Alaskan Grizzly

Muhammad is right in several ways and very wrong in many others. Chicago has never been, nor ever will be, known for its Air game. "Three yards and a cloud of dust" is what the Bears have almost always prided themselves on. Look at the majority of the notable players for the Bears that were worth anything: Payton, Sayers, Anderson, Nagurski, and Grange were all RB's and a few others: Singletary, Butkus and Nagurski (again) were LB's. The fact is that the Bears are not a finesse team. They are part of the "Black and Blue" Division and it would just be weird to see anything other than that. How are you supposed to complete a 60 yard bomb play next to Lake Michigan anyhow? Speaking on his comment about the number of QB's since Favre started in 92 and that the Bears need to stick with one. If you look at that same article that was quoted at the top of this thread you will see all the Bears QB's that have started in that time. Further, if you look at the W/L category and percentage you will notice two of the top three QB's in that timeframe are still on the team. Orton #2 (.667) and Grossman #3 (.633). Also if you notice something else, Favre didn't have a similar winning percentage as Grossman or Orton until his 4th year (.688) in 1995. Overall, Favre's is only .632. I will be happy to stick with what we got as Muhammad has suggested especially given Grossman is only in year 5 (even though you can't count the first two) and Orton is on 4. Sure WR's go to Chicago to die...especially if they are on the opposing team. But as far as being a part of the actual team, I think anyone who knows their football history will know that the Bears are not that way. That is the nature of the beast. The great Bronko Nagurski

I don't want to reveal too much, since I may see some of you in our FFL that Pix set up but... generally I am a strong believer in loading (overloading some would say) in the RB position. I think there is maybe one or two WR's that stand out above the rest but for the most part they are a dime a dozen. WR's are nothing without a good QB throwing to them. RB's have to do most (not all) of the work on their own. And they pile on points faster than most other players. I would agree with what I saw Flea write some time back and go with LT as my first pick...should he be available then Adrian Peterson. However I would be hesitant on him until he went 2-3 years in row without getting a significant injury. Sleeper pick? Either Marion Barber or Thomas Jones. Why? Marion will be the feature back in Dallas now (with Julius gone and Felix Jones in now as #2). With Thomas Jones, we all know what kind of RB he can be given a decent OL, and in my opinion the Jets have potentially one of the best. And oh yeah..Brett Favre is there. That should open up their running game a little. I may even go with Forte who knows?

#91...he will not be denied. I'M COMING FOR YOU!!!!!

Funny thing Bradjock, I think Bradley might have more to prove, especially since he really hasn't done much with his 2-3 years he's been on the team. I like your (and others) analysis and agree with keeping him in the wait until he is ready to go 100%. I saw that too about losing 10 lbs. That really isn't all that much for an athlete to do, especially if he has been spending more time rehabbing and not full out working out like I assume that he has been. Should make him an that much more elusive and quick though. I really look forward to him playing for the Bears.

Anyone heard anything more about Kevin Jones? I know he was on the PUP list. So is that meaning he will be out until regular season or???? OUCH!! Bet he's glad those days are over.

Getting Quinn for Hester would be awesome. If for nothing else I would say yes, trade Hester to the highest bidder. His value is is about the best it will ever be. THere is no question Hester has talent and has scored a lot of the Bears TD's these last two seasons (probably in games the Bears would have normally lost - see Arizona in 2006). However, IMHO Hester is one injury away from being done with. Even without injury his speed will decrease and other teams will start to figure out how to stop him. Someone like Quinn could most definitely contribute over a longer span of time at a more crucial position. Someone send that idea to Angelo.

This is nothing short of a great pick up. Kevin Jones seems to be someone who really wants to play and whats more, he REALLY wants to play for the Bears. I see him in the similar category as Mike Brown in that he is going to be a fantastic influence for the younger players regardless of his health. If he is able to make it through half the year the Bears will be doing great. I was really disappointed to see Thomas go away and feel a little bit vindicated in adding someone of his (or better) caliber. This is fantastic!!! Good job Bears.. Now for the number....34 won't work but I'm sure he knew that. GOOD LUCK KEVIN!!! and welcome aboard!

I hope they can him. This is a lost cause. I cringed a few years back when I heard the analysts calling Benson the "mini-Ricky Williams". I know they meant that given his talent and abilty shown while in Texas he could have been a VERY impressive RB. However, I had hoped he would not follow in his (Williams) footsteps with his personal life as he appears to have done. Drop him, maybe Dallas would take him for a later round draft pick. Get a solid veteran RB in FA and let's get on with it. Good bye Benson!!!!

Thank you and to you and yours!!! Enjoy the Holiday and more importantly, remember why it is we have the Holiday.

Put me down.

Whoops...I meant to say...Count me in. Thanks for the opp.

First and formeost. This kid (see below) gives me reason to rethink my earlier feeling of utter dispair and think there is perhaps hope. PFW rated Hill somewhere in the 3rd - 5th round range. That is pretty good considering a majority of the "big name" QB's went during that time...or worse. http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...l042708.article Secondly, I don't think the Bears need to get a castoff this early in the year. Especially one of the seven QB's from TB. How about wait around and see what happens with Cleveland for example? They might have to make a choice this time next year (if not sooner) what they are going to have to do with either Anderson (unlikely) or Quinn (more likely). By then, the Bears will have solidified at least a 2nd and 3rd stringer on the team. And lastly, the longer the post draft analysis drones on, the more I am convinced the Bears didn't do so bad after all. "Forte is a poor man's version of Mendenhall" "All the top Offensive picks for the Bears have educational prowess" (translation: little off field issues) are things that are good to hear. Some candidates for the CHICAGO BEARS HONEYBEAR CHEERLEADERS

My first gut instinct, with the way things are right now (Urlacher, Hester and others with contract disputes...no drafted QB and the improvement of both Detroit and Minnesota) I fear a less than .500 season for 2008-09. Convince me otherwise but I feel 4-12 or 5-11 is in the cards.

As I mentioned before I would have preferred to have seen the Bears draft a skill position player vice someone like an OT in round 1. Offensive linemen don't work independently, but instead with 4 others, and shouldn't be paid as such. They can be had and gotten in later rounds (look at the list of available players and their colleges and you will see the large crop). In that line of thinking, Flacco should have been (IMVHO) the player the Bears went for in the first round. I had the same feeling about McNabb back a few years ago. But then again, I also liked Leaf better than Manning. So who knows??

Well for one, Corey Clark from Texas A&M. He is the same size and actually more regarded for his Run blocking than Williams. (Not to use a pun) But isn't that one of Chicago's forte's? There is a whole slew of 6'6" 300 lb Tackles still available and being that Tackle is not a "skill position" I don't think a lot of future hopes should be put on a position like Tackle...not enough for 1st round anhow. Besidess, whatever happened to Marc Columbo? He was a "draft day 1st round bust" for the Bears but has since gone onto a much more prestigious career in Dallas and making Pro Bowls. He spent his share of sitting on the pine. while in Bear uniform.

So, onto day 2. Jerry Angelo has proven his ineptitude at grading Offensive talent once again. I too am sorry for the wasted 2nd round pick (way better picks still available at that time). However, the Bears open with two picks in the third round. Who do you like to try and pull this thing out? At QB - Brennan, Woodson, Ainge or ??? How about at WR? It looks as though there are few Hawaii WR's still available...could that mean something??? Or how about Early Doucet??? He is still there. Speaking of "still there" and from LSU..how about Jacob Hester? He could be a FB pick and put in the backfield in tandem with Benson. That would be an interesting combo. I feel that not getting Flacco is really going to hurt the Bears in the long run. Williams maybe was a good round 1 pick but really, wouldn't any other OT do? Especially if they could be gotten in the 2nd round? Mendenhall would have been a real nice "feel good" pick (being he's a hometown hero and all) but at least he didn't end up with the Packers or Lions. Bad enough to have to face AP twice each year. Don't give up complete hope TerraTor, not just yet. On to day 2....

All I have to say is after this I hope the Bears never draft another RB from Texas (Ricky Williams being the other bust). As far as a back the Bears should look at drafting; forget about Jones (Ark) but instead check out this Mendenhall character. He is from Illinois and should hold up in the weather and seems more tough. That and Turner might have more insight on him. Looks like a future Bear RB escaping two future Packers....BEAUTIFUL!!!

As do I. We know the Bears potential as do the players on the team. Things will come along fine and with the opponents lined up for 2008...things look good. Take a look at this for a little motivation. Unfortunately some of the impact players (Ayanbadejo and Moose) are gone but the tradition is still there. http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ahf-jtoSvqA

Even though your opinion was a bit longwinded...I would have to agree. Not on everything (getting rid of Wolfe and signing Darrel Jackson) both wastes in my opinion. But after reading this opinion from Larry Mayer at Chicagobears.com "I don’t see Kevin Jones being an answer for the Bears given his serious durability issues. He tore a foot ligament near the end of the 2006 season and then ruptured his right ACL last Dec. 23. With Jim Colletto replacing Mike Martz as offensive coordinator, the Lions intend to commit more to the run—and they still released Jones. That tells me all I need to know. I think it’s safe to say that the Lions and Bears both could select a running back in the first few rounds of the draft." I would still like to see the Bears try for KJ but after some time has passed (closer to draft day) and noone else of significance had popped up. As far as the draft goes #1 - OL #2 - Flacco #3 - RB(?)

I couldn't agree more. I think having a Jones in the backfield would be superb. I would have liked to keep Thomas there and even added Julius but would be satisfied in seeing Kevin join in. He DOES have the hustle needed for that East/West running style (vice Benson's alleged ability for North/South) and has the experience to follow his blockers. However, as someone else mentioned, he is a bit of an injury risk. That would work in the Bears favor though and not needing to pay optimum price. Here are some stats...not bad... TEAM GS Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg YAC TD 2005 Detroit 13 186 664 3.6 5 20 109 5.5 5.1 0 2006 Detroit 12 181 689 3.8 6 61 520 8.5 9.9 2 2007 Detroit 13 153 581 3.8 8 33 199 6.0 6.4 0 Career (Full) 53 761 3067 4.0 24 142 1008 7.1 7.9 3 The only thing is that he too would have to change his number....

Now they (Seattle) have two halfway decent RB's through FA (Duckett being the other) and still Alexander. Probably see more of the Seahawks in the coming seasons..especially if they (Bears) make it into the playoffs with regularity!! Like they should!!! What the HECK with the Lloyd signing? I have to agree with Terra Tor on the ridiculousnous in this one. Why not hold out for someone like Fitzgerald who could become available. If not, then still hold out...geez...what a waste.

I wholeheartedly agree with the aspect of building this guy (Flacco). I think with the 6'6" and only 230 that in and of itself tells you that he has some "building" to do on his frame. That is pretty light for a guy that tall (I am 6'4" and 250 - some of which is old age settling in ). At any rate, with Grossman trying to prove himself with one year and Orton (my money is on Orton this year) given the chance to prove his worth I think someone like Flacco would most definitely prosper from the chance to hold down the bench for one maybe two years. I don't think drafting a WR is a necessity and drafting one that high will be a waste of a draft pick (instead maybe 3rd or later). The Bears have essentially brand new unprovens in Hester, Bradley, Davis and Hass. Try these guys out first before you go and hit the panic button for a WR that high up. Besides, as somebody else mentioned there could and will be other good FA WR's showing up in the coming months. The Bears need a RB (draft or FA) LONGGGG before they need a WR for sure.

Ward??? Maybe. Durability issues too me thinks. "Ward Runs and Runs and Then Limps Off " - New York Times. Dec 2, 2007 After playing the Bears by the way.

The Bears don't need someone like Hackett as he can't seem to get through the year without one or another injury. They (Bears) already have enough problems in that category...see Hass and Bradley. I think getting Bryant Johnson would be a much better choice. Still need to get a decent RB in FA (maybe Marion Barber through tough negotiations?? ) In the meantime...sign a petition for bringing Flacco to Chicago!!!! At 6'6" and 230lbs., what's not to love???