Alaskan Grizzly

Allright Jason enough of your pompous ass smarminess. You're so friggin smart, take over the team and lead them to the promised land.

Give me a friggin break!

Of course as fate would have it, the day I bring this up K-State loses its first place ranking. But even if Klein has a "weak arm" I think his passing accuracy should count for something. And the more read about him it looks as though (especially with yestrdays loss) he might be available in later rounds. And for the record, I never said I "don't want to improve the O-line" just that it's a wasted pick at 1 or 2. And last but not least, the team helped itself at LB with McClellin. And both Tillman and Jennings are doing fine this year. Other than Tillman getting long in tooth, Jennings is pretty young. Didn't the team already draft a CB this year? Think he's sitting on IR right now.

Ditka reminds me of a friend of mine. He (friend) is a mountain of a fellow and resembles an oxen. He's been hit in the head with a flying ceramic mug (no effects), accidently drank what looks like anti freeze (no results) and taken on an MMA type fighter and winning by simply lying on him. I joke that he's similar to the old school version of Terminator. I'm convinced he has a metallic frame and when something adverse happens to him he simply reboots the computer reroutes some circuitry and keeps going. Ditka is probably one of those models.

Yeah it is hard to get too enthused. Especially given he is currently a Heisman contender and quite frankly reminds me of Tebow. But given his gritty way and that he might be a thought for 2nd or 3rd round material, could be worth it. I'll leave the first round pick for OL to appease the likes of Jason. But since the teams pick will be somewhere in the 30s (of the first round) not sure what kind of "find" you'll get. What have I done? I may have opened up another mock draft discussion?!?! Stop me!!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-sat...480--ncaaf.html I know, I know, I decry the very idea of "mock drafts" but just finished reading the referenced Sports Illustrated article about the QB for the currently #1 ranked Wildcats. Base on it he seems he would be a fantastic pick for a town like Chicago. And "they" are expecting him not to go early on drafts... So why not? Please don't tell me "we need OL help".

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...aking-hand.html According to "sources". Tee hee

My source says the source of all this sorcery is sauced.

To be fair, in a few of the contests the Bears were far enought ahead that "hurry up" was not a necessity. Other games, for example against Houston, the situation may have not been optimal. With Campbell (not having a lot of first team reps), the weather, the score and utilizing a "vanilla" offensive approach. But I do agree overall that it (hurry up) needs to be an element of this team. It has been used this year with some success, so to say it never has would be incorrect as well. Just not enough. Should've known you "go there".

My how the tides have turned. When he was signed it was "thank God no more Hanie" etc, now it's "he's always been a check down" QB. So playing devils advocate, what's really wrong with doin what Campbell "allegedly" does? What's his turnover rate (normally?). Is he more the "game manager" style, ala Orton? The long ball in Chicago isn't really a staple and if it is it really only goes to Marshall (which Campbell did with success once last Sunday night) and occasionally to Hester. Outside of that throwing underneath (West Coast) is more "safe" in the conditions for Chicago. And players like Forte and Rodriguez(?) benefit from the catch and receive. What I think we'll see more of is are the passes to Forte for screens and short gain plays. And maybe the infamous bubble screen to the wideouts and who knows maybe more to the "H-back" or TE underneath? Why not, could play more to ball control offense rather than score big. Nothing wrong with that.

Or perhaps more reliable options for the quick pass? Like an H-back and/or TE configuration (that are actually able to catch)? Almost negates the stronger need of "better blocking" as the defenders now have a new wrinkle to defend.

I think it safe to say that Davis has had his chances to show he DOESN'T belong out there, so why not bring in new blood? I like the proposal Mad Lith had in showing Adams as H-back and your idea of letting Rodriguez play strictly more TE.

The fact is that even one or twelve could leave you impaired for a life time should weigh heavily in anyone's mind. (more below) How many times did it take those testing nuclear bombs (and literally standing near ground zero) before they realized the long term effects were deadly? I would have been good as this being the closing remark. You are absolutely right, the players need to be looked after. Given how much money they are paid to do the job they do, you'd think the league would do better at after care. The problem is, when is too much? Like you addressed earlier there are "no hard facts" and rather than being a guinea pig I would advise the time is now. Why take the risk? Because the power of the almighty dollar. As far as "everyone retiring" for the fear of the unknown, that argument is hogwash. In that same line of thinking we wouldn't have any police officers, any fire fighters, race car drivers, airplane pilots....etc. Wherever people put themselves that is "out of the norm" and could cause their life to be altered significantly by their choice of career. I believe there is some way to prevent long term health concerns. I've been "concussed" a few times in life and once enough to be unconcious. Did it inhibit my health, memory or lifestyle? Probably. We're talking about a brain here, not a knee or elbow or a toe. In my opionion, the NFL should regulate when a player is to be force retired. One or two concussions? I would have to ask questions like what degree? How severe? Symptoms, long term or not? How many previously? And like you said before, keep tabs on afterwards. Post career care.

What about Kyle Adams? Isn't he supposed to be the current best "pass catching" TE the team has?

Personnally, I think Cutler should seriously consider retiring. Should this be his "6th concusssion" nothing positive (for him as an individual) can be gained long term for him to risk a 7th. But that's just me. I realize the drive players have to "make it to the mountain" but at what cost? Ask Junior Seau, Dave Duerson or Andre Waters. A little information on "concussions in the NFL". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concussions_i...erican_football

My oh my, henny penny the sky is falling. How bout everyone get a collective grip?

Its called "Family Medical Leave Act" (FMLA) of 1993. It doesn't "give" you time off, per se, but allows you time off if you need it to deal with what you describe. The employee would also need leave to draw from in order to actually "use" leave. In most places it would be your payroll/HR section that should be ultimately familar with how it works. Sorry, I digress.

Not to beat a dead horse but if the Bears pick 32nd (I like your way of thinking) the team is going to need to find out how to pay not only folks on a contract year. And after a Super Bowl win nonetheless, but Lovies new contract!!!!

Maybe, just maybe, after this year I could be ok with legitmizing (in my mind anyhow) a first round pick on an OT. However, after seeing it done twice in successive years (and in one case...failing) I'm hesitant. My opinion is those picks should be skill position players, if available. Of course people like Ryan Leaf, JMarcus Russel, Akili Smith and Andre Ware make my case that much more difficult.

I think Carimi being brought in to play RT was more because they had Webb (who started most of last year) and a previous 1st round pick in Williams for LT. Why put him there? That means you have two first round picks at the same position and only within a year of each other? Doesn't make much sense. I agree with B4ever34 that I can see Carimi becoming a Guard before long. He's not the bigger size he once was when he came to Chicago. As another poster pointed out to me in a reply, Carimi has shed some fat weight and put on muscle weight. He looks smaller and probably will be faster...ingredients for a Guard. Something that could become VERY useful for an "out of the pocket passer" like Cutler.

I've been pondering a possible job opportunity in the Memphis area. Might have to put this in the "Pro" side. Being that most Tennesseeans don't appear to be drinkers so there would be more for us who enjoy an occasional libation. Plus I'm a HUGE fan of BBQ.

First point, as the game started I remarked to my wife how "electrified" the team looked. They looked ready to play and were up. Most of the players looked happy and ready to get 'er done...and this was before the game started. I specifically remember thinking, as I watched Urlacher warm up, how much he really enjoys playing the game. More importantly, for Chicago. As far as the discussion earlier this week about him staying with the team until he retires, make it a priority. Sign him until he does retire. No ifs ands or buts. That being said, yes he did look slow on his pick six. I was laughing and thinking to myself, what is this slow motion? I was thinking "please whomever tackles him PLEASE go high" so to avoid messing with his knee. But he made it and man did he deserve it. Good job Brian! And yes the D is fun to watch. They are most definitely coming together. I know this was mentioned before and I still think the team needs to consider extending Lovie. Of course I realize its too early in the season for most to think that is realistic but my vote has been cast. As far as Tillman goes, there is no question he is playing outside of his skin crazy right now. And through it all, whats more impressive, is he is not a showboater. He does all these spectacular things and hardly ever mugs for the camera or does any type of "look at me" antic. It is a breath of fresh air. Reminds me much of Sweetness in his glory days. Plainly put, Tillman is the MAN...among men.

I think the next two games will determine how things progress for the Bears. With Houston, a very legit contender, they have the Defense and a strong Offense to give Chicago fits. The redeeming factor will be that the Bears are at home. The week following is against not as strong a team in SF. Sure, the defense is formidible but their offense leaves something to be desired. Alex Smith, like Cutler, is spotty. His reliable go to is Vernon Davis. Gore has been injured and their back up is inconsistent. The downside for the Bears, having to travel to SF for the game. After its all said and done, if the Bears come out of it 2-0, I'll not only be shocked but convinced the Bears can beat the Packers in their second meet. If they end up 1-1 or even (God forbid) 0-2 then the games for the rest of the season will matter and the Bears will be "in control of their own destiny". More importantly than all that though is that NOONE GETS HURT. Play tough and stay healthy fellas.

I too thought that Williams may have benefited from staying at LT. Regardless, I can't help but think there must have been a reason why he didn't. I know he had injury issues coming out of college. I don't necessarily agree that Tice "dicked" with Williams' playing time and chose his pet in Webb. I think, as I've said before, that Tice worked with what he had. I'm beginnig to have strong doubts about Carimi. You compare him this year to last, he looks physically different. Sure he's still tall but he looks smaller...weaker. Something is going on with him and I don't think he can hold up at Tackle much longer. Guard maybe? Now if you were in either Lovie's or Emery's shoes, I'm sure that the Bears would have one of the best OL's in the league. There would be across the board 1st rounders in each position and all would be bound for Canton. But the very arguement you make for Lovie's choosing top rated talent for the DL has only hurt the point you're trying to make. Where is the Bear's defense currently rated? And why? Because their DL is probably one of the best. Most due to the rotation they have and getting fresh players in for every few plays. *Edit* And there are four Defensive linemen (not two) for the type of Defense run in Chicago. There is no question the correlation to Peanut and Jennings' success this year is in large part due to the DL's ability to pressure the QB's. Thusly so is the improved play of the LB's and the Safeties. They are all inter-related. And interestingly enough, Lovie's forte (no pun intended) is Defense. Consistently thoroughout the years the Defense is what has made Chicago teams. Heck, even in '85 the Defense was better than the Offense. "Monster's of the Midway" did not come from the powerful offensive teams the Bears produced over the years.