“I think Hester will have a bigger year than me”–Brandon Marshall

(Chicago Tribune)–“I’ve never been around a receiver, never seen a receiver who runs routes like Devin Hester does outside,” Marshall told “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on WMVP-AM 1000 on Monday. “Listen to me … He has all the skills to be a great, a Pro Bowl receiver. Not a punt returner — we all know what he can do there — but a Pro Bowl receiver. “Honestly, I think he’s going to have a bigger year than me this year. I just don’t think he’s been in an environment, a situation offensively that catered to him as a player. I think with (new quarterbacks coach) Jeremy Bates and Jay growing and maturing, I think they’ll be able to put him in a better position this year to where he can probably do damage. I’m excited about everyone else, but the person I’m more excited to see is Devin.”

Hey Brandon, it’s cool to try to pump your teammate’s tires here…but the Bears didn’t trade two draft picks for you to come in and be worse than Devin Hester.  That’s not the idea bro.  You know who the Bears need to be a Pro Bowl receiver…YOU! Jay Cutler’s BFF, 100+ catches a year, redzone target, all that shit.  That is supposed to be you.  You’re not supposed to be a decoy for Hester.  I know Marshall is a little mental, but like is he really setting the bar this low for himself?  Could he be doing it on purpose? How about a little confidence man.  This town wouldn’t know what a number one receiver looked like if one took a dump on our heads.  Be a diva.  Tell us you’re the greatest of all time and that you and Jay are going to break records and shit.  That’s what this town is thirsty for.  Not a guy that is blown away by Hester’s ability to run routes on the outside.  Clean it up Brandon.  You’re supposed to be the new Marshall in town.  Have higher aspirations than being second fiddle to a number 3 WR.

 

 

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Jay Cutler flips off paparazzi

 

So Jay Cutler looks completely healthy.  Full range of motion in his fingers.  Good flexibility on the thumb and index finger and then a pretty powerful middle finger to go with them.  Also really showed off what kind of athlete he is by switching up the bird from the right to the left hand flawlessly.  Not easy.  Good form Jay.

I pretty much love everything about these pictures.  I hate the TMZ culture and Jay is telling them to fuck off.  I am sure this low-life camera guy followed Jay and his pregnant reality star girlfriend(fiance? wife? I can’t keep up with that stuff) harassing them until it pushed Cutler over the edge.  I dig the fire.  That’s what you want out of the leader of a team or a family.

Also…great salad up top there Jay.  He rolled out of the house in sweats, but that hair is ready for the red carpet.  Only negative is the small dog.  Jay needs a man’s dog, but I guarantee that’s a Cavallari purchase.  No sweat.

 

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Bears Draft Review

I know everyone has been waiting with bated breath for the Windy Citizen Sports Bears draft review.  People whispering in hush tones “What did the Chief think?”.  Well now that I have digested it and the dust has settled I am ready to deliver a draft review.  Only discussing the first four picks as they are the only picks that really matter.  If the DBs taken in the 6th or 7th round pan out that is just a bonus.

1st round, 19th overall selection: Shea McClellin DE Boise State 6’3″ 260 lbs

Shea McClellin certainly fits a need and has a lot of the intangibles/character traits you want in a football player.  This is a guy that put up very good combine times and shot up the draft boards.  I am a little concerned about McClellin’s ability to step in and be an every down DE in the 4-3.  I fear that since he doesn’t have elite strength and is a little undersized that he might get pushed around on running plays.  Most NFL scouts were projecting him to be a 3-4 OLB and sub package rushers.  His lack of production against weak competition is also troublesome.  I think McClellin is a solid pick, but definitely not an ideal fit from a scheme stand point.  Perhaps some work in an NFL weight program will do McClellin some good.  Possible better fits: Chandler Jones DE, Reilly Reiff OT.

2nd Round, 45th overall selection: Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina 6’3″ 216lbs

Even with the Brandon Marshall acquisition, the Bears still needed help at the WR position.  Jeffery was a dominant player at times while at South Carolina.  Great redzone target who used his big frame to post up smaller corners on jump balls.  Alshon Jeffery didn’t run at the combine, but weighed in at 216 lbs.  6’3″ and 216 lbs is ideal size for a WR.  The only problem is that Alshon Jeffery has NEVER played at 216 lbs.  Weight fluctuations have always been an issue for Jeffery and he was over 240 lbs at times in college.  Jeffery ran an impressive 4.47 forty-yard-dash at his pro day, but he never seemed to play that fast.  Jeffery isn’t a game breaker or a guy that will threaten a defense over the top.  However, if Jeffery can keep his pro day speed and weight perhaps he can take his game to the next level.  Either way he was the best WR left on the board and it was a position of need. Solid pick.

3rd Round, 79th overall selection: Brandon Hardin S Oregon State 6’2″ 223 lbs

This pick has an element of boom or bust to it.  Athletically Hardin is a top safety prospect.  Great size and also ran a 4.46 forty-yard-dash.  However, it’s hard to say how productive Hardin will be because he had a hard time staying on the field.  He missed all of 2011 with a shoulder injury and only had one year as a full-time starter.  Given the Bears injury troubles at the safety position drafting another guy with a long medical history seems a bit troubling.  He is reportedly another great character guy which is a theme in this draft.  Emery is definitely big on adding high character players and that is possibly the most notable difference between he and his predecessor Jerry Angelo.

4th Round, 111th overall selection: Evan Rodriguez TE Temple 6’1″ 239 lbs

A pass-catching TE is obviously a position of need since the Bears traded Greg Olsen, but I am just not sure Rodriguez is that guy.  They compare him to Aaron Hernandez.  Yeah they are both smaller TEs and they are both latinos…and that is where the similarities end.  Hernandez was EXTREMELY productive at Florida and that has translated to the NFL.  Rodriguez never had more than 35 catches and 3 TDs in a season and that was playing in the MAC.  Rodriguez tested out slightly better than average for his position group and has good quickness…but this feels like a big time reach for the Bears.  They missed out on higher valued TEs in consecutive rounds(Egnew in the 3rd, Green in the 4th) so maybe the Bears just took the next TE on their board.

 

Overall I think the Bears had a nice draft and they addressed some needs.  Every pick has some glaring red flags, but at least they aren’t character related red flags.  The Bears did however fail to address one obvious need and that is the offensive line.  Hopefully showing Mike Martz the door will help the Bears better protect Cutler.  It’s somewhat stupid to gripe about a 7th round pick, but the Bears took a DB in back to back rounds with Michigan stand-out center David Molk still sitting on the board.  That would have been a nice way to round out the draft, but at the end of the day it’s still just a 7th round pick.

 

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Bears Day Two Draft Guide

The Bears’ 2nd round pick is the 50th overall.  Bears secured DE help needed by taking McClellin in the first round and should now look to fill holes at WR, OL, LB, TE, or DB in round 2.  The following players would be great acquisitions for the Bears.

Lavonte David: OLB Nebraska

Likely to be gone by the time the Bears pick at 50, but he would be a great fit.  A little undersized, but David is a great athlete and an absolute tackling machine.  Being a smaller OLB in the Bears 4-3 scheme isn’t as big of deal because he won’t be asked to set the edge in the run.

Peter Konz: Center Wisconsin

Bears obviously need OL help.  Selecting Konz would allow the Bears to kick Garza back out to guard and solidify the entire line.

Josh Robinson: CB Central Florida

Arguably the best athlete in the draft.  His workout just about broke the combine.  Not a guy that is ready to step in and start, but he can definitely help out on special teams and in sub-packages as he developes.

Zach Brown: OLB North Carolina

Similar to David as he projects as a great weakside 4-3 OLB.  Has a little bit better size than David, but not as good as a prospect overall.  Definitely a guy that can help the Bears immediately and in the future.

Mike Adams: OT/OG Ohio State

Adams probably has first round ability and size, but effort and decision making have been problem areas at Ohio State.  Bears biggest weakness on offense is still the line play.  Draft this kid and let Tice coach him up.

Bears fans should be thrilled if they come away with any of these guys.

PS: In the 3rd round the Bears selected Brandon Marshall.  Fleeced city. Stupid Dolphins.

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Getting to know Bears 1st Round draft pick Shea McClellin

 

• DE/OLB from Boise State
• 6’3″ 260 lbs
• 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions as a senior

 

Shea McClellin is a prospect that really flew up the draft boards after he put up good measurables at the combine and scouts went back looked at tape.  I typically don’t like prospects like that, but McClellin is a guy that checks out in terms of character and he also fills a need.  My chief concern(pun intended) is that McClellin isn’t really a fit from a scheme stand point.  He is a little undersized to play defensive end with his hand on the ground in running situations.  Most teams projected him as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.  Maybe he can play with his hand on the ground, or maybe Emery made this pick with an eye towards the future when he fires Lovie Smith and brings in a coach that runs a 3-4 defense.  Also, for a pass-rusher I feel like 7 sacks is a bit low.  Boise State plays in a weak conference and almost always had big leads, which means other teams would be passing the majority of the time in an effort to catch up.  So if McClellin was playing DE against weak competition knowing that he was able to just tee off on the QB, I think he should have been able to come up with more than 7 sacks.  Who knows though, maybe he is a stud and the perfect fit opposite of Peppers. In this era of the NFL teams aren’t in their “base” defense more than 40% of the time anyways, so taking a situational pass-rusher in the first round isn’t a bad move.

 

PS: It’s really bothering me that I can’t find a picture of his little redheaded rocket of a girlfriend ANYWHERE on the internet.  If you’ve got one send it over.

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Chief’s Final NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts– Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

Already announced and the most obvious pick maybe ever.  I wouldn’t want to be Luck replacing a legend in a small redneck town like Indy is no small task.

2. Washington Redskins– Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor

Redskins haven’t had a competent QB in my entire life.  I remember them winning the Superbowl in like 1991 with Mark Rypien.  Not exactly a hall of famer. RGIII is going to be a star.

3. Minnesota Vikings– Matt Kalil, OT USC

Lots of chatter about this pick being Claiborne or being traded.  I think it is bullshit.  Unless TB blows the Vikings’ doors off with a trade to move up to #3 then the Vikes take the LT to protect their QB of the future selected last season.

4. Cleveland Browns– Trent Richardson, RB Alabama

Best non-QB in the draft and probably the best running back the Browns have had since Jim Brown.  This is a nice start to what will be an active draft for the Browns who have 13 selections to make.

5. Tampa Bay Bucs– Morris Claiborne, CB LSU

I am not as high on Claiborne as some, but he will be the first CB taken and will be a very good pro.  This is a key piece for the Bucs since they play in a division with Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and Matt Ryan.

6. St. Louis Rams– Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State

I personally think Floyd is going to be the better pro, but more people seem to be enamored with Blackmon.  He has a ton of potential and this gives Sam Bradford his first legit #1 receiving option.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars– Fletcher Cox, DT/DE Mississippi State

This is a spot where I think the talent level starts to drop.  Cox is a beast, but I bet the Jags will be working the phones hard trying to find someone that loves Tannehill enough to leap ahead of the Dolphins.

8. Miami Dolphins– Ryan Tannehill, QB Texas A&M

I think Tannehill will be a starter in the NFL, but I also think that about a few other guys projected to go later in the draft.  Miami needs a QB desperately, so Tannehill is the choice.

9. Carolina Panthers– Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina

I really believe the Panthers will take a player from South Carolina.  I am just not sure if it’s Gilmore or the DE Ingram.  Personally I think Gilmore will end up being the best CB in the draft and you can never have enough DBs.

10. Buffalo Bills– Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

Bills could go a lot of ways here and a trade back wouldn’t surprise me.  I think they go offense because they addressed some big needs on defense via free agency already this offseason.

11. Kansas City Chiefs– Luke Kuechly, ILB Boston College

Chiefs get a Mike linebacker they can build their entire defense around.  Kuechly is everything you could want in an ILB.  Best player left on the board at a position of need.  Kuechly is the Pioli type of pick if Kuechly is gone they take Barron

12. Seattle Seahawks– Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina

Big time pass rusher.  I hate Pete Carroll so this is tough to admit, but he is building a pretty nasty defense up there in Seattle.

13. Arizona Cardinals– Reilly Reiff, OT Iowa

Position of need and the Cardinals have been playing an average of like 5 QBs a season.  Adding Reiff to the O-Line hopefully keeps their glass QBs out of the ER this season.

14. Dallas Cowboys– Mark Barron, S Alabama

Cowboys desperately need secondary help and Mark Barron in special.  Best safety in the draft.  Probably a future pro-bowler.  Wouldn’t surprise me if someone snagged him earlier than 14.

15. Philadelphia Eagles– Michael Brockers, DT/DE LSU

Brockers is probably a top 7 pick if he stays one more year at LSU.  I look at him and I see a little Richard Seymour.  Fills a need for the Eagles.

16. New York Jets– Dontari Poe, DT Memphis

I was watching a draft preview show the other night and one of Poe’s “highlights” was some little guy on Marshall stepping out of bounds in front of him.  The guy is a physical freak, but he couldn’t even dominate Conference-USA.  I think Poe is the biggest bust of the 1st round…which makes him the obvious Jets pick.

17. Cincinnati Bengals– David DeCastro, OG Stanford

Pretty high for a guard to be selected, but DeCastro is special.  He is exactly what you want in a guard and it’s a position of need.

18. San Diego Chargers– Chandler Jones, DE Syracuse

The younger brother of Jon “Bones” Jones has been flying up draft boards.  McShay has him going 12th.  I don’t know…this guy wreaks of Vernon Gholston to me.  Injured and not a ton of production.  Chargers need pass rushers though.

19. Chicago Bears– Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina

Coples has top 10 talent, but has slipped due to some character questions.  Bears need DE help and fellow UNC alum Julius Peppers would be the perfect mentor for Coples.  I could see the Bears trading out of this spot too and picking up an extra pick.

20. Tennessee Titans– Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama

Kirkpatrick is a very physical corner who will upgrade the unit for the Titans.  Best player available type of pick.

21. Cincinnati Bengals– Cordy Glenn, OT/OG Georgia

Bengals realize that the NFL is about winning the line of scrimmage.  Taking two line-men in the first round should help them get more physical in the AFC North against Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

22. Cleveland Browns– Stephen Hill, WR Georgia Tech

The Browns start remaking their offense in the first round.  Hill is a bit of a risk, but he can really fly.  Developmental pick as the Browns continue to search for a QB. Maybe if they suck badly enough they can get Matt Barkley next year.  Just a little more patience Browns fans…you’re getting closer to being competitive. I can feel it.

23. Detroit Lions– Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford

I am sure the Lions would love to get their hands on a DB in this spot, but Janoris Jenkins is the only first round talent left on the board and he has serious off the field dramz.  Already has four kids.  Nobody wants another Cromartie on their hands. Martin is the safe pick and also addresses a need.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers– Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State

Probably my favorite player on the bottom 3rd of the first round so it pains me to give him to Pittsburgh here.  They need some more youth along the DL and Worthy is a fit.

25. Denver Broncos– Kendall Reyes, DT UConn

The offense is basically set now.  Manning has proven that he can win throwing to guys like Blair White so the Broncos address a need and take DT Kendall Reyes.

26. Houston Texans– Kendall Wright, WR Baylor

Texans desperately need to give Andre Johnson some help in the receiving corps.  Wright is the best WR left on the board.

27. New England Patriots– Courtney Upshaw, OLB Alabama

Honestly…I don’t like Upshaw and he doesn’t look like the type of edge-setter Bill normally covets.  A little undersized.  I really believe that with Upshaw, Mercilus, McClellin, Curry, among others at DE/OLB that Belichick will try to move back into the early 2nd round and pick up an additional pick.  Cleveland would be a natural trade partner because as previously noted they have 13 draft picks this year and probably don’t want to use them all.

28. Green Bay Packers– Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB Illinois

Best name in the draft by a mile and loads of talent, but he slips because he really only had one big year in college.  The Packers need pass rush help in a bad way.  If Mercilus is still on the board they are sprinting to the podium to take him.

29. Baltimore Ravens– Dont’a Hightower, ILB Alabama

Ray Lewis can’t play forever( I don’t think) and Hightower can be groomed as his eventual replacement.  He is mean and physical just how the Ravens like ’em.

30. San Francisco 49ers– Cody Fleener, TE Stanford

The 49ers were close to last in the NFL in passing offense last year and not all of that can be blamed on Alex Smith.  The 49ers addressed the WR position in free agency by signing Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.  Harbaugh takes the player he coached and recruited at Stanford and the 49ers move to a two TE offense much like the Patriots.  Moss and Manningham outside, Davis and Fleener in the slots, and Frank Gore in the backfield will be dynamic no matter who is pulling the trigger at QB.

31. New England Patriots– Harrison Smith, S Notre Dame

Instant starter in the secondary for the Patriots.  Smart, athletic, and good in both coverage and against the run.  Fills a need as well since the Patriots were terrible against the pass and basically had open try-outs at the safety position last season.

32. New York Giants– Doug Martin, RB Boise State

Giants have the luxury of just taking the best player available and could go a lot of different directions here.  Martin makes sense because the Giants just lost a RB to free agency and Bradshaw isn’t exactly durable.  Could trade, could go secondary, could go OL.  Whatever Giants. Go to hell.

 

 

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What Would Belichick Do: A Bears Draft Guide

Phil Emery is on record saying that he would like to adopt the Patriots’ way in regards to building a team.  As the foremost Bill Belichick expert in Chicago, I will break down how the master would handle the Bears draft board in 2012.

The Bears biggest positional needs are WR, OL, TE, DE, and DBs.  The reason Belichick always seems to trade back or trade into next season is because he is looking for “value picks”.  If he is sitting at 19 and he feels he could pick up a similar player to the one he would pick at 19 then he will move back.  If not, he will stay put and make his pick (see: Nate Solder, 2011 draft).

Scenario 1: Michael Floyd available at 19

If Floyd somehow falls down to the Bears at this spot, they should sprint up to the podium.  Belichick would recognize that there is a substantial drop off from Floyd to the next class of WRs.  Belichick would take Floyd because he has tremendous value at 19 and it addresses a positional need.

Scenario 2: Stephon Gilmore available at 19

The Bears need to get younger and more athletic on defense.  While Gilmore isn’t a perfect Cover-2 corner, he is a big, fast, and physical playermaker who is great in run support.  The NFL becomes more of a passing league every day and when you’re competing against Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers twice a year you need big time players in your secondary.  Belichick would take Gilmore.

Scenario 3: Both Floyd and Gilmore are gone

This is when Belichick would start working the phones to try and move back either later in 1st round or into the 2nd round while picking up additional picks.  The reason being that there isn’t tremendous value on the board at this spot.  The draft is particularly deep in DL this year, and there isn’t a DB, WR, or OL worthy of taking at 19.   Ideal trade: Move 19 to Jacksonville for 38 and 101 in the 2012 draft, and a 3rd round pick in next year’s draft.

Scenario 1 Mock Draft

19. Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame

50. Mike Adams, OT Ohio State

79. Ron Brooks, CB LSU

111. Phillip Blake, C Baylor

150. Darius Flemming, DE Notre Dame

Scenario 2 Mock Draft

19. Stephon Gilmore, CB South Carolina

50. Mike Adams, OT Ohio State

79. Dwayne Allen, TE Clemson

111. George Iloka, S Boise State

150.  Marvin McNutt, WR Iowa

Scenario 3 Mock Draft

38. Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama

50. Mike Adams, OT Ohio State

79. Orsen Charles, TE Georgia

101. Mike Martin, DT Michigan

111. George Iloka, S Boise State

150. Tommy Streeter, WR Miami(FLA)

 

Obviously Belichick would slide up and down in every round, but the point is that he never falls in love with one player.  He groups them in clusters according to value.  Then if the board looks like he can get one of his guys later, he will trade back.  Or if it looks as though a position he covets is flying off the board, he will move up(i.e. Gronkowski 2010 draft).

 

 

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REPORT: Bears are trying to be just like the Patriots

 

(Chicago Sun Times)– During his introductory news conference, Bears general manager Phil Emery emphasized that his scouting approach would be an amalgamation of the assorted systems in which he’s worked. Much of it, though, would be rooted in the “Patriot system,” he said. Nearly three months into the job, Emery has initiated that transition, but the process won’t be complete until after the NFL draft. The grading system hasn’t been implemented yet, for instance, but scouts have been schooled on labeling players in the manner Emery prefers.

 

Oh someone trying to be just like the Patriots…what a novel idea!!!  Yeah the Patriots are the greatest franchise in sports.  Just dominated the football landscape for the entirety of the new millennium.  Still in the midst of a dynasty.  So copying them is the perfect plan.  Hey Phil, you know who else has tried to adopt the “Patriots way”…umm effing everybody.  Jets, Browns, Chiefs, Falcons, Notre Dame, Broncos, Lions…guess how many championships those teams have…yeah ZERO.  Phil Emery saying he is going to adopt the “Patriots system” is like me saying I am going to adopt the way Shakespeare writes or the way Neil deGrasse Tyson does everything.  You can hire all former Belichick lemmings and read all the Michael Holley books you want, but it’s just not going to work.  At the end of the day there is only one…

 

#DynastyReign

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A quick look at the Bears 2012 schedule

 

Let the Phil Emery era begin.

Sunday September 9th: Home vs Colts

Playing the Bears defense on the road is a rough way for Andrew Luck to start his NFL career.  Colts in a big time rebuild mode.  This one feels like blow out city. Bears 34 Colts 13

Thursday September 13th: Away vs Packers

Tough to play the Packers on the road, especially on a short week.  I think these two teams are the class of the NFC North because the Bears will be much improved and hopefully healthier than last year. Tight game, but a loss. Bears 24 Packers 30

Sunday September 23rd: Home vs Rams

Rams will probably be better than they were last year, but they still suck. Bears will be plenty rested, well prepared, and playing at home.  Not a good recipe for the Rams. Bears 27 Rams 17

Monday October 1st: Away vs Cowboys

Second primetime game of five for the Bears.  Two of the most storied franchises in football, both of whom have been disappointments as of late.  I think the Cowboys will be much improved this season.  I think this one is a toss-up, but I will take Big D at home. Bears 23 Cowboys 27

Sunday October 7th: Away vs Jaguars

Much like the Rams…the Jags suck.  Back to back road games, especially on a shortened week, is never easy but the Bears have too much talent to get tripped up by the lowly Jaguars.  Bears 37 Jags 20

Sunday October 14th: BYE

Good spot to have a bye week.  Towards the middle of the season coming off two road games.

Monday October 22nd: Home vs Lions

Huge divisional game for the Bears.  The Lions will be better than last season as they get healthy at running back and improve their secondary.  This will be a battle, but I think the Bears pull this one out because Soldier Field will be electric for Monday Night Football. Bears 31 Lions 28

Sunday October 28th: Home vs Panthers

Panthers could be a contender in the NFC South this year with the Saints in turmoil and Cam Newton emerging as a superstar quarterback.  They just don’t have enough to beat the Bears at Soldier Field in a must win game. Shootout, but a Bears win. Bears 38 Panthers 34

Sunday November 4th: Away vs Titans

I don’t think the Titans know who they want to be as a team and I don’t think Jake Locker is ready for primetime.  The Titans are proud, but don’t have the horses to stick with the Bears. Bears 28 Titans 20

Sunday November 11th: Home vs Texans

Texans are a team on the rise.  They should be on cruise control at this point in the AFC South and will be playing for a first round bye in the playoffs.  Great defense and a complete offense when healthy.  Too much talent and better coaches for Houston.  Bears aren’t quite on the Texans level.  Bears 20 Texans 28

Monday November 19th: Away vs 49ers

The 49ers were a couple of fumbled punts away from the Superbowl last year.  They return basically everyone, but they are greatly improved at wide receiver. Adding Randy Moss and Mario Manningham.  Who knows if Alex Smith can get the ball to those guys, but their presense should open things up for Gore and Davis. Trouble for the Bears.  Bears 17 49ers 27

Sunday November 25th: Home vs Vikings

Vikings are in serious trouble this year.  Still unresolved issues at QB and Adrian Peterson is coming off a torn ACL.  This one should be over by half time.  Bears 38 Vikings 14

Sunday December 2nd: Home vs Seahawks

I think this is the year Pete Carroll’s seat starts to get warm.  If Matt Flynn is more Matt Cassell than Matt Shaub Seattle could be in big trouble.  This is a team the Bears should handle with relative ease. Bears 31 Seahawks 13

Sunday December 9th: Away vs Vikings

A little odd that the Bears are playing the Vikings for the 2nd time in three weeks.  Should be a familiar nightmare for the Vikings.  Bears too much for the rebuilding Vikings. Bears 30 Vikings 21

Sunday December 16th: Home vs Packers

The NFC North crown could be on the line against the Packers at Soldier Field, and as a fan that’s all you can ask for.  Even though the NFL is a passing league now, when the weather turns colder you need to be able to run for hard yards.  Bears have the advantage in that area.  Bears 24 Packers 21

Sunday December 23rd: Away vs Cardinals

Cardinals are another team in a state of flux.  They don’t have a ton of offensive talent outside of Larry Fitzgerald and their QBs seem to be made of glass.  My guess is that they are on their 3rd QB of the year at this point and are dreaming of Matt Barkley in the draft.  Blow out city. Bears 35 Cardinals 10

Sunday December 30th: Away vs Lions

The Lions season will most likely be on the line in this game.  Ford Field will be rocking.  I think the Bears should have a playoff spot locked up at this point, so maybe they don’t match the Lions desperation.  Bears 21 Lions 28

 

Final Record: 11-5.  I think that’s about right give or take a game or two.  The Lions, Packers, and Cowboy games will decide their fate.  If they can come out of those 5 contests 3-2 or better they should be back in the playoffs.

PS: Obviously a somewhat futile and pointless exercise 5 months before preseason really gets going, but it’s always fun to look ahead.

 

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This whole Matt Forte sitch and the Bears off-season

 

Ok, first things first…I LOVE the Michael Bush signing by the Bears.  In this day and age, even though the NFL is a passing league, you need two running backs.  I think Bears will shift back to being a physical offense with Mike Tice calling the shots, and Michael Bush is his type of back.  He is a big physical bruiser that can be more than just a short yardage back.  Great pick up.  It’s been one of many solid acquisitions this offseason.  The Brandon Marshall deal has a lot of red flags, but the positives out-weigh the negatives.  The Bears also signed Jason Campbell to be Jay Cutler’s backup.  I mean, that might be the most glaring sign that the Bears are becoming a competent organization right before our eyes.  They didn’t over pay for a Mario Williams or Vincent Jackson, and have put themselves in a good position to address other needs via the draft.  They aren’t the Patriots, but at least they aren’t the Jets.

Even though the Bush signing was a positive thing for the 53-man roster…it was still inappropriate.  Matt Forte has been the team’s best player for years, and has been a model teammate and citizen.  Yet the Bears have failed to give him the long-term contract that he has earned.  Forte expressed his frustration via twitter yesterday.

 

Hard to take issue with anything Forte said here.  The Bears continue to bring in high-priced backups (Bush, Barber, Jones, Taylor), when they should really just pay Matt Forte.  The Bears defense is aging rapidly, and soon the Bears offense will need to carry the team.  Running backs and citizens like Forte don’t grow on trees.  Forte was a second round pick and has delivered incredible value.  Totally out-performed that contract and never held out.  In my humble expert opinion he is a top 3 running back in the NFL.  Pay the man.

 

PS: To all those morons who say things like “I’d like to be disrespected like Forte”…shut the hell up.  No you wouldn’t.  Yeah he is going to make $7.7m this year on the franchise tag…but that’s not the point.  Even though this is 100% about the money…it really isn’t.  So yeah he is making bank this year, but he still deserves to cash in and get his guaranteed skrilla.  It’s all relative.

 

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