Alaskan Grizzly

http://mobile.suntimes.com/suntimes/db_215...AGc&src=cat The article lays out many reasons why the Bears need not consider "cleaning house" just to get another coach with a Super Bowl win in their pocket. I personally grow tired of those that want to get Cowher as if you put the record of Smith and Cowher side by side it really isn't all that different. Realistically, and as Bowlingtwig and a few others mentioned, Shannahan might be the better option. Mostly due to his familiarity to Cutler. And really that is what the Bears need to concern themselves with, making Cutler better and more comfortable. Would Weis be a good OC?? Most definitely. Would he come to Chicago??? Probably not. The bottom line is none of us are either Ted Phillips, Jerry Angelo or in the McCaskey family so get used to seeing Lovie for at least another year. I for one am good with it.

To continue your thought that I highlighted, I noticed that Forte looked like he slowed way down. After that first burst of about 15-20 yards and as he began that "open field" run he couldn't keep the distance on the pursuers. If you look at the run he did at the beginning of last year against the Colts, it was really similar, in its setup, but obviously different in its outcome. I agree, there is something wrong with Forte. This style of play for Forte is more (sorry) his forte. It seems pretty obvious he can't do the "up the middle" running that Turner keeps trying, over and over and over and over..... The screen and West Coast dump offs to him (Forte) are more to his ability. Given his being the lead receiver last year, the Bears need to get back to using more of this style of play for and with Forte. It will only open up the more traditional running game as the LB's will be forced to back off more and widen out on their coverages. Lastly, keep up the "no huddle". I think Cutler is competent enough to run that style and when Orton used it last year it worked splendidly.

It doesn't help when you have guys like this on the field... HOW ABOUT THEM CALLS BOYS!?!?!?! YEEEHAAAWWW!!!

Was pondering the OL situation (probably the Achille's Heel on the Offense right now) the other day and came up with a "what if" situation. Since Pace is having a heck of a time at LT (and I know that is his "natural" position) why not switch him out with Williams? Obviously, Williams is going to eventually move back to LT, where he played in college, so why not go there now? Having Pace on the Right side would help Cutler out a bunch as when he rolls out he looks that way anyhow. And when Pace loses the leverage on the rush then Cutler can make the adjustment needed without worrying as much about the blindside rush. Which brings me to the other side. I think with Williams over on the left only good things could come from this. 1) its the way of the future anyhow, 2) he is younger and more mobile and would ultimately be better at protecting the blind side 3) did I mention that this is his "natural" side? So, thinking ahead and with Minnesota on the schedule I only think that having someone like Jarred Allen coming up (who rushes from the left) that would be one way to slow him down. Just a thought.

Geez... Like back during the preseason many of you are still reeling from that painful loss against the Bengals a few weeks back. And as a result you are ready to cash it all in and start over. First off, how about we first get through the halfway mark of THIS season before we give up all hope? I agree that Turner is probably not the solution on OC but I am not so sure about Lovie. He is running the Defense and it is improving; despite losing Urlacher, Tinoisomoa (to injuries), Mike Brown to waiver and Vasher to age...or something. Afalava and Manning are holding their own at the Safety spots and we all would have to agree that Peanut is solid where he is, although he flubs up from time to time. Bowman, when he stays healthy, is a strong and improving commodity and the DL is recovering and still showing signs of life. Moving Hillenmeyer (considering the circumstances) was a very wise choice and keeping Briggs and Roach on the S and W LB's was the better of all evils. I think the only thing lacking at this point was not bringing in Derrick Brooks. Something tells me that he would have been a great addition. On Offense. Well, I am convinced Cutler wants to win and play for Chicago. Lest we revisit the "helicopter" move he did a few weeks back against Detroit? Then against Cleveland he faced his fair share of a beating. One time almost being squashed flat by Sean Rogers and another time getting clocked on the chin by the helmet of a blitzing LB. That being said, yes there is no doubt the OL needs to collectively gets its ass in gear. Forte is inneffective in large because of that and I fear it is only a matter of time before Cutler is hurt, especially if he keeps getting "visited" by the opposing defense. Let's all remember that the Bears lost a close one to both the Packers and Falcons...on the road. (The Falcons loss was due in large part to stupid crunch time MENTAL mistakes; not physical ability or lack thereof). And I might remind you that the Bears did beat the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers; something which the Vikings did not. Next are the Cardinals (home), 49ers (road) and Eagles (home) - all winnable games. Despite what Philadelphia did last week to the Giants, Philadelphia is spotty and never consistent (like McNabb). Then after that the Bears finally meet the "mighty" Vikings. That is almost a month away (4 weeks) and a lot can happen between now and then. So let's try and keep it together and not lose all hope just yet. At 4-3 the Bears are in a lot better shape than they are given credit for.

Like Parker Bear said, the injury factor alone is one huge reason to stay away from the Wildcat. The fact that Hester and Knox are basically 1 and 2 in the WR rotation is enough cause to stay away from re-inventing the wheel. And, as Parker pointed out, its Miami where it works. Think about the weather in Miami vs Chicago (where the Bears play half their games) especially as the season transitions into the winter months. All this gadgetry is not conducive to foul weather. I think keeping the Offense to the traditional format with the occasional "trick" play is more in line with what the Bears should stick with. If the Saints, Vikings and Broncos can all go 6-0 in large part without using the Wildcat formation surely the Bears can too.

Yeah: "More Wolfe. I'm tired of Forte excuses. How does he get no holes, yet when Wolfe comes in, he finds holes? Hmm..." from your opening comments. Then later you explain by saying things like Forte is "dancing around" and that Wolfe is running "with balls" implicates that you think Forte isn't doing the best he can. My retort was to even SUGGEST he was making excuses was ridiculous. And, by the way. to use the Wildcat more often is also a ludicrous idea. Especially in Chicago. GO BEARS!!!

First off, Wolfe and Forte are two totally different creatures. Wolfe is more the scat back, low to the ground "invisible" type running back (think MJD - without the beef or Darren Sproles). Forte is more an all purpose back, catch out of the backfield and built more for the long haul (think younger LT or even the Real AP without the finesse). Next, I think it best said when I was watching "Inside the NFL" the other day and heard Phil Simms explain why he thinks Cedric Benson is doing better now in Cinncinnati than he did in Chicago. His reply: "the system". Ron Turner needs to work better to Forte's talent. IMHO and in watching replays of the games, the times that Forte does the best is when he is able to swing wide and outrun the defender(s). He is duplicating a lot of what Benson did in Chicago and run into the line and stop. Last year not so much as he, Forte, caught his fair share of passes out of the backfield and converted them for long gains. I mean look at when Forte has broken off his significant gains and see that he is running off or near Tackle as opposed to up the middle. Lastly, to suggest that Forte is complaining or making excuses at all is ridiculous. I haven't heard a peep out of him while he struggles this year. When Benson was there and he kept stinking it up another new report would come in how he was detatched from the team and whined about not getting enough carries (mostly when TJ was still there). Forte is a much higher class of player and with time this year, will only get better. As soon as he overcomes this fumblitis. Keep going Matt...

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.