Pixote

Is everyone giving up on Carimi already? He was looking good in year one before the injury. It has taken time to recover. He did not play well last year but I doubt he was anywhere near 100%. I think I would need to see him more before I would write him off. I certainly would not even begin to think of cutting him.

If I remember correctly, Webb sucked a## at RT when he played there before moving to LT, a move which always confused me to start with. I see him no more than an experienced backup.

Link to Article on NFL.com Confirming Bennett is going to be a Bear

According to NFL.com, will be 33 in June, 9 year starter, Pro Bowl in 2011, hasn't missed a game since 2003 (so no health issues). Suppose to be considered the 3rd most talented OG in 2013 FA. Obviously, at age 33 for the 2013 season, this would have to be a "CHEAP" stop gap signing while developing other options for the future.

I think this is where an "incentive laden" contract should be in play with bonuses for XX ## of games played, making the Pro Bowl, etc... I do not think URL is as washed up as many think. He has had some injuries over the past few years but I would not be surprised to see him have an outstanding year if he returns. No, not the URL of 10 years ago, but still one of the top tier MLBs in the league.

But you had me to entertain you at good ole "West", LOL I never thought I would say this but there are times I miss the "grind" at West.

With a bum right hip, a bad disc in my lower back and using a cane it would take me longer than that to walk 10 feet. LOL

Amendola from STL would be awesome but STL would be crazy to let him leave.

I would be all for drafting him is he is the BPA that matches a positional need for the Bears after the FA period is over. Until we see what happens in FA with the signing of our own FAs and picking up some FAs from other teams to fill needs we really do not know for sure how to approach the draft, IMO.

I like Scott a lot and think he would be a very good starter for our OL. IMO he played very good last year and may be even better this year with a chance to work with the line during preseason. It has to be difficult to join a team and take over a OL spot in mid season and I think he pulled it off successfully.

I know we have read articles about Kromer before and we certainly all have concerns over our OL going into 2013. I noticed this new article on the Bears official website. I am usually leary of anything posted there as many times it seems as self serving propaganda. However, I liked this one as it gave a good amount of feedback from N.O. Saints OLmen. I am anxious to see what he can do for us. New Aaron Kromer Article

When did they restructure Peppers Contract? Could you give us a link if it was recent? Yes, restructuring contracts can create big benefits for cap space and if this is recent then it may be an indication we will be a big player in FA. And yes, it is still possible under the new CBA.

Any idea what it was last year?

Unfortunately we selected, with the 5th overall pick in round 1, drum roll please, Curtis Enis!

I have mentioned before that I grew up in Delaware and was a huge Baltimore Colts fan growing up, with Unitas, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Gino Marchetti, etc ... as my boyhood heroes. When they left and relocated to Indy, like many Colts fans, I totally abandoned the Colts. I then became a Bears fan back in the 70's when I married my wife and moved to her home state Illinois. I have no doubt if I had remained in Delaware I would have welcomed the Ravens with open arms and would have been a Ravens fan. For that reason I will have to pull for the "underdog" Ravens to win tonight.

I am missing something here, LOL, what the heck is the "Guy Code" Never heard of the term.

We really do not know how good Url will be this year if he plays for the Bears. He is obviously older but the diminished performance last year was more due to his injury not allowing him to prep during the offseason as he is accustomed to combined with not being able to play any in preseason. He was never able to practice much during the weeks between games. His conditioning was off. He never really got into "game" shape. No one knows if he will remain healthy this year. If he does I think you will find he will be worth every penny he is paid. Obviously, at a lower salary than what he has been receiving. I would be willing, if I were the one to call the shots, to pay him at least the amount equal to the average $$$ paid to starting MLBs in the league. If he would accept that I do not think you will find a better replacement for the same $$$.

I agree with you Jason. No, he did not have a great year in 2012. I know it, you know it, and HE knows it. If he can stay healthy this year I think we will see him return to form, however, probably 80-90% of his peak due to age. 80-90% of his "Peak" is awesome and much better than what we would obtain in FA or with a rookie, IMO, especially when considering the intangibles he brings. Yes, we need to develop a replacement. However, to say he should be let go, cut, thrown aside, crazy, crazy, crazy!

Just the way the new CBA that was reached was structured. I read that if there was an increase this year it would be minimal. NFL.Com Article Quoted

Interesting list of options. I read somewhere, I believe in an article on NFL.com, that players hitting FA will likely be disappointed as it is predicted that teams will not be prepared to spend big bucks on FAs this year due to the fact that the Salary cap is not expected to increase much if any from last year and a lot of teams are with cap issues. If this is the case hopefully the Bears can get some players, like OL help and a decent TE, in FA without having to mortgage the future of the team.

NFL.com has an article up about how a fake identity Twitter account has been targeting NFL teams as well, ie Redskins Article about WAS team players being duped by a fake on Twitter I think the truth is that there are disgusting human beings trying to dupe notable athletes, both pro and college. I bet this is a bigger problem than any of us realize. The situation about Te'o being fooled I think is just one that went public first, there will be many more come to light in the near future, IMO.

Is it because he does not like to settle for short gainers or because he cannot find a WR open? He threw a lot of shot balls to Brandon during the season because he knew even though he was covered, many times doubled, Brandon could still manage to get the reception. However, other wide receivers seem to fail to gain any separation to get open. I think it is more than a lack of ability of our WRs to get open, I think this was primarily do to poor play calling and play design. I am hoping Trestman can show enough imagination to help our WRs with his play calling to get them some routes to gain separation. Imagination, key word here, it has been awhile since our offense "fooled" anyone. It would be refreshing if Trestman can bring in a fresh playbook and weekly changes as previously mentioned to keep defenses guessing.

I agree with you, he has done everything he can to promote this "sideshow". If he had any value at all as a starting QB don't you think Jacksonville would be all over the possibility of signing this guy? After all, Jacksonville could use a QB and what location would be better than Jacksonville to have Tebow start? He would pack them into the stadium because of his fan base there. Yet Jacksonville has stated openly they are not interested in signing him.

The latest article on ChicagoBears.com had a few interesting points that to me was encouraging: I am really anxious to see how this translates to the 2013 season.

I think it is time for Cutler to step up to the plate. I realize he has been handicapped by inept OCs and a terrible OL but I still feel he has still, with this in mind, fallen short of what one could expect from a franchise QB getting the big bucks he is getting paid. I feel Trestman will provide him with the protection he needs and will be the best OC we have had in a long long time. If Cutler fails this year to get it turned around, I suspect he will be gone.