5 Bears Questions with Windy City Gridiron
by John Gennaro on Aug 13, 2010 12:00 PM PDT
in San Diego Chargers Training Camp/Preseason
Email
PrintFirst, some in-house business. The BFTB Podcast will be returning on Sunday night at 7pm. I'm hoping we'll have a guest (couple of things up in the air), but at the very least I'll be there taking your calls and breaking down what I liked and didn't like about Saturday's game. Make sure you "tune in."
Secondly, since there are about 3 more weeks before the BFTB Fantasy Football draft, I won't be offering up the last open spot this week (last week's winner: bteribery, for being hilarious). Instead, in the comments, I would like you to put who the top QB, RB and WR is on your fantasy football draft board.
Third, as a way to prepare for Saturday's game and also to get a better idea of what's going on around the league for the sake of making your fantasy football draft board, I asked 5 questions to the guys over at Windy City Gridiron about the Chicago Bears and they gladly answered.
- Are there high expectations for Mike Martz even though his offensive system has now failed with each of his last three teams?
The expectations are very high, with Martz being considered one of the best offensive minds in football. When you look at his last three teams, you have: The HC getting fired in SF, and the interim HC (Singletary) letting Martz go because he wanted more of a run-first offense. Before that, you had his two year stint in Detroit as their OC. In his first season, he coached Jon Kitna to his first 4,000 yard season, as well as guided the Lions to the 6th ranked passing offense in the league. The mishaps in Detroit could hardly be considered failures of Martz, considering all of the personnel issues that they had. And the team before that was his five-season stretch with the Rams, in which he conducted the Greates Show on Turf. Hardly a failed offense there either. With Mike Tice running the OL, and Jay Cutler and his WRs having a year under their belt, the expectations in Chicago are very high.
- I know the Bears didn't have a first-round pick this year, are there any rookies in camp that are getting everyone excited?
No first round pick this year, or last year. But, Major Wright, the rookie Safety drafted in the third round from Florida, has a lot of folks looking at him. The Safety position for the Bears has been a revolving door since Lovie Smith's arrival in 2004, having changed the starting safety positions 41 times in that stretch. Major Wright can hopefully help stabilize that position. - What is the biggest position(s) of concern for the Bears this offseason?
The entire OL. Olin Kreutz ain't getting any younger, and it looks like we'll have three OL positional changes from last season. Jay Cutler was running for his life last season, so we have to see improvement on the OL in order for anything to work offensively. - What would you say is the biggest improvement for the Bears since 2009?
I'd say that's a toss-up between the acquisition of Julius Peppers at DE, and the addition of Mike Tice at OL coach. The pass rush in 2009 was abysmal, and Peppers should make an immediate impact. As for Tice coming on board, we mentioned the poor OL last season, and Tice is widely-accepted at one of the best OL coaches in the league. Other nominees would be adding a change of pace RB, Chester Taylor, to compliment Matt Forte, the addition of Mike Martz, the acquisition of Chris Harris at Safety, and the addition of blocking TE Brandon Manumaleuna. - Who are the key Bears players for us to look out for on Saturday?
All eyes will undoubtedly be on Jay Cutler and his young WRs, as well as DE Julius Peppers. My biggest interest will be the entire OL. The starters are expected to play into the second quarter, so there will be plenty of opportunities to test them out. Also, we'll see how much explosion DT Tommie Harris will have. He's supposedly 100% healthy, and he will be a key to the pass rush's success. After all, team's can't double-team Peppers and Harris. Two others to watch out for: #58 Tim Shaw. He's a ST player who absolutley obliterated people last year on KO and punt coverage. And #59 Pisa Tinoisamoa. He was our starting SLB last season, but went down almost immediately for the year with a knee injury. But, he's a tackling machine, and will surprise some people if he can stay healthy.
Don't forget, if you'd like to sign up for a CBSSports.com's Fantasy Football Commissioner League you can get 50% off (and a free 14-day trial!) by clicking here. What you'll be getting is not just the best Fantasy Football system on the internet (Most awarded League Manager by the Fantasy Sports Trade Association), but weekly scouting reports, advice, live score-tracking and the ability to get all of your fantasy football questions answered by experts.
Disclosure: CBSSports.com is an SB Nation partner and paying sponsor of the SB Nation football communities. This post is one of a series of sponsor-endorsed posts related to the CBSSports.com Fantasy Football Commissioner League.
39 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Managed to watch a few Bears games last year.
And I have to say, OMG that’s OL was terrible. Cutler got zero protection and was running for his life in seemingly every play. Run blocking was terrible as well and Forte really had just nowhere to go. That OL really is priority #1 to fix.
Their WRs really aren’t that good either, but there’s some definite promise in Aromashodu. Devin Hester definately isn’t a #1 and Knox isn’t a #2 considering he has good speed but from what I saw his hands were somewhat suspect. Both could be helped out by moving down the depth chart.
It’ll be interesing to see their defense this year since, if memory serves me correctly, they got hit hard with injuries last year.
Anyway, good luck to both teams on Saturday. Hopefully both make it through with little to no injuries.
I love my team of historically talented underachievers.
First time post here at BFTB
I really enjoyed this Q&A between the sites!
Their WRs really aren’t that good either
Well they certainly haven’t proven much, but most feel good about their potential this year. I think if the Bears offense fails, the fingers won’t be pointed towards the WRs.
Myself saying "aren't that good either" probably wasn't the best way to phrase it.
I think their WR corps has promise, but Hester definitely isn’t a #1, and Knox isn’t a #2. Hester could better be served primarily as a returner. Knox has good speed, but really needs more time to develop so could serve better as a #3.
But definitely, as you and I have said there’s good potential there. Aromoshadou looked pretty good from the limited times I watched. I think there was a second WR that I thought had promise, but his name escapes me at the moment.
I love my team of historically talented underachievers.
by DoubleViking on Aug 13, 2010 1:39 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Was it Earl Bennett?
He has the Vanderbilt connection with Cutler and showed some promise last season…but of any WR on their roster I think Aromashodu has the most promise to be their #1.
I think it probably was Bennett.
Bennett also needs more developmental work, but if he is who I’m thinking of he should be more of a fit for the #2 reciever with their current lineup.
I love my team of historically talented underachievers.
by DoubleViking on Aug 13, 2010 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Bennett
did show some promise. However, I agree with you that there really is a connection between Aromashodu and Cutler. It was evident last season but he wasn’t able to show all that he could do until closer to the end of the season. I’m anxious to see how their connection will strengthen with more reps this season.
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
Editor/Writer for WindyCityGridiron.com
by Ashley Czuba on Aug 13, 2010 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
So true
For the Bears it all comes down to O line. They have the backs. They have some talent at WR. Cutler, as much as I loathe him, is a good enough QB when he actually has time to stand and throw. But the whole Mike Martz system relies on the QB having a long time to let the deep routes develop. If they can block, Martz will have them putting up lots of points. If they can’t do that, then they might as well fire Martz and call plays by pulling them out of a hat.
Jared Allen and Clay Matthews like this offensive philosophy.
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Aug 13, 2010 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Our RT Chris Williams is the only guy on the OL that has the talent to become elite,
that has the talent to become elite and he’s also been going up against Julius Peppers all camp. He should be ready for the pass rush this season.
Why doesn’t Peppers line up against the LT?
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
by John Gennaro on Aug 13, 2010 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I think he meant
LT Chris Williams
peppers is the RDE
http://www.chicagobears.com/team/depthchart.asp
Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance, you must keep moving.-Einstein
oh my god..
""There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge." (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)"
Gold
Pure, shiny, rare, gold.
Win.
by ArksnBolts on Aug 13, 2010 12:41 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I wonder
if he thought Cutler was worth the king’s ransom they gave up for him…
"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman
by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 13, 2010 12:51 PM PDT reply actions
Hard to judge
Based on last year, their O-line was so horrible that it’s hard to rag on Cutler (well… not hard, but maybe not completely accurate).
If they really can improve their O-line, then this will be the year to tell.
Considering our lack of ability drafting in the first round,
it’s definitely worth getting that level of talent for a couple of first round picks.
Not like the Broncos didn't squander the picks anyway.
But I think Orton is worth almost as much as Cutler. He doesn’t have the physical upside, but he’s a smart guy who plays good football. Cutler is a great athlete, and probably pretty smart in person, but it doesn’t matter because he lacks character. He’s erratic on the field and an absolute ass in press conferences, willing to throw his team under the bus after a bad loss. I have nothing against the Bears, but I think you guys will be sorry you ever traded for that douchebag. He’s going to get you 6-10 wins every year, which isn’t good enough in a division with Philip Rivers Aaron Rodgers.
As long as you keep him healthy he will play some exciting football, winning and losing improbable games with a fair share of blowouts going both ways, and he’ll keep you drafting out of the top five, which is nice for team economics. Playoffs are possible if the Packers have a down year or if the defense or OL get better, but I don’t see him as a postseason winner (I could be wrong). You’ll get tired of his pansy bull, mark my words.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 13, 2010 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
That's just, like,
your opinion, man.
by Dane Noble on Aug 13, 2010 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Totally.
But it comes from a lot of experience watching Cutler and Orton. On paper, Cutler’s a radically better player. In practice, he’s slightly better. He could also turn over a new leaf in a new city. I wouldn’t rule that out.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 14, 2010 7:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Interesting
You went from:
You’ll get tired of his pansy bull, mark my words.
To:
He could also turn over a new leaf in a new city. I wouldn’t rule that out.
So you’re sayin’ there’s a chance…
Yeah, there's a chance.
But I’ll believe it when I see it. In your shoes, I might cross my fingers on it. But I’m not a fan of the guy. His problem is attitude. You can improve it, but you can’t predict whether it will happen or not, unless you’re the guy with the attitude problem.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 14, 2010 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions
So what was all that “one in a million” talk?
by Its Mikey!! on Aug 14, 2010 11:23 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Not sure what you're talking about.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 14, 2010 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
i misread what you wrote
i thought you had quoted dumb and dumber “So you’re saying there’s a chance”
i thought i’d continue the quote. self fail.
I'll say his problem is O-line
Not attitude.
Good point
I’m usually thinking all first rounders are Tomlinson’s, but even the Chargers haven’t hit big in the last few drafts. With four first rounders the Broncos have:
Moreno, who seems an average running back.
Ayers, a so far sub standard OLB
Alphonso Smith, a short DB who has yet to start
Then this year they have D. Thomas and Tebow.
I suppose to be fair we have to wait for three years to see how they all shake out.
"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman
by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 13, 2010 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Pisa - Another Vista High Alum Getting Some Pub
Good for him. He was stuck on some shitty Rams defenses for too long and should perform well next to Urlacher. Word on the street was that the Chargers took a look at him after his exit from the Rams but didn’t like his off the field history.
Also Russel Allen (Vista High) got some pub as well: http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=5394336
by Potatoeboy on Aug 13, 2010 1:39 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Pisa was blowing people up last preseason,
but then that quick knee injury happened. He was the Rams leading tackler for the last couple seasons he was there, and for good reason. The dude’s a beast.
I'm With You
He was a great pickup for you guys and if I recall correctly he came pretty cheap as well. Wish AJ coulda looked past his past and signed him.
Although preseason is preseason and I don’t think he really was able to show his capabilities. The thing people don’t realize is that the guy isn’t fast, he’s quick, and is another sideline to sideline backer.
by Potatoeboy on Aug 13, 2010 5:52 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
How about Rivera?
Did you like him as DC?
"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman
by Brian (DaBolts) on Aug 13, 2010 3:09 PM PDT reply actions
You can't have him.
He rocks.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 14, 2010 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions
I really wanted him as HC over norv. Still kinda do. But I’m glad mr turner has developed PR into a beast.
by Its Mikey!! on Aug 14, 2010 11:25 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Thanks for answering our questions,
I love this interaction between sites, especially when we can keep it classy. I’m very impressed with all of you compared to many sites I’ve visited. Logical arguments, and none of those “Well, u suck and we’re better, OMG” without any explanation comments. Nice to visit the site and good luck to you guys tomorrow (and this season). :] Come visit whenever you’d like, we love to chat over at WCG!
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
Editor/Writer for WindyCityGridiron.com
by Ashley Czuba on Aug 13, 2010 4:10 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Well...
… y’all don’t play in our conference, and this game don’t count. Come visit us on Patriots week. :)
Seriously, we Bolts fans have to put up with obnoxious Raiders fans all the time (though the ones on SBN are better than average), and another division team’s SBN fans have their share of trolls to go with the thoughtful types, so we like to try to be polite.
What is best in life? To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders!
by Neoplatonist Bolthead on Aug 14, 2010 7:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Secondly, since there are about 3 more weeks before the BFTB Fantasy Football draft, I won’t be offering up the last open spot this week (last week’s winner: bteribery, for being hilarious). Instead, in the comments, I would like you to put who the top QB, RB and WR is on your fantasy football draft board.
In the first round, I’m taking Rod Tidwell at WR
Then I’m going after Tim Riggins, because he is a hybrid back capable of playing both FB and TB
My first string QB would be Steamin’ Wille Beamon. His special ability is that he throws up before every game!
My 2nd tier guys would be:
Vincent Papale at WR. Do they give out points for heart in fantasy football?
I’d settle for Sunshine as a nice Option capable QB
Rounding out my lineup would have to be THE FREEEZER for a goal line back
Are we doing IDP’s? If so, dibs on the waterboy
defense
I am not a fan of Lovie’s “cover2” defense. I think bouncing Ron Rivera was a huge mistake. Rivera’s defensive schemes were disruptive and lead to turnovers and loss of yards, while the “cover2”, has lead to a lack of agressivness and swagger. I think it will be the “cover2” that will ultimately be Lovie’s downfall.
by Grin and bear it on Aug 18, 2010 11:01 AM PDT reply actions
no kidding
cover 2 is lame. prevent defense does nothing but prevent wins. Ask Herm.
Charlie Weis' Leg
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
BFTB Apparel Store
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Alex Smith caddied for Jim Harbaugh at AT&T Pro-Am
- Boston (in) Common: Kevin Youkilis set to marry Tom Brady’s sister
- Giants to be honored with commemorative NY license plate; some would rather see a 9/11 plate
- The hidden play of Super Bowl XLVI: Justin Tuck’s third-quarter sack
- Report: Chad Ochocinco will become Chad Johnson once again
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
