Alaskan Grizzly

You're right, it is too early. Most of those guys you listed probably got more chat time from the various "experts" who put out a gazillion mock drafts before the actual draft. Just because they (players) may have done well in week one, it doesn't mean anything more than those guys ("experts") trying to justify their hot air. McClellin did fine in his debut and for that matter Jeffery played just as well as a first rounder for his position did and he's a second rounder. You remember all thr press Brady got before he was drafted? Well ok, maybe he didnt get that much hype. How about the first QB selected in thr first round that year, Chad Pennington, hows he doing these days? So let's just sit back and relax for now and enjoy it for what it is, preseason aka glorified scrimmage. By the by, Mayock is a tool.

'This' or 'ditto' or whatever is needed to say, 'thank you'.

How about we do this, wait until the season actually starts then speculate why he hasnt practiced? I mean really, "the season is done?". Wow, you know Forte, Cutler and Peppers didn't play last night either so maybe it is "over". Think back, haven't players like Strahan, Favre, Umineorya and R. Moss all take training camp off from time to time only to excel (or at least do well) during the regular season? Let's give this one some time.

Au contraire... Didn't he play arena ball last year? But you're right, I'd take Marshall and Jeffery nine times to Tuesday and once on Sunday to those guys.

I beg to differ on Roach. Don't have stats and a lot of news to reflect that feeling. Other than to say he's been on the team since '07 and starting since '08. I think he CAN do it, if need be. Other contenders will more than likely be McClelllin, DiCicco or Mayes. Of those three I can see McClellin starting at LB this time next year.

Yeah!!! Let the Rashied Davis fan club reconvene!!! Welcome back Rashied! Good pickup.

It's great to see pictures like this as it means the real deal isn't that far off. One thing that makes me content, at least on the Defensive side, is having Roach continuing to line up with Urlacher and Briggs. Shows some continuity in the LB rank. And if needed he (Roach) may or could step up like Briggs did in the past and run the D. In one of the pics it almost looked like Cutler was trying to tackle Forte, but then I noticed the ball. And its confirmed, Marshall and Jeffery LOOK as Bad A** as people have been saying.

Oooh...I get first pick? I didn't realize the team stunk it up that bad. Last year is such a fleeting memory. At some point we need to pick our keeper right? And there will be a deadline for that? And it can't be the same as last year? Should I just read the league rules? Thanks....

Team "Da' Grizzled" checking in and ready to go...sir!

Manning had the "face" thing too and "the house that Peyton built" in Lucas Oil Stadium. I just hope URL doesn't become insistent on a price and rather hopes to be a part of tradition, something Chicago is rich in.

You were right that the team did suffer some significant losses (or near losses) and still managed to play pretty well. Despite themselves in regards to Martz being the play caller and Tice slowly and progressively putting together a decent OL. I think the team will vastly improve, partly due to the points you made, but also by "addition by subtraction". In this case, with Martz gone, Tice has it "easier" as Cutler is a pretty capable QB and has been given the reigns (if you will) to run the offense more to his liking. Add to that he has gotten Marshall and Bates on the staff to help him improve. Someone on the board (sorry can't remember who exactly) did a comparitive listing of the Bears players to the Packers players (QB-QB, WR-WR etc) and just in that comparison it is simple to see that the Bears actually do add up to the Packers. Historically the Bears have done better against the Packers. They don't always win but the Packers don't usually score a load of points like they do against other teams. What that tells me is the Bear defense is able to hold it's own and the Offense struggled. After this year I think those struggles will be a thing of the past. And I too disagree with the Packers doing better than the Bears by three games.

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post...urlacher-cutler So the question has to be asked, what do you think the team will do (in the long run) with both Brian and Jay? Obviously it's way too early to probably worry about it but if the team does do reallly well this year, it could make for some dicey negotiations. By the way, I could help but notice how dour Cutler and Urlacher look in the article picture.

I think some of the reason some of us get "miffed" is for the same reason the Bears and Packers have a rivalry. If you love your team and hear (read) someone within take to task the negatives of the team, you're going to challenge those points. And if that person regularly challenges by throwing up the "what it's" and appears to be negative they are either a devils advocate (not bad), pessimistic (meh), or a plant. As far as "pissing in the Koop aid", I'm personally someone who enjoys my meals deficate free. With regards to challenging the Packer fans on their home turf, let me tell you I'm a Democrat with MANY Republican friends. To try and go into "enemy territory" and stir the pot isnt smart or brave, it's foolhardy...and pointless.

I wonder sometimes if you do this just "for the sake of arguing". Your counterpoints are somewhat laughable. The fact the you attempt to legitimize a Packer's fan perspective of our team is almost treasonous. 1. How do you explain the 7-3 (?) record prior to Cutlers injury departure? The line seemed to be coming into its own as the season progressed. More on the offense scheme to come in a min.... 2. Is that so? "suspicions" of this and that? I pity whomevers jury panel you serve on for their criminal trial. Marshall is not the "basket case" as many have alleged. He'll be fine in Chicago. 3. A "sour puss"? The fact he derides what he doesn't like (aka "tell Martz to f*ck himself") is more a conviction of his leadership ability rather than lack. He's calling it like he sees it. 4. There is a difference between getting and being old. I'll take a current Urlacher over any other LB and nine times on Tuesday. Tillman is still good as is Peppers. Many key players are aging but still good at what they do. 5. Again, your propensity for pessimism clouds your ability to accept that maybe, just maybe the team has a gem hidden in the group of youngsters at Safety. 6. The fact that Tice is allowing Cutler the idea of calling audibles and doing away eight the 5-7 dropback passes speaks volumes of his judgement abilities. Cutler by far will be able to do more if he is given the ability to call the play he wants if the need is there. And his innate ability to throw on the run will be showcased again. Don't give up just yet. The season hasn't started yet.

I agree with Mad Lith...that Booker isn't more than an EXPERIENCED warm body at a low price. It does appear that Toub must be asking for more options in the ST realm though what with this addition and the adds of Weems and Thomas. Appears they are wanting some guys to try out for Knox' position and who knows, maybe Hester's?

Anyone out there that could show the comparison of Fortes deal to the other most recent RB signees or re-signees? And what was his original offers the last year? I'm just curious.

Oh boy, I get to "name drop" Mad Lith. I will contact him, thanks for the info.

How do you find the shirts?

How then does one explain the likes of Julio Jones or AJ Green or Jordy Nelson?

The way I see it against Hester, Jeffery will be the #2. Against Bennet, that remains to be seen. Barring injury, there is almost no question that Jeffery will be playing more at WR (in the starting lineup) than will Hester. And probably Bennet. I would like to see Weems and Thomas contribute too but I expect they will be moreso on ST than anything.

Interestingly enough both Jennings and recently acquired Hayden were on the same Colts team that beat our Bears in Super Bowl 41. And where Jennings didn't play in that game, we all recall that Hayden did. And by the same logic that Jennings has done well for the Bears, due mostly to his familiarity with the Cover 2, I'm anxious to see how Hayden does.

Jason, I will agree with you that traditionally the Bears are known to be a running team. I'm not normally comfortable with seeing them do different. But, as a few have pointed out this is a team in a state of metamorphosis. Cutler is unquestionably one of the best QBs in the league. You yourself want nothing less for him to be able to stay upright in the pocket. Why else would he need to other than to pass? Now he has the likes of Brandon Marshall, most here would agree he's easily a #1 receiver on most teams in the NFL. Alshon Jeffery is a projected top flight receiver, definitely large bodied...again something many here were hoping for. Now with Davis many hope he will able to "produce". Produce what, blocks? And as earlier pointed out Rodriguez is an addition a kin to what you have seen in New England...or at least thats the belief. Heck even the Bears top runner and overall offensive producer was one of the teams lead receivers the last few years. That's something Forte is pretty good at, so why not exploit it. So like you, this pass first mentality is something foreign to me, especially in Chicago. But the pieces are coming together for something totally different. And I have to admit it's pretty exciting.

^ This ^ The popular trend nowadays seems to be this two TE threat that has been successful for NE. So why not give it a try Besides, didn't Emery spend some time with the Patriot organization? Maybe thats where he got the idea from.

No I am not trying to compromise, concede, agree or acquiesce. I'm just sayin'. Cheers bro!