CutlerToCutler
Footballguy
Regular season
Last edited by a moderator:
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
***2011 Chicago Bears Regular Season Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter CutlerToCutler
- Start date
candymanvandyfan
Footballguy
Can you believe they made it to the NFC Championship with that crew? Three new starting o-linemen are needed. A tall, tough receiver is needed. Secondary help is needed.I hate seeing an offseason thread but now is as good a time as any, I guess. Another 8 months and next season begins.Let's leave Cutler should've played stuff to a minimum. tx
Choke
Footballguy
I was having a discussion with some (Viking & Ram) friends early in the season and told him that Lovie always seems to get more out of his team then anyone ever expects. They always manage to get at least consistent play in all three phases.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Cutler's one pick was a horrible throw but it looked like Knox could've tried to knock it down. The pick by Hanie, I can't pin on Hanie or Knox. It was a 4th down throw with 1 minute left. They really had no choice at that point. Agreed about Knox, though. He never seems to go up and try to snatch the ball out of the air. If it doesn't come right to him, he drops his hands and doesn't finish the play, even when the defender has a chance at the ball too. It's also safe to say the Hester experiment is officially a failure, something most of us knew long ago. No games over 5 catches or 100 yards all season. I wish they would put that to rest and leave Hester in on punt and kick returns, but I know that won't happen at this point.
A tall, physical WR and a strong offensive lineman would help a lot. Getting 3 good offensive linemen is pretty unrealistic but putting a couple average guys out there with a solid tackle would make a huge difference. Obviously, there's much more to work on, but those are the glaring weaknesses. Except for Williams, which was a disaster from the beginning, JA refuses to draft Oline. I see no reason why that will change anytime soon either. :walls:
If we can get some Oline and WR help, we could be in fairly good shape. Hell, we made a run this year and were competitive in every game, except for New England. That's miles ahead of where I thought we would be. There's no reason to believe can't make another one with those key spots filled. Hopefully another year with Martz and Cutler together will also improve the offense. The defense should be great again. As long as we have Peppers, Urlacher and Briggs out there, we will always be in the mix. Those guys should keep us in most games by themselves. But who knows...
Anyone know the players that aren't under contract this offseason? Who we need to resign? Cap space? I guess part of that will depend upon the CBA, considering there's a season next year.
In the draft, it looks like there will be quite a few O-linemen available at the end of the first so they could make it easier. Not as many WRs expected to be drafted early, which could also make it easier for us to pick one up. I don't follow college as closely so some of you guys would be able to add a lot here.
Finally, I always dread this time of year because there really isn't any sport that I'm into as much as football, which is common among a lot of people. On the bright side, I get to spend more free time with my wife and son.
BEAR DOWN!!!
Last edited by a moderator:
boubucarow
Footballguy
swidman
Footballguy
They need more help on the offensive line than you think. If Angelo comes out of the draft without using at least one pick on an OL guy on the first day, he should be fired. If he wants Jay Cutler to remain as our QB, he has to draft one OL guy in the first three rounds and then one or two more on back end of the draft. This can not be overstated anymore than what has been seen this past season.
The next position they need to address is WR and the guy has to be a big and physical receiver. This is something that they haven't had in years. Now they may try to address this spot in FA, but they still need to draft a WR, too. And it can't be some 5th or 6th round project. It has to be a guy who can make an impact like Dez Bryant. If that means you grab the guy in round one, then take him.
On the defensive side, they need a DT. Tommie Harris isn't the guy they drafted anymore. He's a shell of that player. If they can get a guy who can play like Tommie did in his first couple of seasons, then that could help free up some of the double teams on Peppers.
Lastly, they need a new punter. :( Bring back Bob Parsons.
The next position they need to address is WR and the guy has to be a big and physical receiver. This is something that they haven't had in years. Now they may try to address this spot in FA, but they still need to draft a WR, too. And it can't be some 5th or 6th round project. It has to be a guy who can make an impact like Dez Bryant. If that means you grab the guy in round one, then take him.
On the defensive side, they need a DT. Tommie Harris isn't the guy they drafted anymore. He's a shell of that player. If they can get a guy who can play like Tommie did in his first couple of seasons, then that could help free up some of the double teams on Peppers.
Lastly, they need a new punter. :( Bring back Bob Parsons.
RBM
Footballguy
They need more help on the offensive line than you think. If Angelo comes out of the draft without using at least one pick on an OL guy on the first day, he should be fired. If he wants Jay Cutler to remain as our QB, he has to draft one OL guy in the first three rounds and then one or two more on back end of the draft. This can not be overstated anymore than what has been seen this past season.The next position they need to address is WR and the guy has to be a big and physical receiver. This is something that they haven't had in years. Now they may try to address this spot in FA, but they still need to draft a WR, too. And it can't be some 5th or 6th round project. It has to be a guy who can make an impact like Dez Bryant. If that means you grab the guy in round one, then take him. On the defensive side, they need a DT. Tommie Harris isn't the guy they drafted anymore. He's a shell of that player. If they can get a guy who can play like Tommie did in his first couple of seasons, then that could help free up some of the double teams on Peppers.Lastly, they need a new punter.Bring back Bob Parsons.
all around. I think they like their lineup of corners, but Tillman is getting up in age so maybe address that, but you are pretty much spot on here.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Overall, it looks like we're in pretty good shape here, which is good to know. No huge contracts due this offseason. We can live without Daniel Manning, since we now have Harris, Wright and Moore back there. Maynard has been a great punter for us for many years but it's time to move on. Much respect, though. Depending on the new CBA, we may be able to make some more FA moves too. Looks good to me.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Tillman still has some good years left. I thought he had maybe the best season of his career this year.They need more help on the offensive line than you think. If Angelo comes out of the draft without using at least one pick on an OL guy on the first day, he should be fired. If he wants Jay Cutler to remain as our QB, he has to draft one OL guy in the first three rounds and then one or two more on back end of the draft. This can not be overstated anymore than what has been seen this past season.The next position they need to address is WR and the guy has to be a big and physical receiver. This is something that they haven't had in years. Now they may try to address this spot in FA, but they still need to draft a WR, too. And it can't be some 5th or 6th round project. It has to be a guy who can make an impact like Dez Bryant. If that means you grab the guy in round one, then take him. On the defensive side, they need a DT. Tommie Harris isn't the guy they drafted anymore. He's a shell of that player. If they can get a guy who can play like Tommie did in his first couple of seasons, then that could help free up some of the double teams on Peppers.Lastly, they need a new punter.Bring back Bob Parsons.
boubucarow
Footballguy
My priorities:
1. Offensive Line - Need to add at least 1 tackle to at least challenge the starters and at least 1 interior lineman to do the same.
2. Wide Receiver - A quick route runner with great hands in the Wes Welker mode. Tall and tough doesn't fit Martz and Olsen is that player in the red zone. They need a chain mover.
3. Defensive Line - Add pass rushers wherever you can get them. If Urlacher and Peppers hold up, this team could be the best in the league if they can get more pressure with the front four.
4. Safety - Assuming they bring back Harris and pair him with Wright. They need a solid 3rd option if they lose Manning.
5. Punter - They need to continue to send out the best special teams unit in the league.
1. Offensive Line - Need to add at least 1 tackle to at least challenge the starters and at least 1 interior lineman to do the same.
2. Wide Receiver - A quick route runner with great hands in the Wes Welker mode. Tall and tough doesn't fit Martz and Olsen is that player in the red zone. They need a chain mover.
3. Defensive Line - Add pass rushers wherever you can get them. If Urlacher and Peppers hold up, this team could be the best in the league if they can get more pressure with the front four.
4. Safety - Assuming they bring back Harris and pair him with Wright. They need a solid 3rd option if they lose Manning.
5. Punter - They need to continue to send out the best special teams unit in the league.
Tony Jabroni
Footballguy
Second fiddle. As always.
boubucarow
Footballguy
The GM I have to agree with at this point.As far as Lovie, I hate the Cover 2 and his bend but don't break style of defense. However, it is that way because he hasn't been provided with enough pass rushers. Somebody has to get credit for getting this team deep into the playoffs twice despite a lot of mediocre talent. Yes, he has been a .500 guy otherwise. But he got to the Super Bowl choosing between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. The players swear by him and I am beginning to think he deserves another extension.
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
Doesn't matter what he does Monday - Saturday when the guy's in game skills are atrocious and all too often negate all the good that was done leading up to Sunday.
Last edited by a moderator:
Sweetcan
Footballguy
I throw up in my mouth at the thought of a Lovie contract extention. Angelo and Lovie are the strangest talent evaluators in the biz......and and I don't mean that in a good way. I have tried very hard to back both of them but I just cant do it anymore after the decision making (lovie) in this past game.
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
I sure don't want to extend Lovie right now and all signs point to that happening. He's as much to blame for Sunday's loss as anyone.
- Not having Hanie as his teams 2nd string QB
- Deferring the opening kickoff
- Not letting Gould try a 48 yard FG in the 2nd quarter
- Time Out on 3&2 in the 4th, when the clock wasn't moving, which cost the Bears a first down.
- Letting that 3&2 play be called coming out of the stupid Time Out
- Not calling a Time Out on 4th down when the 3&2 End around lost 2 yards.
He was flat out awful.
DoubleG
Footballguy
Limp Ditka said:
Lovie is one of the luckiest people in the whole Jay Cutler blow up. With everyone debating that, many have lost sight of much of the above. If the Cutler blow up hadn't happened, Lovie would be getting roasted...or at least there would more questions about who called the timeout, who called the end around with your slowest WR who hadn't played much due to injury and the lead blocker was a TE that hadn't suited up in weeks, etc.
two_dollars
Footballguy
Greg Salas please end of rd1...
mistersmith
Footballguy
not saying angelo and lovie are perfect, because they're not. and those plays in the nfc championship made me mad too.
but right now is not the best time to blow up the team.
the players love lovie. and this is not the type of team where you want to start all over and rebuild.
bring in a new coach, a new GM and you're bringing in a new philosophy, a new system to the team.
no one is perfect is this league. not even bill belichick.
if the bears listened to a lot of fans in chicago right now the starting qb would be caleb hanie.
makes me wonder if they watched the rest of the season and not just one game.
they did make it to the nfc championship this year, and to me, that deserves an extension for lovie/angelo.
but right now is not the best time to blow up the team.
the players love lovie. and this is not the type of team where you want to start all over and rebuild.
bring in a new coach, a new GM and you're bringing in a new philosophy, a new system to the team.
no one is perfect is this league. not even bill belichick.
if the bears listened to a lot of fans in chicago right now the starting qb would be caleb hanie.
makes me wonder if they watched the rest of the season and not just one game.
they did make it to the nfc championship this year, and to me, that deserves an extension for lovie/angelo.
DoubleG
Footballguy
It's not about expectations per se. If you read Limp Ditka's points about in-game decisions and play selection, these are hardly "maybe he should have done something different" or "that play wasn't that close - why the challenge flag" - these are major and obvious gaffes in judgement (except for maybe the differring question), many even obvious to casual football fans. You have your backup QB in the NFC Championship game - it's 4th and 5...you're entire season is riding on this play. So you (after calling your 2nd timeout the play before)...call your final timeout? Nope. You keep that puppy for...what???? You rush your 3rd string QB to the line and call a play without the benefit of time out to discuss things, calm him down and choose a play that might actually work.That's just one example of the many Limp Ditka pointed out.
boubucarow
Footballguy
You guys better not convince me we need to blow this thing up again. Don't do it. The Bears won't do it and I... must... stay... content... with... Lovie.
flapgreen
Footballguy
A lot of questionable moves over the last few years:
-DJ Moore and Earl Bennett inactive in their first season. Why? Were there better players on the roster? Nope
-Players with their best years after leaving the Bears. Cedric Benson, Bobby Wade, Justin Gage. ???
-Trading Chris Harris the first time.
-Signing Manuemalama to a multi-year contract. ???
-Chester Taylor. Sorry but he didn't get that bad that quick. Worst season of his career by far.
-Signing multiple players to the team that never even see the field.
-Early to mid-round draft picks that never see the field and don't even make it past their 2nd year on the team.
-Never draft OL and that's been the weak point on the team for years.
I'm sure there are many others but those are just a few.
-DJ Moore and Earl Bennett inactive in their first season. Why? Were there better players on the roster? Nope
-Players with their best years after leaving the Bears. Cedric Benson, Bobby Wade, Justin Gage. ???
-Trading Chris Harris the first time.
-Signing Manuemalama to a multi-year contract. ???
-Chester Taylor. Sorry but he didn't get that bad that quick. Worst season of his career by far.
-Signing multiple players to the team that never even see the field.
-Early to mid-round draft picks that never see the field and don't even make it past their 2nd year on the team.
-Never draft OL and that's been the weak point on the team for years.
I'm sure there are many others but those are just a few.
This is what I think the Bears need to address, whether in free agency or in the draft:
1. WR - the #1 criteria for a WR in the Martz system is that they have to be fast and able to catch so we'll see if any are available
2. OL - anyone they get in the FA or early rounds of the draft would be an instant upgrade to what we have now
3. CB - this is not being address.... did you see how many times the WRs burned Tim Jennings? We need another CB alongside Peanut to get our coverage down.
4. DL - Peppers is getting up their in age and probably has 1-2 years left of solid performance. Same with Idonije.
1. WR - the #1 criteria for a WR in the Martz system is that they have to be fast and able to catch so we'll see if any are available
2. OL - anyone they get in the FA or early rounds of the draft would be an instant upgrade to what we have now
3. CB - this is not being address.... did you see how many times the WRs burned Tim Jennings? We need another CB alongside Peanut to get our coverage down.
4. DL - Peppers is getting up their in age and probably has 1-2 years left of solid performance. Same with Idonije.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
I agree with all of that except the bolded. The strength of the team is the defense. Ideally, you put them out there first, stop the opposing offense, get the crowd into it, and get the ball back. You also get the ball to start the 2nd Half, so the ideal plan is to score going into Half-time and coming out of it. The only problem with this plan, of course, is when you kick it to them and allow them to drive 80 yards unstopped. But, I don't think it's a bad call. The rest, however, were awful.Limp Ditka said:
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
I was wondering if I was the only one who noticed this. Matt Forte gets hit, and still drives forward for 2-3 more yards. Taylor comes in, runs into the line, and falls down. He was horrible all year.
I'm reading all these posts and I think there's one thing everyone's missing.
Yes you want to get rid of Angelo and Lovie...after an NFC playoff loss...
BUT...who do you replace them with? It's easy to say fire someone, but who do yo hire? Whose more qualified to lead the team in terms of coaching and personnel decisions? That's an even more important question. Cowher? Gruden? (Cowher would be awesome)
As for our needs...first half of the season, I would have said 3 new Olinemen from the draft and FA, but now, I feel we need a reliable big time receiver. (Did we seriously not think we couldn't have used Vjax or TO? Hell...no...nvm, no Moss)
Yes you want to get rid of Angelo and Lovie...after an NFC playoff loss...
BUT...who do you replace them with? It's easy to say fire someone, but who do yo hire? Whose more qualified to lead the team in terms of coaching and personnel decisions? That's an even more important question. Cowher? Gruden? (Cowher would be awesome)
As for our needs...first half of the season, I would have said 3 new Olinemen from the draft and FA, but now, I feel we need a reliable big time receiver. (Did we seriously not think we couldn't have used Vjax or TO? Hell...no...nvm, no Moss)
DoubleG
Footballguy
Not only that, but this team (amazingly, as a long-time Bears fan) has actually been outstanding at making halftime adjustments (as they did in this very game, outscoring GB 14-7 in the 2nd half with their 3rd string QB). I think having so many former HCs on the staff helps tremendously in that department. If the Packers don't march down the field on the opening drive, it's genius (especially if they go 3 and out the way Seattle did the week before). Even if you just stop them from getting into FG range, your offense starts with wherever Devin Hester returns the punt to (and given the fact that GB was 27th in special teams and the Bears were #1, that was supposed to have been pretty good). That decision was not a bad choice at the time - it's just looks like it in retrospect based on the results. Lovie went all in with JJ, and McCarthy called with ATs and flopped an ace...it happens. Doesn't make it a bad decision.ETA: Earlier I might have implied that they need to change regimes. Not yet. Do I think this team can win this division next year? Probably not (unless the Packers have 12+ players go on IR again) - but I do think they can improve as a team in the draft and through FA and one more year under the same system (offensive and defensive) will improve their consistancy. I do think they are at least a viable wildcard contender.
While I do not like some of the decisions made in this game, and Lovie's in-game choices sometime baffle, the fact is the defense is very good, special teams one of the best in the league and the offense was showing signs of being able to be more consistant through balance.
Bringing in offensive help (o-line first, WRs next) - could greatly help in the evolution of this offense and Jay Cutler's development into a more consistant QB. The question is, will JA address those areas...ones that he has historically ignored all together or done a poor job in the past? It will be interesting to see, now that they have been on the staff for a year, how much say (or at least input) guys like Martz and Tice will have into the draft/FA acquisitiion.
Last edited by a moderator:
BigA
Footballguy
This is #1 priority...OL and WR. Hester and knox are both #3s. Get some size and speed at WR.
SmoovySmoov
The Way of the Samurai
We just need CBs that play bump and run.........not line up 15 yards off of the receiver every play. I don't think Jennings is bad necessarily, but I can't stand it when they play off the receivers and give up the 9 yard quick slant every play.Whoosah said:
flapgreen
Footballguy
smackdaddies
Footballguy
If you don't think you need a qb, your smoking weed.
boubucarow
Footballguy
You may not understand living in QB wonderland up north. But this is the best we have had for at least 2 decades. Yes, his bad throws and bad reads cost the Bears the NFC title before he was hurt. Yes, he also is a gambler who will throw picks. Yes, he also is a hard head who isn't a vocal leader.But, to a man, nobody on this team seriously has questioned his toughness. He was sacked and hit more than any other QB (I think). He never threw his teammates under a bus. He never tapped out. Hopefully, Mike Martz stays and they continue to develop this offense together. In the NFC title game, the Martz scheme was enough to beat Capers but Cutler didn't produce. If he stays and they add some pieces on the line and at receiver, the offense will grow and Cutler's comfort will increase. I still think he can be successful if surrounded by good offensive talent and it is clear that has not happened yet with the Bears.smackdaddies said:
I'm assuming the Cutler stuff you're referring to is the people in the media (and fans) who refuse to believe the facts of the situation? If so, agreed. You can't reason with those who refuse to.I hate seeing an offseason thread but now is as good a time as any, I guess. Another 8 months and next season begins.Let's leave Cutler should've played stuff to a minimum. tx
Three new offensive lineman is a stretch, but help is clearly needed.In no order, they need to address OT/OG/C (for the future), WR, CB, DT, LB.Can you believe they made it to the NFC Championship with that crew? Three new starting o-linemen are needed. A tall, tough receiver is needed. Secondary help is needed.I hate seeing an offseason thread but now is as good a time as any, I guess. Another 8 months and next season begins.
Even if you hate Cutler, didn't Hanie prove he should at least be considered as a starting qb (not that it matters because the bears have too much invested in Cutler, and I think he will continue to improve)? If the bears went off the deep end and decided to write off Cutler, they would still have an option in Hanie, then draft someone in the mid to late rounds and sign a veteran (not named collins). Apparently, I must not be lucid, because I do not think the bears need a qb...smackdaddies said:
I believe that passes intended for Knox ended up being intercepted a league-high 12 times this season. At this point, he's only a vertical threat, and perhaps that's all he will be - remember, he was a 5th or 6th round pick. If he is to improve, he will need to get stronger, and fight for some these balls.
They do need help on the offensive line. I think it's reasonable to expect one lineman, preferably a OT (LT) drafted in Round 1 or 2 of the draft. I also expect the Bears to be in the market for a younger version of Roberto Garza. I think Kruetz will be back simply because they don't have anyone to replace him. To think they will take 3 straight OL is just not realistic - they aren't going to start 3 rookies next season on the line, and this line will be re-built with a combination of a high draft pick and free agency. I agree with the need at WR - they have a team of #2 or #3 types right now with Bennett being the most dependable, Knox their veritical threat and Hester just a gadget guy. I'm not sure if Sidney Rice or Vincente Jackson will see the open market, but I think this could be their big free agent splash.Also agree with you at DT - Harris probably won't be back next season. They need to make a roster payment in the neighborhood of $2.5 million, and he's just not worth the money. Anthony Adams needs to be resigned, but they need to find another pass rusher to help Peppers.They need more help on the offensive line than you think. If Angelo comes out of the draft without using at least one pick on an OL guy on the first day, he should be fired. If he wants Jay Cutler to remain as our QB, he has to draft one OL guy in the first three rounds and then one or two more on back end of the draft. This can not be overstated anymore than what has been seen this past season.The next position they need to address is WR and the guy has to be a big and physical receiver. This is something that they haven't had in years. Now they may try to address this spot in FA, but they still need to draft a WR, too. And it can't be some 5th or 6th round project. It has to be a guy who can make an impact like Dez Bryant. If that means you grab the guy in round one, then take him. On the defensive side, they need a DT. Tommie Harris isn't the guy they drafted anymore. He's a shell of that player. If they can get a guy who can play like Tommie did in his first couple of seasons, then that could help free up some of the double teams on Peppers.Lastly, they need a new punter.Bring back Bob Parsons.
smackdaddies
Footballguy
I actually think he is tough. He got hammered all season, and I never saw him get "happy feet". Having said that, he missed some open recievers (hester twice) at the start of the game. He has two good TE, a great rb, Taylor is a great pass catching rb.
boubucarow
Footballguy
Like I said, he cost the Bears the game. Hester was open on a early 3rd down in FG range, was missed on that deep post route that would have been a TD, and also was wide open for a touchdown on the scramble side when Cutler ran for no gain with time to throw. Martz put him in a position to beat the Packers and he couldn't. That said, it was surprise he didn't complete those throws. He played a sub par game. As far as Bears talent, you are right that Forte and Taylor are great in the passing game while Olsen is a very good receiver. However, the wide receivers offer no consistency whatsoever and the offensive line improved to below average as the season progressed. It was pretty obvious this season that he does not get enough help. Hopefully the off season can help.
mlball77
Footballguy
Yeah, it seemed like a necessary move for the Bears. Harris was a difference-maker at DT for a couple years, but not recently, unfortunately. Looks like D Manning may walk too, right? Would the Bears look into Bob Sanders at all or is Major Wright considered likely to start in 2011?Looks like Tommie Harris finally got released. It's a shame he couldn't return to his early career form. He could've been something special.
RBM
Footballguy
Monumental collapse from him. Looked like he was going to be just a dominant force in the league for years and years.Hillenmeyer and Shaffer also wacked.Looks like Tommie Harris finally got released. It's a shame he couldn't return to his early career form. He could've been something special.
Similar threads
