Alaskan Grizzly

I have to admit that I don't get on the site a whole lot this time of year. And when I do I see a lot of mock draft talk (not my thing) and numbers regarding FA. After a bit it starts to glaze me over similar to how Patrick Starfish looks regularly. Thanks for the breakdown. It does make more sense to go Bennett especially given the numbers and the possibility in a 2 for 1 deal like Bennett/Ratliff vs Peppers. That and the age factor. Although Pep has proven himself Bennett is still in the proving stage of his career.

So in essence a swap Peppers (out) for Bennett (in )? That's kinda the feeling I get . What are the cost comparables? I'm sure someone's made the notation somewhere(?). I know Peppers cap hit is a certain amount but if Bennett were signed in the $8-$10mil/year range (that's his probable range isn't it?) is it better / worse overall than Peppers? The only real advantage I can see right now is that Bennett has age (and I'm assuming cost) since last year Peppers had more total tackles: 46 to 31 and was only one less in sacks 7.5 to. 8.5. This coming from Bennett playing for a better defensive team than did Peppers last year.

Regardless, the first hurdle to overcome is him re-signing. And since he's already said he has no desire to play Safety (so we know it was a topic of discussion) that limits his options. Yes, he WAS playing at a pro-bowl level BEFORE his injury, but Hester WAS returning KOs and punts for TDs not all that long ago. Just sayin' I think for him to sustain his career he'd be better served to contemplate a FS position....eventually. Seems a few other players (with the examples noted above) did so successfully.

HIPPA rules may apply. And Trestman is an attorney .. There is that possibility.

That's more like the Cracker we have all gotten to know. Actually, Jason made or agreed with some of your points above. He laid out the first part of the last point you made (having a good year) and provided suppoting data to it. As far as the second part of that, it too is conjecture (him slowing down). I think it safe to assume he might have been able to topple the current return records had players like Steltz not been on the team...all we can do now is look back at 'what might have been'. Buuuuttt... The fact that he had that impact (potential if you will ) and still affected other teams' game plans, means something. That very potential that either he returned it well enough for favorable field position or caused the oppostion to kick away from him makes him worth something. Not sure what financially but at least another year or two. Regardless of his job as "only a specialist" he was a factor in just being in the stadium. That and his potential still put him above most other returners. On the other hand and considering the BIG picture; he doesn't have much else to offer the team. The team needs a fair number of bargain players that can do more than just return. Financially they aren't in a postione to be fickle but instead have to be frugal. Emery has made it pretty clear he isn't all that concerned with tradition if it interferes with the budgetary plan.

Wow look who's become the peacemaker? And with Jason involved no less.

Released from Denver. Since Tillman doesn't want to play S and apparently Emery doesn't have much in the way of loyalty, would the Bears have use of him as a potential Safety?

Sounds as though it's confirmed that Hester will be released on March 11 . Just saw on NFL AM. Reported by Nicole Zaloumis. She's a great reporter.

Couldn't agree more. All the 'facts' you presented show a fair number of near misses that occured just last year. I think there were a few games at the end of the season where he alone in his returns put the offense in a great position to start. And THAT is a huge factor by itself. Sure there are a few where he called fair catches that were questionable but those were distinctly in the minority. And for those others that he's not trying to return, the opposing team is doing all that it can to avoid kicking to him. Which on punts means the punter angling for an out of bounds kick which most times translates to good field position. What a lot of "us" are doing are comparing the Hester of late to the Hester of his hey days. A few things to consider, Hester was working with a different ST coordinator last year. Obviously Toub was better at setting up the ST than is DeCamillis (or whatever his name is) and Hester is a bit older than he was then. Nevertheless, the current Hester is still better than a large number of return men still available. The one and only knock I can say to Hester is that he can't contribute anywhere else. To pay him premium is difficult especially if you have a player like Williams (former Candadian player) who is a decent return man AND plays WR.

Have to agree with Connor and Cracker. Peanut is getting older and with the injury that will still effect his overall playability. I still think he would be better as a safety for a few more years. But if he were paired with someone like Revis he wouldn't have to cover the #1 as much so the lack of speed wouldn't be as necessary.

And paired with Revis it could prove to be a dangerous duo for a year of two.

I say you're a tool.

Which brings the first question to mind in when he made the deal to acquire him, were these things he thought about? Or did he come up with these observations...after the fact? I can fully understand now that he is essentially 'arm chair managing' he has more time to make these type of observations. I would tend to think he (Angelo) thought there was more to Cutler...potentially...than what he offered in his few years at Denver. Can't say as I blame him, his ceiling was high. It's the 'since then' part that most will agree he (Cutler) has not reached elite status. I think Angelo is correct in some regards but not totally. Cutler can read defenses, in fact he does it well. Does audibiles (most of the time) for the correct setup. Its the "...his arm can get the ball anywhere..." that you are right about and what causes him so much grief. I agree that Jay does not lack poise, not overall. When it comes to pressure sometimes he's a bit premature in his wanting to scramble but many would argue that is because of the lack of coverage he's had over the last few years. My thought is that he's always been a non-pocket passer. If anything that's going to be a difficult transition for him. Trestman's offense requires a little more pocket presence than Cutler has been able to demonstrate. McCown proved that point. But you're right, Cutler may be able to make that change with another year under Trestman, and with more age and experience.

Truth be told Mad, I'm in a 'win/win' situation. If TB does better I win, if Chicago does better we all win.

The "tongue in cheek" was in context to the original post. Where the comment was made how much influence defense hD in each of the last few Super Bowls. Knowing Lovie is defensive minded and Trestman is not I said "should've kept Lovie" (ergo tongue in cheek). Or perhaps I misunderstand the phrase(?). I didn't think the comment would incite a near riot (sensationalism) especially with the likes of the Stingers of the world. That I honestly did not expect. I realize Lovies not coming back and Trestman is the man. Still like Lovie for what and who he is. I guess the way I look at what happened was I did not intend to come across as being deceitful. Not intending to be trollish. "Just sayin". But in the end and as a result of this discussion you and I have a decent wager for a great cause. I look forward to winning. Haha!

I make no secret about how unforunate (not unfair) I think it was that Lovie was let go. I do like his style, yes. But I have also realized that what's done is done. I have said so repeatedly. I thought I made that clear if not in this thread but in other postings. You shouldn't need react like this. It's not a surprise You act as though he personally attacked you or something. If you call BS to my comments (as emphatically as you did) then I would have to suggest you need to take a swig of that hooch you're always talking about. And to remind you and others that think it ridiculous I dare bring up Lovie's name, would you prefer those with differnt opinions instead not comment? How many times have I seen other posters say how much they appreciate the varied opinions and views? This is one of those times. Like I said it stated as a simple off the cuff remark but wow...I'd be crazy to think otherwise.

Wow in 10 years? I'll be well into my 50s then. I can barely remember what I did yesterday.....should be interesting. Stinger may have chased me off by then. HAHA. But yeah, I'll go in for that. Make sure to keep this 'exchange' for proof. I know you're near the same age as I.

DP

I meant to respond to this post: "Smith will do what he does. Make the D very good. Get them close, but not go the distance. Hit the playoffs every 3 years and annoy the fan base and media." Of course my opinion is counter to yours. He "will go the distance" and "hit the playoffs" more frequently.

Just to clarify where all this was going. First, the comment I made was 'tongue in cheek' and said in jest. I did not say that Chicago should fire Trestman. Nor did I say the Bears should hire back Smith. The original poster posed the thought that defense seemed to have made a difference in the last few Super Bowls. I said "we should have kept Lovie" mostly because he was good a D and who knows, maybe could improved upon his 10-6 record this last year? The point is moot because like Jason's comments and many others, to include my own, are all speculative in nature. He's in Tampa now and I wish him luck. Despite Bear Trap's suggestion I don't have a 'love affair' with Lovie just an appreciation of who he is and his style of coaching. I met him once while at the DFW airport. Although it was a very brief conversation he seemed to be a very personable guy and unassuming. From what I hear from players who have been coached by him they too say he's a stand up guy. Hence why I suggset he's a good "COACH". With Trestman I don't know him as well as a fan. Will he prove to be a 'keeper'? Only time will tell. I realize one year does not a career make. (I'm not part of the Cleveland Browns management for pete's sake). And for what its worth I have much more need for a plumber than I do a psychologist. To you I say, good day.

Gentleman's wager Mad. How 'bout it?

Like I said, we will never know. But perhaps he's learned from his mistakes (?) With the hiring of Jeff Tedford, it appears he's reaching out beyond his 'circle of friends' to have someone who actually knows offense give it a try. What's to say he would not have done that in Chicago? Again, speculation....more on my part. Like earlier, because of the extensive use of the word "probably" this is all speculative. And since this post started with how the strength of defense seemed to have mattered in the last few Super Bowl (I know it did in '85) that was why I made the comment. And as I pointed out...it was 'tongue in cheek'. You make a logical counter and appreciate the insightful response.

Cheers to you Daventry. I agree, most in person here would probably get along pretty well. Especially when discussing American football of which the best team known is the Bears. Further I have no doubt that we'd get along even better should libations be introduced. You are one of those I thought of when I said I've had disagreements with only to come out at the other end having an appreciation for each other's opinion. I don't do well with the "touchy feely" stuff but do appreciate the varied opinions, despite how wrong some might be. On this particular matter what started as a 'tongue in cheek' comment has started a life of its own. But as SCS must carry the burden of his infatuation for J. Webb so too must I for Lovie. LMAO

Hmmm..most negative comments are directed towards imbicilic people like you. Because you insert your ridiculous banter when you see fit. Censored or not. Over the history of this board I have disagreed with many people for many things. Howver the majority of those people I have managed to make peace with in some fashion. You and I apparently have not. Which is totally cool. You don't challenge me in any way shape or form and despite your thinkiing otherwise, there has been no real "heat" to receieve. You really give yourself too much credit. Your blind arrogance only comes to light when you make pigheaded comments like "igloos and darkness" about Alaska. Do me a favor and pick up a book someday, you might be surprised what's in it. Hell come up and visit sometime. You'd be equally surprised how great Alaska really is. I'd even encourage you to come up during the summer when its 'easier' to get around and not nearly as harsh.

Jason, its times like this when I understand why Cracker gets on you so much. All you're doing is speculatiing. 'Coulda' been worse, 'woulda' scored this and that.... What we do know is that the team ended up at 8-8 under Trestman's first year. Which by itself isn't all that bad but considering Lovie was fired after having a 10-6 season the year prior and this last seeason was supposed to be an improvement? In my opinion, the jury's still out on Trestman since not only is he supposed to be this 'great offensive guru' but also the Head coach. In theory, the defense should improve under his regime. So far what have we seen other than a significant plummet in defense aided by the losses not only due to injuries but also stalwart players like Urlacher and probaby Tillman this year? The head coach should have a better handle on this. Before I get too far off track I'll tell you what I believe. Tampa Bay will end up doing better than Chicago next year. That's what I believe, not that's what will happen (I try to avoid making assinine guarantees like my buddy Stinger). Why is that, because I believe Lovie is the better coach than is Trestman. I cannot and will not specualte beyond that only time will tell whether I'm right or wrong.