Alaskan Grizzly

Collectively speaking (NFC North); what we lost in a character like Shwartz (whom I hated) we gained in a character like Zimmer (whom I always thought was humorous). He is most definitely the 'anti-Frazier'.

Darn, just heard on the "Herd" this morning that Singletary would be leaving Minnesota at the end of the month. He would've been a nice option.

Thought of putting this in "NFC North" news. http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/chicago...:bleacherreport

I'm of two thoughts. First, the intention coming in was a good one. The D was no doubt the strongest piece of the team. Heck the year previous they were scoring more than some teams on offense were. So bowing to the vets of that very same defense and not "fixing what ain't broke" made sense...at the time. Perhaps Tucker was hamstrung because of that? Don't know, wasn't there when he and Emery and Trestman discussed it. Nevertheless, it was admirable. At that point the only real loss was Urlacher. Most of the pieces from the previous year were already in place and Emery acquired what and who he thought would be enough to sustain the run. Hindsight being what it is, we now know through injury the D could not keep up its ways. Which brings me to point two. The rookies and new players didn't seem to get it. Is that the fault of the players or the coaches? Heck is it the fault of the vets? I think, becuse players like Bostic and Greene appeared to regress instead of improve its because of a lack of coaching. Add that a few players were added along the way (Ratlif and Anderson to name two) and they too appeared to be playing on talent alone makes me believe that they weren't coached as they should have. I was personally glad that Tucker came out of the booth and coached from the sidelines. But even after he did, things didn't seem to improve. Players were out of position all too often. And desptie what was SOOO obvious to all of us fans, Conte still managed to play and eventually cost our team a win. That is piss poor playcalling/coaching and THAT is all on Tucker. Bottom line, I would prefer they change direction with the DC. I don't think Tucker is the answer. Not sure who is but pretty sure he's not.

Too bad he wasn't 'first ballot'. But at least he's in.

Couldn't agree more. When I hear people, or some players, complain about the hits and how dangerous they're getting I always think "what would Art Donovan say?" If you never heard him talk about playing football 'old school' you missed out on an awesome 'rant'. Sorry to have seen him go.

...And one might add that through the evolution of time so has the NFL. Since its 'founding' in 1920 it eventually merged with the AFL in the 1960's. After doing so there were 26 teams. Over time and after a few realignments, expansions and Oakland going to LA and back we find ourselves in the current format of 32 teams. As the league looks to expand itself into other markets it must somehow accomodate that growth. I don't like it either but I didn't like the loss of Lovie, the ever growing monster that is now offical replay, the red flag, penalties for hitting too hard, records being broken because of it, mock drafts and pre-mock drafts and on and on. But what is one to do?

....And Lovie Smith would have still been coach. Which I am good with but would wonder how would the offense be by now? For that matter (if playing hypothetical) how would the team have done in those playoff games? Appear in the Super Bowl again? hmmmmm... What could have been. Me too, the old adage of 'anything can happen in the playoffs' is so true. Look at Indy and SD from this last weekend. SD is still in the running after taking out a pretty strong team in Cincy. And Indy returned from a probable romping at the hands of KC in one of the most entertaining games of recent history. I heard somewhere at the conclusion of hte two Saturday games that it was the first time in playoff history that both games were determined by less than 3 points in each game. That is pretty telling. I agree to some degree of the "old school" way of thinking. But with the way the NFL is spreading, its only a matter of time. And you can't blame them (NFL and owners) for wanting to expand on a vey profitable venture. This just broadens that reach. I'm not a big fan of international inclusion but what's not to say it isn't the right move? Soccer is wordwide, baseball and basketball is worldwide, the NHL is internatiional why not the NFL?

Interesting take considering Urlacher was still a huge asset if for nothing else as a "leader" yet Briggs doesn't step up in the last two games and you're ready to cut bait...again. In response to AZ's comment though I for one am actually ok should Briggs leave. I don't think there will be much more reason for him to return this year. He's been a malcontent off and on for years and less 'leader quality' especially compared to URL. He'd be foolish if he didn't try and get to TB. To fill the void I think the logical choice is Peanut. He epitomizes the role and would be spectacular in leading the soon to be youth movement on D. If not him then maybe Jennings. He said he wanted to be a cornerstone guy, he got the contract now is the time. Beyond that I would think either Ratliff (even though he's new) or Anderson would be next in line.

Mad I for one don't see this as a "useless" article. What I see it as is a confirmation on what many here have said. Cutler is a mediocre level franchise QB and the Bears paid him to stay. The reason being is that in the better part of their 100 year existence the team hasn't had many let alone in the modern era. And the alternative is lack of good FAs, a decent elder back up with the option to find a the next Russel Wilson in the draft. The Bears essentially had to put up or shut up. They chose to put up. And for the record; to those QBs he was compared to Rodgers was sacked more times than was Cutler in one three year span. And there is no denying Cutler is turnover prone. If his history doesn't show it this year confirmed it, especially early on. And lastly, the point about injury is definitely one to consider. How many concussions, broken thumbs, torn groin and high ankle sprains have kept him out of games these last few years? Thats a risk, no matter how you slice it. Apparently one the Franchise is ok with moving forward.

Not sure you comprehended the "goofiness" I intended. Didn't say keep Podlesh (heck after this year why?) but was instead suggesting that Mannely probably would want more than some youngster currently on another teams practice squad or undrafted out of college. Is there a high demand for LSers? One of the reasons I liked Clutts was that he filled in pretty admirably as temp LSer when not playing FB. That's called efficiency. Some say "goofy".

First, I don't understand why the team would bother with DJ Williams. He hasn't contributed to the NFL for the better part of two years now. (I actually thought he was injured one year with Denver before being suspended but couldn't find it). Anyhow, this next year he would be only one year younger than Urlacher was when he 'retired' and coming off a year of being injured. Almost similar to how many perceived Urlacher to be useless in his last year. Forget him, I say work on the youngsters: Bostic and Greene and move on. And if anyone stays on the "veteran side"; I'd first look at Briggs and Anderson long before Williams. Ratliff appears to have been a good late season addition so I would be ok to look at a year deal for him. Mannelly? Really? He's a long snapper....they are like Punters/Kickers...dime a dozen. Britton? Nah....Again I'm pretty sure a younger version of what Britton provided could be found elsewhere. McCown most definitely should be added to the "keep list". He has pretty much indicated he doesn't want to be a starter and wants to be in Chicago while he does it, so a deal should be made pretty simple. Wootton should be added, he's a younger Julius Peppers prototype but not as flashy...yet. Bowman showed some promise late in the year so he should be kept, with the premis that a new CB would be drafted, and that Tillman may be a Safety. I know many cringe at the prospect but for what Hester does and still managed to do this year, he should be brought back for at least one more year. He showed flashes of his old self in that Packers game and did in a few other games this last year. He still provides the potential for good field position in KR or PR when the punters try and kick away from him. But probably not to worry as he'll more than likely sign with TB.

I'm good with all three. Cutler is signed through 2020. That helps take care of the primary skill position .

Who knows,maybe Urlacher becomes an LB coach ? Just sayin

Neither was Chip Kelly. One thing I'll be interested in seeing are how many current Bears players end up on TB.

I am officially a co-fan of the Buccaneers now. Go Lovie!

True this. If they were to bring in a 'Tom Coughlin' type coach most of the current players would rebel because their teams leaders are bad examples. Suh, Stafford and Bush to name a few. The only one worth any sand (talent wise and character) is Calvin. Poor guy's stuck on a sinking ship. They do have a lot of talent there is no doubt. Unfortunatley many of the players know it and are compelled to remind everyone else about it.

Yeah the Chudzinki firing does have many scratching their heads. The ownership/management there is certainly being put through the ringer. FWIW, I'm VERY glad to see Schwantz leave Detroit. Talk about douchebags. Unfortunate for Frazier. Although when hired I had the impression he was in over his head. Turns out he just couldn't get it done. As I said before he or Singletary would make for an intriguing D coordinator. (Chicago?) Shannahan was put into a bad position..in my opinion. Washington is like Dallas in that they both have meddling owners who don't know their place.

Fair enough and touché. I have to admit you had me laughing, especially at the end. Jason has provided me much fodder in the past but as of late he and I have been agreeing more than not. Maybe I'll continue banter with the likes of Stinger since he referred to me as a butt-face (or something rather) yesterday. Happy New Year you crotchety so and so. And to the rest, all my best in 2014. Except stinger; GFY. LOL!!!

Totally agree. Both were painful to watch. But we'd all be fooling ourselves if we thought the Bears would have made it past SF much less eventually beat Seattle. I said it last week to many a friend, whoever wins (won) last night will lose in the Wildcard round the following week. Only small issue I have is that it also involves the NFC North title. Which considering half the coaches in it were fired today may not be all that big a deal.

For the record, I would like very much for Cutler to return, if its the right move. Your 'shot across the bow' (bolded) is you being melodramatic and not once have I said he should be 'fired'. For that matter I haven't seen anyone here suggest that. The comparison between McCown and Cutler HAS to be part of the equation. In one hand the choice has to be made on how much is too much or too little to keep a player like Cutler on the roster while leaving less for the restructure, rebuild whatever of the Defense. On the other hand, can the team afford to lose Jay? I don't think so. The luxury the team has is that they have two very capable QB's on the roster. Not something we as fans have witnessed in a long time...if ever. One thing we agree to is that this is best left in the hands of the "experts" and that's fine by me.

You know when I read the original post you responded to and thought the same thing. McCown (Josh) did the very same play at least three times with success (maybe more). One down the left sideline against Minnesota to Alshon, a second for a score in the right corner for a TD against Dallas and another against this same Packer team in GB. Whether these were all great throws or catches should not be lost on who threw them. McCown has been making plays like this in most if his games this year.

Make up your mind, either you want to argue the Cutler controversy or you dont. Don't expect those of us not enamored with Jays performance to suddenly agree to you because we're "idiots" or "simpletons". (Frankly I'm surprised you know such big words ). The fact remains, McCown outplayed Cutler in 'overall' performance this year. And this coming from a guy who is one year removed from coaching a HS team. Did he play better today? Yes. Did he play lights out franchise QB level? No. Looking at the future and knowing what we have in Cutler and what we need in defense I trust management will make the smart choice for the teams future.

Later gents, it's been real. See you next year. Eff it!!! Go Broncos!!

Where has this D been all year? Briggs?