Why do the Bears hate WRs? (1 Viewer)

[smackdaddies]

I was a bear's hater when i lived in Madison. Now in Eau Claire, it's the Vikings I hate.

I think the Bears WR (counting the TE's and Forte) are good enough, if Cutler would learn to throw. There were plenty of open recievers in the playoff game against the pack in the the 1st half, Cutler just made bad throws.

 

[treat88]

Sanzenbacher is a nice fit in a Martz O.

Could steal some looks from Bennett sooner rather than later.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I was a bear's hater when i lived in Madison. Now in Eau Claire, it's the Vikings I hate.I think the Bears WR (counting the TE's and Forte) are good enough, if Cutler would learn to throw. There were plenty of open recievers in the playoff game against the pack in the the 1st half, Cutler just made bad throws.

Think his bad mechanics are due to being hit the most in the NFL last season? Sacked the most in the NFL last season? And in the playoff game case, tearing his knee on the first play of the second quarter but playing through it?I'd say that has something to do with it.

 

[Power Monster]

I was a bear's hater when i lived in Madison. Now in Eau Claire, it's the Vikings I hate.I think the Bears WR (counting the TE's and Forte) are good enough, if Cutler would learn to throw. There were plenty of open recievers in the playoff game against the pack in the the 1st half, Cutler just made bad throws.

Regardless of the poor pass protection- Cutler has an uncanny way of making some head scratching plays. His 2009 season is a fine example of this erratic play and it carried over into the 2010 season at times but he really minimized the impact of his bad play. Perhaps it was Martz and the great field position that he was handed? Maybe it was the re-emergence of Forte due to the Martz-factor? If I can recall, GB had a very suspect OL as well and they won it all. They did it with a solid corp of receivers and an elite QB. I am not looking to spin this topic into a "who is a better QB" but Cutler and Rodgers have a lot of the same skills and the BIG difference is the receivers. The current Bear receivers are decent but they need to add a seasoned play maker- not an older vet but a WR that has 3-5 years under his belt.

 

[Chadstroma]

They so badly need a #1 WR and it seems like their big WR target is Brad Smith. Now, don't get me wrong- I think Brad Smith is a valuable player for pretty much any team. He is a great #3 or 4 WR, can be a fun piece to have if you like gadget plays and will help your return game.... but he is not a #1. I don't understand what the Bear front office is thinking. Then again, I have never understood taking what would have been the best return man of all time and turning him into a mediocre WR either.

The only reason thy are going after Brad Smith is b/c of the new CBA, the 3rd string QB is ACTIVE on gamedays. Brad Smith played QB in college, so he can fill in as a WR/returner and be a 3rd QB. Saves a roster spot on gameday.

Ok... fine..... still have not heard anything about them seriously going after one of the many WR's out there that would be a huge upgrade for them.

 

[Power Monster]

They so badly need a #1 WR and it seems like their big WR target is Brad Smith. Now, don't get me wrong- I think Brad Smith is a valuable player for pretty much any team. He is a great #3 or 4 WR, can be a fun piece to have if you like gadget plays and will help your return game.... but he is not a #1. I don't understand what the Bear front office is thinking. Then again, I have never understood taking what would have been the best return man of all time and turning him into a mediocre WR either.

The only reason thy are going after Brad Smith is b/c of the new CBA, the 3rd string QB is ACTIVE on gamedays. Brad Smith played QB in college, so he can fill in as a WR/returner and be a 3rd QB. Saves a roster spot on gameday.

Ok... fine..... still have not heard anything about them seriously going after one of the many WR's out there that would be a huge upgrade for them.

They look to be signing draft picks and waiting on the list of cut players to expand. There is a lot to consider especially with the need to re-sign Olin and patch up that OL. There will be a flury of activity in the next few days.

 

[Chadstroma]

They so badly need a #1 WR and it seems like their big WR target is Brad Smith. Now, don't get me wrong- I think Brad Smith is a valuable player for pretty much any team. He is a great #3 or 4 WR, can be a fun piece to have if you like gadget plays and will help your return game.... but he is not a #1. I don't understand what the Bear front office is thinking. Then again, I have never understood taking what would have been the best return man of all time and turning him into a mediocre WR either.

The only reason thy are going after Brad Smith is b/c of the new CBA, the 3rd string QB is ACTIVE on gamedays. Brad Smith played QB in college, so he can fill in as a WR/returner and be a 3rd QB. Saves a roster spot on gameday.

Ok... fine..... still have not heard anything about them seriously going after one of the many WR's out there that would be a huge upgrade for them.

They look to be signing draft picks and waiting on the list of cut players to expand. There is a lot to consider especially with the need to re-sign Olin and patch up that OL. There will be a flury of activity in the next few days.

Exactly. I don't think a wait and see approach will be fruitful. FA's are going to be jumping off the board quickly. The plentiful WR's right now will thin fast and I don't think the quality with be replaced by those being cut. Sure, the OL is a huge priority as well... in fact, even more so than the WR corps but that does not mean you sit tight and hope that something falls in your lap with WR's too if you are serious about winning games.

 

[RBM]

I think Knox and Bennett are keepers, but they could really use some size.

 

[MTskibum]

Sad to say but even Roy would be a big upgrade. When the least of journeymen WRs makes your corps instantly better, that is a sad, sad state of affairs.

Your posts do not make you sound reasonable: Roy Williams, TO, Randy Moss, Plaxico. Knox looked very capable for a 2nd year WR, since wide receiver is typically a position that takes a few years to learn how to play. One would think that a Martz offense would be especially tough for a young WR to learn.

 

[Power Monster]

They so badly need a #1 WR and it seems like their big WR target is Brad Smith. Now, don't get me wrong- I think Brad Smith is a valuable player for pretty much any team. He is a great #3 or 4 WR, can be a fun piece to have if you like gadget plays and will help your return game.... but he is not a #1. I don't understand what the Bear front office is thinking. Then again, I have never understood taking what would have been the best return man of all time and turning him into a mediocre WR either.

The only reason thy are going after Brad Smith is b/c of the new CBA, the 3rd string QB is ACTIVE on gamedays. Brad Smith played QB in college, so he can fill in as a WR/returner and be a 3rd QB. Saves a roster spot on gameday.

Ok... fine..... still have not heard anything about them seriously going after one of the many WR's out there that would be a huge upgrade for them.

They look to be signing draft picks and waiting on the list of cut players to expand. There is a lot to consider especially with the need to re-sign Olin and patch up that OL. There will be a flury of activity in the next few days.

Exactly. I don't think a wait and see approach will be fruitful. FA's are going to be jumping off the board quickly. The plentiful WR's right now will thin fast and I don't think the quality with be replaced by those being cut. Sure, the OL is a huge priority as well... in fact, even more so than the WR corps but that does not mean you sit tight and hope that something falls in your lap with WR's too if you are serious about winning games.

I agree with your analysis on the OL. In fact, call me crazy but I think that they should go out and get two of the best OL FA and be done with it. I could be wrong but I thought that I heard that teams cannot sign free agents until Thursday or Friday? Marshal Yanda would look good in a Bear's uniform.

 

[flapgreen]

If they can somehow replace Kruetz and Omelet, I would be happy. With the moves they have made over the last two years, along with this year's draft, I don't have any issues. Sure, I would love to see a better wide receiver core but I think it's a slightly down the list from OL.

 

[Clifford]

Sad to say but even Roy would be a big upgrade. When the least of journeymen WRs makes your corps instantly better, that is a sad, sad state of affairs.

Your posts do not make you sound reasonable: Roy Williams, TO, Randy Moss, Plaxico. Knox looked very capable for a 2nd year WR, since wide receiver is typically a position that takes a few years to learn how to play. One would think that a Martz offense would be especially tough for a young WR to learn.

What has Cutler consistently asked for every year?Is Cutler a "laser-precision" QB?Does Cutler occasionally try to force balls where he shouldn't?After you answer those rather obvious questions, ask yourself this one:Who is more likely to be able to win a jump ball against two defenders in the corner of the end zone?Any of the above WRs you are laughing at me for suggesting, or Johnny Knox?Sorry you don't want these guys on your fantasy teams, but fact is Knox will never be that guy, and neither will Hester, and neither will Bennett. Cutler is an oft-erratic, rocket-armed QB who tries to force the ball too much. A big, physical WR is what the Bears need and we don't have that. Sorry, but it takes more than straight-line speed to be a really good NFL WR, and that is all Knox has. I've watched every game the kid has played for the Bears and he just isn't big enough or strong enough. He's afraid of getting hit over the middle and he has trouble getting off his blocks. That will NEVER change.

 

[Clifford]

Also, Holmes is resigning with the Jets.

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/6807886/new-york-jets-agree-deal-santonio-holmes-sources-say

Let's not forget last year when they sat on their hands while Brandon Marshall went to Miami and Anquan Boldin went to the Ravens.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

This should make Cliff's head explode:

NFL Network's Mike Lombardi reports that free agent WR Brad Smith "might be a Bear soon."The agreement appears imminent. Smith gained NFL value when the league declared third-string quarterbacks active players on the new 46-man game-day roster. In Chicago, he could be a package player and compete for snaps in the slot.

As a Jets fan, I will say Brad Smith is very under-rated on fantasy football message boards, but he is a very solid NFL player.He's a great special teams player - is a great runner even when defenses knows its coming and has his moments as a WR (although he is nothing special when he lines up at WR.

 

[Clifford]

Just more of the same. Another fruitless, pointless, band-aid signing. Not surprised. Not even very disappointed since I knew it would be this way.

So just for the record, our corps is shaping up to be

WR1: Knox (6'0", slot receiver a la Kevin Curtis)

WR2: Bennett (6'0", underwhelming WR3, wouldn't start for at least half the teams in the league)

WR3: Hester (5'11", punt/kick returner)

WR4: Brad Smith (6'2", gadget guy)

and we won't even talk to Plaxico who has practically begged to play for us. Plax, before he went to jail, is worth all four of these guys. I'd wager good money he'd outperform all of them if a game were played tomorrow.

Well, at least we broke the 6 foot barrier with this signing.

 

[NeverEnough]

Randy Moss to CHI?

 

[Clifford]

If we aren't even willing to consider Plax I can't see how they would be willing to take on Randy and his drama.

 

[Clifford]

Mort reporting that Plax is on a plane to Pittsburgh to meet with Tomlin. That tells me all I need to know about how smart the Bears are to not even talk to him. Why on earth are they so stupid and stubborn? Why not give this guy a chance? He practically begged for an offer, and stands a half-foot taller than our tallest receiver.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Don't you think Roy Williams will find his way up there after Friday?

 

[mlball77]

Don't you think Roy Williams will find his way up there after Friday?

Ugh. Probably so.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Don't you think Roy Williams will find his way up there after Friday?

Ugh. Probably so.

He seemed fine with kitna throwing him the ball in Detroit in Martz' system. It might not be fantastic but it is an upgrade over what you got.

 

[mlball77]

Don't you think Roy Williams will find his way up there after Friday?

Ugh. Probably so.

He seemed fine with kitna throwing him the ball in Detroit in Martz' system. It might not be fantastic but it is an upgrade over what you got.

I don't know that it's an upgrade. I see it as a bit of a lateral move... and likely a waste of money. I'd be more interested in Brad Smith, based largely on what he brings to special teams and gadget plays. Not thrilled with either option, but Smith helps the team more, imo.

 

[Clifford]

We are awash in special teamers. We have more talent on special teams than we have on our offense. And I love having a good special team unit. But the last thing in the world we need is yet another guy who can contribute on special teams and gadget plays. We need a freaking "go get it" receiver that can make Cutler look like a good QB again.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Just more of the same. Another fruitless, pointless, band-aid signing. Not surprised. Not even very disappointed since I knew it would be this way.So just for the record, our corps is shaping up to beWR1: Knox (6'0", slot receiver a la Kevin Curtis)WR2: Bennett (6'0", underwhelming WR3, wouldn't start for at least half the teams in the league)WR3: Hester (5'11", punt/kick returner)WR4: Brad Smith (6'2", gadget guy)and we won't even talk to Plaxico who has practically begged to play for us. Plax, before he went to jail, is worth all four of these guys. I'd wager good money he'd outperform all of them if a game were played tomorrow.Well, at least we broke the 6 foot barrier with this signing.

Name one guy that came out of prison for 2 years to worth anything the next season?It took Vick time(at least an entire year) to get back into the groove, by the time it takes Plax he will be 35. That's IF he can ever play well again.If Knox is a "slot" receiver, then give me 4 of them....that would equate almost 4,000 yards for Cutler this year.

 

[mlball77]

We are awash in special teamers. We have more talent on special teams than we have on our offense. And I love having a good special team unit. But the last thing in the world we need is yet another guy who can contribute on special teams and gadget plays. We need a freaking "go get it" receiver that can make Cutler look like a good QB again.

Is Roy Williams that guy?I certainly don't think so. I don't see him helping the team much, other than already knowing the Martz O. Thus, I'd take Brad Smith over him... not that I'm big on Smith, I'm not... just would rather have him that Williams.

 

[Eminence]

Also, Holmes is resigning with the Jets.http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/6807886/new-york-jets-agree-deal-santonio-holmes-sources-sayLet's not forget last year when they sat on their hands while Brandon Marshall went to Miami and Anquan Boldin went to the Ravens.

I'm sorry signing Julius Peppers wasn't good enough for you.

 

[Statcruncher]

It appears the free agent WR pool is evaporating quickly. At this point the only real impact WR's I'd like to see the Bears go after are Vincent Jackson, Braylon Edwards, and maybe Malcolm Floyd. I have a feeling they will command bigger money that Chicago is willing to spend. If they don't add a WR but make a couple of offensive line upgrades I'd be happy with that, but I'm getting nervous that all they've done is add a punter.

 

[Clifford]

Also, Holmes is resigning with the Jets.http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/6807886/new-york-jets-agree-deal-santonio-holmes-sources-sayLet's not forget last year when they sat on their hands while Brandon Marshall went to Miami and Anquan Boldin went to the Ravens.

I'm sorry signing Julius Peppers wasn't good enough for you.

Is this kind of comment really necessary? What about signing Chester Taylor?

 

[Clifford]

Just more of the same. Another fruitless, pointless, band-aid signing. Not surprised. Not even very disappointed since I knew it would be this way.

So just for the record, our corps is shaping up to be

WR1: Knox (6'0", slot receiver a la Kevin Curtis)

WR2: Bennett (6'0", underwhelming WR3, wouldn't start for at least half the teams in the league)

WR3: Hester (5'11", punt/kick returner)

WR4: Brad Smith (6'2", gadget guy)

and we won't even talk to Plaxico who has practically begged to play for us. Plax, before he went to jail, is worth all four of these guys. I'd wager good money he'd outperform all of them if a game were played tomorrow.

Well, at least we broke the 6 foot barrier with this signing.

Name one guy that came out of prison for 2 years to worth anything the next season?It took Vick time(at least an entire year) to get back into the groove, by the time it takes Plax he will be 35. That's IF he can ever play well again.

If Knox is a "slot" receiver, then give me 4 of them....that would equate almost 4,000 yards for Cutler this year.

Do you not watch football?

 

[Clifford]

It appears the free agent WR pool is evaporating quickly. At this point the only real impact WR's I'd like to see the Bears go after are Vincent Jackson, Braylon Edwards, and maybe Malcolm Floyd. I have a feeling they will command bigger money that Chicago is willing to spend. If they don't add a WR but make a couple of offensive line upgrades I'd be happy with that, but I'm getting nervous that all they've done is add a punter.

Probably all they ever planned on doing. Angelo's biggest fault is being happy with what he has on offense. He always thinks he can get "value guys" that will slightly outperform their crappy pay and that's good enough.If we sacrifice the WR position to get Namdi I'm thrilled.If we sacrifice the WR position to drastically improve our o-line I'm happy.But what is happening right now is we are sacrificing the WR position and not benefitting anywhere else because of it. There is no word anywhere that we are pursuing anyone or anything other than Olin Kreutz, and it's day three and we haven't even sewn that up yet.It's looking like the Bears are once again going to let opportunities to improve their team pass them up for no reason at all. What's worse, we have lost two WRs from a depleted corps, and are now shopping our only pass-catching TE. Kinda makes you wonder what the hell we are doing, a familiar feeling as a Bears fan.

 

[D.J.]

It appears the free agent WR pool is evaporating quickly. At this point the only real impact WR's I'd like to see the Bears go after are Vincent Jackson, Braylon Edwards, and maybe Malcolm Floyd. I have a feeling they will command bigger money that Chicago is willing to spend. If they don't add a WR but make a couple of offensive line upgrades I'd be happy with that, but I'm getting nervous that all they've done is add a punter.

Vjax isnt even available, unless we want to trade for him.

 

[D.J.]

Roy williams has the #potential# to make a big difference for the bears offense without spending much money. if the bears sign him for a few million a year for 3-4 years, we #could# look back and laugh about getting the steal of free agency.

I'm not sure that will happen, but its low risk high reward

 

[Clifford]

So right now our best options to even hope for are thus

Edwards

Sims-Walker

Ocho

Malcolm Floyd

Roy Williams

James Jones

Terrell Owens

Randy Moss

good job bears. You have 33 million to spend, and thus far you have signed a punter, a TE with a 4-year per game average of .6 catches for 4.2 yards, and 26 UDFAs most of whom will never make it past training camp.

Meanwhile, two potential HOF Wrs have gone to other teams, a great 4-3 DT, several substantial o-linemen.

If we have a "plan" here I would really like to know what it is. We aren't doing anything to improve our team. At this point I don't see how we avoid getting penalized for being below the cap.

 

[twistd]

** The Bears have reportedly placed TE Greg Olsen on the trade block. Not surprising. Olsen is under-utilized by OC Mike Martz, but he still has loads of potential and is entering the final year of his contract. Chicago would be wise to get something in return for him now. We'll throw out the Dolphins as a team who could be interested in adding a guy like Olsen.

I just read this. If the Bears trade Olsen they will get nothing for him. Then in a year, when Martz moves on, they will again be looking for a TE. This is the kind of idiotic thing the Bears are really good at. The Bears have very few weapons in the passing game. They are looking at signing the dregs of what is left at WR, so no real upgrade, and now they are looking to trade one of the few assets they do have for probably a third round pick or something equally meaningless. Hopefully this is an unfounded rumor.

 

[Clifford]

And we'll use that 3rd rounder to draft yet another crap Safety, as we have done for the past three years.

Moving from wanting Angelo fired, to wanting Angelo tarred and feathered.

 

[Power Monster]

And we'll use that 3rd rounder to draft yet another crap Safety, as we have done for the past three years.Moving from wanting Angelo fired, to wanting Angelo tarred and feathered.

Jerry is a stooge when it comes to evaluating offensive talent. All we are going to hear about is how the Bears came one game from going to the SB. Well they would have been torched in that championship game if the defense did not put out the effort that they did. Regardless- Jerry's track record on the offensive side seems to be to trade down and stock pile on average talent and if someone emerges- well he is a genius. Look- Forte was a no brainer but outside of Forte who are the stand out offensive players the Bears have drafted in the Angelo regime? I think this trade is going to be a mistake and the big issue here is- who is calling the shots with the offensive strategy- Martz, Lovie or jumping Jerry? You had a playmaker TE that proved that he could score and score distance TDs. The guy had a solid connection with Cutler. He was a first round pick. He loved playing in Chicago. He was durable and he is just entering his prime. He seemed to prosper in the Martz offense with the trend in the NFL leaning towards faster TEs that can sneak underneath or take it to the house. From what I am gathering here- they get a blocking TE, lose a play making TE, do nothing in FA to address a weak OL and they do nothing to address the need for a stand out WR. Perhaps something is in the works but I fear you are right- they will keep playing the numbers game while doing it on the cheap.

 

[flapgreen]

Lol

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Lol

Great post You add so much to the SP.I will be waiting for your next one.

 

[sspunisher]

I thought Jacoby Jones or James Jones were the most interesting choices. Jacoby probably b/c I own him, James just b/c of the familiarity within the division.

Pretty clear Cutler did good with a big physical receiver like Marshall. Don't know how they weren't all over Sidney Rice. As garbage as Roy Williams is, he'd be an upgrade over there. Or maybe they actually believe what they say that Devin Hester will turn into an elite WR....

 

[flapgreen]

Lost 3 receivers from the offense so far. Looks like they better get with it if they plan on having anyone to catch the ball.

 

[UnknownCoach]

Bears showing interest in both Roy Williams and Sims-Walker.

So do you still think they hate WRs just because they arent going after an over-the-hill problem child?

 

[Clifford]

No I just think they have no freaking idea how to run a team and handed over the keys to the entire organization to a complete joke of an oc whose system only worked with 4 future hofers on his roster.

We just dealt our best pass catcher for chump change and once again signed a player at the end of his career whose best seasons are long in his past.

You don't seem to know much about the bears and how they "build" offenses. If we pay him anything close to big money we are just plain idiots. After dealing Olsen this is at best a break even move. But this signing is part of a pattern the bears have been engaging in for decades. Goes back to Kordell. It's just freaking stupid, doesn't save them money, and hardly ever actually improves the team.

All that said, this is an upgrade to wrs, and that is very, very sad.

Eta: how is signing Roy not going after an over the hill problem child. We could have had Sydney rice who is 24 or Holmes who is at his peak. We could have had sims walker or Floyd who are both young and full of potential.

 

[Statcruncher]

From what I am gathering here- they get a blocking TE, lose a play making TE

Let's be honest, Olsen isn't built for this offense. He was drafted under a different scheme that actually used a tight end. Martz doesn't use them except to block. Rather than waste an asset they turned it into a 3rd round pick and replaced it with a cheap blocking TE that fills a need in the offensive scheme. Yes, I hate to see Olsen go, but it was a smart move.

do nothing in FA to address a weak OL

You're completely wrong here. When Colon signed his contract with Pittsburgh he turned down an offer from the Bears worth 3 million more. Of course this means nothing if they don't land someone, but it's not like they're doing nothing.

they do nothing to address the need for a stand out WR. Perhaps something is in the works but I fear you are right- they will keep playing the numbers game while doing it on the cheap.

This I agree with. I truly hope something is in the works.

 

[D.J.]

Sam Hurd was just on espn 1000. Says he is now a bear.

Looks like he replaces Davis on special teams/wr4 or 5?

 

[UnknownCoach]

The Bears never had a chance of getting Holmes. Holmes wanted to stay with the Jets.

Unlike the over the hill players you wanted, Roy Williams is not near the end of his career. I wont waist any more time arguing with someone with your tastes though.

 

[twistd]

The Bears never had a chance of getting Holmes. Holmes wanted to stay with the Jets.Unlike the over the hill players you wanted, Roy Williams is not near the end of his career. I wont waist any more time arguing with someone with your tastes though.

You are absolutely right about Holmes. And the Jets paid an awful lot of dough to a guy who has been problems in the past. The Steelers let him go for a fifth just last year. Roy Williams is 30. He hasn't had a 1000 yard season since 2006. He couldn't produce in a pass happy offense like the Cowboys have. He isn't done yet, but it is hard to imagine he has a lot of good years left. I don't think it is a horrible signing, provided they sign him to a reasonable contract, but he doesn't exactly greatly improve the Bears either. If Martz can get him to play more like he did in 06 he is a good pick up. But if he continues to under perform like he did in Dallas he is just another guy on a team that has a lot of receivers who are just a guy.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I kind of like the Roy siging. They are obviously going to be running a lot of sets with 1RB and keeping the TE in to block. Roy knows the system, so should be integrated quicker than a lot of other Free Agents who are signing around the league, and will be able to play right away in a complex offense. Cutler and Co. should also be better in year 2 of this O.

So the question is, what WR positions are being played by whom. Who are their STL counter-parts (Holt Role, Bruce Role, Az Role etc.) and where do these guys rank among re-draft WRs?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Let's be honest, Olsen isn't built for this offense. He was drafted under a different scheme that actually used a tight end. Martz doesn't use them except to block. Rather than waste an asset they turned it into a 3rd round pick and replaced it with a cheap blocking TE that fills a need in the offensive scheme. Yes, I hate to see Olsen go, but it was a smart move.

How long is "this offense" going to be around? What's the longest that Martz has stuck it out anywhere?The guy several posts up above nailed it on the head. The moved Olsen for almost nothing (you really think that 3rd round pick is going to turn into anything with this franchise using it? Good luck with that...) because he doesn't fit this offense, and in two years they'll have a new offense and be looking for a tight end.Besides, he was actually fitting into the offense pretty decently and he was affordable, not that they have cap issues anyway. It's not like that cash they saved going from Olsen to his replacement is going to actually be spent improving the team elsewhere, and in a few years they'll probably be spending even more to replace him when they decide they need a TE again.

 

[Power Monster]

You're completely wrong here. When Colon signed his contract with Pittsburgh he turned down an offer from the Bears worth 3 million more. Of course this means nothing if they don't land someone, but it's not like they're doing nothing.

They could be blowing smoke up our giggy on this one. There are still some solid OL guys out there so if they were so hell bent on beefing up the OL they would have had a contingency plan in place. Let's wait and see what happens but in listening to Tom Thayer on WSCR this morning- he was all but saying that PITT did the Bears a favor because the Bears are in a great position to "develop" the current linemen that they have. I disagree with this notion as they have not even signed their overrated center and first round pick leaving the roster filled with vastly average linemen.

 

[Power Monster]

Let's be honest, Olsen isn't built for this offense. He was drafted under a different scheme that actually used a tight end. Martz doesn't use them except to block. Rather than waste an asset they turned it into a 3rd round pick and replaced it with a cheap blocking TE that fills a need in the offensive scheme. Yes, I hate to see Olsen go, but it was a smart move.

How long is "this offense" going to be around? What's the longest that Martz has stuck it out anywhere?The guy several posts up above nailed it on the head. The moved Olsen for almost nothing (you really think that 3rd round pick is going to turn into anything with this franchise using it? Good luck with that...) because he doesn't fit this offense, and in two years they'll have a new offense and be looking for a tight end.Besides, he was actually fitting into the offense pretty decently and he was affordable, not that they have cap issues anyway. It's not like that cash they saved going from Olsen to his replacement is going to actually be spent improving the team elsewhere, and in a few years they'll probably be spending even more to replace him when they decide they need a TE again.

I am still at a loss here as they could have grabbed Spaeth in the 3rd round the same year they wasted a first rounder on Olsen. This just signals another first round pick that was wasted by the organization.Olsen admitted yesterday that there were games in which he would do nothing. What does that say about Martz's creativity with the talent that he inherits? Is Martz cemented into his own offensive strategies to the point where he does not even have any flexability? I could have lived with Spaeth and Olsen. Heck they carried 3-4 TEs last year and one of these guys was a complete bust.