****Official 2015 Chicago Bears Offseason Thread **** (1 Viewer)

[twistd]

That Royal signing never made sense from day one. Just terrible.

I partially disagree, I think the contract they signed him to was horrible. Overpaid and guaranteed, so regardless of if he can get healthy, we are stuck with him. However, on paper, I think a WR core of:

Alshon Jeffery

Kevin White (assuming he is anywhere near as good as he looked)

Eddie Royal

Marquis Wilson

Marc Mariani

Josh Bellamy

Cameron Merideth

Deonte Thompson

Is actually pretty damn good. Now yes, this assumes Alshon is willing to stay in Chicago and Kevin White can actually play/not permanently injured. But that could give us two good to great starters, a vet inside guy who I've watched for years and really does catch the ball well. Marquis is not a starter, but had a couple good games when he was in there early in the year, and looked like in a pinch could replace one of the starters for a week or two. And Mariani and Bellamy are the first time in my personal bears history when players not listed as starters actually made significant catches. Mariani had a bunch of critical third down catches where years past, I can't remember the names of the guys, but when they'd come in, try to throw to them, it was pretty much guaranteed to be dropped. This last week we started our WR5/6/7 and still found a way to put up 250 yards of passing (only 30 of those came from the RB's)! While our WR5/6/7 are not going to win us many games, that's pretty impressive to me.

I have to disagree. Alshon probably will remain with the Bears whether they sign him to a long term deal or franchise. We have to hope that his injury problems aren't going to continue. They have no idea what they have in Kevin White. They don't know if he is Cordarelle Patterson or Amari Cooper. That remains to be seen. And for all practical purposes, he will be a rookie next year. So it is going to take time to develop. If Royal's injury problems don't follow him he should be a decent slot guy. Mariani probably will be decent as a back up slot guy. Wilson has shown flashes, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy. The other guys are marginal NFL talents. So overall the starters could be good if they can stay healthy, and White develops, but they need better depth.

 

[saintfool]

i recall the early reports throughout training camp regarding White were overwhelmingly positive. descriptions like "he's an animal" were tossed around regularly. he certainly looked pro-ready his last year in college. he's a bonus, for sure, going into next year and a year of just being around other pros could be a blessing. the problem for many rooks is adjusting to the mental aspect of the game and he's got a leg up there.

the slot WR was never prominent, imo, because of Martellus. his injuries allowed for Mariani and the role in the offense to show itself. i'm hoping that Gase sticks around somehow because it's got real potential. i think, with the personnel they have, something very balanced, flexible and opportunistic could present itself.

that said, they need to continue to invest in the O-line and on defense (ILB, CB and S).

 

[RBM]

Looks like Gase is headed to Miami.

 

[Papa John's]

Looks like Gase is headed to Miami.

In reading the Dolphins thread it looks like the Homers in the SharkPool are not thrilled with this hire. I understand that he captained the 29th best offense, but as a Chicago homer, what he did with the injuries, Jay, deteriorating line and "handcuff" game plan that Fox like to run was pretty solid.

I am curious to see what he does there (if he goes there). I think it is great news for Tannehill. Too bad they will be a train wreck until they get an owner who can create an organization that is not filled with dysfunction.

 

[Chadstroma]

The Dolphins said.... "Wait, you made Jay Cutler decent? That is head coach material right there- hired."

 

[Steed]

Wish the Bears lovie'd fox and promoted gase

 

[twistd]

Looks like Gase is headed to Miami.

In reading the Dolphins thread it looks like the Homers in the SharkPool are not thrilled with this hire. I understand that he captained the 29th best offense, but as a Chicago homer, what he did with the injuries, Jay, deteriorating line and "handcuff" game plan that Fox like to run was pretty solid.

I am curious to see what he does there (if he goes there). I think it is great news for Tannehill. Too bad they will be a train wreck until they get an owner who can create an organization that is not filled with dysfunction.

Tannehill is not an NFL caliber QB. He will be holding a clipboard, as a back up in two years. I feel bad for Gase. Miami is a really crappy situation, with the owner and the GM. That job is a trap. No one can succeed there. Maybe the Bears can hire Gase to replace Fox in a couple of years after he gets fired by Miami.

 

[Power Monster]

Yup Gase is going to be frustrated withTanny. Cutler to see his umpteenth OC

 

[RBM]

I don't see big time head coach in Gase. He really didn't impress me this year. I look at him and see no difference from the generic OCs who have failed as head coaches.

McCoy

Shurmur

Linehan

Philbin

Whisenhunt

 

[MDSkinner]

I don't see big time head coach in Gase. He really didn't impress me this year. I look at him and see no difference from the generic OCs who have failed as head coaches.

McCoy

Shurmur

Linehan

Philbin

Whisenhunt

I tend to agree, though I did like what he did for Cutler. That said, it is odd to me that the Fins would go from one of these guys to another. Seems risky in a dumb kind of way.

 

[tangfoot]

Tannehill is not an NFL caliber QB.

You're ####ed in the head.

 

[flapgreen]

Looks like Gase is headed to Miami.

In reading the Dolphins thread it looks like the Homers in the SharkPool are not thrilled with this hire. I understand that he captained the 29th best offense, but as a Chicago homer, what he did with the injuries, Jay, deteriorating line and "handcuff" game plan that Fox like to run was pretty solid.

I am curious to see what he does there (if he goes there). I think it is great news for Tannehill. Too bad they will be a train wreck until they get an owner who can create an organization that is not filled with dysfunction.

Tannehill is not an NFL caliber QB. He will be holding a clipboard, as a back up in two years. I feel bad for Gase. Miami is a really crappy situation, with the owner and the GM. That job is a trap. No one can succeed there. Maybe the Bears can hire Gase to replace Fox in a couple of years after he gets fired by Miami.

 

[flapgreen]

I don't see big time head coach in Gase. He really didn't impress me this year. I look at him and see no difference from the generic OCs who have failed as head coaches.

McCoy

Shurmur

Linehan

Philbin

Whisenhunt

I think Gase can be a good coach, better than the ones you listed, but he needed a couple more years under Fox.

 

[BassNBrew]

I don't see big time head coach in Gase. He really didn't impress me this year. I look at him and see no difference from the generic OCs who have failed as head coaches.

McCoy

Shurmur

Linehan

Philbin

Whisenhunt

I think Gase can be a good coach, better than the ones you listed, but he needed a couple more years under Fox.

No, he was smart to get out of dodge while his stock was high and before he got dumbed down.

 

[flapgreen]

Why?

 

[MDSkinner]

JMO, but I also think he was wise to get out while his stock was high. Even if he fails as a head coach (and he may do great) he will still be considered a top-notch OC. Making HC money for a few years will be a great thing for him either way I would guess. Strike while the irons are hot.

 

[flapgreen]

I thought he was saying he won't be a good HC. Yes, he definitely had to go

 

[flapgreen]

Maybe they wanted to see what they had in the young guys but Pace made another mistake cutting foster. Terrible ilb this year. Foster had good year with redskins

 

[The Tick]

Dowell Loggains officially promoted to OC. We'll see how it works. I think he has next to no experience and I really worry about his offensive game-planning and almost more importantly his ability to adjust to what he is seeing on the field. That second one may be my biggest concern and I don't know how you judge that until the guy is in the job doing it.

Hopefully he has the knack for it and we'll see some more team improvement next year.

 

[flapgreen]

Dowell Loggains officially promoted to OC. We'll see how it works. I think he has next to no experience and I really worry about his offensive game-planning and almost more importantly his ability to adjust to what he is seeing on the field. That second one may be my biggest concern and I don't know how you judge that until the guy is in the job doing it.

Hopefully he has the knack for it and we'll see some more team improvement next year.

Why the concern? He hasn't shown he is incapable of doing it. Closest guy to Cutler now that Gase is gone, which is most important. He's spent years working his way up. He'll be fine.

 

[The Tick]

Dowell Loggains officially promoted to OC. We'll see how it works. I think he has next to no experience and I really worry about his offensive game-planning and almost more importantly his ability to adjust to what he is seeing on the field. That second one may be my biggest concern and I don't know how you judge that until the guy is in the job doing it.

Hopefully he has the knack for it and we'll see some more team improvement next year.

Why the concern? He hasn't shown he is incapable of doing it. Closest guy to Cutler now that Gase is gone, which is most important. He's spent years working his way up. He'll be fine.

I just disagree that "closest guy to Cutler" is the most important thing. I think the most important thing should be the offensive expertise of the coach. He is young and has only been on staff of a team with a good record one time, (his first year as a QC coach) the 2008 Titans at 13-3. He is not a guy that has been coming up in a successful program that is ready to carry on that tradition.

Hopefully I'm wrong and he will be great, but just doesn't seem like the guy I want to be the top offensive guy on my football team.

 

[flapgreen]

Who did you have in mind? Don't say whiz

 

[The Tick]

Well the guy I wanted didn't end up being available. Honestly I would have said Whisenhunt... but his track record lately doesn't look much better. In general though, if they were going to hire a position coach to upgrade to coordinator, I'd rather see one from a successful organization and I don't have a name.

Maybe this will end up being the right answer. I can see the advantage in that if we are going to be good we our offense is going to heavily count on two second year players, and maybe the continuity will help come in quicker also.

 

[flapgreen]

I think they made right move. Consistently in a league full of inconsistency is key I believe. Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year. Loggains is a little of an unknown but his short past history doesn't mean he hasn't gotten better. We shall see.

 

[KCitons]

6-10 in 2016.

 

[Hawkeye21]

I like them staying with a guy in house just so there can be a sense of consistency for once. I really hope they can put a good draft together and find some players that can contribute right away. If they can get some players that can perform in their first year and White is the player we hope he is then this team will be closer to 9-10 wins. They were close to 9 wins this year with the crap team they have so imagine when they put some talent on it. The coaching is there, just need the players.

 

[Statcruncher]

Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year.

What progress are you referring to?

 

[Papa John's]

Dowell Loggains officially promoted to OC. We'll see how it works. I think he has next to no experience and I really worry about his offensive game-planning and almost more importantly his ability to adjust to what he is seeing on the field. That second one may be my biggest concern and I don't know how you judge that until the guy is in the job doing it.

Hopefully he has the knack for it and we'll see some more team improvement next year.

Why the concern? He hasn't shown he is incapable of doing it. Closest guy to Cutler now that Gase is gone, which is most important. He's spent years working his way up. He'll be fine.

I have concerns over his ability to judge character and talent, and call a game. He has not done any of those well. This is the same guy that was pounding on the table for the Browns to draft Johnny Football, and he has never called a game. Both of those are HUGE concerns for me.

 

[Papa John's]

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/05/johnnys_manziels_hurry_up_and.html

Yeah baby ... "let's wreck this league together." Guess he meant off the field. Who knew?

 

[twistd]

I think they made right move. Consistently in a league full of inconsistency is key I believe. Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year. Loggains is a little of an unknown but his short past history doesn't mean he hasn't gotten better. We shall see.

I agree. It helps that Cutler won't be learning a new offense this offseason. I believe that Foxy is highly respected around the league. He could have had his pick of the guys that were available as an OC. He chose Loggains. He assembled a very professional staff last year. I think we should trust that he made the right choice.

 

[flapgreen]

Agreed

 

[flapgreen]

Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year.

What progress are you referring to?

I know you don't like Cutler, which I understand, but to say he didn't have his best year with the Bears last year is crazy talk. Carried an offense with few weapons and didn't melt down any.

 

[Statcruncher]

Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year.

What progress are you referring to?

I know you don't like Cutler, which I understand, but to say he didn't have his best year with the Bears last year is crazy talk. Carried an offense with few weapons and didn't melt down any.

You keep touting his progress this year and that this was his best year, what metrics are you using to support that? Here are Jay's best years in passing stats:

Jay's best year in Chicago vs 2015:

2014 - Attempts (561 - 483)

2014 - Completions (370 - 311)

2014 - Completion % (66% - 64.4%)

2014 - Yards (3,812 - 3,659)

2014 - TD's (28 - 21)

2013 - TD% (5.4% - 4.3%)

2011 - INT's (7 in 10 games - 11 in 15 games)

2011 - INT% (2.2% - 2.3%)

2010 - Yards per attempt (7.579 - 7.576)

2011 - Yards per completion (12.7 - 11.8)

2014 - Yards/game (254.1 - 243.9)

2015 - QB Rating (92.3, previous best was 89.2 in 2013)

2013 - QBR (67.07 - 60.67)

2015 - Ratio of TD's to INT's (1.91 - 1.86 in 2011)

Over 40% of those happened last year, yet you're opining that since then Cutler has had his biggest improvement since being in Chicago. Yes he did a better job of protecting the ball (2nd lowest INT% since in Chicago), but he regressed at throwing TD's as well (2nd lowest TD% since in Chicago). Like I've said before he can't remove INT's without dropping his TD numbers as well, which IMO isn't improvement.

 

[flapgreen]

I'm not going by numbers. I haven't even looked at them. I'm going by what I saw on the field. Looks like a different player. It's just my opinion. Maybe I'm wrong then. I'm sure others can chime in.

 

[-X-]

Far too many goal-to-go situations resulted in FGs instead of TDs. While that was mostly due to poor playcalling, Bobblehead has to share the blame of poor execution or failing to adjust plays near the stripe according to the opposing defense.

In retrospect, we had the most difficult schedule according to where all opponents finished. Doesn't change the fact that we should've had at least 10 wins instead of 6, had we simply executed in the red zone more efficiently and closed games out without caving.

Truly a maddening season to watch us piss games away due to settling for FGs.

 

[saintfool]

Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year.

What progress are you referring to?

I know you don't like Cutler, which I understand, but to say he didn't have his best year with the Bears last year is crazy talk. Carried an offense with few weapons and didn't melt down any.

You keep touting his progress this year and that this was his best year, what metrics are you using to support that? Here are Jay's best years in passing stats:

Jay's best year in Chicago vs 2015:

2014 - Attempts (561 - 483)

2014 - Completions (370 - 311)

2014 - Completion % (66% - 64.4%)

2014 - Yards (3,812 - 3,659)

2014 - TD's (28 - 21)

2013 - TD% (5.4% - 4.3%)

2011 - INT's (7 in 10 games - 11 in 15 games)

2011 - INT% (2.2% - 2.3%)

2010 - Yards per attempt (7.579 - 7.576)

2011 - Yards per completion (12.7 - 11.8)

2014 - Yards/game (254.1 - 243.9)

2015 - QB Rating (92.3, previous best was 89.2 in 2013)

2013 - QBR (67.07 - 60.67)

2015 - Ratio of TD's to INT's (1.91 - 1.86 in 2011)

Over 40% of those happened last year, yet you're opining that since then Cutler has had his biggest improvement since being in Chicago. Yes he did a better job of protecting the ball (2nd lowest INT% since in Chicago), but he regressed at throwing TD's as well (2nd lowest TD% since in Chicago). Like I've said before he can't remove INT's without dropping his TD numbers as well, which IMO isn't improvement.

it's worth noting that he also had much less to work with in the passing game. No Marshall, Bennett and Alshon out for stretches, no White. Forte - a primary target for sure - was out a few games. One shouldn't be surprised by the lack of TDs when you're throwing to PS players who don't have the skills, experience or both. I'm actually kind of impressed that he didn't have more INTs because of the dearth of talent or he tried to force the ball. This was a better year for Cutler, especially playing behind a makeshift line (yet again), in an offense that was in the bottom half to third of most offensive statistical categerories (passing, rushing, scoring, yards).

 

[Statcruncher]

Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year.

What progress are you referring to?

I know you don't like Cutler, which I understand, but to say he didn't have his best year with the Bears last year is crazy talk. Carried an offense with few weapons and didn't melt down any.

You keep touting his progress this year and that this was his best year, what metrics are you using to support that? Here are Jay's best years in passing stats:

Jay's best year in Chicago vs 2015:

2014 - Attempts (561 - 483)

2014 - Completions (370 - 311)

2014 - Completion % (66% - 64.4%)

2014 - Yards (3,812 - 3,659)

2014 - TD's (28 - 21)

2013 - TD% (5.4% - 4.3%)

2011 - INT's (7 in 10 games - 11 in 15 games)

2011 - INT% (2.2% - 2.3%)

2010 - Yards per attempt (7.579 - 7.576)

2011 - Yards per completion (12.7 - 11.8)

2014 - Yards/game (254.1 - 243.9)

2015 - QB Rating (92.3, previous best was 89.2 in 2013)

2013 - QBR (67.07 - 60.67)

2015 - Ratio of TD's to INT's (1.91 - 1.86 in 2011)

Over 40% of those happened last year, yet you're opining that since then Cutler has had his biggest improvement since being in Chicago. Yes he did a better job of protecting the ball (2nd lowest INT% since in Chicago), but he regressed at throwing TD's as well (2nd lowest TD% since in Chicago). Like I've said before he can't remove INT's without dropping his TD numbers as well, which IMO isn't improvement.

it's worth noting that he also had much less to work with in the passing game. No Marshall, Bennett and Alshon out for stretches, no White. Forte - a primary target for sure - was out a few games. One shouldn't be surprised by the lack of TDs when you're throwing to PS players who don't have the skills, experience or both. I'm actually kind of impressed that he didn't have more INTs because of the dearth of talent or he tried to force the ball. This was a better year for Cutler, especially playing behind a makeshift line (yet again), in an offense that was in the bottom half to third of most offensive statistical categerories (passing, rushing, scoring, yards).

Your response has been copy/pasted every year since Jay arrived in Chicago. A good QB can take average WR's and make them better and take a leaky O-line and mask it's bad play. Cutler not only can't do that, but people are quick to throw them out as excuses for him. Jay is not and will never be the solution. He simply can't improve his TD/INT ratio, he is what he is. If you want low INT's the TD's dry up. If you want lots of TD's prepare for him to lead the league in INT's. It doesn't matter who his WR's are, he can't curb the dumb INT's and increase the TD's. He's a physically talented QB who will always be mired in mediocrity due to his decision making. The sooner Chicago moves on the better.

 

[mbuehner]

The problem is there's only about 5 'good' QBs in the league (by that definition) and they arent for sale.

 

[Hawkeye21]

I'm not going by numbers. I haven't even looked at them. I'm going by what I saw on the field. Looks like a different player. It's just my opinion. Maybe I'm wrong then. I'm sure others can chime in.

I agree with you and I think most analysts, writers and others in football would all agree that Cutler looked much improved this year. Not going by stats but you could see it on the field with the way he lead a talent ridden team down the field numerous times at the end of games. He was much better in the pocket and stepped up more. He just looked better, smarter.

 

[RBM]

30 for 30 show is incredibly good. Powerful stuff with Singletary and Buddy.

 

[RBM]

Closest thing to a perfect team we'll ever see.

 

[KingPrawn]

1985 Bears were a great team. Hard to believe it's been 30 years

 

[Hawkeye21]

I really enjoyed watching that. I didn't realize how close they all were to Buddy. I got the sense that they didn't really respect Ditka all that much.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

I really enjoyed watching that. I didn't realize how close they all were to Buddy. I got the sense that they didn't really respect Ditka all that much.

I'm a packer fan, and so an outsider to the discussion, I suppose. My impression from back in the day was much like yours. I felt the defense played for Buddy and tolerated Ditka. I felt the offense, to an extent, was in Ditka's corner, but would chafe some as Ditka had a tendency to want to make things about himself.

My memories of that awesome dominating team are clouded now, and I might be mixing in some memories from the 1986 season as well but they are as follows.

Ditka was so enamored of trying to embarrass others by using Perry in the backfield that he really sort of disrespected Walter.

Ditka made Forest Gregg absolutely crazy and that produced some very shameful moments by the Packers.

I remember Ditka rollerblading around the interior of the Metrodome and for some no longer remembered reason that made Viking's fans mad.

I tired of announcer's encouraging me to "Look at his eyes!". Every game announcers would lose it over Singletary's eyes.

I remember hoping that the Bears would go undefeated. As a Packer fan I suppose I should have had disdain for a rival, but I enjoyed those Bear's teams and could not help but pull for them, a bit.

 

[RBM]

I really enjoyed watching that. I didn't realize how close they all were to Buddy. I got the sense that they didn't really respect Ditka all that much.

Really came thru about the Flutie decision the next season.

 

[tdmills]

Cutler progressed more with Gase and Loggains than any other year.

What progress are you referring to?

I know you don't like Cutler, which I understand, but to say he didn't have his best year with the Bears last year is crazy talk. Carried an offense with few weapons and didn't melt down any.

You keep touting his progress this year and that this was his best year, what metrics are you using to support that? Here are Jay's best years in passing stats:Jay's best year in Chicago vs 2015:

2014 - Attempts (561 - 483)

2014 - Completions (370 - 311)

2014 - Completion % (66% - 64.4%)

2014 - Yards (3,812 - 3,659)

2014 - TD's (28 - 21)

2013 - TD% (5.4% - 4.3%)

2011 - INT's (7 in 10 games - 11 in 15 games)

2011 - INT% (2.2% - 2.3%)

2010 - Yards per attempt (7.579 - 7.576)

2011 - Yards per completion (12.7 - 11.8)

2014 - Yards/game (254.1 - 243.9)

2015 - QB Rating (92.3, previous best was 89.2 in 2013)

2013 - QBR (67.07 - 60.67)

2015 - Ratio of TD's to INT's (1.91 - 1.86 in 2011)

Over 40% of those happened last year, yet you're opining that since then Cutler has had his biggest improvement since being in Chicago. Yes he did a better job of protecting the ball (2nd lowest INT% since in Chicago), but he regressed at throwing TD's as well (2nd lowest TD% since in Chicago). Like I've said before he can't remove INT's without dropping his TD numbers as well, which IMO isn't improvement.

it's worth noting that he also had much less to work with in the passing game. No Marshall, Bennett and Alshon out for stretches, no White. Forte - a primary target for sure - was out a few games. One shouldn't be surprised by the lack of TDs when you're throwing to PS players who don't have the skills, experience or both. I'm actually kind of impressed that he didn't have more INTs because of the dearth of talent or he tried to force the ball. This was a better year for Cutler, especially playing behind a makeshift line (yet again), in an offense that was in the bottom half to third of most offensive statistical categerories (passing, rushing, scoring, yards).

Your response has been copy/pasted every year since Jay arrived in Chicago. A good QB can take average WR's and make them better and take a leaky O-line and mask it's bad play. Cutler not only can't do that, but people are quick to throw them out as excuses for him. Jay is not and will never be the solution. He simply can't improve his TD/INT ratio, he is what he is. If you want low INT's the TD's dry up. If you want lots of TD's prepare for him to lead the league in INT's. It doesn't matter who his WR's are, he can't curb the dumb INT's and increase the TD's. He's a physically talented QB who will always be mired in mediocrity due to his decision making. The sooner Chicago moves on the better.

Cutler had his best season in chicago and it's not even close.

Chicago lost to Denver by 2 points without Jeffery, White, or Forte. The same D that shut down gb and ne.

 

[flapgreen]

Closest thing to a perfect team we'll ever see.

The reason I started liking the Bears as a kid and maybe the most well known team in sports history, not including the Olympics.

 

[flapgreen]

30 for 30 show is incredibly good. Powerful stuff with Singletary and Buddy.

Very emotional. Proud to be a Bears fan