'TD'

And Hester has the speed and elusiveness that the team lacks with Knox injured. Hester is a true WR in the NFL now, while Jeffery hasn't had experience at this level yet.

Jeffery isn't a taller Hester. Their abilities, measurables, and experience contrast each other. Applying that to the beginning, Jeffery shouldn't be handed a starting spot just because he is taller.

January 3rd: The Bears let go long long time general manager Jerry Angelo. March 2nd: The Bears placed the franchise tag on RB Matt Forte which would pay him 7.7 million. March 13th: The Bears acquired pro bowl WR Brandon Marshall for 2 3rd round picks (1 3rd was in this year’s draft and 1 in next year’s draft.)

Partially, but it'd would have to include popularity among players and coaches also. The fans, players, and coaches account for 1/3rd of the vote each.

Looking at the list, I'm surprised that Hester is as high as he is. I figured he maybe on the list but low. I do have to say the Bears were represented pretty well. 6 players out of 100, when they theoretically would have 3ish, 100/32. Urlacher, Hester, Briggs, Forte, Marshall, and Peppers all making it says a lot for the respect the Bears are getting across the league as a whole. I could be wrong, but I think they are tied for most players on the list.

I honestly think there is no way Jay had warranted top 100 in the NFL since he has been a Bear. The wide receivers and the line have sucked and held him back. but he hasn't put forth that defining year in a position cluttered with very talented plays. Imho, he's a fringe top 10 player that could be as high as 6 or 7 to some people or as low as 14 or 15 to others. For a top 100, he just hasn't defined himself in that kind of roll yet on this team. Tebow stood out considering his team, and it was a team effort. That get's noticed and someone thinking well i need to give him credit cause no one else will, and then everyone does and boom he's there. That doesn't bother me. Kyle Orton is an above average QB, Tebow is a below average talent wise QB. With less talent he started and won games. The same thing goes with Lloyd to a degree. He's been impressing on bad teams, and would be a "cooler" pick to some to do. Add in Marshall beating women. and it will make him a less popular pick. One guy is doing better than he should and the other is smearing a good career with off the field issues. Look at the low price the Bears paid for him, and the TO not being on a team because of the leagues perception. Your rep matters. Marshall is the anti Tebow. His talent will be undervalued by critics for the kind of person he is. Tebow will be praised despite the lack of talent he has, because who he is off the field. Personally, I find Marshall despicable as a person. I'll cheer him on despite that for 3 hours on Sundays only because he is a Bear. It's a stigma that he will carry just like TO, Vick, and Moss. He's brought it on himself.

Calvin Johnson is just that good. His height is enhances his ability, but doesn't define it. Case in point is Wes Welker. He had 26 catches more than Johnson and 22 more than anyone else in the league last year. The guy is only 5'9" and a whopping 8"s shorter than Johnson. Height is a tool that some WR's can utilize occasionally to their advantage, no doubt. It's just a tool and a minor in most circumstances. Jump balls are not the norm on most plays. It's just not a defining trait. The Bears investment in Jeffery is only a second round pick (5th to with the trade up). His contract is also relatively small. Keep in mind, they have 2 players capable of starting opposite of Marshall. To sum it up, The Bears haven't bet the farm on Jeffery. They aren't in desperate need of a starter. The one tool he has over the other WR's isn't a position defining trait. WR is one of the harder positions to transition into the NFL. He hasn't even worn pads yet in the NFL. He shouldn't be given the starting spot, but should he earn it I'll be cheering him on.

If only Luc Longley played for the Bears instead of the Bulls. The Bears would have won those 3 championships instead. He had height and weight, unstoppable catching and running the ball with that. Jennings would deflect it easily. If not we would see nonstop go 10 yards and stand there plays, don't worry bout jumping. Tillman would just easily strip it from the nonrunning back. Tillman wouldn't be in a spot to have to knock him backwards by himself, but yes he could stop him. Not sure why Tillman is blocking, but sure he could.

I'm not trying to flame you on here or anything. I just completely disagree with your assessment. Jeffery is an awesome prospect. He's big and he can make some hard catches look easy. A year or 2 from now, he has potential to be amazing. That's not today tho. Historically it takes a lot of time for WR's to fully make the transition from college WR to NFL WR. The game is played different, the competition level is higher, the playbooks more complex, there is an unfamiliarity with their QB, and the list goes on and on. Some do make the transition fast, but that's the exception instead of the norm. David Terrell was a WR with good size and a highly touted WR. He was taken with the 8th pick, the first WR taken off the board. We know how that turned outl. He was a better prospect than Jeffery, but he couldn't make it in the NFL. Right now that is all Jeffery is, he's a prospect. Drake just doesn't have a history of developing prospects, or developing them quickly. It's going to take time. Devin Hester on the other hand, while an awesome punt returner, he's a WR in the NFL. He's not the best, and he didn't turn into the #1 that Lovie said he would be, but he's a NFL WR. The Bears now finally have their #1 in Brandon Marshall, and that alone is going to lend a lot of stability that there hasn't been to this WR corps that just hasn't been there. WR's were shuffled like crazy, Hester and Bennett, Bennett and Knox, and so on. The addition of Marshall and injury to Knox add some stability. The ducks can start lining up in a row. IMO, Hester brings the speed to better compliment to Marshall, then fielding a Marshall Lite. This could possibly be a big year for Hester.

Can you please explain to me how Jeffery makes a better NFL WR at this point or how he gives the Bears a better chance of winning?

I hope Jeffery starts this year. That will show he deserves to. However, there is no reason he must start, he wasn't drafted to start this year, and no reason to think he will.

That I agree to. I just didn't agree with the reasons Jeffery MUST start, as listed above. I could see the argument for Bennett MUST start over Hester. Jeffery I don't agree is a MUST start. Of the top 10 receivers, going by yardage, only Victor Cruz had a rookie year where he hit 60 catches or 1000 yards. It's just a position that takes time, and until he proves it on the field, I don't think Jeffery is a must start over Hester. Brandon Marshall himself only had 20 catches for a little over 300 yards his rookie year.

1.) Hester is more so 2.) Proof? Hester has been fairly productive in the context of the Bears WR's with out special packages. 3.) So would Hester 4.) When the Bears are in the red zone, maybe. Don't get me wrong, if Jeffery can progress enough in camp, then I want to see him start too. The thing is we don't know where he is at, and it can take a few years for a WR to make the transition to the NFL and be productive. The link btw took me to some stupid story about why the Bears should sign Tommy Harris.

I get where he is coming from. The bears have lost the last 4 out of 5 and 7 of the last 9. Still, it's not cool of the teacher to do near Chicago. I love what Tillman did, just hope he left the girl enough room to put the right answer in lol. The chance the Bears win 1 of the 4 is 59% btw not 80%. 1-(.8^4)

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown...15977--nfl.html Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman does not like your pro-Packers math! By Doug Farrar Chicago Bears cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman was recently supporting his Cornerstone Foundation at a sporting goods store in the suburban Chicago area, when he received an autograph request from the daughter of the store's owner. The teenage girl was doing her math homework during the appearance, and she showed Tillman one of the problems given to her by her teacher, John Amrein of Round Lake Middle School: The Packers play the Bears 4 times in two seasons. The Packers, being a much better team, have an 80% chance of winning each game. What is the probability that the Bears win all four games? What is the probability that the Bears win at least one game? Tillman gave the autograph to the girl, but he also gave a bit of aggro to the teacher in question -- fair enough, we suppose, since the school is just a bit north of Chicago. Mr. Amrein, This is Charles "Peanut" Tillman of the Chicago Bears and I'm shocked that you would have a problem like this for your students. The probability that the Bears would win in my opinion is 100%. Please do not and I repeat DO NOT send them home with math homework that is disrespectful to our team, city and our beloved Chicago Bears. Your All Pro Corner Charles "Peanut" Tillman 33 Geaux Bears P.S. Bear Down While we understand Tillman's dismay at the fact that an Illinois teacher would create anti-Bears math problems, Mr. Amrein does have a point. The Packers have the edge in the last 10 games between the longtime rivals, winning seven of those games, including the last four in a row. The problem -- and answer -- in question. (Reddit) Last time the Bears had the advantage in this one was a 5-1 stretch that went from 2005 through 2007 -- the last few years of Brett Favre's time with the Pack. Since 2008, when Aaron Rodgers took over, the Bears have proven to be eminently beatable when playing their Wisconsin "buddies." So, Mr. Tillman, we advise that you take this one to the field -- "Bear Down," indeed. The chances of a Bears victory over the Packers are far from 100 percent, but perhaps you can be the first NFL player to use math homework as an inspirational device.

1.) He hasn't been a RB in 5 years. He's since focused on being a DT. He's never did it on an NFL level, so yes, I don't think he would be comfortable in that position. When I haven't did something for 5 years, it feels awkward at first. He won't be getting the reps needed to get in that comfort zone either. If he is getting reps, he is losing reps he needs to be learning to be a better DT. And, I think a guy running the ball or slamming into a line trying to make a hole is taking more abuse than a DT on a normal play. Between the rust and impact of the line, my opinion is he is more likely to get hurt running one short yardage play as a FB as apposed to a play at DT. 2.) That's pretty much my point. Either A) you leave him in and he is worn down or he plays less defense. Both situations hurt the team given he is the starter. Does he contribute more in that short down situation or would you rather him on the field on defense more? I can't answer that question, but it's something to take into consideration. 3.) I got another Barber for you, Tiki. The NFL went on and on for years about how he learned to hold onto the ball. Will Melton be able to hold on as well as offensive players who work on that everyday? He's 5 years removed from being a back up running back as sound at holding onto the ball. In theory, Forte, Bush and even Clutts should be better at holding onto the ball, seeing holes, and even blocking. That's what they do everyday in practice.

Not trying to side track the convo, but Melton in short yardage is it says 3 things about the team. 1.) They recognize that there is a problem in short yardage situations. 2.) They did not address it properly in the off season. 3.) They are throwing stuff off the wall and seeing what will stick for the solution. The practice of Melton in the running game also has it's draw backs that you have to weigh vs. his addition to short yardage. 1) A starting DT is in a position to get hurt in a hard hitting environment, playing a position he isn't exactly comfortable with at this point. 2) Extra wear in the game, right before he has to come back out on defense, making him less effective at the position he is on the team to play. 3) A higher chance for fumbles in critical spots of the game.

The problem is not the size of the runners in short yardage situations. It's the line. I don't see how a bigger guy getting to the line slower and trying to fit through nonexistant holes that a smaller rb can't make it through will help.

Kolb didn't make their list and Palmer is number 20. Of the quarterbacks listed, I'd say the only QB that should obviously be lower than him is Flacco. The rest is arguable and he is probably better than some. That, however, doesn't mean he is underated. I think it's pretty fair, especially considering there are a couple lower that I would have in his range or better. All 3 arguments that are made are bad to me imo. Yes they are true that they hold him back, but have they been fixed? Brandon Marshall has been added. We have seen what he can do with him before. That will obviously push him towards the Denver numbers, but there are still the other 2 problems and it's just one WR. An improvement yes, but I still wouldn't put him in the Drew Brees level. That keeps him in the same area that he is in, maybe a little higher. The offensiveline was horrid last year. It's the same line, except for a coaching change and a couple minimal additions, so it's still a problem this year. Martz's system didn't work with this talent. He adjusted from the 7 step drops, however, which he refers to some what. In place of him this year is the same coach that coached that horrible line, and the old OL coach has never been an OC before. Now I'm not saying Cutler will have a crappy year this year. I think all signs indicate to him having an improved year. I just don't think those changes made will boot him up to the Elite level of a Brady or Brees. Overall he is in the general area of where he should be, give or take. I see the top 8 as pretty solid with the next 8 being a spot where Cutler could float up or down based on opinions. Which makes him not the most underrated player in the NFL imo.

It's a college student, whose favorite athlete is Cutler according to his bio. The article has some valid points, but also has a lot of bias present.

I'm not going to argue point for point with you, because simply this is my opinion and you are entitled to your own. I was defending the idea that myself, and people like myself, actually may have reasons to want Forte resigned aren't necessarily going to be the ones that will complain about the same transaction in the future. That was a ridiculous notion and I tried to give reasons why I think so. I will point out a few things I think you apparently took the wrong way from what I said or twisted for your view. One thing that is flat out wrong, Forte would not be 32 under a 5 year contract. You're a numbers guy so I figured you would catch this. Year 1) 26 Year 2) 27 Year 3) 28 Year 4) 29 Year 5) 30 but he will turn 31 with 2 or 3 games left in the regular season. Matt Forte yes, would reach 31 with 3 games or more given they make the play offs in a 5 year deal. If your theory is indeed holds true that RB's peak and start to drop at 28, we'd be getting 3 years leading up to the peak and the beginnings of the fall. Another thing, I never said I didn't think the Bears were in the best teams in the league. I said that Chicago wasn't where players sign just to win a championship. That's not a knock on this team, because I do think it has great potential. It's just that there are few teams out there that are year in and year out competitors for the Super Bowl. The Bears have done a good job of doing exactly what you have said with getting rid of players in Harris and Kruetz and so on, but also have been able to keep the players that have contributed around ie Urlacher, Tillman, and Briggs. They even paid Hester, I feel in part due to their sentimentality, a pretty considerable contract a few years ago after he was breaking records. I think Forte's contributions should be able to bring the team and him together if only a few million a part. I. like you, am glad that I am not GM of this team either, but I'm really glad that you aren't either. I imagine if you were GM we would have 3/4ths of the team going into training camp would be working for the league minimum and if I was GM 3/4thsf our team would be offensive linemen. Really, none of us on the board are near qualified, but we have fun giving our opinions and arguing with each others.

Come one now. The Patriots and the Packers let up the most yards on defense last year, so I guess defense doesn't matter either. The difference is that both teams have 2 of the best QB's in the league and coaches. As long as either of them have Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers they are going to be competitive. The Bears are apples and oranges compared to those teams. Yes, veterans will go there for a shot at a ring, but no people aren't attracted to the Bears for a shot at a ring. I'm not saying the Bears can't or won't win a Super Bowl anytime soon, but the Patriots have consistently been in the super bowl or leading the AFC since they have had Tom Brady and the Packers will likely be contenders for years due to Aaron Rodgers. Anyways, my reply was more towards the idea that people that want Forte paid now will be complaining about it a few years from now. Forte is a 26 year old running back in his prime that will turn 27 near the end of the season. I fully advocate him getting a contract on par with those recently signed by other players at his position for the reasons i stated, and will not be griping 4 years from now when he's 30, if he was to get a 4 year deal.

I'm pretty consistent on my opinions, unless a player or management prove me wrong, and I will admit I was wrong. I, however, would never say anything Forte is paid for this contract is too much. The Bears have been dismal to below average the past few years on offense. In the presence of ever changing offensive coordinators and strategies, quarterback troubles, a questionable WR corp, and a lack luster at best offensive line, Forte has been a shining gem on offense. He's accounted for much of the teams offense, while other areas have struggled and exceeded the expectations of his rookie contract by a mile. His contract he just fulfilled was for 4 years and $3.8 million total over those 4 years. In comparison a washed up Chester signed with the Bears a couple years ago and was given a contract with $7 million guaranteed the first year. That's nearly double what Forte has made his first 4 years. Michael Bush just signed with the Bears and was given 7 million guaranteed in his contract to back up Forte and near a year what Forte has made over the life of his contract. Chester Taylor did not, and Michael bush probably will not contribute to this team what Forte has over the past 4 years. I feel it sets a bad precedent and example to players on the team and players looking to join the team at a minimal contract, that the team will not only not reward your past success with the team, but will hold you hostage under a franchise tag and make you pay for less than your worth. I personally feel Forte is a top 5 back in the league. His tag price this year doesn't reflect that tho. He's getting paid 2 million less under it, then the average of the top 5 backs in the league due to the new franchise tag system this year. I feel now, and will feel 4 years from now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now, that Forte deserves a top tier RB contract not only for what he can still contribute to the team, but a reward for what he has given the team the last four years while making less than a million per. I also feel it will not only have a negative impact on Forte, on some how some fans view the team, and future players on if they are willing to deal with the Bears and motivation of ones who are drafted.

The first line is part of the reason some of us were screaming for offensive line help. The poor line play leads to more unnecessary opportunities for injuries. I predict a very sporadic year offensively. With the offensive weapons as a whole that the Bears have now, they will have games that they will blow teams away. Other games, they will get decimated when a teams show up and play to their potential with an average or greater pass rush. Then there will be some average games when Cutler plays above how he should against great d's and below how he should against average ones. Points per game = top 10 (due to defensive take aways and special teams giving good starting position) Yards per game = middle of the pack, 16th give or take 3rd down= bottom of the pack, mid-high 20's 3rd and short = bottom 5 Red Zone TD's = bottom of the pack, mid high 20's Red Zone scoring% = top 5, lot of field goals

Mark Bradley?