Chicago Bears
The Bears Den: February 21, 2012
Bears free agency outlook Lynn: Which of their own free agents will the Bears keep and who will likely be searching for a new home?
Cutler ‘very happy’ with hire of Bates In an interview Monday, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler displayed how excited he is to be working with Jeremy Bates again. Video: Jay Speaks
Absent a long-term deal, Matt Forte will get franchise tag Brad Biggs says if the Bears are unable to work out a long-term extension for Forte before the March 5 deadline, you can bet the Bears running back will be tagged.
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Coaching staffs finally take shape Czarnecki: There will be seven new NFL head coaches at the start of the 2012 season — which begins next week at the scouting combine. But there were several late-season moves that were bigger than just the huge change at the top.
Cut or Keep: Youngsters on Defense Hendricks: With free agency start…
Free Agency vs. Draft: Wide Receiver
There is little doubt these days as to what is the Bears biggest need or priority this offseason is. There is pretty much no end to the Bears’ options to resolve the deficiency of talent at that particular position; there are a lot of free agent options, some very good receiving prospects in the draft and possibly even some trades out there that could be made endlessly speculated about. However, there are some drawbacks to each one, especially when considering how hard the receiver position is to evaluate. Allow me to explain.
It’s pretty easy to explain the concerns when it comes to drafting wide receivers. For “exhibit A” I just need to remind Bears fans of David Terrell. There is no shortage of examples of first-round draft busts at the receiver position; Charles Rogers, Rashaun Woods, Craig Davis, Troy Williamson, Reggie Williams. Plus debatable almost-busts like Michael Crabtree and Darius Heyward-Bey.
Then there are the head case guys who, whi…
Jay Cutler would like Bears to add receiver over 6’2″, thank you
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was a good sport and called into a Chicago radio show Monday to wish one of the hosts happy birthday. He also talked about his former Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall, and said he’d love to have another receiving weapon on the Bears.
When one of the hosts asked Cutler what he thought of free agent receiver Vincent Jackson (who’s 6’5″), Cutler told The Waddle & Silvy Show “Anyone really over 6-2 at this point is going to look good.”
Of Chicago’s receivers, only Roy Williams (6’3″), is over 6’2″. Their other options are all 6’0″ or below.
Cutler also said he’s like most quarterbacks who aren’t happy “unless we’re getting offensive guys year in and year out, more toys to play with.”
I wouldn’t view Cutler’s comments negatively and I hope they’re not perceived that way. Cutler was giving a friendly interviewed and said he’d like more offensive toys when prompted. He didn’t come out and demand management make some moves, but he said he’d like some. And what quarterback wouldn’t? Chicago doesn’t have many strong receiving options so bringing in one should be a priority.
Cutler jokes about Chicago’s WRs
Earlier today, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler called into the Waddle & Silvy Show on ESPN 1000. What started out as a friendly call on former Bears receiver Tom Waddle’s birthday soon turned to more serious matters. With the NFL combine and free agency looming, the talk show hosts began asking Cutler about his thoughts [...]
Can Bears mix pieces and parts on offensive line?
Continuing a series of occasional articles reviewing the Chicago Bears position-by-positon, we look at a key unit for 2012, the offensive line. When Mike Tice assumed the Offensive Coordinator’s role following the awkward parting of Mike Martz, he didn’t wash his hands from the project of upgrading the Bears offensive line. Indeed, key to Tice’s success in his new position [...]
Don’t forget the backup QB
For all the off-season chatter that the Bears are just a wide receiver, real offensive line, and/or defensive end away from being a playoff team, we seem to have forgotten something: the Bears would have been in the playoffs if only they had a backup QB who could win just one game. One game! Thankfully, Phil Emery, Mike Tice, and Jeremy Bates have plenty of better-than-Hanie options on the free agency market. That said, getting a starting-grade backup at this most expensive of positions is going to limit the Bears’ options when it comes to affording top-tier talent to fill our other positions of need. So, I put the question to you, WCG faithful: should we spend the coin on a real backup quarterback, or save the cash for someone who will do more than hold a clipboard?
3 free agents the Chicago Bears should pursue
The Chicago Bears finished the 2011 season at a mediocre 8-8. Chicago’s record was the result of key injuries to quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte. The Bears were 7-3 before Cutler’s injury and ended the season with a 1-5 record in his absence. Cutler’s return in 2012 will again make the Bears contenders in the NFC North but if Chicago wants to be a serious threat to win the division they have to be able to outlast the high-powered Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. Here are three free agents that the Bears should go after in order to help them keep pace in a competitive division. Donovan McNabb: Let’s face it. The last two seasons for the Chicago Bears have ended with Cutler watching from the sidelines. 2011 made it very apparent that the Bears need to take a hard look at their backup quarterback situation as Caleb Hanie couldn’t cut it. Why not bring in Donovan McNabb for added security? He’s played in five NFC Championships so he’s been on the big stag…
Davis a tease at tight end?
The latest in a series of occasional articles reviewing the Chicago Bears, position-by-position. Today, the tight ends: Bears fourth-year tight end Kellen Davis enters 2012 at a career crossroads. He’s an unrestricted free agent who looks the part at 6-7, 267 pounds, but has had minimal production. Davis is athletic, possesses soft hands, and can provide a down the seam [...]
The Bears Den: February 17, 2012
McCaskey: Money won’t be issue in free agency Biggs: If the Bears are mostly spectators when free agency opens in a little less than four weeks, it won’t be because the budget or salary cap hindered them.
Students send Knox questions to answer Mayer: Middle school teacher Erin Butler found a unique way to incorporate something her students were interested in into an assignment.
Esiason: Tice Had ‘Biggest Impact On Offense’ WSCR: One NFL expert thinks Mike Tice was one of the main factors that propelled the team to its five-game winning streak before Jay Cutler’s injury.
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Offseason position outlook: Cornerbacks Wright: With several free agents, the Bears need to replenish some talent at cornerback.
Early look at WR’s before the NFL Combine Krinch: Draft guru and NFL analyst Mike Mayock held a Scouting Combine Preview conference call on Wednesday and shared his insight on some…
The Bears Den: February 16, 2012
“…where you can groove with a pict.”
Bears host a health and safety seminar Mayer: The Bears welcomed dozens of special visitors to Halas Hall to discuss an important safety issue that impacts football players from pee wee leagues to the pros.
Bears lose a treasured old pro in trainer Tim Bream Haugh: Players and management alike appreciated the personal and professional touch he now brings to his alma mater, Penn State.
Exit Interview: Bears hope 2012 isn’t another star-crossed season The Bears were riddled with injuries last season. With stars like Brian Urlacher not getting any younger, Chicago can’t afford to waste another promising season, Elliot Harrison writes.
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Increase in touchbacks led to significant decrease in NFL concussions on kickoffs Biggs: Percentage revealed at Chicago Bears’ NFL Health and Safety forum Wednesday for coaches and players from area schools. And in other news, less drivi…
2012 WCG awards: offensive player of the year
Now that we are officially in a football Twilight Zone – the season’s been over, it’s not quite free agency, and things aren’t exactly blazing with the draft – things are just a little slow right now. But that hasn’t stopped us from reeling off our own offseason awards. Last Wednesday we named the Newcomer of the Year, Friday was the Most Improved Player of the Year, and Sunday was the Victory of the Year. Today, we start off the Big Three with the Offensive Player of the Year.
Our votes? Hit the jump.
Lester’s Pick: Matt Forte – He was so important in both the passing and running game. Honorable mention Jay Cutler.
TJ’s Pick: Jay Cutler – Jay Cutler wins, hands down, no debate needed, everyone off the plane.
Sam’s Pick: Matt Forte – So many injuries make this tough, but has to be Matt Forte, he had a great season and was on pace for an epic one.
Stephen’s Pick: Matt Forte – He once again showed the Bears that he deserves to get paid by being one of th…
The Dilemma Of Placing The Franchise Tag On Matt Forte
With recent reports circulating that the Chicago Bears will use the Franchise Tag on running back Matt Forte, it will begin an ongoing saga of back and forth contract negotiations between the Bears and Forte.
Although tagging Forte does not necessarily mean a long-term deal cannot be worked out it also does not help the cause.
Forte has made it clear he wants a lucrative contract extension with Chicago and the Bears had been reluctant to give it to him.
It makes sense from both parties as to why they hold the positions they do. Forte wants the long-term security and the Bears do not want to overpay for a running back when it is not always the smartest thing to do.
Regardless of whether you agree with Forte or the Bears, something has to be done in order to ensure Forte will stay a Chicago Bear for the next few years.
Placing the franchise tag on Forte benefits both him and the Bears. If Forte signs for the franchise tag he will be paid the average salary of the top-5 pa…
McCaskey: Urlacher simply honest about concussions
Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey says Brian Urlacher was simply being honest when he told HBO he would hide concussion symptoms from team doctors.
He also was quick to point out his star linebacker didn’t say that was the right thing to do.
McCaskey says players don’t want to let down teammates and coaches, that they have a ”warrior mentality.”
He spoke Wednesday at a safety forum for high school coaches and players at the team’s headquarters.
Urlacher caused a stir when he told HBO during a ”Real Sports” taping that he wouldn’t be honest with team doctors if he thought he had a concussion.
The Bears Den: February 15, 2012
Smith, Macon share spot in Bears history Mayer: What appeared to be a casual conversation in a hotel lobby last season was in fact a historic meeting between the first African American player and coach in Bears history.
Bennett: Giants’ run shows Super Bowl reachable Mitchell: If the New York Giants can get into the playoffs with a 9-7 record and win a Super Bowl, why can’t the Chicago Bears?
Bears could give Forte franchise tag Monday Wright: If the sides don’t put together a contract extension soon, the next development in the Matt Forte contract saga could take place next Monday when the league allows teams to apply the franchise tag to players.
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Offseason position outlook: Defensive line Michael C. Wright continues his roster breakdown with a look at the D-line: “Hey, look. A D-Line. Cool.”
Randy Moss and ‘that thing called quit’ Seifert: Cris Carter has no doubt Randy Moss still has the sp…
The Bears Den: February 14, 2012
Bears nearing deadline for Forte decision Biggs: The Bears can lock up the services of Matt Forte for the 2012 season starting next Monday. That’s when the window opens for teams to use the franchise tag, a 15-day period that extends to 3 p.m. on March 5 — eight days before the opening of free agency.
Thomas arrested in West Virginia Mayer: Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas was arrested and charged early Monday with a misdemeanor of possession of less than 15 grams of marijuana.
Tommie Harris ‘‘overwhelmed by support’’ Jensen: The funeral for the late wife of former Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris will be held at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in New Orleans Friday.
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Offseason position outlook: OT Michael C. Wright continues his roster breakdown with a look at the OTs.
The Bears as a microcosm of Moss’ problem Some necessary ingredients must be in place for a team even to consider signing receiver Randy Mos…
