Alaskan Grizzly

I heard about this from a co-worker of mine. Said that Lovie didn't like the rule changing the location of Kickoffs so he "rebelled" during the game the other night. And contrary to the article I believe the Bears were penalized once for this. Steltz' caused fumble during one return was nullified during the first half because of it...I believe. Is it me or do the Bears seem to have an air of nastiness about them this year? I like it. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_...?urn=nfl-wp5084

That's twice today you and I have agreed on something. Eerie.

I almost hate it when you guys do this to me but again I find myself siding with Terra Tor. As odd as this sounds he makes some insightful and sensible observations. Why would the team want to get rid of someone that has become as reliable and dependable as Forte? I don't care if he could garner a #1 (tip of the hat to Mad Lith on this one). You (CB) said it yourself that "running backs are a dime a dozen" and what team would be willing to give up a first knowing that? Getting back to Forte's reliability. Bears football is known for two things; Defense and running game. The Defense...set. Running game...set. I'm sure many here recall the painful days of Curtis Enis and Rashaan Salaam. Why would you want to tinker with that and hope that a relative unknown like Bell works out in the long term? Let alone for another possible "first round bust" in exchange for a player like Forte? And pointing out the other area I highlighted, where has it been said that Forte may not "come to an agreement"? From what I've seen most of what is going on is based on good faith on Forte's behalf. He is hoping that a deal gets worked out...showed up for practice and for the Preseason. As far as I'm aware, nothing has been offered. Now if he was acting like Knox and "rumored" to be upset at his placement (adding Barber this year and Taylor last year probably put him on notice) then sure, I would think about it. And obviously from reports and his appearance, he has been working hard on his off time to become even better. I have read reports that he was duplicating some of Walter's workouts in running hills and what not. A guy like that needs to stay with the team, not play against it.

Well, I finally got to see the "tape" from the game and only caught half before I had to head off to work. Here are my "two cents" and for what that is worth: - I am a HUGE fan of Tim Jennings. He hits and he hits hard. And historically he seems to be in the right place at the right time. In the first half of the game he would have had an INT had it not been for offensive pass interference. His one big downside...size, or lack thereof. - I like Major Wright. Mostly for what I see him doing similar to Jennings in the hitting department. And the above mentioned article got it spot on with Wright. He is playing with mucho more confidence than I recall seeing before. His big downside....health. - The minuscule amount of time I saw Roy Williams play, I liked what I saw. He was going over the middle, with little concern, and that is a BIG plus for Cutler. The confidence in having a guy do that and be THAT guy will pay HUGE dividends later for Jay. The fact that he DIDN'T get thrown to tells me that there is much more in store. That to me is exciting. - My wife would say I have a "man-crush" from time to time and she thinks now its for Marion Barber (sorry Jay). That guy and his running is just jaw-dropping. I am a big big big fan of the physical play when it comes to running. Granted this was one PRESEASON game but I am encouraged that he has not lost that tenacity that he had when he went to the Pro Bowl in '07. - There is no doubt in my mind that Hanie is a VERY capable back-up QB. I would go as far as to say that should Cutler get hurt or be unavailable (I don't ever hope for this) I have utmost confidence in Hanie being able to fill in. Just review him in last year's NFC Championship game (the biggest I'm sure in his career) and he did pretty well. Minus the two INTs. - Dave Toub is like Mike Shannahan when he was coaching in Denver. Where Shanny could employ his "zone-scheme" blocking and virtually guarantee a 1,000 rusher...whoever it was, Toub can do the same with a return man. I would qualify that Hester is simply amazing and Knox is fast but when you get a guy like Bennett (not fast or Hester=like amazing) and he can run one back there is something special being orchestrated. Toub is the conductor and man is he good. - This is fact, don't care what you think about management or coaches. This TEAM knows it some Defense. No ifs, ands or buts. - I mistook Okoye for a young Tommie Harris. Not just because he was wearing his old number but he looked like he is ready to make it a big year, but maybe better. - And lastly, perhaphs my only real negative observation (if you can call it that). To me, it is obvious the team (coaching) is aware that the OL is the weak link in the WHOLE team right now. The fact they played the "starters" for a huge chunk of the game tells me they are still reviewing. And I liked the few glimpses I saw of Cutler and Tice talking on the sideline. Could they have been talking about going out on the town later sure but me thinks they were comparing notes. And with a guy like Tice listening to a guy like Cutler, that is awesome. Last year I had "cautious optimisim", this year I feel barn-storming good about. Fellas....I feel good about what is upon us.

Born at Great Lakes Naval Hospital (returned there 18 years later for boot camp). Maintained my "home" in Alaska since 1977.

I'm sorry but ???

I beg to differ...only a little. I too wasn't able to see (or hear for that matter) the game, only read some of the comments posted here. As far as the line goes I would be willing to bet it's Louis that's gone by camps end. Haven't heard much about him, especially positive. I can see them trying to get Spencer in at Center (since that is what he is familiar with) and Garza back to Guard. Although I did read somewhere that Cutler is actually preferring Garza at Center...guess we'll see. Last year, and I still believe this, I would be willing to bet that Williams finds his way back to Tackle. After all that is where he was drafted from and for. Still don't understand why they are keeping him at Guard. My thought last year was they were trying to work with him on his footwork and putting him at Guard gave him a chance to work on speed. Another reason I think Williams will stick around, BECAUSE he was a 1st round pick and that would be a smack in the face to let him go. (Remember you have three former HC's with the team and none of them would like egg in their faces). I know Olsen was a 1st rounder but he didn't fit the scheme and was able to garner a third round pick so they were able to cut their losses. With Williams (and especially since everyone thinks the Bears OL sucks) he wouldn't get that kind of payback. I know I said a "little", my apologies. EDIT: I also meant to include that I think (IMHO) that the Bears are still waiting for a quality Guard to come available. Or even entertain the idea of the likes of Leonard Davis.

Like last year when they made it one game from returning to the Super Bowl? One more time and pay attention to the numbers. Teams are at their 80-90 man rosters right now. Soon they will be downsizing (to include the Bears) to reach their eventual goal of the 53 man roster for the regular season. Also keep in mind that right now, the Bears are in the neighborhood of $20 million in cap space (that again doesn't include the extension they "promised" Forte) and the loss of a player or two here of note ; see Taylor (?). If the team needs OLmen, they will get an OL man. You think Cutler doesn't have SOME say in how the offense runs? You think he enjoys being sacked? As much as you may dislike Martz or any of the other coaches, they aren't that stupid. They'll get the pieces in place.

I'd have to second that ^ As far as the "kitty" if the majority rules for increase I'll help too. Otherwise I'm abstaining on that call.

I'm telling you, this guy is basically a free draft pick. Only 24(?) and not properly utilized in Houston. He is going to have an AWESOME year!!! For what its worth, I also hope that Adams does well. Urlacher likes him an awful lot. In my book that is legit.

Once again...a voice of reason in the vast barren desert.

Agree....and you have to consider long term. As much as I like Taylor, like Barber MUCH more. Especially given that he is a true "change of pace" back. Taylor doesn't have "it" anymore unfortunately. Bell appears, for all intents and purposes, to be more of a Forte type back. Built similar and similar running style (from what I recall two years ago). Not sure of his pass catching but believe that could come along (doesn't UCLA run a version of West Coast?). Regardless, a player like Bell who has tons of upside needs to stay with the team. I know that the Bears will eat what they put out there for Taylor but perhaps some sort of trade can be salvaged....5th or 6th???? And who knows? Maybe Bell / Unga could be the eventual Forte / Barber?

Me too neither also. No worky. Guess I'll wait for the replay tomorrow on NFL Network.

Since I'm new just to clarify: I didn't see any players listed on the team but assume they will show up closer to draft day. And we keep one player right? I think NFO may have been Matt Millen in disguise, he liked WR's. Thanks again for the invite and looking forward to the season ahead.

I tried to check it out but couldn't. Says its "private".

Ok I'm game. I have no clue what you're talking about. And I live 40 miles(ish) from Anchorage so that would be 40 less you'd have to drive. I invite any and all to come to our Great State. Especially during the lonnnnnnggggg winter.

Yep...that would be a major reason for his weight loss. I believe his Diabetes is Type II which is also known as "adult-onset" or something. A major issue with Diabetics overall is how they metabolize glucose (sugar) in that the body has difficulty in producing insulin to break it down. One of the tried and true ways of keeping it at bay is weight management. If he looks thinner and healthy that is a great thing, not something to be concerned about. If he looks skinny (think runway model) and lethargic and no pep, then be cOncerned. I think, from what I hear, is that he is the first option and will actually do better in sports in that condition. More flexibility and mobility wOuld be a by-product which is also very good.

A little more insight to Jays thinking: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/08/11/cut...ames-last-year/ Gotta admire how someone in his position can take on the brunt of fault, as the Offensive leader and realize the great potential. He is right, all they can do is go up. Im glad to hear/ see that he has his head screwed on tight.

Regardless of the story's validity, if Knox wants to go elsewhere.. Let him go. No big loss. At this point I feel more could be gained (trade) than trying to get him to learn the system while he holds up someone else's learning. Good riddance.

Not sure if you saw my post before but any and all "insider" or front line stuff is muchly appreciated by a remotely located fan such as myself. Post on brother. And for the record I am all for the additions of the recent "former" Cowboys (Barber, Williams and Hurd) and the other team discards. I'm excited at the prospect at all if not some of them working out. Barber is my type of runner. Smash mouth through the middle !!

Actually I can say, first hand, that there was a "discussion" i was a part of some time ago that veered way off Bears football and became personal in nature. I was the one in the wrong in this instance and was in fact told to knock it off via a personal message or email by one of the Admin. When it was brought to my attention I apologized and that too was handled with professional discretion. I'll second what Mad Lith said and that the fellas here have done well and continue to do well. Thank you for your work.

"they are "unknown" for the most part, you idiot, because it is HIGHLY unlikely they will turn into very good players. the league, INCLUDING you, have passed on drafting them high or even drafting them at all because they looked the least likely to succeed because of limited talent or physical attributes." Wasn't Brady a 5th or whatever round "nobody"? Funny thing is the Bears are taking "flyers" on OTHER teams' high round picks (Okoye, Gholsten, Williams) that were graded high (by other teams) but didn't pan out. I'm ok with seeing if maybe, just maybe these guys, given a second chance, could prove their former ratings. Imagine if just one or two of them do how much better the team will be? Hell look at what a "no-name" like Idonije did playing alongside a guy like Peppers. Actually you should be worried more about what happens in about 4-5 years when players like Urlaccher, Peppers, Briggs Forte etc start to reach their shelf life...or beyond. But you must "win now" or bust so they are trying to do that. Got close last year, let's wait to see how things pan out this year first. Remember, and this bears repeating, the Bears still have around $20 mil in cap space and FOUR pre-season games to play. Let's not go 'helter skelter' just yet. :cheers

Well I'll be the odd man out and say that there must be something to what JA says. Especially with regards to Tice. Things didn't look so good starting out but PROGRESSIVELY got better. Do I like that Cutler was sacked a bunch of times in the Meadowlands? Nope. Do I like they haven't yet gotten a new lineman via FA? Nope but I ain't worried. They will IF it's needed. The team hasn't even played a game yet, not even Pre-Season and a lot of you guys are sure the team will fail. This was how many of you were last year and the team was one game from GoiNG BACK to the Super Bowl. That would've been Lovie's second appearance. I know that means little to a lot of you but I am inclined to think the big picture really isn't all that bleak.

I would LOVE to go...but a bit outta the way. Dont suppose you have a discounted airline ticket you could throw in?

Like a Marine....'once a Bear, always a Bear'. Especially if you became a "known" as a result of being associated with the team. But should they say only 27 then the Bears are still out front. And thankfully Dent wasn't inducted for his speeches...just his QB crunching.