Cutler + Plax = another Bear SB ? (1 Viewer)

[RudeDog]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.

So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.

Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

 

[switz]

Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

Not so sure about that, at least not for this year.- Most WRs don't catch on their first season with a new QB.- What shape is Plax in? He shot himself in the leg last time I checked.- How will Cutler adapt to the Windy City?

 

[David Yudkin]

I don't see Plaxico playing much football this year between his legal/jail issues and what's sure to be a league suspension forthcoming.

 

[simmonjm]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

 

[Crippler]

I think if Burress can play, the Jets got to be the favorites to get him on top of this

 

[AnonymousBob]

Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

- Most WRs don't catch on their first season with a new QB.

I disagree with this. I'm not confident he won't have some serious legal issues to deal with but IF he plays the whole season I don't see why he couldn't be very successful. How many times does a wr of Plaxico's caliber switch teams?It didn't seem to hurt TO, Moss, Mini-Moss, Coles...

 

[CletiusMaximus]

As a Packer fan I would not like to see Cutler and Plax in Chicago, but the fact remains that the Bears' defense has been a weakness for some time now and I don't believe they've addressed that side of the ball, other than grabbing a DL (I believe) in the second or third round.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

Get your mind out of the gutter.The Bears were 9-7 last year.....with Orton...a very old Oline and tons of injuries.They added Jay Cutler, that is a huge upgrade....which should facilitate more wins.Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.They brought in two young defenders on the line to spice it up....but the biggest addition is Rod Marinelli.Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

As a Packer fan I would not like to see Cutler and Plax in Chicago, but the fact remains that the Bears' defense has been a weakness for some time now and I don't believe they've addressed that side of the ball, other than grabbing a DL (I believe) in the second or third round.

Playcalling, injuries, poor field position, and an offense that cannot sustain drives is more to account for it that the talent on D.

 

[dmac37]

I don't see Plaxico playing much football this year between his legal/jail issues and what's sure to be a league suspension forthcoming.

This

 

[massraider]

I don't see Plaxico playing much football this year between his legal/jail issues and what's sure to be a league suspension forthcoming.

This

I agree with this as well.However, if Plax were to somehow make it to the Bears this season, I would be looking to take advantage of people whose judgement is clouded by the fact that these two are both knuckleheads.

Plax on that offense would dramatically help Hester, Olsen, and Cutler.

 

[Gopher State]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

Get your mind out of the gutter.The Bears were 9-7 last year.....with Orton...a very old Oline and tons of injuries.They added Jay Cutler, that is a huge upgrade....which should facilitate more wins.Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.They brought in two young defenders on the line to spice it up....but the biggest addition is Rod Marinelli.Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

List of Teams better then the Bears in the NFCEaglesGiantsCardsCowboysVikingsFalconsBears D is old, Pace will not stay healthy for 16 games, and yes you are right the Bears need major help at WR.Cutler is good, but how many play off wins did he lead Denver to?

 

[mlball77]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

Get your mind out of the gutter.The Bears were 9-7 last year.....with Orton...a very old Oline and tons of injuries.They added Jay Cutler, that is a huge upgrade....which should facilitate more wins.Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.They brought in two young defenders on the line to spice it up....but the biggest addition is Rod Marinelli.Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

List of Teams better then the Bears in the NFCEaglesGiantsCardsCowboysVikingsFalconsBears D is old, Pace will not stay healthy for 16 games, and yes you are right the Bears need major help at WR.Cutler is good, but how many play off wins did he lead Denver to?

I don't see the Plax thing happening for CHI... but the bulk of the above list of teams in the NFC is marginally better than CHI, at best. The addition of Cutler along with Tommie Harris coming to play this year could well have CHI right in the middle of this group. - Point being, the NFC is still pretty wide open.

 

[gonzobill5]

- How will Cutler adapt to the Windy City?

I've been wasting some time lately researching the effect of climate on football (specifically in Arizona and Chicago), and here's a little tidbit I've found:Chicago was nicknamed the Windy City not for the wind but for the politicians and city boosters who were full of "hot air."

 

[Adebisi]

Even if the Bears made it to the Super Bowl, there are quite a few AFC teams that I think are easily superior to them.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

Get your mind out of the gutter.The Bears were 9-7 last year.....with Orton...a very old Oline and tons of injuries.They added Jay Cutler, that is a huge upgrade....which should facilitate more wins.Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.They brought in two young defenders on the line to spice it up....but the biggest addition is Rod Marinelli.Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

List of Teams better then the Bears in the NFCEaglesGiantsCardsCowboysVikingsFalconsBears D is old, Pace will not stay healthy for 16 games, and yes you are right the Bears need major help at WR.Cutler is good, but how many play off wins did he lead Denver to?

I could see the Eagles better but everyone else is equal IMO.Bears D is old? They have two starters 30 or older (Ogunleye 31, Urlacher 30).DE-Ogunleye 31, Brown 29, Mark Anderson 25, Gilbert 22, Melton 22DT-Harris 26, Harrison 24, Adams 28, Idonojie 28, Dvorcheck 26LB- Urlacher 30, Briggs 28, Roach 23, Hillenmeyer 28, Freeman 23, Williams 24CB-Tillman 28, Vasher 27, Moore 22, Graham 23, McBride 23, Bowman 24S- Steltz 23, Payne 25, Manning 26, Earl 27, Bullocks is 26Pace is a HOF and an upgrade over John Tait of last season. We have 3 solid OT's in Pace, Shaffer, and Chris Williams(he can be the swing tackle as he continues to learn).Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

 

[Adebisi]

Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

First, Cutler is obviously no Tom Brady - at least not right now, and likely not ever.Aside from that, although they were not superstars, Brady's receivers in the Super Bowl were significantly better than anything the Bears have going this year.

 

[simmonjm]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

Get your mind out of the gutter.The Bears were 9-7 last year.....with Orton...a very old Oline and tons of injuries.They added Jay Cutler, that is a huge upgrade....which should facilitate more wins.Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.They brought in two young defenders on the line to spice it up....but the biggest addition is Rod Marinelli.Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

List of Teams better then the Bears in the NFCEaglesGiantsCardsCowboysVikingsFalconsBears D is old, Pace will not stay healthy for 16 games, and yes you are right the Bears need major help at WR.Cutler is good, but how many play off wins did he lead Denver to?

I could see the Eagles better but everyone else is equal IMO.Bears D is old? They have two starters 30 or older (Ogunleye 31, Urlacher 30).DE-Ogunleye 31, Brown 29, Mark Anderson 25, Gilbert 22, Melton 22DT-Harris 26, Harrison 24, Adams 28, Idonojie 28, Dvorcheck 26LB- Urlacher 30, Briggs 28, Roach 23, Hillenmeyer 28, Freeman 23, Williams 24CB-Tillman 28, Vasher 27, Moore 22, Graham 23, McBride 23, Bowman 24S- Steltz 23, Payne 25, Manning 26, Earl 27, Bullocks is 26Pace is a HOF and an upgrade over John Tait of last season. We have 3 solid OT's in Pace, Shaffer, and Chris Williams(he can be the swing tackle as he continues to learn).Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

Its going to be a long season for you with expectations like this. Truth be told I think the Bears are the 3rd best team in their OWN division. I like the Packers and Vikings to finish better then the Bears. Just my opinion no disrespect intended.

 

[32 Counter Pass]

Gonna be tough for Plax to run the deep route when he is sitting in a 9X12.

On the bright side: he gets three hots an a cot!

 

[DoubleG]

Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

Not so sure about that, at least not for this year.- Most WRs don't catch on their first season with a new QB.

- What shape is Plax in? He shot himself in the leg last time I checked.

- How will Cutler adapt to the Windy City?

Becuase the Broncos play in a dome??

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

First, Cutler is obviously no Tom Brady - at least not right now, and likely not ever.Aside from that, although they were not superstars, Brady's receivers in the Super Bowl were significantly better than anything the Bears have going this year.

Never said he was Tom Brady....first off.Second off....how were those cast of WR's better?Hester is one of the best gamebreakers in the game and its his 3rd year playing WR full time(ever), Bennett(hasn't played yet), 3 rookies, and a slot WR(davis) who is a converted CB. You can't compare.All I am saying is some good QB's don't need the best WR's to make it.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

Get your mind out of the gutter.

The Bears were 9-7 last year.....with Orton...a very old Oline and tons of injuries.

They added Jay Cutler, that is a huge upgrade....which should facilitate more wins.

Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.

They brought in two young defenders on the line to spice it up....but the biggest addition is Rod Marinelli.

Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).

If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

List of Teams better then the Bears in the NFC

Eagles

Giants

Cards

Cowboys

Vikings

Falcons

Bears D is old, Pace will not stay healthy for 16 games, and yes you are right the Bears need major help at WR.

Cutler is good, but how many play off wins did he lead Denver to?

I could see the Eagles better but everyone else is equal IMO.

Bears D is old? They have two starters 30 or older (Ogunleye 31, Urlacher 30).

DE-Ogunleye 31, Brown 29, Mark Anderson 25, Gilbert 22, Melton 22

DT-Harris 26, Harrison 24, Adams 28, Idonojie 28, Dvorcheck 26

LB- Urlacher 30, Briggs 28, Roach 23, Hillenmeyer 28, Freeman 23, Williams 24

CB-Tillman 28, Vasher 27, Moore 22, Graham 23, McBride 23, Bowman 24

S- Steltz 23, Payne 25, Manning 26, Earl 27, Bullocks is 26

Pace is a HOF and an upgrade over John Tait of last season. We have 3 solid OT's in Pace, Shaffer, and Chris Williams(he can be the swing tackle as he continues to learn).

Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

Its going to be a long season for you with expectations like this. Truth be told I think the Bears are the 3rd best team in their OWN division. I like the Packers and Vikings to finish better then the Bears. Just my opinion no disrespect intended.

Whats my expectation? That the NFC is wide open except for maybe the Eagles? The Bears being the 3rd best team in their division is a laugh considering they were 2nd last season without Cutler.

I expected more dialog after the insight I provided after your post.

 

[sho nuff]

Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

Few things...not sure how much you want to rely on Pace at this point...and since when did bringing in 4 new Olineman automatically gel and work right away?As for WRs...Marshall is more talented than anybody playing WR in Chicago by miles. Its not even close. Did Cutler make him better? I completely disagree there. Same even with Royal on that last point.Bennett played some last season...but he did nothing. I hope the kid turns out...he was pretty good here...but he is a possession guy at best in this league.As for 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears....Giants, Eagles, Vikings, Cardinals, Falcons, Panthers...there is 6 right there...with NO and GB right there with Chicago...And it really only takes 3 teams to be better than Chicago to keep them home for the playoffs. (though...thats only if somehow GB and Detroit would take the wildcard which is not happening...)

 

[sho nuff]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I dont see it. Even if the Bears got Plax I would still pick any NFC East team over them and possibly the Vikings, Falcons, or Saints.

Get your mind out of the gutter.The Bears were 9-7 last year.....with Orton...a very old Oline and tons of injuries.They added Jay Cutler, that is a huge upgrade....which should facilitate more wins.Orlando Pace, Frank Omiyale, Kevin Shaffer and essentially Chris Williams(who was injured most of last year) are added to the Oline making it much better than last season.They brought in two young defenders on the line to spice it up....but the biggest addition is Rod Marinelli.Essentially four new WRs(Bennett didn't play last season) to combine with Hester. Oh wait the bears WR's suck...bla bla bla. This group has to be better than Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Rashied Davis(I don't expect him to make the team). Plus Cutler makes all the players around him better...ask Marshall(3rd round pick) and Royal(2nd round pick).If you have 7 teams in the NFC better than the Bears than you are out of your mind. No team improved themselves more this offseason and they were already 9-7.

List of Teams better then the Bears in the NFCEaglesGiantsCardsCowboysVikingsFalconsBears D is old, Pace will not stay healthy for 16 games, and yes you are right the Bears need major help at WR.Cutler is good, but how many play off wins did he lead Denver to?

I could see the Eagles better but everyone else is equal IMO.Bears D is old? They have two starters 30 or older (Ogunleye 31, Urlacher 30).DE-Ogunleye 31, Brown 29, Mark Anderson 25, Gilbert 22, Melton 22DT-Harris 26, Harrison 24, Adams 28, Idonojie 28, Dvorcheck 26LB- Urlacher 30, Briggs 28, Roach 23, Hillenmeyer 28, Freeman 23, Williams 24CB-Tillman 28, Vasher 27, Moore 22, Graham 23, McBride 23, Bowman 24S- Steltz 23, Payne 25, Manning 26, Earl 27, Bullocks is 26Pace is a HOF and an upgrade over John Tait of last season. We have 3 solid OT's in Pace, Shaffer, and Chris Williams(he can be the swing tackle as he continues to learn).Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

Everyone else is equal...just stop right there and quit.As for 3 solid OTs...you are counting a 2nd year player who was hurt last year as a solid OT for what reason? You have no clue what he will end up.Brady's SB teams had a few things the Bears don't have...the biggest one being Tom freaking Brady who is a bit better than Jay Cutler.

 

[sho nuff]

Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

First, Cutler is obviously no Tom Brady - at least not right now, and likely not ever.Aside from that, although they were not superstars, Brady's receivers in the Super Bowl were significantly better than anything the Bears have going this year.

Never said he was Tom Brady....first off.Second off....how were those cast of WR's better?Hester is one of the best gamebreakers in the game and its his 3rd year playing WR full time(ever), Bennett(hasn't played yet), 3 rookies, and a slot WR(davis) who is a converted CB. You can't compare.All I am saying is some good QB's don't need the best WR's to make it.

Hester is a game breaker and a great return man...so far he is a mediocre at best WR. He does not run great routes at all. He is speed at WR and little more right now.Bennett has played...but done nothing.So pretty much Branch > Hester as a WR and then you have a guy who has not played and some rookies that you are trying to argue are better than what Brady had? Hah!!!

 

[sho nuff]

Whats my expectation? That the NFC is wide open except for maybe the Eagles? The Bears being the 3rd best team in their division is a laugh considering they were 2nd last season without Cutler.I expected more dialog after the insight I provided after your post.

Is it a laugh that the team that finished behind the Bears in that division absolutely spanked Chicago in Green Bay and then was a blocked FG away from the sweep?Insight? You call that insight?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

Whats my expectation? That the NFC is wide open except for maybe the Eagles? The Bears being the 3rd best team in their division is a laugh considering they were 2nd last season without Cutler.I expected more dialog after the insight I provided after your post.

Is it a laugh that the team that finished behind the Bears in that division absolutely spanked Chicago in Green Bay and then was a blocked FG away from the sweep?

Yes. It's funny EVERY time the Packers finish behind the Bears.

 

[CentralPA]

Bears are going to have a good team but right now I can only see them being 2nd place in the division behind Minny and probably a Wild Card team. But I do like what they've done in the off season, they could surprise a lot of people this year.

 

[Adebisi]

Major help at WR....yep Brady's Super bowl teams needed the stud like wr's of Gaffney and Branch and Brown to win.

First, Cutler is obviously no Tom Brady - at least not right now, and likely not ever.Aside from that, although they were not superstars, Brady's receivers in the Super Bowl were significantly better than anything the Bears have going this year.

Never said he was Tom Brady....first off.Second off....how were those cast of WR's better?

Hester is one of the best gamebreakers in the game and its his 3rd year playing WR full time(ever), Bennett(hasn't played yet), 3 rookies, and a slot WR(davis) who is a converted CB. You can't compare.

All I am saying is some good QB's don't need the best WR's to make it.

Hester is a game breaker and a great return man...so far he is a mediocre at best WR. He does not run great routes at all. He is speed at WR and little more right now.Bennett has played...but done nothing.

So pretty much Branch > Hester as a WR and then you have a guy who has not played and some rookies that you are trying to argue are better than what Brady had? Hah!!!

Troy Brown caught 101 passes during the first Patriots Super Bowl season. He may not have been the "playmaker" that Hester is, but he ran great routes, had excellent hands, and was extremely reliable. He clearly was a far superior WR to what Hester is at this point in his career.

Frankly, Brown's presence alone on the Patriots gives their WR corps a step up on anything the Bears have going into this season. That's before you get into the solid-but-not-great likes of Deion Branch, David Givens, and David Patten.

Could the Bears WRs step up and prove to be equal to or better than the group of WRs the Patriots had from 2001-04? It's not impossible, but for such a raw group to do so this year, it's probably not very likely, either.

Your original claim was that Brady's Super Bowl winning teams didn't need studs at WR... but Brady's Super Bowl teams had Brady, and at least a halfway decent set of WRs. Given what we've seen as of this writing, the Bears lack both.

 

[az_prof]

Angelo has softened his denials on whether the Bears will pursue Plax if his legal problems are sorted out and the league discipline is set forth.So what does that do to the Bears in relationship to being a pre-season favorite for the NFC representative at the SB ? Personally, I think that would place the Bears as favorites in the NFC, but that's just me (Bears homer). The Cardinals still have a great team and the addition of Beanie makes them better, Eagles should be strong again and the Panther run game is exceptional. But this would really elevate the Bears and give them a dimension thay have never really had before, even in '85.Bears could be scary good if Plax came to town.

I don't think Plax is that great. You guys still have to beat the Vikings, who have a truly great player in AP. Maybe Cutler puts you over the top, maybe not. But I don't think Plax is a difference maker.

 

[The Big Donkey]

I don't think Plax is that great. You guys still have to beat the Vikings, who have a truly great player in AP. Maybe Cutler puts you over the top, maybe not. But I don't think Plax is a difference maker.

He was for the Giants.

 

[DoubleG]

I don't think Plax is that great. You guys still have to beat the Vikings, who have a truly great player in AP. Maybe Cutler puts you over the top, maybe not. But I don't think Plax is a difference maker.

He was for the Giants.

In 2005-07, he was a top 20 WR in receiving yards all 3 years. In 2006 he was 3rd in receiving TDs, in 2007 he was 4th in receiving TDs. I'd call that "making a difference." - and that was with Eli Manning as his QB (career QB rating of 76.1) not Cutler (career QB rating of 87.1).

 

[boubucarow]

As a Packer fan I would not like to see Cutler and Plax in Chicago, but the fact remains that the Bears' defense has been a weakness for some time now and I don't believe they've addressed that side of the ball, other than grabbing a DL (I believe) in the second or third round.

The 2008 Bears defense were 6th in the NFL in yards per play, 9th in the NFL in net yards per passing play, 3rd in the NFL in yards per rushing play, and 2nd in the NFL in turnovers caused.Football Outsiders has team defense efficiency ratings and the Bears were 7th in total defense, 11th in pass defense, and 5th in rush defense.Yes, the Bears gave up a lot of passing yards and didn't sack the quarterback enough. But despite that, they were a above average defense in regards to yards allowed per play and turnovers caused. If the Bears offense (despite having the best average starting field position in the league, the offense still finished in the bottom ten in points per drive and successful drives as found on footballoutsiders), can improve to a middle of the road offense, the Bears defense will once again be among the yards per game leaders in 2009. If they can find a way to the QB, they will be once again one of the elite defenses in football.