Saturday, 31 January 2009
Dent Fails Again
Richard Dent has failed for the 5th time in 6 years to get elected to the Hall of Fame. Though it's disappointing, I'm not surprised as Bruce Smith seemed to have an edge. Lets hope for better luck next year.
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Olsen Bears Player of The Year
Bears Tight End Greg Olsen will be hounoured as the Bears player of the year at an event to be held on Feb 9th.
Know I now that 54 catches and 5 TD's is a productive season, I'm guessing that Olsen got the nod over Forte due to his work in the community.
Know I now that 54 catches and 5 TD's is a productive season, I'm guessing that Olsen got the nod over Forte due to his work in the community.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Windy City Sports
I had an email not so long ago from the guys who run Windy City Sports, which is a relatively new website and forum dedicated to Chicago sports.
Go check out their site Windy City Sports
Go check out their site Windy City Sports
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Defence Wins Championships - Again
I've been tied up with a few personal things over the last 2 weeks and missed Jerry Angelo's comments on the QB situation. I've read some of them since and I'll be going back to the Bears official site to listen to all he's had to say.
However, from what I've seen so far I think his priorities are all wrong if he believes a QB is the area we should focus on. What we need is a dominant d-line that can generate pressure and which will also improve our secondary. The offence, bar a true number 1 WR is set at the skill positions (and we CAN win with Orton) but offence doesn't win Championships.
Take a look at the stats. Which defences were the top 3 in yards allowed in the regular season? I'll give you the answer in that the top 2 are both in the AFC Title game and the number 3 are in the NFC Title Game......yep thats the Steelers, Ravens and Eagles.
I can hear you now asking well what about the Cardinals? Well the reason they beat the Panthers? Defence. 5 interceptions and a fumble recovery. And held the Panthers to 70 odd yards rushing. And held the Falcons to a little less than that. The Cardinals got to the post-season, found a defence and are now hosting a title game.
I'll ask another question? Where are the top ranked offences from the regular season? Well none posted a winning record and are sat at home. As are the #5 offence - Patriots who lost crucial games because they couldn't stop the offence. If you don't believe me just go back and watch their games against the Jets, Steelers and Chargers.
So Jerry Angelo, sure get Orton a better receiving corps, buT first of all get a defence. After all DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
However, from what I've seen so far I think his priorities are all wrong if he believes a QB is the area we should focus on. What we need is a dominant d-line that can generate pressure and which will also improve our secondary. The offence, bar a true number 1 WR is set at the skill positions (and we CAN win with Orton) but offence doesn't win Championships.
Take a look at the stats. Which defences were the top 3 in yards allowed in the regular season? I'll give you the answer in that the top 2 are both in the AFC Title game and the number 3 are in the NFC Title Game......yep thats the Steelers, Ravens and Eagles.
I can hear you now asking well what about the Cardinals? Well the reason they beat the Panthers? Defence. 5 interceptions and a fumble recovery. And held the Panthers to 70 odd yards rushing. And held the Falcons to a little less than that. The Cardinals got to the post-season, found a defence and are now hosting a title game.
I'll ask another question? Where are the top ranked offences from the regular season? Well none posted a winning record and are sat at home. As are the #5 offence - Patriots who lost crucial games because they couldn't stop the offence. If you don't believe me just go back and watch their games against the Jets, Steelers and Chargers.
So Jerry Angelo, sure get Orton a better receiving corps, buT first of all get a defence. After all DEFENCE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Bears Hire DB's Coach
The Bears have hired Jon Hoke as Defensive Backs coach. Hoke played for the Bears, albeit briefly and has spent the last 7 years as the DB's coach for the Texans.
Now I maybe wrong but the Texans secondary has hardly set the world alight over the last 7 years but then again Hoke was not responsible for personnel decisions and worked with what he was given. He's a reputation as a hard nosed guy so will be sure to ruffle some feathers.
Now I maybe wrong but the Texans secondary has hardly set the world alight over the last 7 years but then again Hoke was not responsible for personnel decisions and worked with what he was given. He's a reputation as a hard nosed guy so will be sure to ruffle some feathers.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Dent HOF Finalist
Defensive End, Richard Dent, star of the Bears 85 defence and MVP of Super Bowl XX has been selected as one of the 17 finalist for the Football Hall of Fame, the fifth time in the last 6 years.
The problem for Dent is that he is up against Bruce Smith who played for the Bills and Redskins in his 18 year career registering 200 sacks (compared to Dents 137.5). Whilst it may be Smith's first time (it's the first time he has been elligible) I think he gets the nod over Dent and I don't see them adding two Defensive line men to the HOF.
The problem for Dent is that he is up against Bruce Smith who played for the Bills and Redskins in his 18 year career registering 200 sacks (compared to Dents 137.5). Whilst it may be Smith's first time (it's the first time he has been elligible) I think he gets the nod over Dent and I don't see them adding two Defensive line men to the HOF.
Forte Up For Rookie of the Year
I'm a bit late with this one but Matt Forte is one of the five finalists for the 2008 Rookie of the Year. Now I would love for him to win it but as Joe Flacco has taken the Ravens to the AFC Title game I suspect he might just pip Forte to the post.
Bears Add Coach
As expected Rod Marinelli has agreed terms with the Bears to become their defensive line coach/assistant head coach. Whilst Marinelli's time in Detriot has been a failure he is a highly regarded line coach and I would like to see an improved performance from the unit next season.
There are 4 players especially who I feel will benefit from Marinelli's are Tommie Harris, Dusty, Marcus Harrison and Mark Anderson. The first and last have, arguably under performed last season with Anderson being disappointing since his rookie season.
Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli have known each other since their days in Tampa and I assume will have a good working relationship.
The one person who should worry is Bob Babich because if the Bears defence doesn't improve I could see Marinelli taking over the DC's role.
There are 4 players especially who I feel will benefit from Marinelli's are Tommie Harris, Dusty, Marcus Harrison and Mark Anderson. The first and last have, arguably under performed last season with Anderson being disappointing since his rookie season.
Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli have known each other since their days in Tampa and I assume will have a good working relationship.
The one person who should worry is Bob Babich because if the Bears defence doesn't improve I could see Marinelli taking over the DC's role.
Flea's New Blog
Flea, a friend of mine, has set up a new Bears blog called Irish Bears Fans.
As you can guess from the title he's also a Bears fan and lives in Ireland. He's more knowledgeable about the game than I am, especially the College game where I'm pretty clueless.
As you can guess from the title he's also a Bears fan and lives in Ireland. He's more knowledgeable about the game than I am, especially the College game where I'm pretty clueless.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
The Biggest Question Mark
Entering the off season the biggest question mark is arguably at Quarterback. Whilst the Bears can win with Orton I’m not convinced and neither are the Front Office that he is the “future”. His performance tailed off after his ankle injury and I guess I have to give him the benefit of the doubt over that.
With Rex Grossman a free agent after this year (and no I don’t think he’ll be back) the Bears do have to look at acquiring a veteran to add some depth and competition. The names most bandied about are Donovan McNabb and Matt Cassel.
I doubt Cassel would be as productive in Chicago as he was in New England as he simply wouldn’t have a Wes Welker or Randy Moss. Though Forte would be in the mix the Patriots also used a number of Running Backs to good effect especially in the last 3 games of the season where they had close on 660 yards rushing.
McNabb seems a more realistic possibility and being a Chicago boy means he would probably have most people on his side.
During training camp and the OTA’s no doubt Caleb Hanie would get a look – and there are those who think he should have had more chances last year. I think the Bears got it right and should take Hanie’s development methodically.
Whoever gets brought in Orton would have again to compete for a starting job. Only this time I think the competition will be stiffer.
With Rex Grossman a free agent after this year (and no I don’t think he’ll be back) the Bears do have to look at acquiring a veteran to add some depth and competition. The names most bandied about are Donovan McNabb and Matt Cassel.
I doubt Cassel would be as productive in Chicago as he was in New England as he simply wouldn’t have a Wes Welker or Randy Moss. Though Forte would be in the mix the Patriots also used a number of Running Backs to good effect especially in the last 3 games of the season where they had close on 660 yards rushing.
McNabb seems a more realistic possibility and being a Chicago boy means he would probably have most people on his side.
During training camp and the OTA’s no doubt Caleb Hanie would get a look – and there are those who think he should have had more chances last year. I think the Bears got it right and should take Hanie’s development methodically.
Whoever gets brought in Orton would have again to compete for a starting job. Only this time I think the competition will be stiffer.
Not Good Enough – The Area’s That Need Fixing
Ultimately the Bears were not good enough to reach the play offs but they did exceed a number of people’s expectations. (Though not mine). Prior to the season many in the Chicago media were predicting a 5-11 or 6 -10 record, so to finish 9 – 7 is a measure of success. Personally I thought the Bears would go 9 – 7 and be a wild card, so I was nearly right.
As an optimist I don’t think there is “much” wrong with the Bears that a decent Free Agency period and draft couldn’t fix. Oh and some changes to the defensive coaches.
Whilst Rod Marinelli has not had a good time as Lions head coach he is a fine defensive line coach and would help a line that struggled in passing situations to rush the Quarterback. Marinelli would be on my radar as a hire.
Despite the money invested in the defence, it was the defence that let the Bears down in crucial situations. I would like to see a change to the scheme whether that’s with Babich or not. I would like to see a change at defensive co-ordinator with the current Ravens DC my first choice. Though if a change does come at DC he may wish to bring his own assistant coaches with him which means Marinelli may end up somewhere else.
Even if Babich stays the Bears need to move away from the so-called Tampa 2; which in fairness they did at times last year. In fact they blitzed more than most teams though not particularly well as they recorded less than 30 sacks.
Brian Urlacher is not the player he was and I’m not convinced his play is to the level required by a MLB. I do feel he can still contribute and I would like to see him move to the strong side position and either draft or pick up a MLB in free agency. Jonathan Vilma maybe an option.
Mike Brown is out of contract and though he played well this season he ended up on IR again. Danieal Manning is not the answer at Free Safety (though the Bears need to keep him as a return man and he is a good, productive nickel back) so the front office have to make moves to cover the position.
The defensive line played well against the run but as I mentioned not so well when the opposition decided to throw passes. As solid as they have been Brown and Ogunleye need competition and some youth at end would not go amiss. Could Mark Anderson be an every down player? I don’t know the answer to that but his play over the last two years has regressed since his outstanding rookie season.
At defensive tackle I actually think the Bears were better with Adams alongside Harris (who needs to up his game next year) and I was impressed with Idonije when he was in the rotation).
On the offensive side of the ball it’s simple really. Get some receivers for whoever the Quarterback is to throw to. I would keep Bennett and Rideau to see if some youth and hunger can generate some productivity, but Davis, Lloyd and Booker should all be shown the door.
I can’t but help look at the Texans with envy and the man-beast of a receiver that is Andre Johnson. Now players like Johnson don’t come along that often but could you imagine what the Bears would be able to do if they had someone like that? Hester would make strides as a complementary second option.
The Bears are set at Tight End with Olsen and Clarke, Forte is the main man at Running Back though they do need a quality back up. Looking at how Slaton has done the Bears could get a productive player in the 3rd/4th round of the draft. Will Kevin Jones be back? I would bring Jones back to see how he looks after another 6 – 8 months recovery from his injury.
The o-line did well especially in the pass game though there needed to be holes for the running game so depth wouldn’t go amiss.
As an optimist I don’t think there is “much” wrong with the Bears that a decent Free Agency period and draft couldn’t fix. Oh and some changes to the defensive coaches.
Whilst Rod Marinelli has not had a good time as Lions head coach he is a fine defensive line coach and would help a line that struggled in passing situations to rush the Quarterback. Marinelli would be on my radar as a hire.
Despite the money invested in the defence, it was the defence that let the Bears down in crucial situations. I would like to see a change to the scheme whether that’s with Babich or not. I would like to see a change at defensive co-ordinator with the current Ravens DC my first choice. Though if a change does come at DC he may wish to bring his own assistant coaches with him which means Marinelli may end up somewhere else.
Even if Babich stays the Bears need to move away from the so-called Tampa 2; which in fairness they did at times last year. In fact they blitzed more than most teams though not particularly well as they recorded less than 30 sacks.
Brian Urlacher is not the player he was and I’m not convinced his play is to the level required by a MLB. I do feel he can still contribute and I would like to see him move to the strong side position and either draft or pick up a MLB in free agency. Jonathan Vilma maybe an option.
Mike Brown is out of contract and though he played well this season he ended up on IR again. Danieal Manning is not the answer at Free Safety (though the Bears need to keep him as a return man and he is a good, productive nickel back) so the front office have to make moves to cover the position.
The defensive line played well against the run but as I mentioned not so well when the opposition decided to throw passes. As solid as they have been Brown and Ogunleye need competition and some youth at end would not go amiss. Could Mark Anderson be an every down player? I don’t know the answer to that but his play over the last two years has regressed since his outstanding rookie season.
At defensive tackle I actually think the Bears were better with Adams alongside Harris (who needs to up his game next year) and I was impressed with Idonije when he was in the rotation).
On the offensive side of the ball it’s simple really. Get some receivers for whoever the Quarterback is to throw to. I would keep Bennett and Rideau to see if some youth and hunger can generate some productivity, but Davis, Lloyd and Booker should all be shown the door.
I can’t but help look at the Texans with envy and the man-beast of a receiver that is Andre Johnson. Now players like Johnson don’t come along that often but could you imagine what the Bears would be able to do if they had someone like that? Hester would make strides as a complementary second option.
The Bears are set at Tight End with Olsen and Clarke, Forte is the main man at Running Back though they do need a quality back up. Looking at how Slaton has done the Bears could get a productive player in the 3rd/4th round of the draft. Will Kevin Jones be back? I would bring Jones back to see how he looks after another 6 – 8 months recovery from his injury.
The o-line did well especially in the pass game though there needed to be holes for the running game so depth wouldn’t go amiss.
Friday, 2 January 2009
Happy New Year
A belated Happy New Year to my fellow Bears fans. I trust 2009 brings you all what you wish for including a successful Bears team in the autumn and winter months.
Season Ends In Anti-Climax
In the end it all turned out to be a bit of anti-climax. Sure the Vikings won which mean the Bears would not reach the play as division winners but later results would have meant the Bears could have reached the post season as a wild card.
That’s only a could have as all the scenarios for the Bears to reach the play offs involved one crucial factor, the Bears had to beat the Texans. Which they plainly failed to do despite having the early momentum and building a 10 point lead over Houston. Like in so many of the games this season the Bears failed to hold onto a lead with the defence (again) being responsible.
If you give up 455 yards your not going to win many games in the NFL; the Bears couldn’t stop the Texans on the ground or through the air. Steve Slaton had 20 carries for over 90 yards but the star of the show was Andre Johnson who showed why he is the best receiver in football with 10 catches for 148 yards.
The Bears should not have been in this position though as they had opportunities to win a number of other games. They lost 3 games to teams from the NFC South which they should have won.The Texans were always the team I feared in the latter part of the schedule and my Texan friends did warn me that the Bears would come unstuck. Despite struggling early in the season going 0 – 4, they finished strongly winning 5 of their last 6 with an odd defeat in Oakland the only reverse. (Oakland also did their bit to help the Bears by winning in Tampa). Next season the Texans will be the dark horses of the AFC. (I also think Oakland will be a surprise package next season).
That’s only a could have as all the scenarios for the Bears to reach the play offs involved one crucial factor, the Bears had to beat the Texans. Which they plainly failed to do despite having the early momentum and building a 10 point lead over Houston. Like in so many of the games this season the Bears failed to hold onto a lead with the defence (again) being responsible.
If you give up 455 yards your not going to win many games in the NFL; the Bears couldn’t stop the Texans on the ground or through the air. Steve Slaton had 20 carries for over 90 yards but the star of the show was Andre Johnson who showed why he is the best receiver in football with 10 catches for 148 yards.
The Bears should not have been in this position though as they had opportunities to win a number of other games. They lost 3 games to teams from the NFC South which they should have won.The Texans were always the team I feared in the latter part of the schedule and my Texan friends did warn me that the Bears would come unstuck. Despite struggling early in the season going 0 – 4, they finished strongly winning 5 of their last 6 with an odd defeat in Oakland the only reverse. (Oakland also did their bit to help the Bears by winning in Tampa). Next season the Texans will be the dark horses of the AFC. (I also think Oakland will be a surprise package next season).
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