Alaskan Grizzly

I'm still not sure what they did with the original Jerry Angelo but keep him, whoever you are. When I heard the Bears made a rush for Boldin...I thought I was in a bizarro world. Angelo must have had some sort of "come to Jesus moment" recently. Regardless, I still think the Bears need to take a look at Edwards and Harrison as options at WR. I would be all good with Burress but sounds like he might be in a graybar room in the next couple months. I still haven't completley given up on Boldin though either. Keep up the good work Jerry...or whoever you are.

I used to follow Nebraska and sometimes the Univ. of Tennessee in the College ranks but with yet another additon of a player from Vanderbilt, I have decided from now on...I am a loyal follower of the Commodores. In fact I have ordered a shirt and everything. Next season on Saturday I will be paying more attention to the Vandy games so that I know what caliber of players the Bears will be drafting in the future. GO COMMODORES!!!!!

Bradjock, you are making comparisons basically from apples to oranges when you compare Holt to Booker and Muhammad. Booker and Muhammad had to work with Grossman and Orton. Holt would have the opportunity to work with Cutler. That is a one BIG difference. Look what happened when Muhammad went back to Carolina. Once he got back with Delhomme, it was as if he never left. (Well ok maybe he slowed a bit). I would have gone with the injury thing being a problem too but after Lloyd came to Chicago and did pretty well, I would be willing to overlook that for a few years. The point is with Hester, Bennet and Olsen (not sure why you bring him in the equation - he's a TE) having somebody like Holt would divert attention away from the younger guys and give them time to work on their techniques and learn from a good Veteran. And make the Offense that much more potent. Besides, what else are the Bears going to spend their money on? They won't be doing anything until late in the second round anyhow? Might as well My money is still on Harrison though.

How about Marvin Harrison? I think he too would be a viable WR candidate. Out of the 4 and considering all things (character, experience, production etc) I would have to rate Holt, Burress/Harrison then Jones a VERY distant last. I would rather see the Bears draft a WR before they consider Jones. Here's to Holt coming to the Bears. If not him then make a try for Harrison.

This is the time that Angelo needs to make himself legit. What did he say early on about getting a QB??? Getting Cutler in Chicago would be a monumental event. Let's hope..... C'mon Angelo!!!!!!!

Sorry, as much as I like Holt I think the Bears would be better served to go for Marvin Harrison. Especially if they are looking for a "veteran presence".

This is a GREAT pickup. There is a great trend developing here with products from Nebraska (former Bear Mike Brown) and last year stud Zachary Bowman (who also graduated from an Alaskan High School). Bullocks is one that I didn't think of but should most definitely be a great value addition and quality player. Nice work Angelo!!!!!

My only deal would be the two parts that I highlighted in your post. That and given he is a former #1....cost.

On either of these guys. I have been out of the NFL loop lately and recently heard that Cutler has been in an on again, off again situation with his new HC McDaniels(?) and recently is in a definite off again frame of mind? And, over in Philly I hear again the rumblings of McNabb possibly entertaining the idea of going elsewhere, especially with the recent loss of Tra Thomas (and other key players before). With either of these guys as potential(s) is there a possiblity of either coming to Chicago? I hear that both would be interested if the situation arose. If I had to choose, as much as I like McNabb, I think Cutler would be the better choice of the two for the long term effect. But I know a lot of you guys are more in tuned to this stuff and could perhaps educate me a bit or perhaps thin out the kool aid a bit?

I think having a Jones in the backfield is awesome. Especially after Thomas was let go prematurely and Kevin wants to play for Chicago. He is a fantastic keep and influence. Now, I think the Bears should consider Marvin Harrison (workaholic) and Roy Williams (the Safety one). Then in the draft, the Bears should consider Mark Sanchez.

I second that "stay away from Tebow" and second to go for Sanchez early on. Otherwise my picks for "retreads" would be Kyle Boller and Jeff Garcia. If Donovan became available that would be the most logical of choices of course. Garcia has the grit to play in CHicago and I think Boller has some untapped potential.

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."