Alaskan Grizzly

I'm all for keeping Tinosomoa. The few games he did play in (Preseason included) he showed some nice speed and solid hitting and tackling ability. He is the type of player that I like; one that enjoys the team he is on and is a veteran where younger players can benefit from. That and he has the skills I mentioned before. Now, if he could just stay healthy then the Bears might have something. As mentioned before, if for some reason he weren't able to make it back then I still say the Bears need to look at signing someone like Derrick Brooks as he too has a lot of potential left. And before someone assumes incorrectly, I am not advocating for the Bears to stay with the Cover 2. Especially given the advanced age of the aforementioned players and Urlacher. In fact, what seemed to be working pretty well last Monday was more the traditional 4-3 defense. Seemed to keep Favre off balance especially early on.

Consider the source first off, Huffington Post (of hotel magnate Arianna Huffington) is a place for controversial topic speak usually in the political arena. Things probably are slow in that category so this sounded like a story to follow up on. And even if he did...so what??? Was it not all that long ago that Chicago had Iron Mike pacing the sidelines cussing, spitting, grabbing himself (and occasionally players - McMahon) throwing gum at fans etc? Chicago is the city with "broad shoulders" right? As the guys on ESPN would say, "C'mon man!!!"

My best, and uneducated, guess would be that to analyze talent in "gametime" situations. That and they are "depleted" at the CB position for the one. With Basanez, I think that since he is the #3 QB they probably need to assess what sort of trade value, if any, that he may have. Remember the Bears are going into the offseason with no picks for rounds 1 and 2. Not that he would garner that type of attention but he could be a potential cog in negotiations. I mean after all who knew Denver would be willing to accept Orton part of the Cutler deal? And the last game of the season is a good time to give someone like that (Basanez) a chance to play and showcase him.

As an advocate for not necessarily "cleaning house" I think I would actually be ok with this one. I am a fan of Lovie's but have a pretty strong suspicion that his days in Chicago are numbered. (Is it possibly I am out of touch....being in Alaska and all?). I considered drawing comparisons to what would have happened to teams like Philadelphia and Cinncinati had they expunged their coaches after not instantly returning to the Super Bowl (Philly) or at all (Cincy)? Yet in both cases Reid, who was just re-signed and Lewis, who appears on resurgence have their teams showing strong signs of life after a few minor tweaks here and there. Another thing that I am really resiliant to is that "BIG NAME" especially the money that would be involved and for what? What happens in a few years if the Bears still haven't made it to a Super Bowl or *gasp* not even a playoff game? Again, this is my arguement to keep the likes of Cowher and Shannahan at bay. And I believe it was Pix that made the case for how a lot of what ills Chicago is not the fault of Angelo. In fact he has done quite a bit for the team but the other parts of the staff has been unable to use the tools provided. Believe me a few years ago I would have been great with Angelo leaving but now am glad he did not. Then I started to think about the restructuring aspect and still keeping Lovie. I mentioned a while back that I liked the idea of Fisher or Tony Dungy coming to Chicago as the HC and thought that the Bears could leave Lovie in Chicago as the DC and maybe someone like Martz as the OC. However circumstances as they are, none of that seems plausible any longer. But with this article I have restored hope. I didn't know a lot about this Heimerdinger but with this article not only do I know more about him I now am pretty satisfied he could be exactly what the Bears need. Especially given all the roots and ties he has to Cutler and Illinois. Just seems logical and right. Besides that I just got a really nice Cutler jersey for Christmas. Apparently the shop owners where my wife picked it up, who are all from Chicago, were incredulous to the fact that I really wanted one. I will probably be wearing it on Monday night when I go into work, sans the bag on head. In the meantime....Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year. Dave

I couldn't help but see the other sub-headline regarding the players "rallying around Lovie". Will have to see about that story. Meanwhile it is good if not refreshing to see someone like Hester make a candid comment regarding what he sees is ailing the Bears. That primarily being Turner and his inabilities.

Darn, here I was envisioning Kreutz at Center with Incognito and Joe Runyan (who was a FA not long ago) on one side with Williams and Garza on the other. That one side alone would be scary for sure, if not physically then psychologically. Of course there would be about 200 yards in penalties from just the OL by itself each game but Oh well....

I can only imagine a fist fight between Kreutz and Icognito, while at the range, with Kreutz getting the broken jaw this time.

Ok 'MadLith McCaskey', my first question would be what type of contract would you be offering Shannahan? You say you are going to give him not just OC but GM too. You're talking Parcell money here which I would imagine is a bit more than Lovie is making right now. Secondly, in relation to this 'contract' how long and are there incentives? I mean i would guess he would need at least three years (maybe longer) to turn things around and implement all these changes you suggest. And considering the impatience already expressed by the fans here and out there how long do you and he have to get things on the right track? A lot of what ifs??? One being what if Cutler is lost (God forbid) for part or all the season? Is Hanie a Cutler-like QB that will fit the bill for that patch? You are talking ALOT of money in FA aquisitions alone. Don't forget 2011 is looming and the do or die CBA. Just a few questions to ponder. I'm looking forward to your reply.

First I would like to recognize the class that is Pixote. He worded my sentiments exactly in how he (ergo I) feels about the team and their performance this year. I admit at times I don't feel like walking in public after some losses but not because I am ashamed but instead it's that I just don't want to hear anyone else's comments on how they think the Bears suck etc. (Alaska is full of GB and Seattle fans). Regardless, I go out after "pouting" for a little bit and look forward to watching the Bears play next week. And if they lose again and again ... Guess i'll just keep watching again and again. If the season goes in the tank I still can't wait for next season to start. I would feel the same way if the Bears won the Super Bowl this year by the way. By the by, those of you with season tickets that would like to give or sell them to a "sucker" such as myself, I'm willing to negotiate. I guarantee you that I won't be wearing a bag. Terra Tor: The only counter I have to your rant is that in the article that was cited Urlacher was mentioned to be "fiercely loyal to Lovie Smith" so in consequence could not necessarily be calling the "team" out as much as perhaps his expressing his frustration with not being able to play. And although I don't always agree with your "rants" and what is said at least I know where your loyalties lie.

It isn't that far fetched and could happen. Just ask either Cleveland and / or Pittsburgh (depending on the angle). I mean really, the Bears didn't play that badly against the Packers the last time they met. Rodgers is prone to mucho sacks and the occasional safety ( thanks Danieal) because of his own porous line. Ne'er the less the factors RME mentioned. Mad Lith: I know you want change at the end of the season and may have missed it elsewhere but what would your solution be to fixing what ills the Bears?

Sorry but you kinda contradict yourself here. You compare both Manning and Cutler in regards to tenure (past and future) not skill. With that in mind wouldn't you want instead to cater to a QB that for all intent and purpose is the new face of the Franchise? If not just for the Offense alone?

MadLith: you make for compelling counterpoints without insult. For that, thank you. And from what I sense you read through my post about Tomlin as a bit cynical on my part. For that I thank you again. Funny thing though, I have a good friend (make that 2) that love the Steelers and when Tomlin was picked to succeed Cowher their first reply was "who" then I heard how much he sucked as a pick. Of course after last year their tunes changed. Now I would be willing to bet that they have again started to cross that line back to the negative. Pittsburgh fans are much like Bears fans; fiercely loyal, football savvy and not fickle. But...very impatient for anything less than winning. So what happens IF Smith gets the team to win out the rest of the season? The Bears are then 9-7 and above .500. Does he then deserve a reprieve? A few days ago I cited an article from the Trib where the writer noted how there is a very infrequent occurence of a Super Bowl winning coach repeating with a second team. (Funny: don't think they mentioned Ditka's inability in NO). Anyhow it didn't fare well for the likes of Cowher, Shannahan or Gruden (names I have seen mentioned here several times). In my 21 years in the military I liked to apply the "bird in the hand vs in the bush" theory. Every few years a new CO would come and go through normal rotations etc. Some good some not so. Just as you got used to one it would seem another would come along and change everything. Most times I would chafe at the idea of change then sometimes it was good. Anyhow in relation to this and going with the idea that I don't think the Bears are anywhere near having to rebuild, especially after adding a player like Cutler. I still strongly think that some philosophies need to change. Lovie believes that Chicago is a run first team (which they are, can't convince me otherwise) and surprisingly enough, Cutler does too. Not so sure Turner does or is capable of balancing Cutler into the Bears "traditional" formula. Lovie's strong suit is in Defense and there too needs to be some change but in all fairness he has lost not the team but instead key players at key positions due to injury. Angelo hasn't helped much there for sure. Babich??? Forget it, he is nothing more than wasting O2 on the sideline. So in closing I have a hard time accepting a wholesale change for many reasons. I say first let's see how the rest of this year plays out then go from there. With regards to the "Madden Curse" I agree with in that I would too have to decline the opportunity to grace the cover if I were ever in that situation.

I probably wasn't the first but I do recall making a comment about trading Hester shortly after he had some sort of knee injury (appeared to be minor) and he was sitting on the sideline pouting for some reason. I recall being frustrated with his attitude and said he needed to quit snivling and get on the field. I can't exactly recollect but it seems it was either right before or after the Bears had discussed upping his pay and some mention of a holdout had come around. My thought at the time was trade him while "the iron was hot". He hadn't yet started the morph to WR and had viable commodity. Now and a few years removed from his WOW days he is much more the "average" player. Yes the Bears do have a new X factor in Knox but I don't think Hester has the value he once had. If the Bears were lucky they might be able to swing for a third rounder or late second rounder.

I think it's a little early to be calling out Tomlin. Maybe, but a downward trend no doubt. But they can still make a wild card.. So can the Bears, in pure numbers alone and some of the "if" factor. "It ain't over till it's over.". And, they did contend with the Madden curse!. Uhm...didn't Arizona's Fitzgerald share that cover?? Overall reply, I'm just sayin'.

I like the article. Very well thought out. And me being a "traditionalist", the idea of bringing in someone like Fisher is very appealing. Although I would personally choose Weis over Heimerdinger at OC. Nevertheless something tells me unless Virginia makes a hard sell, none of this is but a pipe dream. And for all those Lovie haters out there; how about Mike Tomlin as the new HC? 1 year removed from a SB (and a win no less) and he has the Steelers at 6-6 (after a loss to the lowly Raiders and two losses to the division leading "Who Deys"). Hmmmm...

Ok MadLith... You forced my hand. I'll go C or D as that was what I meant in the first place. Thanks. I'll still stand by my original comments. Lovie Smith is the Head Coach of the Chicago Bears. And Rockford: (speaking of sore losers). How's this for positive? He (Lovie) is the Head Coach for the team you and I both love. Not you not me and on top of that, he's making millions while he's doing it. I'll say it again; Lovie Smith is the Head Coach of the Chicago Bears. Go Huskers!!!!!

I am pulled to either "B" or "C" since the question is about Lovie as a HC. If he can put aside his so called loyalties and replace some ineffective parts (Turner and Babich) then I think things will get back on track.

Simply put, Cutler is not getting the same opportunities as he did in Denver (passing, receivers or blocking). They all sorta effect the other. This I blame solely on coaching and entirely on the OC. There has been no creative thinking whatsoever. Another knock people have is about this lack of running game, normally a staple of Bears football. But in Denver, and when Shanahan was there, you could quite literally put anyone in the backfield and make them a 1000 yard back (see Peyton Hillis for proof and a FB no less). That was a result of blocking schemes and the OL makeup. They were the smalles line on average in the NFL for the longest time but were the most effective. So of the OL is "repaired" I think all the rest of the pieces will fall into place to include getting Cutler back to Pro Bowl quality, something Orton has not done. With regards to the Defense, I still believe getting Derrick Brooks back earlier in the season would have fixed alot of the problems on Defense. He knows the system and is no doubt a quality leader.

http://mobile.suntimes.com/suntimes/db_215...AGc&src=cat The article lays out many reasons why the Bears need not consider "cleaning house" just to get another coach with a Super Bowl win in their pocket. I personally grow tired of those that want to get Cowher as if you put the record of Smith and Cowher side by side it really isn't all that different. Realistically, and as Bowlingtwig and a few others mentioned, Shannahan might be the better option. Mostly due to his familiarity to Cutler. And really that is what the Bears need to concern themselves with, making Cutler better and more comfortable. Would Weis be a good OC?? Most definitely. Would he come to Chicago??? Probably not. The bottom line is none of us are either Ted Phillips, Jerry Angelo or in the McCaskey family so get used to seeing Lovie for at least another year. I for one am good with it.

To continue your thought that I highlighted, I noticed that Forte looked like he slowed way down. After that first burst of about 15-20 yards and as he began that "open field" run he couldn't keep the distance on the pursuers. If you look at the run he did at the beginning of last year against the Colts, it was really similar, in its setup, but obviously different in its outcome. I agree, there is something wrong with Forte. This style of play for Forte is more (sorry) his forte. It seems pretty obvious he can't do the "up the middle" running that Turner keeps trying, over and over and over and over..... The screen and West Coast dump offs to him (Forte) are more to his ability. Given his being the lead receiver last year, the Bears need to get back to using more of this style of play for and with Forte. It will only open up the more traditional running game as the LB's will be forced to back off more and widen out on their coverages. Lastly, keep up the "no huddle". I think Cutler is competent enough to run that style and when Orton used it last year it worked splendidly.

It doesn't help when you have guys like this on the field... HOW ABOUT THEM CALLS BOYS!?!?!?! YEEEHAAAWWW!!!

Was pondering the OL situation (probably the Achille's Heel on the Offense right now) the other day and came up with a "what if" situation. Since Pace is having a heck of a time at LT (and I know that is his "natural" position) why not switch him out with Williams? Obviously, Williams is going to eventually move back to LT, where he played in college, so why not go there now? Having Pace on the Right side would help Cutler out a bunch as when he rolls out he looks that way anyhow. And when Pace loses the leverage on the rush then Cutler can make the adjustment needed without worrying as much about the blindside rush. Which brings me to the other side. I think with Williams over on the left only good things could come from this. 1) its the way of the future anyhow, 2) he is younger and more mobile and would ultimately be better at protecting the blind side 3) did I mention that this is his "natural" side? So, thinking ahead and with Minnesota on the schedule I only think that having someone like Jarred Allen coming up (who rushes from the left) that would be one way to slow him down. Just a thought.

Geez... Like back during the preseason many of you are still reeling from that painful loss against the Bengals a few weeks back. And as a result you are ready to cash it all in and start over. First off, how about we first get through the halfway mark of THIS season before we give up all hope? I agree that Turner is probably not the solution on OC but I am not so sure about Lovie. He is running the Defense and it is improving; despite losing Urlacher, Tinoisomoa (to injuries), Mike Brown to waiver and Vasher to age...or something. Afalava and Manning are holding their own at the Safety spots and we all would have to agree that Peanut is solid where he is, although he flubs up from time to time. Bowman, when he stays healthy, is a strong and improving commodity and the DL is recovering and still showing signs of life. Moving Hillenmeyer (considering the circumstances) was a very wise choice and keeping Briggs and Roach on the S and W LB's was the better of all evils. I think the only thing lacking at this point was not bringing in Derrick Brooks. Something tells me that he would have been a great addition. On Offense. Well, I am convinced Cutler wants to win and play for Chicago. Lest we revisit the "helicopter" move he did a few weeks back against Detroit? Then against Cleveland he faced his fair share of a beating. One time almost being squashed flat by Sean Rogers and another time getting clocked on the chin by the helmet of a blitzing LB. That being said, yes there is no doubt the OL needs to collectively gets its ass in gear. Forte is inneffective in large because of that and I fear it is only a matter of time before Cutler is hurt, especially if he keeps getting "visited" by the opposing defense. Let's all remember that the Bears lost a close one to both the Packers and Falcons...on the road. (The Falcons loss was due in large part to stupid crunch time MENTAL mistakes; not physical ability or lack thereof). And I might remind you that the Bears did beat the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers; something which the Vikings did not. Next are the Cardinals (home), 49ers (road) and Eagles (home) - all winnable games. Despite what Philadelphia did last week to the Giants, Philadelphia is spotty and never consistent (like McNabb). Then after that the Bears finally meet the "mighty" Vikings. That is almost a month away (4 weeks) and a lot can happen between now and then. So let's try and keep it together and not lose all hope just yet. At 4-3 the Bears are in a lot better shape than they are given credit for.

Like Parker Bear said, the injury factor alone is one huge reason to stay away from the Wildcat. The fact that Hester and Knox are basically 1 and 2 in the WR rotation is enough cause to stay away from re-inventing the wheel. And, as Parker pointed out, its Miami where it works. Think about the weather in Miami vs Chicago (where the Bears play half their games) especially as the season transitions into the winter months. All this gadgetry is not conducive to foul weather. I think keeping the Offense to the traditional format with the occasional "trick" play is more in line with what the Bears should stick with. If the Saints, Vikings and Broncos can all go 6-0 in large part without using the Wildcat formation surely the Bears can too.

Yeah: "More Wolfe. I'm tired of Forte excuses. How does he get no holes, yet when Wolfe comes in, he finds holes? Hmm..." from your opening comments. Then later you explain by saying things like Forte is "dancing around" and that Wolfe is running "with balls" implicates that you think Forte isn't doing the best he can. My retort was to even SUGGEST he was making excuses was ridiculous. And, by the way. to use the Wildcat more often is also a ludicrous idea. Especially in Chicago. GO BEARS!!!