BearFan2000

If this is the case the flip side is that it will likely not be the starting defense for the Chiefs either. It's possible that to be fair the coaching staff may retain the starting OL for both Orton and Rex. I have a feeling the WR's will rotate throughout the game as our WR corp looks like a list of backups anyway.

I'm lucky as my local CBS station will be carrying the game. I'll be recording it on DVD with my standalone DVD recorder and also on my Mac using an HDTV tuner.

apparently Brett Favre will be reinstated tomorrow and is in camp and will compete for the starting job with Rodgers. LOL Rodgers can't catch a break. Finally gets a chance to be the man and now he has to beat out a HOF QB. "hello bench and clipboard my old friends." It's been amusing to watch this play out. Not be a conspiracy theorist but what if the "open competition" could this be just a PR move and in their minds they want Rodgers to be the starter and win that competition. However, lets say that's the case, imagine the public perception here. Wouldn't the press and the fans alike see right through that? Could they realistically convince the fans and the media that Rodgers could beat out Favre in a fair and open competition. Either way I don't really care and I find it amusing. Watching him screw with the Packers is great. If the Packers do infact have a slightly rigged "open competition" by starting Rodgers. They might get lynched. If they allow him to win it screws the plans thay had set in motion once Brett retired and he may be past the point in his career where he actually could lead them to a championship. It's put the Packers between a rock and a hard place, and I"m loving every minute of it. LOL

As we all know or at least are convinced Jerry let the wrong RB go after the 2006 Super Bowl run. Benson didn't pan out in 2007 and ended up injured. The run game was non-existent last year. In 2006 we enjoyed a 1-2 punch of Jones and Benson. IMHO Benson's only good season in chicago. Entering the Draft we had Benson, Wolfe, and AP. Not long after drafting Forte Benson is let go. Leaving us with Forte expected to be the feature back along with AP as backup and Wolfe in spot duty. Then comes the signing of Kevin Jones at a very reasonable one year deal. Let's suppose for a moment that Jones and Forte become a 1-2 punch that's as good or better than the Jones/Benson one we had in 2006 season. Jones will no doubt be looking for a more long term deal and if he proves he's back he would deserve it. The more I think about it, this could present Jerry Angelo a second chance to make the right decision and give Jones the extension and we would have a good 1-2 punch for several years. Both Backs are young and could really solidify the backfield. It may even help people forget about Jerry cutting the wrong back after the 2006 season.

I would put my money on the first scenario. I've yet to see enough from him to think of his a #1 let alone an elite #1. The league is full of dam fine #1 receivers and to consider him in the elite category at WR to me is still a stretch even for wishful thinking. I do however think he can make an impact and be a very good #2 or #3 WR. It takes guys who played the position in High School and College a few years to come into their own in the NFL Hester's first taste of WR came last year in spot duty. I just don't see him all of a sudden being one of the best in the business at a position that he's transitioning into. But if I'm wrong no humble pie would taste better.

This part of the article makes me happy about the job Jerry Angelo is doing. When you stop and think about it he's got the core of this team signed long term. That's how you build continuity and that leads to success. I have a feeling that now that all the business deals are done and all that's left now is to get out there and play football. The team collectively should have a chip on their shoulder from the way last season went down and should be focused on bouncing back and showing are better than last season's dreadful 7-9 disappointment. GO BEARS!!! BEAR DOWN!!!

I was just thinking the same thing.

So he's an accomplished WR and doesn't need more reps by attending training camp. I don't like this one at all. Yes he's probably underpaid for what he provides with ST but he's yet to prove that he can be a top WR. We all know what he brings on special teams. Holding out is not the way to go here. If he wants to be paid top WR money then he needs to earn that. He does deserve more than he's getting but I don't doubt Jerry will reward him. IMHO get your arse in camp prove you can play WR then let your agent deal with the contract negotiations.

Great news on a day that seems like everthing's gone wrong. So did he practice today? And congrats on getting married MadLithuanian.

You can tell a lot about a man by the car he drives. Camry Hybrid Prius Hybrid (aka golf cart) As for KJ and TJ being related I thought heard or read somewhere that they were cousins. Can't confirm now because I can't seen to find the article or the video.

and then... eventually we'll be watching the season opener where we go on the road and tarnish Indy's shiny new stadium by handing the Colts a loss in week 1. Man, this offseason has seemed like an eternity. Let's get this thing started. I'm starving for football. I'd even watch arena league right now just to get a fix.

exactly it's just like we weren't going to sign another RB and were happy with who we have. In the same way I think it's a smoke screen. No need to sound desperate at this point. I can see us quietly shopping around to see what's out there and who might come available due to cuts. While St. Clair and Metcalf have had playing time Josh hasn't had much opportunity so he's a question mark in my mind. If the other two put the effort forth they might work out as well. I do see us adding someone before the regular season starts.

I think I read somewhere that the deadline to report is midnight tonight. First practice is tomorrow at 3pm then I wonder how that works if he's not allowed to participate in the practice if he signs tomorrow morning as opposed to prior to midnight tonight. Or does that simply mean he has to report (show up) by midnight and would still be able to sign a contract the next morning and not miss the first practice. The only thing that bugs me is that if they were close to signing an we have some details about the length and guaranteed mony for a while now, why does it take several days from that point to find a pen and sign it. This is the 14th pick not the 4th pick If there's a hold out I'm not going to be to thrilled about that. We need him in camp from day one if he's going to be our starting LT.

Thing is didn't the article that said they were close to signing Forte also mention that they were close to signing Williams? I kind of remember reading that around that time. Though if they are giving out details I would have to think that the announcement of the signing is close. Most rookie deals are 5 years and all that's reported is that 9 mil is guaranteed. There may be other details to be hammered out before he signs. I hope it's soon as you said camp starts on Tuesday. It's now less than 2 1/2 days before camp.

Those games were gifts they didn't earn them we gave them away. Greise gave at least one of those away by being a turnover machine. I've tried to forget most of last year but if I recall the other one we lost by giving up a record amount of points in the 4th quarter. Again my memory is cloudy because I have tried to suppress the memories of last season. Looking at the schedule I came up with a similar assessment as the one Wesson has. Is it guaranteed? no, nothing's guaranteed, but if we stay healthy and field a competent offense I believe our Defense will keep us in most games and that's all you need to be in a position to pull out wins. I have a feeling we will surprise some people this year. I can see us going somewhere between 10=6 and 12-4. Hell, no one expected the Packers to do anything last year and the team was considered crappy and they amassed a 12-4 record and came within a game of the Superbowl now they are expected to be good. They earned respect by their play on the field. After last year I have no doubt that there are teams fans looking at us and saying easy win and who could blame them. I'd see the Bears as a team that peaked and then fell off the peak to their death. As a fan of this team I know that the team is better than they played last year, injuries had some to do with it but those who remained healthy played below par. One positive out of last year was as freaking ugly and hard as it was to watch the team still managed 7-9 record. In the heat of last season it seemed like we'd have record more like 4-12 or worse. We came close to finishing a horrible year at 500. Now, our goals were much much higher so that's disappointing. But there have been years where I'd have loved to see the Bears finish 7-9 as we've had our share of abysmal seasons. I have the feeling the bears will bounce back this year and return to the playoffs.

That's just asinine, What's the point of having an account if when you go to buy tickets you're treated someone who doesn't. Though it does make me feel better about not taking the time to create an account before hand and deal with yet another source of spam. The way it should work is if they want to verify that you aren't a bot ordering tickets that to access the ticket area you have to do that whole type the words you see and from that point on you have the ability to order tickets and proceed with checkout. While I was clicking "try another image" looking for one I could read and and type in I know that precious seconds are ticking away and the tickets I want are being snatched up at an alarming rate. When I finally get through I get the screen that says you're out of luck try again. And every time you try looking for tickets you have to verify you're not a bot. You shouldn't have to have a small army of people all trying to get tickets just to have a fighting chance to score some tickets. The last time I got tickets was in 2001 and I don't recall having to go through the "enter the word you see." I would venture a guess that the brokers don't even have to deal with those and I'd even go further to bet that they get early access to tickets and have a deal with Ticketmaster to allow them to get around the system. Like you If i plan on going this year I have to pay legalized scalpers, I mean brokers at least double face value for tickets. I may just stay home and watch on TV.

By the time I got through they were all gone. I had two browser windows open on to the Minny home game and one to the Detroit home game. I've had no luck getting tickets. The frustrating thing is I kept getting those checks that you have to enter the words you see. Of course I get some of the most illegible lettering possible. What a waste of time to plan on being ready to buy tickets when they go on sale. Of course the brokers have no shortage of tickets. With a four ticket per person limit only to check eBay and you can find up for auction as many as 6 seats together... go figure. True fans tend to get screwed while brokers line their pockets. Why would anyone pay $120 per seat to sit in section 444 when you know that ticket's face value is practically half that. If you were to create an account on ticketmaster would that get you past the screen where you have to type the words in? IF it weren't for that I might have gotten lucky. Instead I'm weighing the pros and cons of overpaying for tickets. what do you call a dozen brokers at the bottom of the ocean? A good start.

I admit I'm getting concerned but I also don't know the status of the top half of the draft class. Come on Jerry, Git 'r done!

This made my day when I heard it on the way home. Very good signing. This allows Peterson to be more of a special teams player which he's one of our best. complete night and day between KJ and Cbass. Signed for a cap friendly deal and gives him a chance to prove he's back healthy. It would be nice if the deal included an option for more years though, I would have to think that if he shows he's he's worth keeping Jerry will extend him. Maybe he'll wear #20 The only thing that could make me happier today is if I heard that Williams signed.

Just wondering if anyone's heard anything about Williams and if he's close to signing?

He's going to set records... as you know we get off the bus running the ball

Silly me, I forgot how bad he's got it. I mean living with the possibility that he may have to live on 22 million. I can't imagine living on 22 million. That's only 343.75 times more than I make in the same 2 year period. I manage to live on 2.9% of what Brian will make in that 2 year period. I think I could figure out how to spread 22 million out over the remaining years of my life and still live more comfortably than I do now. Yes in 2 years his NFL career may be over, that doesn't mean he won't cash in in other ways. God forbid he have to get a real job. The childish comment was referring to his dealing with the media. The timing bothers me, and if he is upset that the truth be told about his condition because it may weaken his bargaining position, then to me that's not being fully honest. And perhaps keeping it out of the media doesn't mean that he's kept it from the Bears, but we will never know what is being said behind closed doors between the Bears and Brian's agent. I understand wanting to get paid as much as you can particularly in a sport where your career can often be short. But if it is the case that of the 4 years left on his contract Urlacher feels he may only last 2 years thus forfeiting the final 2 years on the contract and the 13.5 mil that he'd get if he played the four years. And if it's for that reason that he wants it reworked so he gets paid most of his remaining contract up front. The only reason I could support this is if he realizes he likely only has 2 years left with his current physical condition and gets his deal reworked to compress the last 4 years into 2 years. If they do that, then at or during the last year of the contract they can figure out if he can play beyond that and then perhaps sign shorter contracts. But if he doesn't feel he can play for the 4 years left, be honest and upfront about it. The Bears aren't out to screw players, particularly not players of Brian's caliber. But what I don't want to see is should the Bears cave and shift most of the money from the remaining 4 years upfront and then reaching the last two years of the contract and then feels he can play out the full contract or beyond, then decides that he needs more money again because having shifted the money away from the last two years he now appears to be playing for peanuts. Besides that if the Bears bow to URL will that lead to more Bears demanding new deals? I'm not saying I don't appreciate what Brian has done for the Bears he is an amazing athlete and other than his struggles with shedding blockers at times he brings athleticism to the MLB spot that is rare. From the day he arrived he's made an impact and played a large role in the revitalizing of the Bears defense. He brings fans to the games and there's awful lot of #54 bears jersey's out there including in my closet. You could argue that his inconsistent play of late is partly his trying to figure out a way to play through the injury by adjusting his routine. Even an injury hindered Urlacher is still a good MLB. It doesn't mean he's no longer effective. Brian is reaching a point where he may no longer have the athleticism to make up for mental mistakes. One of the things that helped him early on was he was so quick and athletic he could miss read or make a mental error but make up for it with speed. Many players learn to adjust their play. Jordan comes to mind, later in his career he became more of a jump-shooter than a slasher and learned to play smarter rather than simply relying on athleticism. He could still light you up but he did so in different ways than he did when he first got to the NBA. Is it possible he's now realizing that he can't make up for blown reads or mental errors with his speed anymore?

I'm in agreement as well, one commentator put it well when he said "let the ink dry on your last contract before you start asking for more money" He was rewarded with an extension not that many years ago and now he's crying for more while he still has years left on his current contract. Does he just want a new contract because they extended Briggs? Is Mr Urlacher jealous? As nfo pointed out the timing couldn't be worse. Let's say I've been working with my company and I'd been doing really well and got rewarded with a nice salary increase. A few years go by and then I have a poor year marked by inconsistency and overall a much poorer level than the standard I'd set for myself when I got my last raise, rather than do what I need to do to show my employer that year is behind me and that I'm ready to get back to working at a higher level I tell anyone and everyone who will listen that I demand that I get more money. My boss has no reason to feel obligated to bow to my wishes and it would certainly not sit well with my employer. Not only that I would damage the moral of the team environment and I would become a bit of a cancer. Crap like this is what turns fans against their own, he has acted childish his threats and demands are irritating. He is coming off one of his worst seasons in which his team went from being in the Super Bowl to last years disappointment. His demands go against normal logic, you just signed a fat extension not that long ago and now you're wanting more after a bad season performance. Most players who ask for an extension just came off of a big year and know that is the prime time to ask for more money. Same is true for us normal people. We know that if we have been performing well and a review is coming up we have some leverage to expect an increase. Granted we don't make demands we approach it professionally and with respect. In many ways I think Urlacher has lost touch. Do your job on the field, work hard and make plays, Jerry has shown that he and the Bears will reward their own. Pressing the issue is a bit of a slap in the face especially given the timing. Personally I'd reward Hester before Brian.

Here's to everyone having safe and happy 4th of July. I'd like to take this time to all the men and women who have served and are currently serving their country for the freedoms we enjoy today. May God Bless and keep every one of you.

interesting video, it's nice to hear that he is setting the bar high and expects results. I thought he handled the questions about Benson well. I have a feeling he may surprise some people this year. As you said lost top reciever yes lost top back that's debatable yes Benson had a statistical edge but not by much did we really have a top back? lost top passer, again did we really have a top passer? three games in our offense is inept and Rex is benched, Griese comes in for the next 7 games and doesn't really look any better. Back to Grossman who looks to have improved plays fairly well, then gets hurt and Orton finishes the season and has his ups and downs. They're making it out to be more than it is. It makes for a more interesting story to the uninformed (which the experts seem to think all of us are). There's nothing to brag about being the top qb, rb, or wr in an offense that ranked 27th overall. Out of 32 teams we just sucked less than 5 other teams.