Connorbear

Let me clarify my position. If they ever put a retractable dome in Chicago I would want them to always leave the dome open when the Bears play (even in the worst of weather). The retractable dome should only be used for other events (Super Bowl, NCAA tournament, etc). Peace

The Bears don't own the stadium. The Chicago park district does. The Bears rent from them. The original deal cost I believe 450 to 500 million. The Bears paid for 100 million of the renovation using a loan from the NFL. The city paid for the rest through an increase in the hotel/motel tax. The stadium is used for multiple events besides the Bears games. Concerts, college football, soccer (the Fire played there up until 2 yrs ago), high school football tournaments, etc. My understanding is they also play international soccer there and that is the reason they won't switch to new turf (because FIFA requires grass). Peace

Let me ask - did you ever go to a game in Old Soldier Field? The place was a friggin dump. The seats were way, way back compared to the new building and the pitch was bad. The bathrooms and concessions were horrible. Up until 2 yrs before they renovated, they didn't have a replay board (now they have 2 that are state of the art). The bathrooms are the only complaint I have about the building now. They are much nicer but they are still not big enough. I agree, however, they should have built a retractable dome stadium. My friends and I have discussed this many times. They should have torn down all of the old stadium except for the columnades and the outer wall and make it a park with underground parking. Then they should have built a state of the stadium in the south lot with 80,000 seats and a retractable roof. Peace

Before I comment on this, let me say I agree with you on the original tone of your post. On the McGinnis issue, I remember specifically what happened. Mikey decided to negotiate directly with McGinnis. He wanted McGinnis to agree that the asst coaches would not have guarenteed contracts and could be terminated at any time. He would not agree with that and walked away from the job. It ended up costing Mikey his job as he was bumped up to the board of directors. Peace

I agree 100%. I am tired of McKie and IMHO AP would excel in that role. Peace

One piece of good news - ticket prices will not be raised this yr. http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/02/be...talks.html#more Peace

Great post Nfoligno - thanks for the update. Peace

Exactly. Give him another season to return to his previous form. If the D-line gets more pressure, he will make more plays. If he cannot stay on the field and make plays next yr, then move on. Peace

He was a good QB at Northwestern. Mobile with a good arm but undersized from what I remember. He is fighting Hanie for the 3rd QB spot IMHO. Peace

We don;t have to pay his contract but do take a prorated hit for his signing bonus. I don't know the details for Vash specifically. Peace

No one has worn Singletary's number since the mid nineties so they may as well retire it but I do agree with you this will become an issue. Peace

They have never retired Singletary's jersey. The Bears have the most retired jerseys in the league. I would say retire Singletary and Hampton because they are both in the Hall. Dent would have to be in the Hall before they consider it. Peace

Mistake? Hardly. Moose threw 2 of his teammates under the bus and he was the one continually dropping the ball. Screw him. Peace

Agredd 100% - this is not even close to our top priority. I say give Vasher another yr to fix himself. If Marinelli can get more out of the defensive line (as I believe he will) the rest of the defense will look much, much better. Peace

Resign St. Clair and put him at RT or LG next yr. Peace

Outstanding post - thank you. Peace

Best of luck to him. Peace

Good post - thanks. Peace

There were words in the first post???? Wow - who knew. Peace

We need a WR that can move the chains. I thought that would be Booker but he is obviously done. Bennett and Rideau should have received a hell of a lot more playing time than they did last yr. ARRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! Peace

Pass the kool-aid!!!!! Peace

I wouldn't mind extending his contract similar to his previous deal (with obviously escalation for inflation). However, he is the only player who gets an extension now. Manning Jr and Orton need to show me more next yr. Peace

Amazing - I agree with you 100%. Oher if he is there. Duke if he is not. Peace

Great analysis. I would take #2 is well (just don't step in it!!!!). Peace

LOL Peace