Alaskan Grizzly

No doubt. How else do you explain both Jeff Reed and Olindo Mare (both reputable kickers) missing two FG's each in the last two weeks? In either case, had those FG's gone through we could very well be looking at 0-3. The Bears collectively need to step it up. Last week the Defense looked pretty good, not so much this weekend (save Roach and Afalava). The offense appeared slow at the start but again are starting to look like things are gelling. Funny that not so many folks are saying the Bears need a veteran WR so much any more but instead a LB like Derrick Brooks or even another OL.

Take your pick: claimed CB Deangelo Smith (off waivers - 17 Sep) or LB Tim Shaw who was signed 14 Sep. *Source: Chicagobears.com I agree that Brooks definitely is worth a strong look. Especially if Hillenmeyer is out for a while.

I never really heard what his injury was other than a knee. To what extent and is there a projected return for him? I really like his addition and am anxious to see him play.

This article almost contradicts itself several times over. First she(?) is calling for more "gunslinger" type plays by Cutler then realizing that the Bears are more accustomed to the dink and dunk style of game playing...ergo conservative. As several have pointed out and most every coach prior to Lovie has realized, the Bears are and always will be known for their smash mouth style of play, both on defense and offense. The Steelers are very similar in that regard, hence the relatively low score. Neither the Bears nor they could do much with the run so the only alternative is to go pass. With Roethlisberger, he has been to and won two Super Bowls with the team he is on. So for him to throw is almost second nature. With Cutler, the guy has just moved across country to a totally new enviornment, new team and new philosophy. I admit too that he will get frustrated with the conservative play calling. (That was evident as they were driving for the game winning FG when he received a call and shook his head in reverence. The next play??? A handoff to Forte, which like before didn't work). However as Collinsworth, Phil Simms and the "Head Coach" forum pointed out. The Bears are learning what Cutler is capable of and will add more and more plays to accomodate his talents. Heck, I can't blame them for not "trusting" him after the GB mess but after proving himself in the Pittsburgh game I bet things start to get more interesting from here on out. Pair that especially with the fact that he (Cutler) is starting to see what he has in gamesmakers (Knox, Hester and Olsen) and with Seattle and Detroit next in line....watch out!!!! It can only get better. "Johnny, Devin or Greg go right there and I will get you a TD"

I kinda like the idea of Curry. But here are a few other names of interest. I see that RB Avieon Cason was released from Detroit. From the reading it is thought that he historically is a strong ST contributer. Another I saw is former Notre Dame standout and now former Bronco RB Darius Walker. There is something about him that has been missed since he came to the NFL. I personally think it is his untapped potential. Lastly and speaking of intriguing how about one hit wonder WR David Tyree? He might not be a bad option considering he comes from the Giants organization. One that was rife and bloated with young talent at WR.

Who are you talking about? If it was Hood, he was only there for a few days...not weeks. At any rate, I for one am disappointed in Hood leaving. I think he could of been a strong contributer. Best of luck to him.

Given the possibilty (or at least conspiracy type theory) that Gaines might be kept around to perform double duty as a FB is there a possibilty that since Basenez appears to be leaving that the Bears could be hoping to snag Matt Jones after all? Given his prior experience as a QB at Arkansas and his more recent discoverd ability as a WR, he could be an ideal fit to fill both roles. As much as I dislike the guy, I know many of you are fans of his. I hope I'm wrong.

I couldn't agree more. Toenia has shown a lot of drive and effort the last few years he had been on the team. I think he is due his chance at the starting rotation to get what they can out of him. There is no question in my mind that if given the chance he (Toe) will be snatched up by another team.

I'm not really sure why you are getting so worked about a guy (Hood) who hasn't been on the team for a week yet. By your reaction and accompnying reasoning, I would think Cutler wouldn't have made the team based on the first game in Buffalo. But then again a few were already predicting the Apocolypse after that game. The fact is, Hood is a pretty good (not awesome) veteran. He has been to two Super Bowls and knows the position. And like a few others here have pointed out, where and who else are these pro bowl CB's that you expect to pick up? Give the guy a chance at least another week or two before writing him off.

Why are all the receivers that are available or were "of interest" to the Bears all turd buckets? (Burress. Harrison, Marshall and Jones)? Of those four (should say three with Plax out for a few) Jones just concerns me the most. I don't care how good some of you think he is, I don't care. Stay with what the Bears have before going anywhere near this guy.

You have got to be kidding right? Why couldn't he (Favre) just stand there and delay Wilson's response? You yourself stated that Wilson was slow in his pursuit so all Favre had to do was get in the way. He instead went right for the knees. This is just plain cheap and inexcusable. Especially from a 14(?) year veteran and one who claimed to have a cracked rib. What a major turd he has become.

What the??? That would be insulting. I think Angelo finally figured it out by going for Cutler, bringing in Pace and Tinoisomoa and trying for Boldin. To completley go crazy and try something like this would be just that, crazy. McCown brings nothing the Bears need. Hanie, IMHO, is a more than adequate and capable backup. Basanez is fine at 3rd. If anything, I hope they (management) still are considering someone of veteran status to come and join the team as a WR prior to the start of the season.

At this point I am of the opinion that the Bears are waiting until after the final cut day to see who becomes available from other teams. Is it possible that Curtis could be one of those available in that timeframe? If so, he could be gotten for a lot less than a draft pick or two. I used to be good on the idea of bringing in Marvin Harrison but the more I read about him the less I like. So at this point my personal #1 choice would be Marshall then maybe someone like Lewis.

I completly agree with this one. I think he would be a perfect fit for the Offense. And in the perfect position to tutor all the young WR's on the team. I've been saying it for a long time but don't hear yay or ney either way. What I do see is a lot of want for Matt Jones and that just floors me. He is crap. No character and limited skills.

As far as Matt Jones. Forget it. He's a punk. The Bears don't need someone like that. How about someone more centered and more a consumate professional ala Marvin Harrison? Heck I would be more inclined to go with Burress but think he is going to be residing elsewhere this year. With regards to Cutler throwing to and preferring "large recievers" how can you say that when he (Cutler) was throwing to the likes of Eddie Royal (5'10" 180#) and Brandon Stokley (6' 0" 192#) and they both had pretty decent years? Marshall didn't carry the team last year although he did have a decent year. Maybe he would still like to be traded, although he too has his issues. Like I said before, its time to relax and enjoy the Preseason.

Man you would think the Apocolypse is upon us. I agree that Hester appeared to be his (Cutler's) main target but heck he only threw a total of 10 passes. Admittedly that INT looked a little reminiscent of Grossman but I think that was more the combination of Cutler and Hester learning how each other play in game situations and Cutler realizing that it is only Preseason. He's a smart kid and much better under pressure. And besides, as some have already mentioned, Olsen wasn't in nor was Forte. I think things would have been a little different if both those guys played as the defense would have had to key differently. Anyhow, let's not panic just yet. This is only the first of FOUR preseason games before the season starts. Lots of time to get the kinks worked out.

HEY!! When it comes to "signing", all that matters is that he signed on the dotted line back on April 2nd. Other than that....oh well.

What happened to Marvin Harrison?? Why isn't he someone that the Bears are considering and not on the list??? Call me crazy...something about Ashley Lelie strikes me as intriguing. Sounds as though he could be headed to Pittsburgh. As far as where the true attempt should be.....Anquan Boldin. Hands down. I hope the Bears make a re-attempt for this guy.

What happened to Marvin Harrison?? Why isn't he someone that the Bears are considering and not on the list??? Call me crazy...something about Ashley Lelie strikes me as intriguing. Sounds as though he could be headed to Pittsburgh.

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".