Alaskan Grizzly

Put me down on the "crazy" list. I for one don't want Martz in Chicago...any way shape or form. He is WAY too pass happy for what the Bears are accustomed to and I think he is angling for an HC job anyhow. Also hear that he is a bit of an egomaniac. Secondly, as much as I like Shanahan, he will not go anywhere, let alone Chicago, to be an assistant or OC. He is way too talented for that. I am pretty certain that the Broncos are going to regret letting him go. As far as the above quotes and rebuttal. My overall response would be best served in saying that regardless of what you think the Bears need to do, they can't and shouldn't . They are not a high tech long ball team. Think back in '85 when the Bears won the SB. McMahon was able to occasionally throw the long ball (see Gault and McKinnon) but the majority of the Bears offense was grind it out on the ground (Payton, Suhey and Fridge...tounge in cheek). Obviously the Defense dominated and most of the stars that year were there. The Bears are the oldest franchise in the NFL. Call me a softie for history but over the decades that the Bears have been in existence that is their niche in the NFL. Their storied history; longest rivalry with GB and their slew of dominant defenses and RB's, is what has made them who they are. Opposing teams may not so much be intimidated by the team that is on the field when they go to Chicago as they are the lore and history involved. Reinventing the wheel in Chicago and trying to become a pass happy offense oriented team just won't work. Chicago's elements alone won't allow that. I ask since someone cited Crowton as an OC in the past that did good for Chicago, where is he now? I don't think he ever became an HC that I am aware of.

Heck...what if Shanahan were to come to Chicago in 2010 and then bring Cutler with him? Now that would be sweet!!!

I totally agree with that. Chicago is not a pass oriented team, never has and never will. Forte appears to be what they need as the major factor in the running game. Now what Chicago needs is a good QB that can manage the game and occasionally throw the long ball. This only to keep the Defense on its heels. Does Chicago have who it needs in Orton? I think so, but some work on the long pass and I think things will be OK in that category. Secondly to having that type of QB, Chicago needs about 2-3 possession type receivers. The ones that can play the slot position without worrying about going over the middle and being able to make something out of short situation passes. I am not really a big fan of the West Coast Offense but something along those lines is what Chicago needs to stick with. That and continue the hurry up style Offense. Orton seemed to thrive with that set-up but for some reason they went away from it later in the year. I think the Bears are on the right track with doing the two TE alignment but again need those WR's as mentioned before. Bring in Marinelli for the D and I still think the Bears need to look for a new OC out of the College ranks. Someone with new ideas and is keen on the things mentioned above. They really aren't that far off. Just a few minor adjustments and this time next year we will be looking forward the upcoming weekend as opposed to waiting for "next year".

So of the two above replies that you posted, which one are you behind? My contention is that the Bears should pass on Tebow as he is from Florida, which it would appear that you support in your first post, but then your reply to me is that you think he can play...period. I could give a crap, ESPECIALLY if they win the Heisman, how well the player was in College and using that as a complete judgement on their NFL capability. There are many other things to consider....Combine, aptitude and coaching and advisers when they enter the Professional world to name a few. Heck, a few on this board...to include myself, are willing to accept a QB that did nothing in College, except ride the pine, to lead the Bears. That guy being Cassel. I personally don't want the Bears to choose any QB from Florida for awhile....including Tebow.

My first pick would be either Cassel (for more money) or Boller (for less money). There is something about Boller that I think he would work out if given that second chance that he needs. On the WR line I would go with Houzsmanzadeh. I like his style of play and that he would be a good veteran presence in the locker room. And/or some deal should be made for someone like Boldin. He is a pure class act. As far as Defense goes, not sure much needs to be changed other than the Def. Coordinator.

Some other points to remember with regards to Tebow. As was already mentioned, besides Grossman coming from Florida so too did Shane Matthews, Chris Leak and Danny Weurffel (all QB's that have been on the Bears roster orignally from the University of Florida). Grossman finished runner up for the 2001 Heisman after leading the Gators to two National championships and Weurffel of course won it in 1996. That being the case....let whomever want to, to go ahead and get Tebow. I hope the Bears go with next year's version of Flacco if they draft a QB at all. Orton should stay and work on his long game before they give up on him. He has the poise and familiarity that the Bears need.

Head coaching record Cill Cowher Team Year Regular Season Post Season PIT 1992 11 5 0 .688 1st in AFC Central 0 1 .000 Lost to Buffalo Bills in AFC Divisional Game. PIT 1993 9 7 0 .563 2nd in AFC Central 0 1 .000 Lost to Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Wild-Card Game. PIT 1994 12 4 0 .750 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to San Diego Chargers in AFC Championship Game. PIT 1995 11 5 0 .688 1st in AFC Central 2 1 .667 Lost to Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. PIT 1996 10 6 0 .625 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to New England Patriots in AFC Divisional Game. PIT 1997 11 5 0 .688 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to Denver Broncos in AFC Championship Game. PIT 1998 7 9 0 .438 3rd in AFC Central - - - - PIT 1999 6 10 0 .375 4th in AFC Central - - - - PIT 2000 9 7 0 .563 3rd in AFC Central - - - - PIT 2001 13 3 0 .812 1st in AFC Central 1 1 .500 Lost to New England Patriots in AFC Championship Game. PIT 2002 10 5 1 .656 1st in AFC North 1 1 .500 Lost to Tennessee Titans in AFC Divisional Game. PIT 2003 6 10 0 .375 3rd in AFC North - - - - PIT 2004 15 1 0 .938 1st in AFC North 1 1 .500 Lost to New England Patriots in AFC Championship Game. PIT 2005 11 5 0 .688 2nd in AFC North 4 0 1.000 Super Bowl XL Champions. PIT 2006 8 8 0 .500 3rd in AFC North - - - - PIT Total 149 90 1 .623 12 9 .571 Total[10] 149 90 1 .623 12 9 .571 Lovie Smith Team Year Regular Season Post Season CHI 2004 5 11 0 .312 4th in NFC North - - - - CHI 2005 11 5 0 .688 1st in NFC North 0 1 .000 Lost to Carolina in Divisional Round CHI 2006 13 3 0 .812 1st in NFC North 2 1 .666 Defeated Seattle in Divisional Playoff Defeated New Orleans in Conference Final Lost to Indianapolis in Super Bowl XLI CHI 2007 7 9 0 .437 4th in NFC North - - - - CHI 2008 9 6 0 .600 'Season in progress' ' - - - - Total 45 34 0 .570 2 2 .500 Overall Total 47 36 0 .566 Now imagine if the Pittsburgh folks had given up in '98, would they have gotten that second Super Bowl appearance? Let alone win it? I am sure this post will spark some debate but that is good. I still think keep Lovie and look out Houston.

Same to you and yours and everyone else.

The answer is that Chad "Ocho Cinco" is all about himself. He is a decent, not spectacular, WR with a lot of need for attention. He has no place on the Bears. He would be like T.O. is for Dallas...unnecessary drama. There are many other classy receivers out there that could be had for much less....headache and money. This wanting to fire Lovie thing is just plain ridiculous. He just re-signed a new contract and face it, the team has a winning record, again. What he needs to do is search out some better folks for the role of OC and DC. I mean really, how far is this team from going to the Super Bowl again? The wanting of Cowher as HC is almost as ridiculous as wanting Lovie to go. They have comparable records to this point. So what if Lovie is not a fired up smash mouth guy...apparantly he is doing something right. The speculation that he has "lost the team" is just that...speculation. I say again, the Bears have a winning record and I say, keep Lovie. Lastly, sign Cassel. Is there a possibility this would happen? I would certainly hope so. The Bears would look pretty fine with Cassel as #1, Orton as #2 and Hanie #3 (or vice versa for the last two). LOOK AT THAT...Me thinks he is onto something.

Totally and unconditionally agree. There are way too many that are willing to blame Lovie for all that ails the Bears. I have said and still say that Turner needs to go. He has not been able to do much with what he has. Lovie was hired with the understanding that he is a Defensive minded coach. The Bears are going to end up with another winning record...like it or not. Kinda hard to disapprove of that result and find someone else better. I think if someone, offensive minded, were brought in from the college ranks then things could turn around on the Offensive side. Who??? I admit I don't know who, but again someone who is offensively aggressive and will get away from that stinkin' dink and dunk West Coast Offense. That being said....Will the McCaskey's go out and pay top dollar for someone like Cassel? He knows cold weather and will be available next year. My concern is instead, they (The Bears), will go for someone like Culpepper or McNabb. Lastly and regarding Offensive talent. Something tells me that when Grossman goes to his new team...wherever that may be...and if he gets a decent Offensive Coordinator that gets into his mind and helps him stop flinching....watch out. I predict Grossman will be Pro Bowl bound if all this comes to fruition.

I really hate to say it but....I told you so. The Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance. Especially when he had that mysterious "rib" injury back during the preseason (or whatever). He is only going to decline. His value was at an optimum then and is since....lost.

I really hate to say it but....I told you so. The Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance. Especially when he had that mysterious "rib" injury back during the preseason (or whatever). He is only going to decline. His value was at an optimum then and is since....lost.

As it turns out...you are right. As much as it pains me to agree with that statement. In the meantime, good luck to you guys in Chitown...and those of you in California with your own mess. Happy Holidays.

Some time back, I gave a quick "first hand" (me being from Alaska) perspective of Governor Palin and the full story of Troopergate and other news tidbits. Now, those of you in Illinois have a bit of a story your own with your Governor Blagojevich. So is this something that has been getting local attention for some time? I recall some of you expressing frustration with Obama when he was in the State Senate. I am curious what some of you may know, if anything more about this story. As Paul Harvey used to say..."And now you know, the rest of the story."

Each week there seems to be someone else to blame...especially when the losses start to roll on. A few weeks ago it was Urlacher because he was disgruntled and "embarrassing" when it came to doing interviews. Then, as always, it was Grossman (which I am not disagreeable to) when the Bears lost last week. Heck early on I said the Bears should have traded Hester when they had the chance.... And it goes on.... I agree with several in this board that say Babich should be one that needs to hit the road...he has been nothing short of bland and Turner might as well go with him. When it comes to the losses, this may actually stem the bleeding. Lovie is in it for a few more years and for good reason. If Angelo is worth his weight he will do something like a poster mentioned earlier and sit and talk with Lovie about what he wants to get done as well, to include excusing Turner and Babich and bring is fresh minds. Maybe even have Lovie start calling the D if they can find someone Offense oriented. At this point trying to rebuild would really be detrimental. It is really obvious that the players could benefit from a more rigorous training regimen. The D is especially looking more and more lackluster as the season progreses. It almost looks like they (players) are watching game film and thats it. Urlacher and Brown are about the only two that look like they care, others (Graham, Manning and Payne for example) are too young or not disciplined enough to know the difference. There are a lot of issues that need fixing but starting over is not the answer. Heck, the Bears are still tied for the lead in the NFC North.

Count me in. I don't get this "Fire Lovie" thing going around. Just doesn't make ANY sense at all. Especially when you compare him to Cowher. Cowher's record and Lovie's record to this point are VERY similar. Cowher went to 2 Super Bowls (lost one/won one). So far Lovie is on course to have a similar schedule. Look, he came into Chicago and said he would do three things: #1 Beat Green Bay...did it a few times now, #2 Win the NFC North - check..and then some #3 Go to the Super Bowl - again accomplished So now all he would need to do is win the Super Bowl in order to gain the recognition that you apparently think he is lacking. I really don't think that Lovie is being given a fair shake in the deal. I agree that Babich should go...regardless and most definitely Turner. Both have overstayed their welcome. I do think that Lovie still has what it takes.

My vote is on Hanie playing. I was ready to see him before the 2nd half started. My wife says that she would even like to see Urlacher play QB at this point. Not much of a passing game, but the Bears were never really known for their passing eh?

Eegads...are you crazy? This guy cries about allegedly being spit on by someone from Nebraska. Boo hoo... he would never make it in Chicago with that type of moxie. Especially after he throws his first INT. "Boo hoo, the fans don't like me". I see Cedric Benson in this one. Really, it is way to early to decide on what the Bears need to do with QB. Still 11 games to go. Orton and the Bears are winning, there are FA's to consider and what about injuries etc that take place between now and then? Let alone what could happen in the off season. Like Lovie, continue to give Kyle the chance he deserves.

Continuing with the original thread, please do watch the debates. Especially the one coming up on Thursday. Palin vs. Biden. Should be entertaining. I don't suppose you would be interested in a job as Vice President?

I still say Flacco. As much as I really do like Forte, he is exceptional, I think having Flacco would be better down the road. Things now are starting to work out for the better; I didn't necessarily believe that Orton could bail the Bears out but knew he was a decent QB...just not the solution. In fact, I was watching Orton and wondered since he seems to be improving is it because he is now getting 1st team "reps" and therein forced to practice more? I think he has untapped potential and is definitely showing more and more improvement. In that line of thinking what of the potential of Hanie? Could he be the QB they need in the long run??

I too like this "hurry up" offense displayed by the Bears. Especially since Orton has decided because he wears #18 that he too can call audibles every time. I assume that he has been given some leeway in doing this and looks like he is slowly starting to figure out opposing defenses. I really like how with Orton he is showing improvement each game. He is most definitely poised, compared to Grossman and doesn't get rattled. He knows the rush is coming but continues to look downfield. The 2 INT's were not a result of desperation but more of getting whacked as he was trying to release the ball. And, he is working on the long ball too. They are starting to look like lazers and going longer than 20 yards. I knew this kid would work out ok.

Was it you??? I thought it was Bradjock, that predicted earlier this week the Bears would win because he wouldn't be able to watch the game. Sounds like you need to stop watching alltogether for the rest of the year. Good job fellas!! Couple of "easier" games these next couple of weeks to work on technique and keeping the lead. And get back those that got hurt tonight. Again, congrats and rest up.

Wouldn't it be nice??? Bears 1985 I especially like the Payton part in the middle...truly poetry in motion and the part when Covert is planting LT. The Bears of 2008 could so much be like these guys. Singletary = Urlacher Wilson = Briggs Dent = Ogunleye/A. Brown McMichael = Dvoracek Fencik = M. Brown Frazier = Tillman Suhey = McKie Hilgenburg = Kreutz Butler = Gould McMahon = Orton (a bit of a stretch??) Payton = Forte (I know, a REAL stretch and blasphemy..but similar no?) The others the 2008 team needs; Hampton, Gault, Van Horne, Covert, Marshall, Bortz, Perry, Thayer and especially Ditka. A swift kick wouldn't hurt either. C'mon guys, let's put the Eagles out this weekend. Play up and keep the lead!!!

You are right in some regards but off base in others. With McCain, my opinion of him is that after he lost the bid in 2000 he basically became a lap dog for the Republicans (see Rove/Cheney) and is obviously much more "tempered" than when he was a true Maverick. As far as picking Palin as the "exciting" factor for his ticket, so yes she is exciting but what about the long run? What makes her inexperience more exciting than Obama's inexperience? If she is so "down home" why is Obama not? If people look at the things she says IE: Russia is not THAT close to us here in Alaska and other topics "Bridge to Nowhere" a lot of what she says is smoke and mirrors. The newness will wear off and then those that vote Republican will see that not everything was as it seemed. Going back to my original thought why would you continue with the economical standpoint and support the McCain ticket? I like the guy too but he doesn't have any new ideas, seperate from Bush's plan, to fix the problem. Obama at least is discussing ideas and plans he has. How is the Republican way of handling the economy better than the opposition? Lastly, going back on the experience factor again. George Bush Jr came in as a Governor of Texas prior to his becoming President. Besides at one time owning the Texas Rangers, what major accomplishment could you attribute to his leadership? That he could take credit for singlehandedly? Cheney was a CEO for Halliburton (and you see what good that has been for them) after serving as Sec of Defense for GB#1 and other governmental entities before that, so he could be the grizzled old vet for which you refer. She (Palin) and McCain are falling into that "Good ol Boy" network they claim to not want to be a part of.

Yeah, it is pretty obvious (at least to me) that as long as Obama concentrates on the issues he really can't go wrong. I actually heard Karl "Satan" Rove say the other day that he thinks Palin is a flash in the pan. I agree, her appeal is wearing off as people start to figure her out. I am glad that the general American public is doing it quicker than my fellow Alaskans have and are. If you haven't been paying attention the Troopergate incident up here is being basically stalled as more and more people refuse to testify. Not all of the ones expected on Friday had subpeonas but that sounds as thought it will change this week. This is really a sad thing as Palin promised cooperation at the start but since joining McCain, nothing but interference.