CrackerDog

Or they turn into Brett Favre. Ask Jason, he knows how tough this relationship can be for a GM! Lloyd and Hester will be on the field most of the time this season, book it. I'm having a brain cramp but wasn't Marty known as a good blocking WR? Damn aging! Anyway, if that's the case, Marty will see a lot of action too if he isn't cut. Bradley will be mending his skirt whether he's on the team or not.

You talked in a circle with most of this post and I couldn't follow you. So, I'll just say I agree with your comment above as several QB's running the West Coast Offense have had nice careers without much more than an occasional deep toss to keep people honest. It can be done and with the weather conditions in Chicago, I'd say it must be done for a significant portion of the season. By the way, 10% is pretty often for attempts at the deep ball. And if Rex was 50% on those, I'll eat my desk.

I see this as an issue someone brings up every preseason and then our guys do a fine job tackling during the regular season. Briggs had a bit of trouble for a game or two last year but they got it corrected. You aren't going to use your high priced offensive talent as tackling dummies for your neanderthal D guys. This isn't 1967. When Rex was in there, they blitzed almost every down. Lighten up, DQ boy. They do. I stated that earlier. You should've just said you didn't know what we practiced and left it at that. Now I know your wife wears the pants. We don't stunt as much as other teams because of Lovie's scheme. We do, however, stunt. And we certainly practice against stunts when the game film suggests a team does a lot of it. Again, not something you can do too much in camp when you expect vanilla. Film and the line coach ought to cover these things during the regular season. I don't think we have difficulty against stunts any more than anyone else. Our blitz pickups have been lacking this year and during a few games last season. Sometimes it's talent, sometimes it's bad luck, sometimes it execution, and sometimes the coaches blew it or the QB didn't recognize something. It isn't as black and white as you suggest with this "is it talent or coaching" question. I get it already... Geez man, it's like you try to wear your opponent down by asking the same question 30 different ways. Are you Chet Coppock? 1. I already said they were unprepared given this was the 2nd preseason game. 2. It's early and our line hasn't had a chance to gel. New guys in new positions. Some are slipping in regards to ability. 3. Des Clark was hurt on our second series and was splitting time before that. How many plays was our veteran TE in for and were they plays Rex was pressured? 4. Our starting RB is a rookie and he was in there for most of the time the bad shit happened. 5. I'd need to watch the game again, which I won't do, to say whether you're correct or not about Kruetz being killed by stunts. I will, however, watch for it Thursday night. That said, however, how much coaching does a guy like him need to recognize and react to a blitz or stunt? You seem to be spitting these things out of both sides of your ass. We have the same coaches we had in 2006. Grossman played every game and was sacked a total of 21 times. A little over 1 per game. We've already agreed he isn't the best at recognition and he tends to hold the ball too long. We also know that a good chunk of those sacks came in 2 or 3 games. Most of the time he was sacked once or wasn't sacked at all. The line coached by the same dudes we have now was getting it done then. In other words, your entire argument just took a huge torpedo. I'd say this is a question of age and time to gel. Go back to ripping on Jerry for not being as good a GM as you. You have a better argument there.

Actually, yes, I saw it plenty in 2006 and 2007. Our TE had a wonderful year working that part of the field. Moose was more effective (although still sucked) because he generally didn't get the best corner and wasn't doubled as often as Berrian. It also helped Rashied, Jones and Mckie who all had nice years catching the ball. AP had better than 50 catches last season and our TE's both compiled nice numbers. We need someone filling Berrian's role on this squad or those numbers will suffer. I agree with your other comments regarding Orton not being a rag arm and I'm not someone arguing for Rex based on this aspect of football. But you can't ignore the fact that a team that doesn't have a deep threat (or one that refuses to incorporate it into the game plan regardless) generally finds it tougher in the middle of the field.

They tackle plenty during the pre-season games. And this isn't exclusive to the Bears, by any stretch. You don't game plan for the pre-season. Maybe a little for this third game coming up. It's always been a bit of a gentleman's agreement that teams remain vanilla in these two first games. Look at what Packers fans are saying about their game last week. Rodgers was terrorized and they weren't ready either. Somewhere along the way, someone forgot to tell a few coaches that this was the agreement. It doesn't mean our guys are being poorly coached. Duh. Ever notice our QB Rex had a reputation for getting rattled when you blitz him? Dumbest thing you've ever said. Of course (notice the spelling) we practice stunts and protections against stunts. Get off your rump and out to camp once and see. Our O Line ain't good. Our TE's and RB's are rookies or second year guys. Do the math.

Bullshit. You still have to do it and if our guys can't get it done in the line with a fully developed game plan whereby that pass rush is dampened by our running threat and play action, we're dead. Hester can be a deep threat this year. And you don't need 7 step drops to go deep with someone as fast as Hester. Five should be plenty. This part is correct. But his real value will be the threat he poses causing teams to double cover him. That leaves the underneath open for slow old guys like Booker. PS. I would ignore it normally but I'll be damned if you haven't used the wrong version of the word "course" something like 439 times here. Coarse, the way you're spelling it, means rough. Usually I'm just schooling you on football but thought I'd tackle something a little different today.

No question.

OK, Nfoligno did read your mind. I thought you might be implying something larger when you said "I would not be surprised to see JA bring in another QB as a #3 or #2." The #2 or #3 part had my imagination noodle going.

First: Why don't you knock off the one/two sentence troll crap? Second: Look here. At about 1 minute into the highlights you'll see if Kyle can throw the deep ball... TO HESTER! Third: WHO'S YOUR DADDY?!?!?!?

Look here. At about 1 minute into the highlights you'll see Kyle's idea of a dink. OK, so he hasn't been known for this and his career isn't littered with this type of highlight... But it was his last regular season game and it was to the man we all hope can step up to be a #1 WR this season. Promising. Further, the first year of his career was hugely successful even if he was playing more dink and dunk. You can't blame the guy as he was a rookie and did what he was told to do. If rex would've done that, he may still have the job! I'm most happy that the Bears were decisive. Dragging this decision out would've made no sense at all.

Yards per attempt is the key stat for QB, IMO. I got that from listening to Doug Buffone on the radio for a few years. His key to success is having this number be 7 yards per attempt. In this regard, both are failing miserably right now. As to the decision, I support it. Not because I think Kyle outplayed Rex but because Kyle seems more poised, getting rid of the ball more quickly, stepping up in the pocket, and throwing the ball away when necessary. These aren't generally the #1 things to rate a QB on but as a Bears fan, my expectations have been adjusted. Seeing Rex throw off his back foot on Saturday, pathetically, once again, was the last straw for me. Here's hoping Kyle delivers the goods and never has us questioning this decision.

I'm not being hypocritical at all. I'm making a comparitive analysis between two opinions and stating that I trust one more than the other, an NFL exec over NFO. Or, at a minimum, that Jerry's ability to evaluate offensive talent is supported by the fact that the Vikings wanted a WR he drafted. Hell, I'm not even saying I agree with the Vikings or Jerry for that matter. I'm not the one claiming I could be a GM, you are. I could've used Jones as my example instead. The point is, when it comes right down to it, Jerry acquired all of the talent on the 2006 Bears but for three players, I believe. And the only one on O he didn't was Kruetz. So, he seems to be able to bring O talent to the team although not nearly at the hit rate he has on D. If he hit on O as often, we'd run out of cap space and have different problems. Nice problem to have, I admit. Many who didn't want Benson wanted another bust. I don't know where you stood on who we ought to pick but it really doesn't matter much. The facts then suggested Benson rated higher than any other player in the draft and the long term strategy of the Bears suggested TJ wasn't going to be our guy based on age and the amount of money he would demand. There's a whole new philosophy in the NFL now where teams look at RB's as almost interchangable parts. You may not agree and neither do I, really, but we're seeing guys we didn't think would ever change teams in the past, move a lot now. Edge moving from the Colts springs to mind. Being an old school guy, I'd love to find another Payton and have him retire a Bear. Our history as a franchise, to me, means we ought to have the best RB's and MLB's in the league, at least once a generation. I don't disagree it would appear many of us could out-think Shoop. Ditka was no genius and did a wonderful job with almost any talent he had on the team. Leadership isn't always about brains although it certainly helps to be smart. I said it jokingly. Someone else made it the point of their argument against you, not me. I don't think most of us, even if capable, could just decide to head over to Bears HQ and get a job. You'll have to fight the guy who used the straw man against you on this one. I agree with you although doubt he really meant you ought to do that. Regardless, you still couldn't hold Jerry's jock.

I addressed many of your points to that stinking meddler NFO already. I'll just respond to this one. Again, my insider got his info from the Bears. THEY knew, dude. Texas gave them a convenient excuse to let him go but they wouldn't have been able to do what needed to be done had they not already drafted his replacement. My guess is, if Forte wasn't available, Benson may have been released anyway, and we'd have to be looking to FA to bring someone in. That part of my post is, I admit, pure conjecture. Benson being released, based on what I heard, isn't. As an internet football expert, you'll need to find a new web site to get that sort of information in the future. I just happened on it this time and can't be relied on in the future. Just happen to work with a guy who knows medical guys who...

AP is what makes them "elite" in most people's minds. And what I'm telling you is he was very average for the last half of the season. Being this is his second year, he ought to be the man. If he's splitting time with Chester the Molester this season, something went wrong. This isn't like Benson/Jones. He's supposed to be an every down back. And if he is, I'd worry about his ability to stay healthy and about his fade last year. That said, I'd take him on the Bears or my fantasy team right now. I'm not bashing the guy, just pointing out something many people don't realize. Your point is well taken.

Most have been around football, at an organizational and professional level, for decades. Most know talent like you know how to swirl a chocolate/strawberry twist. They can go to a combine and see guys from a distance who they know will work in their systems and those who never will, regardless of 40 times. You think because you read some web site article, written by some joker with no more knowledge about this than you, that you can step into Jerry's job and kick his ass at it. Damn, I wish there was a way to let that happen, if even for a day... For a team outside Chicago.

That "field of failures" put a team out there better than almost anyone else did in 2007. I know Rex was inconsistent but he wasn't inconsistent because of the rest of the guys around him. If he could produce in 10 games he sure as hell could've produced in 16. And that failed offense played damn well in a couple of playoff games. Not hitting on QB can be held against a lot of guys in the NFL. Most of them don't put together a team around him that can make the Superbowl without one. Did you forget Thomas Jones? Des Clark? I'm not going to make the list out for you man, do a little homework. Or get one of Jerry's minions to do it for you. And I'll have sprinkles on that cone, double dipped.

But who would bag our groceries? (OK, I admit that was a cheap shot. It was meant for humor's sake alone. No internet football experts were harmed during the typing of that joke.)

OK. But I'm not sure that's what Pix meant. Thanks for reading his mind for me though. Pix, is that what you meant?

We have an elite D and a running game that may just surprise you. BTW, do you realize what that Vikings elite running game produced the second half of the season? AP played in 6 games and averaged 50 yards per game. 3.8 per carry. He added only an average of 10 yards receiving. I know he was hurt but he was fairly healthy when we played him the second time and he looked pretty human in that game. A lot of teams thought that. And his running style will always make him susceptible to injury. Vikings fans may have a lot to look forward to but they also have a lot to worry about, IMO.

St. Clair played well the other night. Are you even watching these games? They had a backup and/or someone for the rotation. And drafting a boatload of O Line guys in this draft would've prevented that or better prepared us for this? You may not but Jason made that exact claim. That started it. Let him fight his own battles. And regardless of where the info comes from, he has it and you/Jason don't. If you were the GM you'd have it. He is and he does. And he still isn't living up to what Jason thinks he could produce with little or no information. I talked about this above. The point Jason makes is that he could do it without this information and hence why I called bullshit. You're picking a straw man out to fight about. Frankly, based on your comments here, I probably wouldn't let you serve me an ice cream cone at the DQ, let alone run my favorite football team. There's that straw man again. But to answer your question, the buck stops with JA. Nobody here has ever put their livelihood on the line with making a pick in the draft. Doesn't matter where he gets the info, the point is he has it and makes good decisions, usually, with it. Bernard Berrian was just signed away from us for #1 receiver money. The Vikings seem to think you're wrong. They're an NFL franchise and you're a dude on the internet arguing with me. Benson was the right decision at the time. Bust. Bringing Tait in was a major coup when it happened. He's served us well for a few years and now seems to be slipping. Olsen is widely thought to be a great TE and we may have found another great one this draft. We haven't had a good TE in Chicago in my adult lifetime. BTW, I agree with you on one point here, I think JA ought to get some kind of "O Consultant" because whoever the Wizard has behind the curtain pulling the strings for him on O, ain't gitten 'er done as consistently as any of us would like. All those internet experts... so little time.

So you think they could cut Rex?

I'm good with this if it happens. I think the kid earned his shot. And moreso, Rex hasn't proven he's got his head right. I like the fact that Kyle seems to get the ball out of there faster and takes fewer sacks. That ought to pay dividends this season. He's also not afraid to step up in the pocket and/or throw the ball away. Things Rex has failed to prove he can do consistently. Heck, on Saturday night, Rex threw one off his back foot again. I pointed it out to the chat we had going that night and Connor felt the same way. It was clear to most on the chat, TravD, Connor, etc. that the Bears decided to go with Orton when we didn't see Kyle come out for the second half. This is the smart move if not the sexy one. I still in my heart believe Rex has what it takes to be a stud in the NFL but he just refuses to prove me right. Coaches can't hang their hats on potential this far into your career. So, as hard as it is for me to give up on Rex, I'm behind Kyle 100% and I hope he kicks major ass all season long. The worst thing that could happen here is if we're having this Kyle/Rex discussion again in 6 weeks. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

2007 was bad. But it wasn't a collapse like we saw in the era before our current management. Going into the season the hope was Rex would take a step up and the D would remain healthy. If that happens, we're back in the playoffs and have as good a chance as anyone. It didn't. I agree with you about Eli/Grossman but I think Eli was more consistent. Looks like we're getting Kyle anyway.

One reason the O Line is in bad shape is because of the injury. You don't need to bash the pick. If he was healthy, we may not be having a conversation about the line. At least not to this extent. The line improved toward the end of the season. Further, it could be said that the biggest disappointment in the line thus far is Tait. Hell, who would've seen that coming? He wanted to be moved back to his more natural position on the right side and thus far it's been a more difficult adjustment than anyone could've predicted. You missed my comment about the Bears knowing Benson was an issue before his problems in Texas. I have this from a good source and stated this in the past. I'm not making it up to support my argument here. No, you don't. Tell me right now how many O Lineman are on the Jets and who they project to keep. How about the Steelers? I know you can look it up and I know you can guess at who they'll keep. Not the point. Jerry knows this information right now, without looking it up, and can project, based on a knowledge of the entire landscape, who will be available, at what price and who best to chase when it happens. You don't. I'm not saying there aren't questionable moves by anyone, least of all JA. His mistakes are clear. But you couldn't carry his jock. And neither could I. Fans love to believe they'd make all the right decisions. You say we'd be missing a few guys we all now love. Damn dude... That's pretty arrogant. Look at this roster. For better or worse, one hell of a lot of our players come from deep in the draft. If you're that knowledgeable, you belong in a GM role somewhere for a team. Otherwise, you're just a guy with an opinion, like the rest of us. You might want to look at the MLB standings. Cubs fans are dedicated, not losers. And they have a lot more fun, as do I, than a lot of internet football experts seem to have. PS. You skipped by the part about how this team is one of 4 where the front office can make the claim that their decisions put us in the Superbowl in the last 18 months.

Amen to that. Lots of us act like we're entitled to championship caliber football each season and unless we get it, we're going to stomp all over the place like spoiled brats and cry our eyes out. As a Bears fan in the 70's, I recall having nothing to get excited about other than Doug Plank and Walter Payton. All of the things you mention above are reasons for hope and, more importantly, reasons to enjoy the season, even if we end up with a disappointing record. I choose to have a little faith and see us taking a step back toward 2006 and not repeating 2007. I openly admit I could be completely wrong. I've never seen the fun in wringing my hands and going with the whole "whoa is me" routine. Be a kid for a minute and believe in Santa! In about three weeks, before the game starts, we're going to be 0-0. Better than about half the teams in the league by that time. Until I see it play out on the field, why not dream big? If we can shore up the line, I see no reason it can't happen. I believe in our coaches and the organization as a whole. That hasn't always been the case for me but I've seen enough to say I don't think we're being led astray by a bunch of dopes. Again, if our line is brought up a notch or two, our running game and defense should be better than last year. If we name Orton the QB, it won't be exciting football but we should see consistent, boring, fewer mistakes, offense. Fine with me! I have a Vikings fan buddy. He's looking at this season as a glass half full. Why? His QB is unproven at best and is already hurt. His defense can't stop the pass. His team hasn't done shit since he was in grade school and hasn't ever won a Superbowl. He isn't the type to openly crow but if he were, I'd remind him that but for a career long field goal by Ryan Longwell, our team records would've been exactly the same for 2007! Sure, they've got a better O Line than us but most of the other aspects of the team favor the Bears. He gets to be optimistic, so DO I!!!