hester CHI

TE- Heath Miller PIT, Greg Olsen CHI

K- Rob Bironas TEN, Josh Scobee JAX

DEF- Vikings

 

Thoughts?

 

Wow, an early draft. I love FF and am anxious to begin the year but to draft this early is insane IMO. I guarantee you some of the players you just drafted may very well be on the IR before the start of the season. Such is the gamble of an early FF draft. That is why I try to wait until the last minute, leaving just enough time after the draft to try and make adjustments to my lineups with FA or trades once the dust settles from the draft room.

 

IMO, and let's face it, everyone's opinion is just a guess at this point in the game... And I do not know the number of players you start per position or scoring system used, with that said...

 

Starting QB looks solid. D Anderson should do good again this year. If he goes down Garcia is questionable do to his age and I think will be pushed by others on his team for starting.

 

RBs should be cool. Barber should get an increased role this year, Grant should do good, GB may need to rely more on the run this year as I do not think A Rogers will do very well. Mendenhall - will he be this years A Peterson? It is a gamble but a good one.

 

WRs are questionable IMO. Jennings value will drop off some from last year with Rogers as QB. Ward, if healthy, is solid. Burleson & Williams are very questionable and I would not draft either. Hester is interesting obviously and I hope he is the top fantasy WR on your team (being a Bears fan, LOL)

 

TEs are excellent. Heath Miller when healthy should be solid and what is not to like about Olsen.

 

Kickers are a dime a dozen and totally unpredictable.

 

Min is showing up high on all the preseason ranking for defense. I probably would not pick them because then I would have to have my fantasy team rely heavily on a NFCN opponent, LOL

 

Again, just my opinion, but I think you weak link is WR. That is the one position on your lineup I question the most.

I would just like to note that Tommy Harris certainly seems to be a player that the Bears can be proud of, and one that us fans should get behind. Besides his obvious physical skills, his behaviour off the field is consistent with what one would would expect of a player making millions of dollars.

 

What a refreshing change from idiots who have children out of wedlock and get their private lives smeared all over town, leave their Lambo crashed on the side of the highway and initially claim it was stolen, and make profane and arrogant comments via the media about the Bears organization. I would rather lose than see punks like that play for the Bears. I am sick to death of these types of players taking their money for granted, and acting like they are deserving of some ultra special treatment. Guess what? Linebackers are easy to find! We would not hurt that much from losing any two of our three linebackers...I would bet on it! We might lose 10%, but it would be worth it to see the cavemen leave and go act like fools elsewhere.

 

Hurray for Tommy Harris and the character guys like him on the Bears! Let's all support the guys who have some character and decency!

 

I would disagree.

 

1st off, I do agree that Tommie Harris is a classy guy, and possibly the "poster boy" of the Bears organization, if not the NFL.

 

I personally do not see what Briggs or Urlacher has done to deserve to be exiled.

 

And I definately disagree with your thinking that they could be easily replaced without much loss of effectiveness of our defense. The are vital links to our defense's success.

Looks like it is Poo Rose as our savior.

 

Now, who does the Bulls trade for or pick up as a FA to provide us the physical style of Beasley (who we passed on). If we can find that man, we will have a really good team in the near future.

I'm in for the long haul! Even if I'm in last place, I'll keep swinging with the only intention of getting a chance of spoiling someone's parade!

 

I look forward to the draft! Now at least I can draft Mendenhall!

Fantastic!! Exactly what I wanted to hear!! (thanks for the tip, always like to know what the others in my draft room have on their wish list, plays into the strategy, LOL)

Much thanks!

 

Ooops, forgot to ask, did you get the Yahoo invitation?

Much thanks!

 

Thank you for your interest!

 

Remember, this is a commitment for the entire season, the draft, 14 weeks of regular play, and 2 weeks of playoffs. I will enjoy matching wits with you in the draft room! Good luck, hope you come in 2nd (behind me of course, LOL).

The latest update: (6/26)

 

The Posters who signed up in the original thread for the Fantasy Football Leagues and have not responded to the private messages sent to them are, in no particular order:

 

The Prophet

Killakrzydav

SoxFan1

 

So far we have open:

 

0 slot in league 3 (Fri Aug 22 - 8:30 PM Live Draft) - League is FULL - 10th manager just sent an invitation.

3 slots in league 1 (Sat Aug 23 - 10 PM Live Draft)

0 slot in league 2 (Sun Aug 24 - 8:00 AM Live Draft) - League is FULL - 10th manager just sent an invitation.

 

email me at j.w.sheridan@comcast.net

 

Thanks

Pix count me in for league 3 (Fri Aug 22 - 8:30 PM Live Draft)

 

I'll send you an e-mail shortly...

 

Let me know what I need to do.

 

Thanks!

 

Well, tell you what, I am still waiting on the 3 who signed up on the original thread to let me know if they are in or out and which league they would prefer. However, since I have 4 spots left for 3 players who may or may not still be interested (I sure wish they would be kind enough to let me know) I will send you an invitation from Yahoo league 3 to sign up and leave 3 spots open (for a little while longer) for the "silent" 3 posters.