Alaskan Grizzly

Isn't Isaiah Frey still on the roster? That was one of "Emery's picks" from last year. Something tellls me that he could figure into the big picture.

There is a deeper issue that you pretty much nailed in this write up. What you mentioned about Lovie's appeal to players and in part Urlacher's will no doubt effect how our team moves forward. The fact that some players like Peppers coming to Chicago had to do with Lovie and Urlacher being there and their recruitment efforts. And the possibility of Urlacher leaving because he's not happy could resonate to a player like Peppers...and Tillman...and Jennings and any other experienced defensive player in the NFL. That the Bears are a new team, a team run by an "offensive minded" coach and a GM that doesn't look (or possibly care) about history, just the bottom dollar. The fact that someone like Roach leaving for a team like Oakland at around $3-4 Million per year could also send a bad message. If Roach theoretically could have been that 'heir apparent' why didn't the Bears compete more for him? If Urlacher goes, not only does the team lose some of its respectability in history and tradition but also in experience and knowledge of the players already on the team. Players themsleves that may not want to stick around given the new track history.

This...^^ And despite what some will say, Urlacher was still more productive than Roach last year despite his (Urls) playing on 12 game to Roach's 16. Games Sack INTs Pass D FF FR Tack / Asst Urlacher (2012): 12 - 0 1 7 2 2 53 15 Roach (2012) : 16 - 1.5 0 4 1 1 50 15 (source: PROFOOTBALLreference.com)

Counting you and he, two peoples 'opinions'. Of which like a-holes, most everyone's got. Piece o' crap editorial. That is my 'opine'.

I think really the only way to get the 'closure' you're looking for on Bushrod will be when the season starts. And if the scheme he played in NO is similar to what will be used in Chicago then maybe you'll get an idea of how good (or bad) he is. AND if he's paired up with a Guard that is capable of holding their own on the inside. All things as they are and from what I've 'heard', I'm just not sold on him as of yet.

Outside of his being a good maybe decent blocker, he really hasn't consistently proven himself as the catching threat everyone is making him out to be. He wasn't super good in Dallas but he did improve once a Giant. But was that due more to Manning vs Romo more than anything? Kevin Boss is an example of what I'm talking about. Since leaving the Giants what has he done?

And we're supposed to buy that because he "went to two pro bowls" he is the solution over Webb? Is it possible it was more of the offensive team's doing (Brees et al) than Bushrod's individual effort? His and Bennet's signings bewilder me a little bit. I guess only time will tell.

Couldn't agree more. My feeling is that he (and to some extent the team) are testing the market. I'm not convinced that he really wants to go anywhere else. If he had to Dallas might be it only because that is where Marinelli went. As Jason said earlier it would 'sicken' me to see him in another uniform. Enough to where I would question the value of traditional importance this team has always held in high regard.

As an aside and sorta related to this topic. Interesting (perhaps intriguing) that Josh Cribbs is in a similar postion. Perhaps he could be a thought? http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/3/6/40577...leveland-browns

The more I've read from this site in the last few weeks, I'm of the mindset that the team should persue in an interior lineman (Guard/Center) before they look at spending gobs on the outside. I think it was SCS that suggested Webb could potentially be a lot better if he had decent inside help....to which I would have to agree. Especially given the example of his being put on an "island" with the likes of Jared Allen and Clay Matthews and not faring all that bad. Outside of the apparent lack of maturity (the recent drug charge doesn't help), Webb is a servicable Tackle.

In the grand scheme of things, not really a big deal. Heck Randy Moss openly admits to doing it and we see how things have gone for him. This will definitely set a tone on the new management/coaching staff and how they deal with discipline. And send a message to rest of the team.

It would seem to reason that you should want to appeal to the "common fan" not make it more difficult.

Add in about $500-600 airfare per person and I actually might one day see them live. ha ha. Thank God for Direct TV.

What happened to Louis in the big picture?

I'll be the first to admit that I don't pay much attention to the contractual implications and cap space issues but how would the acquisition of Marshall played into this. Had the team looked at either of the two players mentioned would they have still had enough to get Marshall? Of course hindsight being what it is, as I watch Joe Flacco emerge as the next elite QB, I ask 'what could have been'. In the 2008 draft the Ravens picked Flacco a few picks after the Bears made theirs. And im sure most remember who that was...I know you do.

Whats your take on this wise guy? I was going to say that Brian has never beat the Bears and I consider him a punk. Of course in jest. But you might actually earn the title in earnest.

Probably not. You must not know TT very well.

Yes Brian. Not sure where you're going with this, maybe I'll check my sources.

I think "he's a punk". You highlighted your own question. Why would i say that? He beat the Bears. Aaron Rodgers is a punk too (because he regularly beats the Bears) but I actually think he's an ok dude. His only major fault? He plays for the Fudgepackers.

I'll say SF because of the "positive" link to the Bears with Coach Jim. Although I could do without Humperdink - think hes a punk. I can't go with Balt because of the "negative" link to Graham (he dissed my man Lovie). That and I think Lewis is a cretin. I do have to say I like Coach John and Flacco. End result - SF 31 : Balt 28. (Yes it's decided by Akers - the anti Norwood if you will).

Heck having Jones on the team would just make sense if for nothing else because of his knack for levity and a fiery disposition when playing. The second characteristic reminding me of a young Olin Kreutz. Would be good to see an OL team leader like that again. That and Id still love to see he and Jay in a shoving match.

I think if you define your use of "fail" by assuming none of the four players will be on the team next season, then that would incorrect. At least one, maybe two (Louis and Scott) at least deserve back up roles. Carimi is a former 1st rounder that will be on his third year of a rookie contract, so he probably will be too. Despite if he is determined a "bust". And not sure how much Webb costs but like many have mentioned, he is "servicable". Maybe not start worthy...

So I was perusing a recent article in SI (and I believe Bleacher Report - OH THE HORROR!!) and saw a nugget about this kid out of Vanderbilt. Yes, that Vanderbilt. Anyhow "they" went on to say that he is a late round prospect (something like #18th rated in upcoming QB's). So the question to be asked, could he be a project QB that the Bears should/could entertain in later rounds...like 6 or 7? (Remember, Tom Brady was a 6th rounder). Anyhow, he is enticing not only because he is from Cutler's alma mater but also Aaron Rodgers little brother. And like the BR's article I read suggested, wouldn't that make for an interesting story line? http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/articl...s-NFL-potential http://www.vucommodores.com/sports/m-footb...ers_711885.html

Well if you're talking small schools vs "usually having poorer quality talent" and in the last 50 years; I think Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State), Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State), Jack Lambert (Kent State), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (Tennessee State University), "Mean Joe" Greene (North Texas) and even Mike Singletary (Baylor - pre RGIII) would disagree.