Garrett Wolfe (1 Viewer)

[North]

Does anyone think that with Chicagos poor start and poor performance from Cedric Benson that if things continue they may give this kid a look to see what he can do?

He has 3 touches for 3 yds this year but I just can't imagine that if Chicago keeps losing and Benson continues to play this way that they would just keep feeding him the ball. At some point don't you think that L.Smith would want to see if Peterson or Wolfe have talent? I mean how many chances are they going to give Benson before they realize they busted another 1st round pick on a RB, he just doesn't have a lot of talent!

 

[sholditch]

Wolfe will never have any fantasy value if that's your concern. Neither will Adrian Peterson. The best bet for the Bears is to try and correct their mistake after this season, either by trading benson for picks in the draft, or getting someone via FA or trade.

 

[wickster33]

Not a homer, but I did pick up Wolfe this week. I think they already know what they have in Peterson and he's banged up anyway. The only thing keeping Benson in the backfield right now looks to be the fact that he was a top 5 draft pick and that the current management kept him over Thomas Jones.

From the Chicago TRibune, here is the downside of the Wolfe bandwagon:

Why did they draft Garrett Wolfe if they don't want to play him? --Buck Buchanan, Woodruff, Wis.

The Bears always want to play productive players; every team does. Wolfe has shown glimpses of good open-field running, especially in the final preseason game, but his size limits his ability to help the offense as an every-down back for a team that likes running between the tackles. He did carry three times for three yards against the Lions during a series the Bears used to send a message to Cedric Benson and has begun to contribute on special teams. But beyond spot duty, Wolfe doesn't figure to compete for regular playing time in the backfield his rookie season.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...bears-headlines

On the other hand, here is what the Northwestern coach said about him after NIU nearly upset the big 10 school:

And the week after the Michigan loss, Northwestern beat NIU 38-37 despite three touchdowns and 245 rushing yards by Wolfe. Minutes after the game, Northwestern coach Randy Walker, who was an undersized college running back himself, approached the NIU star.

"I have the utmost respect for you," Walker said that day. "You're my idol. You play like you're 225 pounds."

Wolfe, 177 pounds -- maybe -- calls it the greatest compliment he has ever been paid. "That's something I'll remember forever," he says.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/sto...&id=2622021

At 5'3", 180 pounds, tere is a real question as to whether he can be an every down feature back, but the Bears didn't draft him on the first day to replace Devin Hester. My feeling is that if Benson stinks out the joint one more time, Garrett will get an opportunity to show what he can do..

And if you're concerned about whether his stats at a small school like Northern Illinois are relevant, be aware that he became the Schools all time leading rusher in just a three year career, surpassing the previous record holder, Michael Turner.

 

[Paddy O'Seanessy]

Not a homer, but I did pick up Wolfe this week. I think they already know what they have in Peterson and he's banged up anyway. The only thing keeping Benson in the backfield right now looks to be the fact that he was a top 5 draft pick and that the current management kept him over Thomas Jones.

From the Chicago TRibune, here is the downside of the Wolfe bandwagon:

Why did they draft Garrett Wolfe if they don't want to play him? --Buck Buchanan, Woodruff, Wis.

The Bears always want to play productive players; every team does. Wolfe has shown glimpses of good open-field running, especially in the final preseason game, but his size limits his ability to help the offense as an every-down back for a team that likes running between the tackles. He did carry three times for three yards against the Lions during a series the Bears used to send a message to Cedric Benson and has begun to contribute on special teams. But beyond spot duty, Wolfe doesn't figure to compete for regular playing time in the backfield his rookie season.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sp...bears-headlines

On the other hand, here is what the Northwestern coach said about him after NIU nearly upset the big 10 school:

And the week after the Michigan loss, Northwestern beat NIU 38-37 despite three touchdowns and 245 rushing yards by Wolfe. Minutes after the game, Northwestern coach Randy Walker, who was an undersized college running back himself, approached the NIU star.

"I have the utmost respect for you," Walker said that day. "You're my idol. You play like you're 225 pounds."

Wolfe, 177 pounds -- maybe -- calls it the greatest compliment he has ever been paid. "That's something I'll remember forever," he says.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/sto...&id=2622021

At 5'3", 180 pounds, tere is a real question as to whether he can be an every down feature back, but the Bears didn't draft him on the first day to replace Devin Hester. My feeling is that if Benson stinks out the joint one more time, Garrett will get an opportunity to show what he can do..

And if you're concerned about whether his stats at a small school like Northern Illinois are relevant, be aware that he became the Schools all time leading rusher in just a three year career, surpassing the previous record holder, Michael Turner.

I am a homer and Wickster is a hopester. Wolfe will never be anything in the NFL. That's the third biggest mystery around here (why didn't you get Benson contingency RB) behind "they're trading Jones and keeping Benson!?" and "they're keeping the same 3 quarterbacks!?"

 

[wickster33]

guilty as charged... I am a hopester. However, I'm curious as to whether they had him running between the tackles in pre-season, and how he did. if they used a third round pick to draft a scatback when their scheme requires a bruiser, you just have to have serious questions about the front office.

 

[dornado]

Bears fan here...

I really don't think that Garrett Wolfe will have much fantasy value this year, unless of course Benson gets hurt and AP is unable to go. You could see him start getting some 3rd down back work, but I doubt there'd be a fantasy impact.

He looks okay.... I used to watch him in college and have my mind blown... but i have to say that he's shown very few glimpses of that kind of potential thus far. Obviously, as a Bears fan, I hope he turns it on and is just a gem waiting to be exposed.

Other small backs... usually you see something right away that makes you say "ah, that's how he gets by at his size..."... like Warrick Dunn's agility, Barry Sanders' body control (and the fact that he was from another planet), or MJD's pin-ball style and strength.... with Wolfe in college he seemed to have great quickness and incredible vision... he just doesn't look that quick as a pro. The Bears line has been bad and Wolfe has mostly gotten swallowed up close to the line of scrimmage any time he's touched the ball so the sample size is pretty small.

Anyway, I think injury handcuff at best... and if healthy I'd expect Adrian Peterson to be the every down back if Benson was out.

 

[RBM]

Too small.

Turner has no idea how to use him it looks like.

 

[Paddy O'Seanessy]

guilty as charged... I am a hopester. However, I'm curious as to whether they had him running between the tackles in pre-season, and how he did. if they used a third round pick to draft a scatback when their scheme requires a bruiser, you just have to have serious questions about the front office.

How long did it take you to figure that out? What part of the front office having gone into the season with Benson, Peterson, Wolfe, Grossman, Griese, Orton, the guards, tackles, tightends and receivers aside from Berrion accusation did you not understand?

 

[sholditch]

Guys, I hve some news for you. Benson will be the starter all year regardless of performance not because they paid him so much money, but because they have no one else on their roster than can be a starting back in the NFL. End of story. Unless the Bears bring someone in, Benson will start every game and get 65-75% of the carries. Also, Lovie just said that they need to get him the ball 20+ times every game. So, stick a fork in this one at least until 2008. :lock:

 

[North]

Guys, I hve some news for you. Benson will be the starter all year regardless of performance not because they paid him so much money, but because they have no one else on their roster than can be a starting back in the NFL. End of story. Unless the Bears bring someone in, Benson will start every game and get 65-75% of the carries. Also, Lovie just said that they need to get him the ball 20+ times every game. So, stick a fork in this one at least until 2008. :lock:

So evenif they give Benson 25 carries a game and he continues on his 3.2 average and rushes for 80 yds a game and they keep losing, they will start him out of spite just because of the decision they made in the offseason to make him their #1 guy?No wonder Chicago football has been a mess since 1991(except for last year of course).

 

[sholditch]

Try reading next time. Who do you think they have on that team that would be an improvement to Benson? As much as everyone thinks Benson sucks, they are kidding themselves if they think either AP or Wolfe is an upgrade.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Yes Benson hasn't performed up to expectations, but neither has the Oline, QB's, WR's, or anyone on offense.

Also Benson is close to the same pace as TJ was at this point with the Bears last season. Once the weather starts getting colder, the running game is easier as defenses are more tired the second half of the season(just look at Benson's stats last season in the last 8 games).

 

[North]

Yes Benson hasn't performed up to expectations, but neither has the Oline, QB's, WR's, or anyone on offense.Also Benson is close to the same pace as TJ was at this point with the Bears last season. Once the weather starts getting colder, the running game is easier as defenses are more tired the second half of the season(just look at Benson's stats last season in the last 8 games).

O.K. If you guys say so. I just don't understand why then do they waste a 3rd round pick on someone who they have no intention of looking at? 3 carries is not a good indication as to what someone can do.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Yes Benson hasn't performed up to expectations, but neither has the Oline, QB's, WR's, or anyone on offense.Also Benson is close to the same pace as TJ was at this point with the Bears last season. Once the weather starts getting colder, the running game is easier as defenses are more tired the second half of the season(just look at Benson's stats last season in the last 8 games).

O.K. If you guys say so. I just don't understand why then do they waste a 3rd round pick on someone who they have no intention of looking at? 3 carries is not a good indication as to what someone can do.

Perhaps b/c the Bears haven't had a good third down back since 1995? Just a hunch tho.

 

[sholditch]

Yes Benson hasn't performed up to expectations, but neither has the Oline, QB's, WR's, or anyone on offense.Also Benson is close to the same pace as TJ was at this point with the Bears last season. Once the weather starts getting colder, the running game is easier as defenses are more tired the second half of the season(just look at Benson's stats last season in the last 8 games).

O.K. If you guys say so. I just don't understand why then do they waste a 3rd round pick on someone who they have no intention of looking at? 3 carries is not a good indication as to what someone can do.

When they drafted Wolfe, I figured the main reason was a special teams addition to compliment Hester. And a third-down scat back type of role on long yardage, but I'd imagine than he needs to learn blocking schemes better before they can really start using him. I think he was drafted as a backup.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

He won't have value. He could have a few big plays through out year on screens and so forth (plays in space). Other than that sporadic value, nothing to see.

 

[MadMustaff]

They should give this guy the roock 25 times and see what happens.

Can it be any worse that what Benson is offering?

 

[LHUCKS]

Guys, I hve some news for you. Benson will be the starter all year regardless of performance not because they paid him so much money, but because they have no one else on their roster than can be a starting back in the NFL. End of story. U\

Ding Ding

 

[JAMMIN]

Live in chicago and Benson is the guy this year.

 

[North]

Benson is now at a wopping 2.3 ypc. They have given him the ball 25 times and he just isn't what they thought he would be. I do think it's funny that they will stick with him all year basically because they let Jones go in favor of him.

I think it's funny that in the 4th quarter when it has mattered on 2nd and 3rd they have been taking Benson out. He's just not a good back. They should see what they have in Wolfe, rather than just sticking with Benson just because they are stubborn.

 

[Golden]

It looks like Wolfe is somewhat of a disappointment as a first day draft pick. He is tiny.

 

[mcintyre1]

It looks like Wolfe is somewhat of a disappointment as a first day draft pick. He is tiny.

You're calling him a disappointment simply because he's small? Good logic.

 

[GrossmanToHester]

At 5'3", 180 pounds, tere is a real question as to whether he can be an every down feature back, but the Bears didn't draft him on the first day to replace Devin Hester. My feeling is that if Benson stinks out the joint one more time, Garrett will get an opportunity to show what he can do..

 

[North]

I think last night we saw the Bears begin to give more touches to other backs (mainly Peterson) because of their displeasure with Benson. If you noticed int he 2nd half Peterson was in there for most 3rd downs. He looked way better than Benson, I just wish they would give Wolfe a shot, what have they got to lose. It's obvious that Benson isn't what they thought he was.

 

[dornado]

I think last night we saw the Bears begin to give more touches to other backs (mainly Peterson) because of their displeasure with Benson. If you noticed int he 2nd half Peterson was in there for most 3rd downs. He looked way better than Benson, I just wish they would give Wolfe a shot, what have they got to lose. It's obvious that Benson isn't what they thought he was.

Adrian Peterson is, and will likely continue to be, the 3rd down back. Its been that way since the beginning of the year.

 

[pizzatyme]

I think last night we saw the Bears begin to give more touches to other backs (mainly Peterson) because of their displeasure with Benson. If you noticed int he 2nd half Peterson was in there for most 3rd downs. He looked way better than Benson, I just wish they would give Wolfe a shot, what have they got to lose. It's obvious that Benson isn't what they thought he was.

And they're letting him off the hook!

 

[phthalatemagic]

So if Wolfe not going to get any carries this year?