Alaskan Grizzly

Nice obscure GOT reference.

Funny, I tried downloading this same picture earlier. #lololololol Now after eating all day I'm taking Stinger's advice and going back to sleep. Wake me when the season starts.

You miscreants. Why did they have to move draft day?

Straight line speed and elusiveness are two different traits. That's why Hester ( and Deion for that matter) was so good. He had both. And the benefit of a good ST coordinator in Toub. What's done is done. If Williams can get through to the open field then all bets are off.

Hmmm... Intriguing. Major Wright, Bostic (jury's still out), Grossman to name a few. Although looking at the history you'll find Neal Anderson and Wilbur Marshall were drafted from there in the 80's. A whole generation ago.

Null

Gotta say Jason that I side with Cracker on this one. As one of the "idiots" who supported (and still do) Lovie I can't recall a time I thought Wolfe was properly utilized.

Funny, the other thread that Terra started specifically about Conte seems to indicate otherwise.

Yes I agree. Someone along the lines of MJD with North/South running capabilities. I'd like to see the Ford kid work out but recall seeing he's not really a direct line runner.

Playing Devil's Advocate how do you explain the draft/acquisition of Forte(2008), Cutler (09), Garza (05), Tillman (03), Paea (11), Briggs (03), Jennings (10), Conte (11), Peppers (10)and Wright (10)? All of whom were holdovers (and starters last year) from the Angelo/Lovie era. But you're right, at this moment we can't compare the 'success' rate of drafts but we can compare the "last 5 years" to know that "nothing to show" isn't entirely accurate. And just one fun little tidbit: There were 5 Pro Bowl selections in the 2011 season alone (source Wikipedia): Graham, Urlacher, Briggs, Forte and Tillman. All players drafted by JA.

Yes but I think this last year was telling. He no doubt was not able to close the hole in many a running game and with one on one coverage he lost time and again. And in those memorable one on one matchups he was paired against backs out of the backfield or TEs. A few times for TDs. On the positive side you're right he does have the athletic ability. He was successful in jumping in front of a few poorly thrown long pass plays and he can most times chase down a WR in the open field. But does that outweigh the other faults? Suppose it'll be dependent on what is in front of him with regards to the front 9.

One thing I did notice was that when Urlacher left McCaskey was one of the folks that said he was disappointed to see him go. Seeing as that seems to be a rarity you had to believe that it was a genuine thought and honorable on Urlacher's behalf.

For those of you who love to bang on Urlacher and in the event you accuse him of never having anything optimistic to say: http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/-1/a...e/p2p-79791700/

And yet our collective RIGHT is to not acknowledge him if he does say something "stupid". Yet the author that Connor quoted (who actually is a bit of a twit himself) only perpetuated the opportunity for URL to talk and be heard. If it's so "horrible", why even bring it up? Let's all "move on".

Uhm... Thanks(?)

Let's go back in time. http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05...=blogs&_r=0 Let me ask, was Sayers wrong at critiquing the team in 2010 (not only Urlacher but specifically Cutler in this instance)? Surprisingly enough, Urlacher came to the defense of the team this time (and collaterally Cutler's - someone he did not get along with). Obviously his (Urlacher's) loyalty was outwardly to the team if not only appearing so to those of us outside looking in. But yet he speaks out now and it still raises the rankles of some. So what if he does? He works as a broadcaster/analyst. He's paid to analyze things that he knows, and three things he has direct knowledge of are football, Bears football and Bears football history. I agree with SCS in that who cares if he talks about it anymore? You (Connor) as a part of media fell into the 'trap' of scratching off the scab only to lend life to Ulracher's words.

Agreed. I still think Steve Smith would have been the better "#3 option" if they were going to go the FA route.

True dat! I think its only obvious that we all decline in some way, shape or form as we age. Considering he was on a pretty lackluster team for the better part of his time in Minnesota, I would take this "news" with a huge grain of salt. (Maybe wash it down with that sip of cynicism). Are his numbers not better than Peppers? I think they are. Not to mention, as others have pointed out, he's younger. And more durable and plays every down. If for nothing else and just compared to Peppers then he's an improvement. Compared to his 'younger' self, obviously he won't fare as well. You're stating to sound like CrackerDog

What a curmudgeon! I agree to an extent. What I'm seeing is something familiar to what the Giants had a few years ago with a hybrid DE/DT/LB defense in their front end scheme. Kiwanuka, JPP, Uminyora, Tuck all put the fear into opposing offenses. I remember them having some sort of lineup where some of the front guys would be line up standing up (NE tinkered with it a few years before that) and called it a "messy lineup " or something rather . Although I don't see that here I see a good blend of some fast and persistent rushers; Young, Bass, Allen and SMC mixed with some solid anchors in Paea, Collins, Ratliff, Houston. If Tucker can't do anything with this group then he's gone. I will say it'll be Fun to watch the team compete again. Looking forward to the new season!!

No, I'm talking about yours and my bet.

I'm feeling a little less confident with our deal... But I'm ok with it!

Not that it means anything but couldn't help but hear that Marshall and J. Palmer were at Bortles pro day. Marshall because of his alma mater and Palmer to help advise Bortles. I know he's (Bortles) out of reach but interesting nevertheless. And speaking more on the Allen deal. Interesting moves in the division this year. Wooton to Minny, Peppers to GB and Allen to Chi. Chicago definitely got the best part of that deal.

Thanks Scott for keeping us in the loop! Great add and I hope Amy enjoys being able to cheer on her home team with her husband playing! Better update your signature line. Hah

Agreed, have to say Emery has gained some cred with me...if only a little. Hear the deal is in the $8 mil / year neighborhood.

Its official!! Woo ha!!! Edit: Being discussed now on NFL network. 4 year deal. As told by Molly Querim... Another "good" reporter. And a link: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap200000033...akcarrier=other And 69 happens to be available!