** Official Chicago Bears Offseason thread ** (1 Viewer)

[Rounders]

They'll probably just do whatever costs the McCaskeys less money.

VERY

 

[hephner]

They've also got a lot of extensions or new contracts for existing players to worry about. Hester wants more money. Tommie Harris' contract expires after this year. And word today is that they may be close to inking a new deal with Urlacher. Those are 3 pretty big priorities for the cap. Signing another RB, especially a relatively bigger name with a higher price tag, won't happen until those other loose ends are tied up.

 

[-X-]

They'll probably just do whatever costs the McCaskeys less money.

VERY

Sheesh, tell us something we don't already know... I'm not sure why some people are so scared about having a rookie RB being penciled in as the starter. As others have stated, any of the FAs would likely demand a starting role. Alas, perhaps they SHOULD bring some of those FAs in for a look, so Forte gets the hint that he should sign a contract ASAP to make sure he's in camp on time. I like what I've seen of Forte in highlights and critiques, but the bottom line is that he's an unproven commodity and caution should be taken until his intent and dedication are publicly displayed, along with an aversion of stupidity.

 

[Rounders]

They'll probably just do whatever costs the McCaskeys less money.

VERY

Sheesh, tell us something we don't already know... I'm not sure why some people are so scared about having a rookie RB being penciled in as the starter. As others have stated, any of the FAs would likely demand a starting role. Alas, perhaps they SHOULD bring some of those FAs in for a look, so Forte gets the hint that he should sign a contract ASAP to make sure he's in camp on time. I like what I've seen of Forte in highlights and critiques, but the bottom line is that he's an unproven commodity and caution should be taken until his intent and dedication are publicly displayed, along with an aversion of stupidity.

Are you saying that you don't believe the McCaskeys are cheap?

 

[Max Power]

I'm at a loss for words at this point.

Hey guys...Sorry I haven't been around much the last 2 months. I ended up taking a Job in DC and moving has been a pain in the butt.

My quick view of the draft....

Rounds 1-3...Happy enough with. Got 3 Offensive players who should contribute this season and a DT who might be what Harris needed to regain his dominant form.

Steltz... Somewhat unexpected considering what was left on the board, however I'm not upset with this pick. I see Steltz as a Brian Russell type player. Will never make a big play, but gets the job done. However, I do think Chris Harris was/is a better player.

Bowman... I'm ok with this pick. In rd 5, if you can get this type of potential talent, it is worth the risk. Hopefully the guy pans out.

Kellen Davis... holy crap. I am a pretty big MSU fan, and I like Davis...But...WHAT? a #3TE?!?! The kid has potential and should be a great replacement for Desmond Clark when he goes, but IMO we have more pressing issues. I guess this goes back to JA's BPA strategy. If I was anything other than a MSU fan, I would be livid about this pick

RD7... again. Baldwin isn't very good. Barton, Adams or Monk could all be decent in time.

Overall, i'd give it a solid B. I liked what they did early, the middle was a bit rough considering what what was on the board when the Bears picked, the 7th should make fans happy. Both Monk and Barton have a shot at being an everydown player.

Now to the recent Issue. Letting Go of Ced. Good me on part of JA. I was in the camp two years ago about how trading Jones was Stupid..BUT...lets move on, that is in the past. Benson is Gone. Forte is a decent prospect. He had a ton of carries (350+) at Tulane last season, but this is the NFL. 200 touches should be his limit IMO. I think the Bears NEED to bring in a FA. If it turns out to be Dayne, Fine. However going into a season with Forte, AP, and Wolfe just spells 4th place in the NFC north and probably down to the wire for worst in the NFL.

The Bears have a nice Mix of ageing Vets and a "too young to be counted on" core. Tait and Krutez only have a couple years at most left on them. I think the D will be ok for another 3-4 years, but after that....A mess.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now that I am done rambling on this team...Here is what I expect fantasy/real world wise this season.

Grossman will play well enough for the Bears to keep him for another 3-4 years.

Orton will be Orton. A back-up QB who won't lose a game by himself, but won't win a game on his arm.

Forte will get about 275 carries....8 TDs, not much in the receptions department.

Ron Dayne (will be signed) gets 150 carries 4 TDs

Booker and Olsen will be 1-2 in receiving. Booker (70 rec 800 3TD) - Olsen (60 rec 700 4td)

Both Lloyd and Bennett will show flashes. Nothing Major this season.

Bradley will be a decent WR option. Not a go to guy. Mainly a Deep threat. 30-40 recpetions a couple TDs

Hester will progress, but is still a year or two away form being a decent WR option. As bad as this Offence will be, teams will key on hester and I don't think he has the skills to overcome that.

Desmond Clark should be solid again. 45 rec 450 yards 3 TDs.

 

[-X-]

Are you saying that you don't believe the McCaskeys are cheap?

What I'm saying is that there's no need to reiterate what nearly all Bear fans were already aware of. That being said, they have thrown around quite a bit of cash in recent years in re-signing certain players.

 

[hephner]

Both Lloyd and Bennett will show flashes. Nothing Major this season.

FYI - Early word out of Bears camp is that Lloyd may be on the outside looking in right now, and may not even make the team. Booker, Bradley, Bennett, Hester, & R. Davis will be their WRs. I doubt they keep 6 WRs again this year. Lloyd is a long shot to make the team at this point.

 

[sholditch]

Monk will make the roster.

We need to be literally dumping a dump truck of money on LeCharles Bentley's front door and promising him the starting LG position right now. If he's helthy he could be our starting LG for the next four years. I don't care if they don't bring in a RB but if they don't make a play for this guy they might as well hang a sign that says "Wait till next year" on soldier field right now.

 

[Rounders]

Monk will make the roster.We need to be literally dumping a dump truck of money on LeCharles Bentley's front door and promising him the starting LG position right now. If he's helthy he could be our starting LG for the next four years. I don't care if they don't bring in a RB but if they don't make a play for this guy they might as well hang a sign that says "Wait till next year" on soldier field right now.

The shark move would be to sign Bentley to an incentive laden deal to encourage a comeback.

 

[-X-]

We don't need to be bringing in formerly staph-infected, torn patellar tendon-rehabbing washups. Beekman is going to be a gem at LG.

 

[sholditch]

wow, you edited that and still left the "Beekman's a gem" comment in. Anyway, anyone who would seriously like to see our line improve, and you have to hope there are at least a few people in the Bears organization that do, should want to sign this kid. Seriously, I can handle resigning Grossman and Orton, I can handle letting our best receiver go, I can handle dealing Thomas Jones, I can even handle passing on a QB all the way through the draft, but if they let this guy go to some other team, I don't think I can handle that. We have NO ONE at LG and that's his natural position from college. Sign the kid. Incentive-laden deal, whatever, just get some freaking help on the line. Please, for the love of God, open up the wallet for once.

 

[-X-]

I had to address a grammatical correction. I don't make many predictions but I'll stand by my Beekman comment. The guy was highly-rated coming out of B.C. and quite a few pundits said we acquired him as a real steal in the fourth round in 2007. Let's give our own prospect a shot without wasting the cash on another guy who has rarely seen the field in the past two seasons and is trying to come back from a major knee injury. Most of us already know that Metcalf is a career backup/spot starter and has pretty much hit his ceiling...

 

[SmoovySmoov]

They'll probably just do whatever costs the McCaskeys less money.

 

[sholditch]

Bentley, if healthy, is a pro-bowler. Beekman, if healthy, is a project that may or may not develop. If both are healthy, there is no question who is better and who would make a bigger impact on our line. I looked Beekman up and he only played in one game last year. This is it:

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=2926...=REG&week=5

When I watched the video replay I saw our LG getting blown off the line every time.

ETA: Went over to the bears forum and there are a lot of people saying we should work out LeCharles. I really think if he's healthy and we bring him in at LG, we could see a resurgence in our rushing attack, even with Grossman/Orton at QB.

 

[-X-]

Bentley, when he was if healthy, was is a pro-bowler. Beekman, if healthy, is a project that may or may not develop. If both are healthy, there is no question who is better and who would make a bigger impact on our line. I looked Beekman up and he only played in one game last year. This is it:

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=2926...=REG&week=5

When I watched the video replay I saw our LG getting blown off the line every time.

ETA: Went over to the bears forum and there are a lot of people saying we should work out LeCharles. I really think if he's healthy and we bring him in at LG, we could see a resurgence in our rushing attack, even with Grossman/Orton at QB.

All valid points; I'm just bearish on Bentley returning to form. C'mon, did you really expect Beekman to be effective as a rookie making a spot start last season with minimal (OTA, training camp, weekly) practice time with the ones? Of course not.

If the McCaskeys are as cheap and conservative as people here believe, what makes you think they will sign Bentley anyhow? I'd rather see Url, Harris and Hester re-signed and Beekman thrown to the wolves than see us taking a chance on Bentley.

Given our history with (the absence of) signing big name FAs, it doesn't appear likely to me.

 

[hephner]

Monk will make the roster.

Good point. I missed Monk. Perhaps they will roster 6 WRs again after all. It would seem even less likely that Lloyd would make the team then, unless he beats out R. Davis.

 

[sholditch]

Lloyd and Davis are definitely battling. Personally I hope that Davis did enough in the last two seasons to beat out Lloyd. Lloyd has had plenty of chances to make something of himself and never has.

To other post, I always expect the worst roster management possible from the McCaskeys. They are criminally cheap when it comes to running a football team. However, I expect both JA and Lovie to throw themselves at their feet and beg for the chance to sign Bentley.

 

[The Dude]

So now that Benson is gone, who would you like to see us sign as an FA? Short term, I would love to see either LaMont or Kevin, as I think they both still have the skills to succeed in a feature role, but I think SA woulkd be the better long-term fit, as he would be a great back for Forte to learn from, and likely wouldn't really want to compete with Forte. Has anyone with an ear to the ground heard any rumblings about signing a back?

I don't know why they need to sign anyone. Let's see what Forte can do. If he takes a little while to develop, Peterson has certainly proved he can tote the rock on a short term basis. And that means they can keep Wolfe around one more year to see how he develops.

C'mon - be serious.

I am.

The Bears must believe they are a playoff team (at minimal).

They're not. They'll be lucky not to finish 4th in their division.

You wouldn't intentionally place your fate in the hands of Peterson-Wolfe-Forte.

Sure I would given the fact that the offense is in complete rebuild mode.

There's 3 notable guys apparently worth signing.

Alexander, Jones and Henry? One over-the-hill, one perpetually injured (and who will not even be active to start the season), and an unreliable doper who can't keep it in his pants. Nothing notable there.

I would be shocked if they didn't sign one.

Nothing would shock me with this team.

You can't necessarily look at it as a fan. The Bears organization has to believe they can be a playoff team and compete at that level. I don't believe the prognosticators thought they would make the superbowl a few years back either.Then you have to look at it professionally. Management & coaching are also looking to protect their jobs and reputation. It wouldn't be wise to rely on Forte, Peterson, and Wolfe. They have to look to win the most games possible - and there's no downside to signing another RB if you can structure the contract correctly.

And my 3 were Alexander, Jordan, and Jones.

 

[Christo]

You can't necessarily look at it as a fan. The Bears organization has to believe they can be a playoff team and compete at that level. I don't believe the prognosticators thought they would make the superbowl a few years back either.

Why does the organization have to believe they can be a playoff team? I'd hope that they look at the team realistically. That's the only way for them to properly evaluate the talent they have and improve upon it.Otherwise, they'd give a two mediocre QBs multiple chances to fail year after year. And they'd bring in no real talent at RB and WR. Oh, that's right. That's exactly what they've been doing. So you may be right afterall. They might just believe that they're a playoff calibre team.

Then you have to look at it professionally. Management & coaching are also looking to protect their jobs and reputation. It wouldn't be wise to rely on Forte, Peterson, and Wolfe. They have to look to win the most games possible - and there's no downside to signing another RB if you can structure the contract correctly.

It's not worth bringing in a FA just to do something and just because you may be able to work it out financially.

And my 3 were Alexander, Jordan, and Jones.

Sure. A guy with a bad back.

 

[sholditch]

If they really thought they could win now they would be looking at signing Bentley and an FA RB.

 

[TitusIII]

I still think the defense is as good as any when healthy...that, along with Devin Hester is probably good for 8 wins(assuming half the team isn't missing like last season).

 

[mlball77]

I still think the defense is as good as any when healthy...that, along with Devin Hester is probably good for 8 wins(assuming half the team isn't missing like last season).

I'm on board with what you've said. A banged up D really hurt CHI last year.I am a bit surprised by some of the negativity in this thread. Well, not really I guess. The CHI offense is a trainwreck, admittedly, so a good chunk of the negativity is definitely warranted. However, I truly feel the D will bounce back and be very good again this year... and that alone, at least in the NFC, gives CHI a real shot at the playoffs, imho. Chicago will be in a ton of ugly games in 2008, but if things shake out right, they could squeak into a Wildcard birth.

 

[sholditch]

I still think the defense is as good as any when healthy...that, along with Devin Hester is probably good for 8 wins(assuming half the team isn't missing like last season).

A lot of it was self-imposed. Trading Chris Harris was a HUGE mistake, signing Archuleta was another HUGE mistake, as was cutting Tank Johnson. Not to mention trading Thomas Jones to kick things off. The 2007 season was one of the Bear's own making, no doubt. Stupid move after stupid move.

 

[sholditch]

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports free agent OL LeCharles Bentley would prefer to play guard for his next team.

It's surprising Bentley is already being choosy. He's coming off a bunch of knee surgeries and was apparently timed in the 7s when the Browns asked him to run forties for his physical. He should be willing to play wherever.

and

Ten teams have reportedly contacted LeCharles Bentley since he was released.

Most are probably just gathering medical information. He will get a job, but we doubt he'll get a big contract.

 

[-X-]

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports free agent OL LeCharles Bentley would prefer to play guard for his next team.

It's surprising Bentley is already being choosy. He's coming off a bunch of knee surgeries and was apparently timed in the 7s when the Browns asked him to run forties for his physical. He should be willing to play wherever.

and

Ten teams have reportedly contacted LeCharles Bentley since he was released.

Most are probably just gathering medical information. He will get a job, but we doubt he'll get a big contract.

RotoWorld RSS Feed

 

[RBM]

Lets hope he can stay on the field more

ESPN.com: NFLThursday, June 19, 2008Updated: June 20, 8:10 AM ETBears sign Harris to 4-year extension worth $40MBy Michael SmithESPN.comCross one -- and perhaps the most pressing -- item off Chicago's 2008 offseason to-do list.The Bears have agreed with defensive tackle Tommie Harris on a four-year extension through 2012 worth approximately $40 million, including $18 million in guarantees and $27 million over three years, according to sources familiar with negotiations. The extension makes Harris the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL and in history. The contract is the richest in team history.Chicago has been engaged in negotiations with representatives for arguably their three most important players -- Harris, linebacker Brian Urlacher and wide receiver/returner Devin Hester. Urlacher, considered by many to be the face of the franchise, signed for four more seasons but would like his contract upgraded. Hester had outperformed the four-year pact he signed as a second-round pick in 2006.Getting Harris, 25, locked up was of the most urgency for the Bears, as he would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency following the '08 season, the last year of his rookie contract.Had the sides not agreed to a long-term deal the Bears likely would have applied the franchise tag to Harris next year and possibly 2010. Instead negotiations between the Bears and agent Drew Rosenhaus intensified the past two weeks and ended with a deal that will allow him to reach free agency again at 29 years old.One of the game's most dominant interior defenders, Harris has been selected to the past three Pro Bowls. His skills are especially key in the Bears' Tampa 2 defense, which relies primarily on defensive linemen to apply quarterback pressure, particularly the 3-technique position played by Harris and made famous by former Buccaneer and Raider Warren Sapp.Since the Bears selected him 14th overall in the 2004 draft out of Oklahoma, Harris has started 56 of 60 games played, amassed 19 1/2 sacks, forced five fumbles and recovered three. Harris collected a career-best eight sacks last season.Michael Smith is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

 

[Walter34]

I still think the defense is as good as any when healthy...that, along with Devin Hester is probably good for 8 wins(assuming half the team isn't missing like last season).

A lot of it was self-imposed. Trading Chris Harris was a HUGE mistake, signing Archuleta was another HUGE mistake, as was cutting Tank Johnson. Not to mention trading Thomas Jones to kick things off. The 2007 season was one of the Bear's own making, no doubt. Stupid move after stupid move.

While Chris Harris had a good statistical year, he is a liability in coverage and gets burned regularly. He played better than expected, but it was not a mistake to let him go.Archuleta, yeah, he has suckedLetting tank go was the right thing to do despite the Bears feeling the loss at DT last year. They should be applaued for releasing these problem players while other teams tend to just keep them. What kind of message does that send to the fans, other players? I respect the decision.Jones was a tough and interesting decision. Benson is now gone, but at the time, they had to give him the shot and they made a very good deal with the Jets instead of letting TJ go to free agency the next year for nothing. In the end, keeping TJ or trading him would not have worked out. He had a mediocre year for the Jets and only 1 TD, but he would have struggled behind the oline last year just like the others did. Drafting Benson was the big mistake, noit giving him the rock last year instead of TJ.Of all of the above, Archuletta was the only clear mistake and that impact was minimal.

 

[baconisgood]

Watching the Bears/Browns final preseason game- Who the heck is this Hanie (sp) guy, and why the hell isn't he starting for them? Stands up to the blitz, accurate, decent looking arm, wtf? Just had a TD pass called back for holding, but it was on the money.

 

[hugebearsfansinceforever]

Watching the Bears/Browns final preseason game- Who the heck is this Hanie (sp) guy, and why the hell isn't he starting for them? Stands up to the blitz, accurate, decent looking arm, wtf? Just had a TD pass called back for holding, but it was on the money.

Completely agree. The Bears have to find a way to keep this kid on the roster.

 

[RBM]

Bazuin and Okwo gone. Two of the worst freakin picks Ive ever seen

 

[Max Power]

Bazuin and Okwo gone. Two of the worst freakin picks Ive ever seen

Agreed. Thank goodness Olsen fell to us in that same draft. I would have hated to see what "plan B" was.Funny thing is these were the two players we basically traded Thomas Jones for.

 

[oddball]

There is a realistic possibility Chris Simms gets signed by the bears. He probably won't start right away, but I see him starting by week 4-5. Since every single bears WR(besides Hester) is on the waiver wire, which one would be the wisest to grab-n-stash? Davis? Booker?

 

[boubucarow]

I still think the defense is as good as any when healthy...that, along with Devin Hester is probably good for 8 wins(assuming half the team isn't missing like last season).

I'm on board with what you've said. A banged up D really hurt CHI last year.I am a bit surprised by some of the negativity in this thread. Well, not really I guess. The CHI offense is a trainwreck, admittedly, so a good chunk of the negativity is definitely warranted. However, I truly feel the D will bounce back and be very good again this year... and that alone, at least in the NFC, gives CHI a real shot at the playoffs, imho. Chicago will be in a ton of ugly games in 2008, but if things shake out right, they could squeak into a Wildcard birth.

More like a horrible offense hurt the Bears last season. They were a very bad offense last year and easily ranked as bottom 10. The defense actually played above average but was put on the field so often and so quickly that the yards piled up. Basically, the defense needed to be a top 3 defense to make up for the offense. It was only a top 10 defense and that wasn't enough.

 

[mlball77]

Boubu,

Were you looking to bump this thread?

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...;#entry10508780

Looks like you were responding to comments made during the previous offseason..

You make a good point about the CHI D being good, but not quite good enough to carry the entire team last yr (2008).

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Some interesting things I found on ESPN.

Since its not officially the next offseason yet I thought I would post them here.

NFC North Challenge Tracker

Team Coach Challenge Overturned Success rate

Chicago Lovie Smith 9 2 22.2

Detroit Jim Schwartz 6 2 33.3

Green Bay Mike McCarthy 14 5 35.7

Minnesota Brad Childress 9 5 55.6

Lovie has the worst challenge success rate....will this factor into managements decision to keep him?

This piece on Jay Cutler's limited opportunities to move outside the pocket got me wondering: How did Chicago scheme for its new quarterback this season?

There are many ways to look at that question, and here’s one. ESPN Stats & Information tracks each NFL team by key formations over the course of the season. In the chart below, you’ll see how often the Bears have used each of the primary NFL formations and how it compares to the rest of the league.

Keep in mind that these formations are determined by where players line up, not what positions they technically play. In other words, a tight end lined up in the slot would be considered a receiver in this rendering.

Bears by offensive formation this season

Formation Number of times used NFL rank

Two in backfield 301 23

Single back + receiver on either side of center 364 3

Empty backfield 20 22

Single back + three receivers 174 30

Wildcat 2 T-15*

*Lowest among teams that have used it

Source: ESPN Stats & Information

As you can see, the Bears have used a basic one-back, two-receiver set more than any other this season -- and more than all but two other teams in the NFL. Typically in those situations, you’ll have two tight ends on the field as well.

I think this points to a number of issues we’ve touched on this season. First, the Bears brought a downfield passer into an offense that had de-emphasized the receiver position over the past few years. Second, they’ve displayed limited flexibility in changing their base sets over the course of the season. Third, the Bears’ offense has conflicting intents.

We don’t know whether coach Lovie Smith will return next season, but if he does, it’s hard to imagine him not swapping out at least some members of his offensive staff. Smith shares some of the blame for a rocky transition to Cutler, but offense is not his expertise. He’ll need to find someone with a clear vision for what this offense should be and how best to use its existing personnel.

By formation, would Forte or the offense have been more successful in a 2 back set running the ball and throwing due to inexperienced skill players?

 

[flapgreen]

Well, it's been a long tough season. Some big highs, such as beating the Steelers early and then taking down the Viks in ot late, but mostly lows. Many unfulfilled expectations. Most were realistic I think. We were a 9 win team last year, so surely bringing in a probowl qb will add a couple more wins, but it didn't. The Oline from year before wasn't horrid, so bringing in more guys lead me to believe we would improve the line, but it got exponentially worse. I thought we were still going to play Bears football and pound the rock and play defense, but it seemed the opposite and everything rotated around the pass.

Where we're at right now:

Bottom half of the league in almost every category on each side of the ball, except for passing def

Off

Total Offense-24th

Running-30th

Passing-17th

Turnover Margin 28th with a -8

Def

Total Defense-17th

Rushing-26th

Passing-12th

That's pretty damn bad and far from what many expected. The trouble is where do we go. No 1st 2 round draft picks this year. Receivers sucks as a whole. OL sucks. DL is mediocre at best at this point. Secondary sucks. The lb core could rebound well and have a great season if Urlacher returns healthy.

Regardless of all of the criticism taken on here, I think Cutler will be fine and even great when he starts to understand the game and has more weapons, along with a new coach and mentor. I have great respect for Lovie but it looks like the time has come to make a change, whether it's his fault or not, and I think most of it isn't. Angelo has to go. Numerous poor decisions have brought the team down very low and someone needs to try and fix it. It's not going to be him. I hope they bring in somebody with a lot of experience and pay them what they deserve. that's it for now.