bradjock

Plus his 5 million $$$ salary . . . that would have been nice. I can't believe he went that cheap. Hell, this morning on the SCORE Mully suggested the Bears should offer Johnny Knox and a #3 for the guy.

People forget that it was widely reported Olsen was telling his teammates last year that he was done with the Bears and saying good bye. No mention of that. This year Olsen didn't want a trade, he wanted an extension. We declined. We sent him to Carolina and he got paid. Good for him and good for the Bears. JA NEVER should have said Olsen wanted out last year. But I believe it. And based on what I know, Olsen is lying.

I went to the 2nd practice and I thought Cutler looked like Robbie Gould. This concerned me. He says it was to imrpove his mobility, except he was pretty damn mobile to begin with and Martz doesn't want his QB's leaving the pocket. So why did he slim down? Meanwhile the media is saying Cutler looks great and worked hard to slim down. The thing is, to me Cutler always looked like a big strong athlete who could take a beating and get up. Now he's built more like Robbie Gould. I'm sitting here trying to think of times/situations where players wanted to lose weight and it was a good thing. Marcus Harrison: Good. The fat OT from Minny: Good. Tony Mandarich: Bad. Sammy Sosa: Bad What I'm scared to death of is one of two things: a) Cutler didn't lift much in the offseason and lost muscle mass He quit taking HGH for fear of being caught with the new CBA. (just for the record I want all our players to be on HGH . . . just win damnit!)

The Biggest issue that I have is with Boers and Bernstien. These two idiots will go into name calling a caller (a radio listener) well before the caller will even start with them. The majority of the time, if they call a guy an idiot, he's an idiot. Mully really ticked me off when he did the article on Benson his last year here. Benson was very easy to speak his true feelings about something and when Mully ran the article about Thomas Jones hitting him (after Jones was already gone) and how he was treated by fellow team mates......you knew it was going to be the last we would see of Benson. Journalism like that will just bring out more tension in a locker room, then the players will focus more on that than what they should and that is Winning. Benson was and still is an ass-clown. I hate reality TV, but I think he should get a place with Salaam and Enis and film it. North......that's easy to explain....he's a freakin idiot. At least we finally agree on something. But when you hate EVERY SCORE announcer . . . Pompei, I'm more or less just ticked off at him at the moment. (Don't worry, it soon will pass) He recently had an article explaining that not going to Training Camp in Bourbonais had never seemed like a better idea for this year. Then went on talking about how other teams don't do the dormatory few week camps. And that just got under my skin because of the revanue and busisness that Traning Camp brings to that area, not to mention the great experience it is for fans like us to bring our families. Personally I just think Pompei didn't want to lodge up in a Motel 6, prefers his house somewhere near Lake Forest and didn't think about the fans perspective and how that effects our enjoyment of Training Camp in Bourbonais. While Pompei was sporting the fanny pack in Bourbanais when I went, today he was in Carolina and he also visited Minny. But regardless I've switched my station to ESPN radio where I can still here Fred Hewbner (spelling) from time to time, or Urko and Harry. The only time I listen to WSCR now is the pregame or postgame with Doug and OB.....those guys are the best when it comes to game reaction! Hubner sucks. Urko and Harry are good. LOVE Dough and OB. No love for Lawrence Holmes????

I think you should drive to Alaska and kick Grizzly's ass for suggesting the offensive line might be mediocre I have to admit, I do love it when people go Springer on the Internet while bitching about the Bears. While I don't know that Alaskan ever said that about the o-line, I'm going to go to my GPS and type in "Anchorage" to see what the drive time would be.

Now that we've established you're not a serial killer, please forgive my previous and future sarcasm, and welcome to the board. I haven't seen much of Conte....at least nothing really noticeable. It appears that Major Wright has the FS position locked down and Hitman Harris will be the SS this year. Do you have any faith in Major Wright? He was either hurt or invisible all of last year. I now question if the pickup of Spencer was even worth our time of day. That's like driving around on 4 bald tires and questioning if you need a spare. It's all bad, it's just a matter of what/who blows first. Carimi has been solid for the most part, just tends to make the mistakes a rookie would, then gets corrected by Tice immediately. Webb is making a good transition to the left side, but has his hands full with Peppers (who wouldn't). And I am not a fan of Chris Williams.....I think if Spencer does see any action this year it will be either replacing Williams or Lewis at Guard. (still scratching my head on Lance Lewis, he was drafted as a TE 2 years ago) I suspect by next Tuesday, Louis and Williams will be replaced by Asiata and Josh Beekman. At the WR position it looks like Hurd will be filling in the spot that Rashied Davis had with appearing on the offense but contributing on special teams. Dallas fans I talk with didn't want to lose Hurd. They say he could have a huge upside and was a beast on special teams, he just didn't get the opportunity with the Cowboys. I hate it when gunners on special teams aren't given the chance to be gunners. If he wasn't gunning, was he punting? Cutler is throwing a lot to Williams, even when it's a walk through drill. If it was a walk through drill, weren't most of the balls overthrown? Dane Sanzanbacher could make the practice squad, but I can't wait to see him in preseason. I'm with you that Sanzanbacher is practice squad. I saw him the first Sunday practice and he looked slow. Yet the press seems to love him. And the Bears let J'Marcus Webb's little brother Travis Cobb walk on and try out for the team. They've let him return some 2nd teams punt and I've seen little tossed is way. But what the Hell, maybe the guy could do something get noticed and play in Arena or Canada.......it was still a nice gesture for the Bears to give him an opportunity. Nice info on Cobb. I actually thought he looked pretty damn impressive when I saw him. What's really got me wondering about the RB position is Unga. (remember him) He was a draft pick in some off the wall late draft last season that I had never heard of. He is BYU's all time leading rusher and was suppose to make a splash this season. If he makes the team, I think he will be our Fullback.......but I spend half my time at camp looking at the RB's asking myself "Where the Hell is 45?" It's clear that Forte is our guy at starter. The still practice with Chester Taylor, but his reps have been with the 3rd team. And Marion Barber has been worked in mainly with the 2nd team and brought in with the 1st team during short and goal situations. (That's when he's really impressive!) Is Unga still out? I keep hearing "family reasons." Has anyone here from the board been making trips out to Bourbonais? As mentioned, I went to the first Sunday practice which was two hand touch and lots of guys watching. Thanks for the updates and please keep us posted.

A few thoughts: 1. Knox was benched last week. Why is everyone treating this like it is new news? 2. SCORE hinted to get Williams, we promised to make him a star and roll out the red carpet. That makes sense when you consider he turned down more money for us. 2. Hester has been "given" the starting spot ever since we paid him. He didn't always deserve it, and half the time he didn't actually start (although he was listed as the starter). If Knox returns the opening kick-off, he really shouldn't start anyway. In other words, being called a starter is meaningless. 3. Knox: I love his potential, but he needs to get better. Everyone forgets he'd have had 1000 yards if he didn't tank the Packers game and go missing in the playoffs. 4. Lemone: Please clarify what you heard about Knox sleeping. I listened to the SCORE for a good 3 hours today and didn't hear anything . . .

Sometimes I really question why I even come to the board I'm guessing you come here because you love the Bears and you love football! That's awesome. Some come here to bitch about the team because they are frustrated they haven't won the Super Bowl in 25 years. Lemon and Madlith already pointed out that this is just all good fun. Ultimately, it's a stupid damn game and a nice escape from reality. but Pixote did warn me about a few posters on here that act like they know everything before I even signed up True. Every team has that. and now its been wayyy to long as I think I originally joined the old board back in 05 I remember when you joined and I can't believe it's been that long. (I'm pretty sure I joined in 03 . . . it kind of makes me sick how much time I've spent talking about the Bears. ) That being said, I love your optimism. Keep it up. (I promise to continue being happy with the Bears today and pissed tomorrow

I'm torn between what you wrote and what Madlith posted above (that we were lucky last year, things even out, and we've squandered a good opportunity to improve.) You're right that this group is too pessimistic for a team that's won the NFC North 3 of the last 6 years. For all of our bitching, JA must be doing something right. We do have a lot of things to be optimistic about. A great defense, a great special teams, adding talented players with something to prove . . . yet I keep thinking about the offensive line and it's scary on paper.

Agreed. The thing is, the o-line actually looked average after the bye-week. We did a nice job of run blocking. That tells me we're not THAT far off. But if we go back to Martz's scheme, effing forget about it.

Well said Pix. The fact the Bears said they'd consider indicates to me it's a money issue. Hayden is probably thinking someone could get hurt and it will up his value. The Bears must think he ain't worth it and are going to try and get him for the minimum. I know I wanted to see the Bears make this move partly out of shear frustration and doing so little to upgrade the team. It's almost like I'd rather see us make a bad move then no move at all. (I for one was a big fan of the Adam Archuletta deal . . . )

Just as long as he's not stupid about it. David Terrell would catch a 3 yard pass for a 1st, spike the ball and get a penalty and give the home crowd the finger. Tips to the dance: 1. You can't be losing. If I remember right, in 2006 against the Bears Detroit was losing by like 50 or something. He gets a 1st & does the dance. Unacceptable. 2. It must be a significant play: You should go at least 10 yards for starters . . . 3. You'd better be good. Don't drop a pass and then dance on the next one. Again, unacceptable.

Probably. But is he better then Jennings/Graham/Bowman? If he's healthy, probably. On a side note, I was talking to a buddy of mine from Indy who was gushing they signed Tommie Harris. You'd have thought they'd signed the Tommie Harris of 5 years ago. He believes that the change of scenery, the time off, and the desire to be great again will be difference. I believe Hayden can be good, they believe Tommie can be good . . .

I'm not nearly as worried about Garza as I am all the other moves. --Sean Jensen was on the SCORE and said Chris Williams looked real bad. --Lance Louis looked awful in limited time last year. --J Webb showed potential but last year he was mediocre at best. Now he's playing a more difficult position --Carimi is a rookie . . . . This could be the worst o-line ever assembled. This may even beat the Q Mitchell experience.

Agreed. He's 28, listed at 6-0, and we wanted to sign him two years ago. It ought to be one helluva a pick-up. I hope the rumors that he's agreed to sign with us are correct. It was reported he was going to visit another team after the Bears.

The SCORE reported the Bears are still interested in Hayden and Totupu (the LB from Seattle . . . I still don't get how he'd fit in with the team.) Hayden could be one helluva a pick up.

Who has the bad yards per catch? Williams, Knox, or both? Bennett? With Bennett, if you needed 5 yards, he was your most reliable receiver. I like Knox, I just think he's limited physically. I'm optimistic about Roy Williams.

That sounds like one helluva a deal. How does that translate to American dollars?

That's how I remember it with Knox. He was either boom or bust. For a big chunk of the season he led the league in yards after catch. There were just too many of those plays where he cuts right and the pass goes left. I'm sure it wasn't always his fault, but it seemed like it happened to him more then anyone else. As for him getting out-muscled, the dude is tiny. I read he's gained muscle weight during the offseason, but he's MAYBE 5-7. Might be even less. I see Knox as the kind of guy you don't hear much from and then you get the big strike. Earl Bennett is the guy you want out there moving the chances. I'm not sure what to expect from Roy Williams. Hopefully 90 catches for 140 yards.

It should be our biggest strength as we continue to invest a significant amount of money and draft picks. In just the past 3 drafts: 2008--3rd round Jarron Gilbert, 4th round, Henry Melton 2009--2nd round Gaines Adams, 4th round DE Corey Wooton 2010--2nd round Steven Paea We know what we have in our veterans. As you mention, Wooten, Gohlston, Paea, and Okoye are the most intriguing guys in the group. If one of these players could become a star . . .

Forte: He's talking about missing the pre-season. I think we have every intention of resigning him. The thing is, with Barber and Chester Taylor, he'd better be careful one of those guys don't overtake him as the top back. He needs to play. I think we'll ultimately resign him. As the article talks about its good for players to be hungry. Knox: Agree with you Grizz. Knox never should have been starting to begin with. The thing is, neither should Hester. Bennett's the man.

I remember Cracker checking in during the draft. I hope we'll see more of him once the games start. This was like a full time job for NFO. You'd comment on something he said and in 20 minutes you'd get a 1000 word rebuttal. It's weird he just vanished.

When you go on ticketbastard you have to type in that you want the cheapest seats, or that's what you''ll come up with. The cheap seats sell out in minutes. The one year I was so concerned with getting more tickets I wasn't paying attention and bought club seats for a total of $575 for 2 seats. These were in the corner and high. I nearly shit myself when I saw what I did. If they were good seats, I could have justified it. I got through and I'll be going to see the Bears face the Chargers on November 20th. I happily bought two of the worst seats in the players for a total of $160.00.

We have the money and we have the need. Peanut is getting up there in age, and the guys plays opposite of him have failed to make their mark. Hayden was good enough to receive a huge contract from Indy. Then he got hurt, and then they inked Manning which made it necessary for them to free up cap space. Unfortunately, the Bears don't seem interested in bringing him in . . .

Yes. PFT reported there were like 7 teams that had to get under by dumping players or restructuring contracts. Not sure why none have been reported.