Alaskan Grizzly

Agreed wholeheartedly. When Booker was traded to Miami, I heard that he actually was very woeful and not happy about going to Miami. He really and genuinely liked being in Chicago. That is enough for me to want him in Chicago and even more for me to cheer him on and do as good as he can. He performed well and without the accolades that a lot of high profile WR's get. He is what the Bears need in leadership and setting the example.

That is good to hear for sure. I am glad he cleared waivers. He is a product of Alaska and Nebraska. Hometowns for me and my family. Welcome back Zach....

The problem appears you don't get my point. The dirty laundry is already aired IE: war in Iraq, illegal interrogation tactics, harboring ill will for countries that don't need it...etc, etc, etc. If there is a specific comment, or even action you can cite, that Obama "hates his country" then please tell me what it is. If he simply went to Germany and maybe suggested that he wanted to reverse the way International relations are handled then sorry, that is not hating your country. That is promoting your country and abilty to co-habitate this here Earth of ours. BEARS RULE!!!!

Since this seems to be the forum to be in, count me in. I live for political debate while loving the Bears. First, I have to say that the original poster and I will agree almost 100% on what he wrote. I too am more what is called a Moderate, however I always find that saying that then following up on my beliefs (and when talking to friends) I get labeled as Liberal. By the way, I am from Alaska where it is thick with Republicans....plenty of blind ones in fact. But more on that at another time. Now to talk about the above quoted remark. I find it utterly amusing that you are offended by Obama allegedly talking down about the US while in Europe, which he did not. And, since you are concerned about him "airing our dirty laundry" then maybe we should stop dirtying our laundry. Consider this, we invade a soverign nation in Iraq, depose (and eventually hang) their leader and impose upon them our form of Government. Fast forward to a few weeks ago. Russia decides to go into Georgia, help two individual cities within Georgia gain reaffiliation to the Russian government and in the process lays waste to the central part of Georgia. In response, Bush and Rice wave their collective fingers and beside saying that that's not nice, expect the Russians to simply stop what they are doing and obey us or else.... So it is ok for us to do it but noone else? As expected President Medvedev and PM Putin told the US to butt out and continued on with their operation. The Russians cited the above given example for how the US is rife with practicing double standards. And we don't have a leg to stand on. I hear too often that the solution for International opposition (Iraq, Iran, China, N Korea, Russia...and others) is to "screw 'em all" blow it all up and start over. Most times I ignore the comments as I figure it is a simpleton's way to deal with the stress invoked. But we, as Americans, need to realize we are not the only ones on the planet. If we continue on the path we are on we will become isolated and cut off. The Department of Defense needs to stop becoming the Department of Offense and return all military men and women within the borders and confines of US Territories and Allied countries. If you want to fight a war in a place like Iraq or Afghanistan then ask your congressperson to re-invoke the draft and volunteer yourself and your family to go and fight. Until then, I think Obama is on the right track and has my vote. Besides that, he likes the White Sox.

Why not blame Babich? He is the Defensive COORDINATOR and that is where the root of the Defensive problems originate. Just like the Offensive problems originate with Turner. It is Lovie's responsibility to get the best coordinators into their respective positions. If the team tanks before the season is over, then Lovie will have to make adjustments....whether that means moving/dismissing coordinators or players. Bringing in a new HC changes the whole scheme of things which equates to rebuilding. The Bears are in no need or position of having to rebuild. They went 7-9 last year. That is only 1 game from .500 and 1 more from a "winning season". The year before that was the Super Bowl. And by the way, the McCaskey's are cheap. Just look at 1986 - 88 when they single handedly dismanteled a winning team because they wouldn't pay to keep the players that got them the win in XX. Eventually Ditka was thrown to the curb as a result of all this mismanaging.

"Playoffs...wait, did he say Williams? Who the heck is Williams?" I don't know how Williams came into the discussion at all. The season was the reason for the title of the beginning thread on this one. Hence "Many calling this year a bust". And as I said before, the disagreement is about whether the season is already lost because of the lackluster play during preseason. I'm saying at the very least let the season play out, all 16 games, then talk about what major changes need to be done. What are you gonna do get a new coach next year then if he doesn't immediately take the team to the playoffs ask for him to leave? I mean really the Bears are only (so far) one season removed from the Super Bowl.

I think the disagreement is in regards to whether this season is a bust. I disagree on the part that since the season hasn't started at least give him a chance to see what he can do, as the Head Coach, then reassess. I still think giving him the opportunity to fix the coaching staff, rather than start all over, is more the approach that should be taken. As far as being able to praise or criticize him, sure you bet that is your right. Just like politicians. He is a public figure expected to receive criticism and praise alike. I just think it VERY premature to drop the axe. Since Cowher has been mentioned, there are comparisons that can be made. So far, as of today and the season not starting yet, Lovie has not had more than one consecutive losing season during his tenure. Cowher had two losing seasons back to back in 98 and 99. And even though he was able to get back to the winning ways in 2000, the Steelers didn't make the playoffs that year. Imagine if the folks in Pittsburgh (or Steeler followers) wanted to see Cowher go after that second losing season would have become? They may have never made the Super Bowl in 2005? Which, I might add was his only Super Bowl win...10 years after losing his first Super Bowl. By the by, Fisher has only been to one Super Bowl too...which they lost. IN LOVIE WE SHOULD TRUST...

Not really sure why this year is a bust since it hasn't really happened yet. Sure I know there are some things that need fixing, but I really feel that more of the asst's need to be replaced rather than Lovie. Besides Lovie, who in recent memory has taken the Bears to the Super Bowl? Unless you go back 22 years he would be it. Noone else has gotten close...save Dick Jauron (and look how things are going in Buffalo by the way). Chill out with the "axe Lovie" talk for now. Maybe he could talk to someone like Singletary to come to Chicago to take over the Defensive Coordinator job. I would be all for seeing Babich go away. The real problem with the team appears to be the Off Coordinator (Turner). Something I have noticed in recent years, it doesn't matter who is running the ball they all seem to do the same thing. Run into the back of the OLine then fall (or in Jones' case) reverse course and go around the mass. Benson - 2 / 3 steps then stop. Peterson - 2 / 3 steps then because he has a huge heart run a few more steps with people hanging on Jones - 2 / 3 steps then run around the pile Forte - 2 / 3 steps and 50% of the time, keep going. This is a product of an Offensive scheme gone awry. We all know/knew that Lovie is a Defensive mind (much like Fisher and Cowher for that matter). So why not go out and look for that up and comer that knows the Offensive game? Maybe a college head coach like Mike Leach (of Texas Tech) or Tommy Tuberville (of Auburn)? Let's not all jump off the Lovie bandwagon at once. Who knows, maybe he will manage to get to the playoffs regardless of the help he has? Guess we should let them first play the 16 scheduled games before we call it a loss.

Forget about Horn. He is a disgruntled ne'er do well and mediocre at best. I think the Bears should consider getting in on this however: ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Anquan Boldin has again made it clear to the Cardinals that he wants to be traded. Boldin, due $2.5 million this year, wants Larry Fitzgerald money. He says Ken Whisenhunt lied to him, "If you ask me, coaches should be coaches, management should be management, and I don't think those lines should be crossed." Boldin told NFL.com. Mort says Philadelphia and Dallas would get involved if the Cards made Boldin available, but that's extremely unlikely. In the end, Boldin should still produce as normal. The Bears really need to "get involved" if in fact Boldin were to become available. This guy can get it done. Get rid of a few "non-factor" receivers, hell give 'em Hester in a trade and call it good. I think that Orton will prove to be relatively solid. With Grossman disappearing on the radar screen, Hanie as #2(?) and an unknown veteran to come in for good measure. The waiver wires will be buzzing very soon.

Couldn't you at least gotten a picture where he didn't look so confused? I mean I understand that he might be...for good reason but geesh. My 2 cents on Orton being the starter.... Good for him. I think he deserves the shot. Think that the Bears should drop Grossman..as much as I hate to say it and bring in a decent backup. I do think Hanie will work out given some more playing time. Now that's more like it....

I hope I am wrong but..... CADE MCNOWN. No other player should be able to wear #8 for the Bears again.

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.