DABEARSDABOMB

Mike Brown had two interceptions today, one off of Sexy Rexy and the other off of Brian Griese

Obviously he wasn't going to be a major player, but I'm never a fan of injuries and I thought this was worth noting.

This is just an interesting tidbit I caught on another forum. I have no problem with it since I think the negotiations could be distracting. However, I wouldn't be against having a window, say a week or two during camp to get something done otherwise the two sides agree to put it to to bed until the off-season. At that point we can work something out quick or franchise him or let him go I guess (I hope to hell we franchise him; we are in a good cap position so we might as well take care of one of our key players; of course this assumes he continues to play well and stays healthy). However, if JA isn't talking to Rosenhaus about Briggs, than what was he there for. Was he there to talk about the Jones situation or just there checking in with his clients (Ogunleye, Briggs, Jones are the 3 I know of on the Bears). This is just speculation, but could he have been there to talk about JOnes to the Broncos'. I can't see a deal happening without us getting a back in return, but I do believe Lelie would be a good fit (assuming Lelie wants to come here).

I guess Jones was on the score talking about this incident, here is a bit of a transcript from the chat: He said he injured his hammy this morning when running (I believe as part of the physical). He said he likely didn't stretch enough prior to running. He said it was no big deal, that he only "tweaked" it, and would be day to day. He was asked about not working out with the team, and said he has his own trainer, and that he already knows and has chemistry with the team, as well as knows the system, so he didn't feel he needed to workout with the team. The interviewer also mentioned him seeking a trade and while he didn't say yes or no, he did say he enjoyed being a member of the Bears and playing with these guys (his teammates).

Bell is a pretty darn solid back but I guess the Broncos have concerns about his durability over the course of a full season with him getting the bulk of the carries. And I highly doubt we could get that sort of package, but I don't see any reason to trade Jones (unless he becomes a bigger distraction) unless the move would significantly upgrade the team. I would think Lelie would like coming to the Bears cause he'd get a good chance to shine, but at the same time he is probably also demanding a raise and an extension and I don't know if JA would be willing to pony up the dough, especially with him thinking so highly of Bradley/Berrian (I think JA would prefer a one year vet but I don't even think he'll do that).

Thats a good reminder, we are going to have to update our tag's to something that is a little more positive (more along the lines of practice squad - hall of famer).

Ya, we'd need more in that package and I'm talking draft picks. Straight up we lose that deal, especially since this team doesn't need to make a move. However, if they get a capable back in return (Tatum Bell and Lelie I'd do, otherwise draft pick and a backup so we have some depth at the position).

Briggs is saying all the right things and that was a great day of practice for Manning. I know the staff said he still has to learn a lot, especially since he's coming from DII but they have all been blown away by his instincts and athletic ability. I just hope he's smart enough on the football field.

I didn't realize Jerry Porter from the Raiders was available. I think he had some injury problems but I am a big Porter fan.

Clark kind of had an injury problem that next year I thought (hammy or something that bothers you) than came over to the Bears and had some solid seasons but injuries and fumbles got to him. He's in real good shape, has a positive attitdue and is a good blocker so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do with a legitimate offensive scheme (I'm a fan of Turner just as I didn't mind Shoop, but was the first person in the world to say how bad Shea was) and two competent QB's.

I have zero problem with this. Benson showed up, worked hard and it would be wrong to send an innapropriate message that Jones is the starter despite being a POS and not showing up to off-season workouts. This says that the coaching staff and the org won't tolerate moves like this and its a good thing because you never know when a few more players get the brilliant idea because they see something like this is tolerated. Vasher wised up quickly after being mad for about a day, Briggs seems to be wising up and if Jones doesn't want to show up he can have fun riding the bench and not playing. Without playing we'll see how easy it will be for him to find a starter's job and big money a yaer or two down the road (depending on whether we trade him and he gets an extension somewhere or if he fulfills the deal and than tries to get big bucks). Jones has trade value, but if I don't know if its the 1st or 2nd round pick that JA is reportedly looking for. A team could get deseperate though. He's still relatively young, played very strong in a conservative system and prior to this season was known as having a strong work ethic and attitude. Too bad he got really confident this year and I'm sure some of the stuff with Benson rubbed him the wrong way, but he should remember that he too was handed a starters position by the Cardinals despite a lack of production. The Bears have actually made Benson earn things and Jones is lucky of that otherwise he wouldn't have had that many careers last year. Still, we need him as the starter or a backup because guys get hurt in this league and its key to have depth, especially at critical positions such as RB.

Sweet stuff and welcome aboard. I know I wish I was at training camp watching this or doing something other than studying for my CPA exam. I'm definately pumped up that we are finally getting to the point where the slow long off-season that is the NFL is over and the training camp begins and pretty soon we'll have pre-season games to watch and than hopefully 16 regular season games, plus 3 or 4 playoff games

I know the team had been one of the 6 or 7 teams reportedly interested in him. I guess unlike you guys I would love to have Lelie, especially if it only took a mid round pick to get him (4th round or so). Frankly one of the things that scares me most is our depth at WR, getting Lelie would give us a guy whose been a #2 WR for a pretty good team (not saying he's been oustanding, but he's solid) and that would be a real nice thing to have considering Bradley/Berrian are both still very young and raw, not to mention they are both very injury prone. We could have both of those guys out (and thats not saying much considering there histories) and be totally screwed at WR, with Lelie in place that wouldn't be the case.

The thing that concerns me is his entire career he's been a hard worker, I have to hope that these recent contract bouts didn't get him to be lazy in the off-season. I am gonna put my faith that Jones isn't trumping up an injury but a hammy this early it could just be a precautionary measure to sit him down for an extended period of time, since if you don't let them heal they tend to be something that hampers you an entire season (just ask Urlacher what happened 2 years ago).

I've long thought Clark was as good as most of the TE's that the Bears passed up on. I'm excited to see him work out and put himself in good shape. He does fumble from time to time but he has decent hands for a TE, decent speed and is a good blocker whose capable of having a 400-500 yard receiving season which is pretty darn good for a TE.

I can't see him getting that many more carries, unless Jones or Benson miss an extended period of time. However, I got faith in Peterson as being a capable backup and next year I see him being our #2 guy with Jones being dealt.

I love it, tons of good articles and reads about the Bears. I still say the keys are health, development of our Wr's, and our oline doing its job.

I went to Platteville one year and it was a lot of fun. I was about 12 or 13 and had a blast. You watch them practice and usually a few things are going on so you have a few options and than I was able to get quite a few autographs. It was a real cool experience and well worth the 6 hr drive my dad and I took from my grandparents house in Iowa.

Its the ultimate goal and the team has the talent to get there (if they can stay healthy and have there WR's step up).

Scott has turned into a real nice draft pick. He does a good job getting pass rush, staying in his gaps, and getting up field. With Tank Johnson still recovering its extra important we have a guy like him who can continue to start (even though Johnson will get plenty of snaps as well since the coaching staff tries to kee everyone fresh). I'd also buy that he'd be a much more talked about player if he were on any other team, but on the Bears we have a lot of different guys that rotate in to go with quite a few bigger name defensive guys (or guys that are turning into bigger names).

Ya, if he dumped Rosen I think that would be a serious step in getting this thing done. However, JA has successfully negotiated with Rosenprick in the past and I for one hope he'll be able to eventually get Briggs locked up. I am real happy that Lance has realized that the contract stuff ends now and the business and on the field stuff starts now. Its a major positive and I Think it will show Angelo more about who Lance Briggs is.

Ya, he was signed as an undrafted FA shortly after the draft.

His attitude was a breath of fresh air for two years. We give the guy an opportunity and get him in an offense where he really fits well. He goes out and does good for one season (has some injury problems) and a bit better in season two and after being such a mature player he pretty much spits on the Bears. I think a lot of it has to do with Rosenhaus infiltrating his mind, but still you got to go out and be strong enough to make the right decision and remember who gave you a chance and that you still have 2 years remaining on a contract that YOU agreed to.

That type of behavior is becoming more and more common with Bears players (or so it seems we've had more guys involved in criminal activity) and I don't think it should be tolerated. I'd release him

Plus I can't get past the fact that when Brown is hurt (and he gets hurt every year now) the secondary isn't near as good. Brown really covers for Harris and other guys that are out there and when instead of Brown we have two weaker links out there than we are in trouble. I'm hoping in time Manning's speed and ability will mend that and give us tremendous depth but as of now Manning won't be capable of coming in and doing that.