Alaskan Grizzly

Found this reading another thread from another site: http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=6179140 Me thinks Angelo and crew are up to something.... Gotta admire Peppers being a team player.

And I think it safe to say that anyone that comes from Oakland should get an automatic flyer. He is pretty much a 5-6 year Rookie. I agree that this would be another one that should definitely be looked at by the Bears staff.

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post...medium=referral I like the idea of versatility at a reasonable price.

Yep. In fact what I found in both my experiences in boot camp and training academies later in life were similar in the "demeanor" of the instructor. For the first few weeks it was intense drill and physical testing. This mostly served as way to weed out those that truly didn't deserve to be there or want to be there. But in either case, and after those first few weeks of intensity things started to "chill" a bit. The instructors instead seemed more human and at times like peers. (Call it the Dr Lovie / Mr Ditka effect). So yeah... It makes total sense. And as far as whether Lovie wanted the staff he has currently. Wasn't there a long tie to Marinelli as they were once roomates years ago working for Dungy in TB? And of course Lovie worked for Martz in St. Louis. And I dare say that if Martz is as arrogant as some claim he would have told Lovie to pound sand if he didn't see an opportunity to help out an old friend? Maybe not or call me sentimental. But getting Tice was that last piece of puzzle that will pay off deep in the long run.

I agree. Was going to write about this last week, as their were rumors about this happening. But after reading into it some found that he was going to cost too much. Would be a nice add but not at that price. If he could play OG... maybe.

Sure there could be an emphasis of "less accountability and responsibility" than was once before. And I am certain that if you were to ask a representative from each generation, theirs' was more responsible or had it tougher than the next. We've all heard the metaphoric "I used to have to walk to school uphill in both directions and in snow storms" (some of which was true for me ), but kids react (and to a degree adults) to how they are influenced, not so much by who. As far as being able to "inspire" people, especially professional football players I can only ask you this; how do you explain the Tom Landrys, the Bill Belichecks, the George Seiferts, the Joe Gibbs' and the Mike Shannahans'? All coaches who won multiple Super Bowls? What about Tony Dungy? These were leaders that lacked the fiery displays along the sidelines that you compare Ditka and Cowher to. And no Mad Lith, I have never worked for a country club. Just had good leaders who were able to understand the definition of humility and that they did not know all the answers. But instead understood the importance of leading by example, other than word.

I like the reasonableness of this discussion. Interestingly enough I just read an article about Lovie's extension from a self- proclaimed "non fan"'and found it, insightful: http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/62077...ion-makes-sense The article makes note of many of the observations made here and paraphrases both sides in simple terms. As has been stated here and in the article, Lovie does not appeal to everyone. He is not the "in your face" style akin to Ditka but apparently is effective enough to those that count, the players. I get that. After 20 years in the military and currently working in the public service sector, I can say I have worked for both Lovie's and Ditka's. Personally I tend to react better to the Lovies. But that's just me.

Not sure what to tell you "Lucky". Other than the fact that you are obviously a classy person with your hyperbole and assumptions. But what you suggest, through all your missives, is that this team RIGHT now, should rebuild rather than continue with what is in place. How many major changes are needed? Oline? And that is about it. What else needs replacing? RB - nope, QB - nope, WR - not redone just helped or added to, LB - nope, Dline - not really (at least not completely), safety - nope, CB - need to think to the future in the draft. But really, you're smart and "watch with your own eyes" where else is the overhaul needed? And by the way my wife is two-legged and has been the many years we have been married, thank you very much for your concern.

Amen brother!!!! And credit is needed where it's earned. Who was it that worked in bringing the first true franchsise QB in Cutler to QB starved Chicago? Who was it that brought that #1 gem (Peppers) in last years FA crop to Chicago? Jerry Angelo. He is the one that is in the position to make those decisions and convince ownership why they need to spend the coin. All said, pretty good accomplishments in my book. As you pointed out, the continuity of what Lovie and his staff offer is unmeasurable and important in getting to that next level.

Well to be fair Ditka is not HOF for being a coach. And 63-49 (Lovie's record) is not bad. It includes three NFC North championships, one visit to the Super Bowl and ALMOST a second. This and the team is on the cusp of going back. Much better record than Wanndstat... By far.

Yeah maybe a few have forgotten that the Bears were ONE GAME from returning to the Super Bowl. All this whining about wanting a Cowhe or Fisher doesn't make any sense. Percentage wise how have those two compared? How far off is this team from getting back to the big game? A lot closer than if you were to dismantle and rebuild. As the article points out Lovie is the third winnigest coach in Bears history behind Halas and Ditka. Considering the Bears extensive history, thats pretty damn good. Those of you wanting to cheer for Cowher or Fisher need to figure out which team they are MAYBE going to coach...take your "man crushes" and cheer them on. Lovie's here for another few years like it... Or not.

Welcome back Lovie!

I think it safe to say that Otogwe will not be a Bear. He's engages to Singletary's daughter? Yikes!! Talk about intimidating.

Simply put: the "need" is OL. Otherwise you got noone to throw The "want" is that potential #1 big body receiver to draw attention away from the other, very capable, receivers (Hester, Knox and Bennett). Each has their own unique skills and (the bigger positives) are young and not injury prone. Hester is not only fast but VERY elusive. Pretty good slot receiver actually. Knox has pure and raw speed. Just needs to fight more for the ball and complete his routes. And Bennett is a true clutch receiver. Lacks speed but has some pretty strong will. How many times this last year did we see, after he caught the ball, Bennett continue upfield while bouncing off defenders like a pinball then drag one or two for another yard? I'd say the core receivers are pretty good but with the "need" and "want" filled could be exceptional.

Have to say I agree with all this. Now how about that Lovie Smith Fan Club membership?

Me neither, but when you start talking bidding and prices don't think that Atogwe is worth th hassle. Or should say THAT position. And I forgot that Wright is waiting in the wings. If the team can get a good sustained year out of him, think there is a "diamond in the rough" forming.

I was just about to start a post on this and say the Bears should go after him. Until I realized, as you pointed out, that Atogwe is a Safety. (Some reason thought he was a CB). With Harris and yes Manning I think things are ok enough that the team doesn't need to spend a lot at this position. Which I am sure he will want, partly why the Rams dropped him. For now, in the secondary and IMHO, the pressing need is Tillman's eventual replacement. That and getting Jennings a few more inches in height. Still the primary #1 overall is at OL.

I'd have to side on Jason with this one. When you have someone like Burress as an example (a relative known and cheaper) against the unknown of Rice ... it's too risky. Especially, as others have pointed out, the OL is in much more need of that player that will cost more. Paying top dollar for someone like Rice is too shaky without having some measurables behind the deal. Now if you are talking of pursuing a player like Jackson, Fitzgerald, S. Holmes or even B. Edwards then maybe it would be worth the "risk" and investment involved. That all being said. I do like the idea of handicapping one of the NFC North foes by taking one of their cogs away. But if they (Bears) were to consider that for that reason alone then there is also James Jones out of Green Bay. Heck that was one of the initial reasons I was a fan of the Taylor signing last year. Still am.

For what it's worth he is basically a big body lacking the talent of pass rushing that he might have once had. I see him more like the Williams' mold of Minnesota or Grady(?) Jackson of the Falcons / Packers. Great for run stuffing but little else. He had better come at a deep discount or forgedaboudit. Have to say OL and #1 WR (big size) are still ahead of the rest.

I'm 6'4" and almost 250 and can assure you that I wouldn't stand up "to an NFL safety". Not even sure some 20 years ago when I was closer to 20 I could have. The point being that Plaxico has "been there, done that". June is a few months away and camp usually begins in earnest in July. What's to say that he couldn't get into "shape" by then? I can tell you that many didn't think Mike Williams couldn't play again, and if you ask me he still looked out of shape, but look at how well he came back. This after being on hiatus on his OWN accord. I thunk someone like Plaxico, at a lighter weight, will have something to build upon rather than the opposite. With a lighter frame he could have that leg up for speed. And with the height advantage better jump-ball ability like Plaxico of old. Bottom line, he's a bargain for a decent player. Give him a try.

I read that he was released by the Giants back in April of '09 - according to Wikipedia and to address his "weight" status. http://articles.latimes.com/2011/feb/07/sp...-nfl-20110208/2 Sounds like he is down about 20 lbs.

Agreed 100%. I don't, however, think that Taylor and Forte are "identical" backs (as was posted previous). They may have similar skill sets but in no way are they identical. For one thing they are obviously not the same size. And what Matrtz tried to do with Taylor later in the season (run up the gut) was what he tried with Forte earlier in the season. Forte is an edge runner and receives from the backfield. Taylor catches too but with his size, or lack of in this case, I think the intent was to get a change of pace mindset with Taylor. Problem being is the OL was unable to get the holes open early on. Hence Taylors lower numbers. I agree with keeping Taylor around. Especially since he's received a fair portion of his money. What's the harm? See if Unga or Bell pan out and move on from there.

Who or what is the "Beaqrs"? Sorry, just being silly.

Was just reading that Burress is due to be released in June. The article asks "how well will he perform after being away from the game after two years?". I think I might have an idea; ask Michael Vick or Mike Williams of Seattle. The article also highlighted that he has lost some weight. New York has no interest in him moneywise i believe. Could be that big receiver for relatively no cost and no strings the Bears are needing. Still leaves room for a few OLmen.

Of course we like "Tommie Harris and Johnny Knox because they are Bears". They are members of our favorite team...for now. Would most like an improvement in a player? Of course. From the Packers? Maybe not. And besides all the accolades they received, one thing should be remembered: they very nearly lost to the Bears third string QB. I saw where someone had mentioned how the Bears "lucked out" to get to where they got. Perhaps GB did too. That is if I believed in such a thing.