Alaskan Grizzly

Now I think NFlingo was right after all...THIS guy is the consummate professional. Welcome to Chicago Chester. Hope you enjoy your stay!!!

So now you are a fan of Lovie's??? Ha ha....

You know this happens a lot with young players, especially with someone of Forte's caliber. It's that infamous "Sophmore slump" that so many refer to. It has many facets and symptoms but usually and commonly occurs to a player who comes out year one and does well, makes headlines then the 2nd year expectations are such that the player has a hard time meeting them especially as other teams learn more about these players. Pair that with the new found wealth and "fame" sometimes it is a little bit much for a 20 something kid to soak in all at once. From what I've seen of Forte, I wouldn't be surprised that he gets his head on straight and with the addition of a player like Taylor will realize that it is time for him do the best he can and get back to where he was two years ago. Taylor, IMHO, looks to be the exact type of player that Forte can use to better his career. Good role model and good work ethic.

Sorry but to some extent I have to side with TT. He sides with many who think the OL could use some help and others (as myself) that think the Bears could use some help in the WR dept. Although his retort nor his "voice" is the most PC (ergo childish) his opinions are still valid. He's been this way as long as I've been around and actually has gotten better the last year or so. Post on brother, just remember that kids might be watching.

Allright MadLith (and all other non-Lovie advocates), I will concede that if Lovie and Co. cannot pull it together this year and at the very least make it to the playoffs, away he (and they) go. With the additions of Peppers, Taylor, Manumaleuena (sp?), Cutler and who else??? then there is absolutely no excuse the Bears should not be contenders for the upcoming year...or for a few afterwards. This is another fantastic day in Bears history.

Atogwe would probably be a nice pickup too, especially given the monetary factor. But if for nothing else the fact the Bears are working on securing higher caliber FA's is in itself, encouraging. Guess things will be interesting this time tomorrow.

http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/...me-quickly.html This is very encouraging!!!

Everything he's done since is not too shabby, even with a shortened 2008 season. As far as making the catches, he has proven that he can do it; down the sideline, over the middle whatever. I don't think "getting more" attention would diminish his ability as it stands now. Especially when opponents have players like Aromashadu and Knox lining up on the field. Too many people to cover of varying talents.

Sounds like a deal to me. Since Olsen is so dis-enamoured with being in Chicago now that Martz is there, maybe they (AZ) would consider a straight up swap out. I don't like losing Olsen as much as the next guy but he is starting to sound like the "me-first" type that NFLingo is trying to convince me TJ is.

I don't think I misunderstood. My post originally had to do with how I would like a lot to see TJ return to the Bears and how I thought he was a "consummate professional". My thought when I considered the word "consummate" was that he was near the complete package when it came to a team player and top performer. I don't know much about his personal character (which in today's world of felons and other suspended NFL players should weigh somehow) other than I have a hard time finding where it is he "complains" about much. His actions are most definitely louder than his words, especially on the field. His leadership is more the "lead by example" rather than the screaming and rabid type similar to Ray Lewis, he continues to perform (as I mentioned earlier for the last 5 years) even as he eclipses 30, where other "greats" start to show wear. As far as mentoring...not sure I follow you there. Where have you heard he was contrary? I remember him many times during games being one of the first to pat Cedric on the back when he did well or even when he didn't. What was being said? Probably words of encouragement would be my guess. Benson was a turd...plain and simple. Was Thomas a turd when he started out, perhaps but all I know is the current (last 6 years) TJ and he seems to be a pretty good product. Maybe consummate was too strong a word, especially if you use its synonym of "perfect". How about perennial?

I will admit I was wrong about the "trade versus release" part of my original post. However, I still stand by my thought of how Jones does not deserve what he is NOT getting in a long term deal somewhere. First, I am not surprised to see "nflongo" one of the first to call me out but again this is the place to do it yes? Then to use Benson as an example of a player Jones didn't work well with is poor. How many posters on here thought Benson was a bust, how many posted pictures of him running through the hole with his eyes closed and how about TerraTor's avatar with Benson's mug shot and a quote "I have nothing to prove"? Are you kidding me? Jones made Benson out to be the bad guy? Is it possible that maybe Benson was immature and refused to listen to Jones about advice he might have dispensed and because the Bears put a premium on Benson that Jones felt himself expendable? What I think some are assuming is a disgruntled player are mistaking for a player who simply wants long term security. Ask one player who is ok with a short term deal and I'll show you a player that must have chronic injuries that has yet to start for an NFL team or is at the end of their career. As far as the New York atmosphere... http://content.usatoday.com/communities/th...e-locker-room/1 And you can go to most of their posting sites and a fair number of the Jets fans are not happy about Jones leaving. Especially with the uncertainty of Shonn Greene and the injury to Leon Washington. Sure, as Chile pointed out, the players quoted were not "fellow RB's" but who was quoted when Jones left the Bears? TJ continues to produce, especially in his early 30's where others continue to falter. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/355198-...homas-jones-now Again, I say all he wants (IMHO) is a place to stay and retire with a respectable career. Maybe San Diego is the place for him after all but I for one am still good for him to return to Chitown.

http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/jets_a...LPbOr7uPJ4GY3LI Pretty good article about how once again Thomas Jones is getting another raw deal. I would be more than OK if the Bears wanted to bring back Jones to finish out his career. He easily has another decent 3-4 years in him. They guy has only rushed for at least 1,000 yards the last 5 years (to include his last 2 for Chicago). Jones is one of those consummate professionals who I really never understood his being released from Chicago, especially since the Benson experiment never worked out.

I thought WAS was working on a deal for Campbell to BUFF for Whitner and a draft pick but the Shannahan says he wants to keep Campbell (and Portis). I think regardless of what Snyder may want to do Shannahan isn't the type that appears to go in like gangbusters and spend spend spend. He's more calculated than that. Hence why I would hesitate in calling Peppers a Redskin just yet. You did say Cutler was "stolen" from WAS so who says it can't happen again? And as far as CHI appearing cheap, I usually would tend to agree but I think it is mistaken for loyalty. The Bears staff (Angelo in particular) prides itself with resigning players before anything else. That would be one reason I disagree with signing one big name (Peppers) not necessarily being enough. I think they could do better than expected with what they have, and a few tweaks, on Defense. The attention needs to be on Offense.

Sign him up and "git 'er done"!

Yeah that confidence is blinding them to the future. Why not just offer him the contract ahead of time (or perhaps they already did and he refused) and go with someone they know can perform rather than pin hopes on a "high draft"?

Well I couldn't disagree more, especially on how the Bears might "need him". As far as the "1-2 punch", I would much rather go with someone younger and more durable to fill that role, possbly Bell??? The part of his "pass protection" abilities in and of itself negates the Bears looking his way as he was "...over-used" in Philadelphia. I mean, how effective could he be as a pass protector if he is as worn down or "over used" as you suggest? Naw thanks. Again I will say; great guy and player but not what the Bears need.

If Sproles became available, at a reasonale amount, then he would be a good option. What the heck is San Diego up to? Who are they gonna have at RB next year? As far as Westbrook, no thanks. Like I said earlier, he is a great guy but really can't contribute especially given his injury history. I do find it ironic that some would consider Westbrook, with his injuries and being a more "seasoned" vet but when players like Holt (older vet) and Boldin ("injury-prone") are mentioned they are both dismissed for the same reasons. Hmm....

In case you didn't hear, or know it was coming, Brian Westbrook was released (?) earlier today from the Philadelphia Eagles. Link.... http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/sp..._Westbrook.html Weird thing I saw on NFL Network was something about how his release wouldn't go into effect until start of the next season(?). Don't understand. Is that so he can retire or something? And no this is not a post to advocate the Bears try and sign him. He's a great guy but not needed, just like LT.

Would the same hold true if Cutler had been injured at the beginning of the season, unable to play for the remainder of the year? In order to bomb I would think that he would have had to had the chance, as did Pace, to play the full year and not really show any contribution. The fact that he fell injured twice, I might add, doesn't really constitute utter failure as you suggest. Instead, if he were to return to the field this year and not do anything or fall injured again, then maybe I would cast the light of failure upon him. Or that he has considerably bad luck. However, based upon not only his past but his desire to do well for the Bears, I feel he has not yet "bombed".

Remember we are in the "silly season" of the NFL.... This article in relation to the Ruskell hiring and the possible acquisition of???? http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/archives/194687.asp

You forgot about Tinoisomoa. Hasn't bombed but still undetermined.... Holt would still be able to contribute in other ways, not necessarily as just a receiver. Think on the field coach. By the by, no thanks on Bulger. Good kid but the Bears don't need him. I think Hanie is suitable. He reminds me a lot of Orton.

One VERY good reason why Holt would be a good addition to the Bears roster. I don't think that it would need to be any longer than one year so that he could "help" out and nurture the youngsters. Do it.

I think it's getting close to the time to put this horse to rest. It looks as though the more we disagree, the more we actually agree. Oddly enough....and hence why I elimintated the first half of the reply. We are at an impasse with most of those points it would appear. Our agreement was to the statment you made of "developing young players" and that you were good with that. We differ in that I feel it possible to do this with some of the folks on OL, DL and Safety where you think it possible only with WR. I see and understand what it is you have written, and appreciate it all. Again, this was to start another perspective look at if we are collectively acceptable to the idea of developing talent at the WR position then why don't we afford that to the positions that most are concerned with? That being DL, OL and FS. It seems silly to overlook the possible talent in the pool and cast the line elsewhere and catching another unknown especially at 3rd round. But then again a fair number here don't think the coaching staff does all that good at judging players and properly placing them. However, that is another discussion entirely.

Your writing suggests tha I am here to just start trouble, when in fact, as I stated before all I'm doing is trying to stimulate conversation. I DO BELIEVE a lot of what I am writing and BELIEVE that many "unknown" players can become "known" as you have indicated that you believe the WR's on the staff have done. With Idonije, who signed on with the Bears in '04 I would still consider him a raw talent in that he hasn't been developed to his potential. Watching him play, especially these last few years, he appears to be steadily improving. On Brown I am not sure what your exact problem with him is. Getting "about 6 sacks" is pretty good, better than none. And then as if to prove your point of how bad he is you state "he is a solid all around DE". Again, what else do you need? Good question, if the current players (all included) that are on the roster are not the answer, what is the solution? For the most part we agree on this aspect except for "they are all SS". The only listing the team roster has them is as S not FS or SS. And, as you mentioned earlier, the Tampa 2 is designed for more a two FS system (coverage and much rotation or movement) which again, Steltz handled ok toward the end of the season and Afalava earlier in the season. the part we do agree on is having a player like Rhodes join the team. Again, we agree on something. On the Bears lineup in 2-3 years from now I could envision (from L-R); Williams, Beekman, Kreutz*, Garza, Shaffer-maybe. *With Kreutz I differ from your perspective that he is at the end or his career. Nearer than when he started, yes but not AT the end. Just for "oops and giggles" some other Centers out there: Kevin Mawae (Tenn) drafted in 1994 age 39, Jeff Saturday (Ind) drafted in 1998 age 34, Kreutz drafted 1998 age 32 and Shaun Ohara (NYG) drafted in 2000 age 32. Of the other three I listed I would be interested in your perspective on how faded they might be considering you have a player like 2,000 yard rusher Chris Johnson in Tennessee, Peyton Manning (who can stand around all day) in Indianapolis and the likes of Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Eli Manning in NY. I think Kreutz easily has another 3-4 years left in him. When was that again? Preseason? You almost contradict your own thought in that you earlier state that you have concerns with the Bears developing (or allowing to develop) 6th and 7th round picks along the OL but then are OK with a 5th rounder doing so. Again, and most of the point of this whole "debate" is why can't the same opportunity be afforded for these other young players?

Again, about the WR staff. I am not at all sold completely on Hester as one let alone in "up" category. Otherwise, fair assessment. Kreutz still has it and if he doesn't then Beekman is noted as both G/C if really need be. Why don't you mention any of the others on the roster? Probably because they are "unknown". Can't really appraise what you haven't seen, I understand. FS: Not true. Please refer to earlier reference. And as far as SS: same there. As I mentioned earlier, I will go with the team needing more depth only because there is a small number of safeties listed. I think someone mentioned that FS Kerry Rhodes (currently of the NYJ) could be had for the right deal. The more I look at it, the more I like it.