*☠*Official Chicago Bears 2009-2010 Thread(4-4)*☠* week 10 @49ers

[stringer bell 32]

If they didn't go out and get Michael Turner why in the hell would they be players in this FA market?

 

[casperjr]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-8-22/No-words-minced-here--Williams-is-the-Bears--LT.html

No words minced here: Williams is the Bears' LT

February 5, 2009 4:00 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert

It's been rumored for much of the offseason, but this Q&A with Chicago offensive coordinator Ron Turner is the first place I've seen anyone from the Bears say they expect Chris Williams to be their starting left tackle in 2009.
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[/td] [/tr][/table][/td] [/tr][/table] Williams [/td] [/tr][/table]
The former first-round draft pick underwent back surgery last August, scuttling his chances to start as a rookie. He returned in time to play in nine games as a reserve or on special teams. But in an interview with the Bears' Web site, Turner gave every indication that Williams will be working with the first team offense during offseason workouts. Here's the text of his full answer:

"Yes, I definitely see him starting at left tackle. He's shown what we thought we were going to see from a first-round pick. He's extremely athletic. He's very intelligent and has good instincts. He's a good football player. He had the back injury, and coming back from that halfway through the season and then trying to get into football shape, he made strides every week. But with an offseason, he's going to be a very good player."

The only surprise about this revelation is that Turner didn't use any of the coachspeak that typically arises in such situations. Young players aren't often handed starting positions, but in this case the Bears aren't playing any games.

It's not like they have a ton of choices. Last season's left tackle, John St. Clair, is a career journeyman and also a pending free agent. But as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times points out, tackle could still be a draft target for the Bears considering right tackle John Tait's advancing years.

nothing nobody didnt see coming just thought id post it

 

[casperjr]

[h1][/h1]

[h1]Tillman's recovery could factor in secondary decisions[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on February 10, 2009 5:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBacks (0)

If the Bears are going to consider a move with Charles Tillman, the veteran's recovery from reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder last month could play a factor in the decision.

Tillman will be four weeks removed from surgery on Wednesday. The short window for a full recovery and return is expected to be four months. On the long side, it could be six months.

That means you can rule out the eight-year veteran for minicamp, which was moved up nearly three months this year by coach Lovie Smith. It begins in five weeks and will run from March 17-19. Either way, Tillman is expected to be ready to go in advance of training camp.

Whether or not the club will entertain the idea of a move is unknown. The Bears have to do something at free safety. Danieal Manning is another possibility. He seemed like he found a niche for himself in the second half of last season playing nickel. There is no way Tillman could be moved without some top help being added at cornerback. He's the team's best cover man as it is. Cornerback is considered a more valuable position than safety so this isn't a small decision. The Bears can't rob one position to help another and do so blindly.
As a veteran with keen knowledge of the system, Tillman could probably make the adjustment without any major hurdles. But he'd certainly miss some instructional time on the field with new defensive backs coach Jon Hoke as right now Tillman is the only known player who will not be cleared for full participation in minicamp. It's clear no move can be in the works until a plan is executed first in free agency or the draft.



meh i dont like the idea of putting peanut back there but that may be the best option we have the boy manning needs to stay in the nickel.

wat ever happen we need to be looking into drafting a Safety

 

[jpzx]

Is it true the Bears only have one tackle on their roster right now?

If so, how could ya'll not go Tackle at #18? Oher might still be available and he'd be a steal at that point..

 

[the gr8]

This team will continue to be cheap and not throw down any $ for the wide range of top notch WRs on the market

 

[jpzx]

Last time the Bears have had a receiver with 7+ TDs was in 2001 (8 years ago)

Are WRs just a second thought in your owners mind?

 

[arstyle27]

Originally Posted by JPZx

Last time the Bears have had a receiver with 7+ TDs was in 2001 (8 years ago)

Are WRs just a second thought in your owners mind?

I don't know what the hell these dudes think. They rather have 5 medicore WR's than 2 really good one's.....we drafted the kid out ofVandy and he barely played....stupid idiots.

And now, because of Tait retiring, we're screwed into basically taking a tackle high....ughhhh

I hope we pick up Freddy Y. atleast.....but no way we pay him what he wants....god damn stupid Bears.

 

[chris paul 3]

I'd trade urlacher for boldin...

lach' is getting up there.

 

[arstyle27]

Originally Posted by Chris Paul 3

I'd trade urlacher for boldin...

lach' is getting up there.

Freak it......so would I. Not gonna happen though.

 

[imasoleman18]

i hope we get a receiver

 

[casperjr]

[h2]Bears, Omiyale agree on deal[/h2]

Comment Email Print By John Clayton
ESPN.com
Archive

With offensive tackle John Tait contemplating his retirement, the Chicago Bears moved quickly in the first hours of free agency and reached a deal with Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Frank Omiyale

The deal, according to a source, is for four years, $14 million.

In his four years in the NFL, Omiyale, 26, has only started one game. He spent two years in Atlanta and two years in Carolina.

The 6-4, 310-pound tackle played 10 games for the Panthers last year.

Omiyale was a fifth-round selection of the Falcons in the 2005 draft.

JONES TO REMAIN WITH BEARS

Though tempted by the chance to go to the Buffalo Bills, running back Kevin Jones decided to stay with the Chicago Bears.

Jones agreed to a two-year, $3.5 million contract with the team, according to a source. He will receive a $1 million signing bonus and he will make $2 million in 2009.

The 26-year-old Jones signed a one-year deal with Chicago last year after being released by the Detroit Lions. He was coming off a couple of seasons in which he was injured, and was looking for a team that could help him regain his reputation as a featured back. In 2004, the Lions drafted him in the first round and he had instant success, running for 1,133 yards as a rookie.

 

[shabooyah1124]

Chicago: Bears general manager Jerry Angelo told the team Web site Wednesday that he planned to look for receivers in the draft rather than on the free agent market. The money given to free agent receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Angelo said, was "exorbitant" for a player approaching his 32nd birthday. That statement came before Owens was released, and Owens -- who turns 36 in December -- couldn't command Houshmandzadeh money. The Bears make the most sense for Owens in this division, but his addition would still be a departure from Angelo's current approach.


$@%# Angelo. We haven't developed a WR since the birth of Christ.

 

[chris paul 3]

How do you guys feel about Owens?

 

[shabooyah1124]

Originally Posted by Chris Paul 3

How do you guys feel about Owens?

No way in hell he's playing for my Bears.

 

[casperjr]

Originally Posted by shabooyah1124

Originally Posted by Chris Paul 3

How do you guys feel about Owens?

No way in hell he's playing for my Bears.

yep thats about how i feel

but damn i wouldnt mind having a player of his lvl

 

[jcuk3tm0]

Originally Posted by shabooyah1124

Chicago: Bears general manager Jerry Angelo told the team Web site Wednesday that he planned to look for receivers in the draft rather than on the free agent market. The money given to free agent receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Angelo said, was "exorbitant" for a player approaching his 32nd birthday. That statement came before Owens was released, and Owens -- who turns 36 in December -- couldn't command Houshmandzadeh money. The Bears make the most sense for Owens in this division, but his addition would still be a departure from Angelo's current approach.

$@%# Angelo. We haven't developed a WR since the birth of Christ.



glad angelo has learned a little bit. wasnt affraid to throw money at an old moose

 

[imasoleman18]

GOD COULD WE MAKE A MOVE!

 

[casperjr]

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[h1]Looks like versatile lineman Idonije could be trading places[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on March 15, 2009 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

It looks like Israel Idonije is on the move.

Back outside that is.

The Bears' defensive lineman is in the process of shedding weight, according to a report in the Winnipeg Sun, and it's believed he will be used more at end than tackle this coming year. That's the reverse of what happened last offseason for the versatile veteran. Idonije added between 25 and 30 pounds this time last year at the direction of the team for a move inside.

"If Idonije, well on his way from 306 to 270 pounds, keeps as busy all off-season as he is right now, he may resemble a wide receiver by Week 1."

Boy, could the Bears use some help at receiver, Idonije isn't it though. He made three starts at tackle in 2008 and played in all 16 games. He contributed 28 tackles with 3 1/2 sacks, five quarterback hits and six passes defended. But by the end of the season his playing time was trimmed significantly, however, after coach Lovie Smith made taken more control of the defense from coordinator Bob Babich. Idonije participated in 42 percent of the defensive snaps on the year but he was on the field closer to one-third of the time down the stretch.

What the move inside also did was make him less effective on special teams, where he had been a core player. Idonije was taken off the kickoff team, replaced by rookie tight end Kellen Davis. He was on the field for 50 percent of the special teams plays, down from 64 percent in 2007. Idonije made four special teams tackles in 2008, half as many as he made the year before and six less than the 10 he had in 2006.

Dropping weight will make him more mobile and allow him to contribute more on special teams. With the development of rookie Marcus Harrison, and the emergence of Anthony Adams (who took playing time from Idonije in the second half of the season), new line coach Rod Marinelli has options inside. Plus, Idonije was able to play inside in the past even if he was a little light.

Idonije, who will turn 29 during the season, is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $1.75 million this season.

``We'd love to work out an extension for him,'' agent Drew Rosenhaus said

If that's something the Bears pursue, they'll have to determine what kind of value you place on a part-time player who who is coming up on 30. Right now, it looks like Idonije will prove his worth at end back at the playing weight he is more accustomed to being at.



[h1][/h1]

[h1]St. Clair to visit Cleveland Browns on Monday[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on March 15, 2009 11:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

John St. Clair could be under contract soon and it might not be with the Bears.

The veteran offensive lineman will visit the Cleveland Browns on Monday, a trip that could lead to a job with his fourth NFL team or expedite negotiations with the Bears that have made the worst traffic jam on the Dan Ryan Expy look like an afternoon at Chicagoland Speedway.

The Bears offered St. Clair a three-year contract two weeks before free agency opened that was worth $4.5 million. There has not been any tangible movement since. St. Clair's side made a counteroffer and that's where it has stood for more than a month.

After making 19 consecutive starts, and with the right tackle job open for him to claim, St. Clair is seeking more money. How much more? No one knows although he's probably understanding of his age (he turns 32 in July) and the market. How does a team value a player that was signed as a swing tackle, became a dependable starter and may be a bridge to the future? There is the dilemma. The Bears want St. Clair back--at their price.

Now, he's found another party that may be willing to provide a different number. Perhaps the Browns can help determine his market value, although it's unlikely St. Clair would make the trip to Cleveland just for that. If he didn't have interest in calling it home, he wouldn't be there. There is also believed to be at least one other team that has not yet been identified that is interested in St. Clair's services. But following the retirement of John Tait, the Bears at least look to offer the best opportunity for St. Clair to start. That's even if the club uses a high draft pick on a tackle, something most expect to happen.

The Browns signed veteran lineman Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack on Friday, a day after releasing veteran tackle Kevin Shaffer. Ryan Tucker is expected to be the right tackle next season after agreeing to a significant pay cut, but he's been unable to stay healthy the last three seasons. St. Clair could be viewed as reliable insurance. The trip is a good sign for St. Clair but not necessarily one that he will be returning to the Bears, who will report to Halas Hall Monday for physicals in advance of Tuesday's minicamp. Without St. Clair, the right tackle with the first team could be Cody Balogh, who was an undrafted free agent from Montana last year. Balogh spent the entire season on the practice squad.

Stay tuned.

[h1]Exploring the options at tackle if St. Clair signs elsewhere[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on March 16, 2009 12:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

With John St. Clair visiting the Cleveland Browns today it forces us to pose the question, what's next?

If St. Clair signs with the Browns or another team, the already changing Bears' offensive line has another major question to answer--who plays right tackle?

General manager Jerry Angelo could draft a tackle in the first round with the 18th pick and plan on plugging him in there from Day 1. He tried that last season and that didn't work so well with Chris Williams, although by all accounts he will be ready to go as the starting left tackle when minicamp opens Tuesday.

The Bears could venture into free agency and take a look at what is around.

They could do both.

What they'll find in the third week of free agency is a long list of players long in the tooth, players with injury baggage or both.

Here is an incomplete list of possibilities with the player's last team listed:

George Foster, Detroit. He's visited Cincinnati already. The Bears got an up-close look at how vulnerable he was twice a season.

Adam Goldberg, St. Louis. Seemed to improve once he left Minnesota. Has visited Cleveland and could return to the Rams.

Kwame Harris, Oakland. Offensive tackle might have a good strike ratio when it comes to first-round picks. Here's an example of a first-round miss.

Orlando Pace, St. Louis. His Pro Bowls seem obscured by injuries of late, although he was on the field most of last season. He's strictly been a left tackle.

Jon Runyan, Philadelphia. A beast in his prime, Runyan might not be healthy.

Ephraim Salaam, Houston. Before the Bears signed Fred Miller in 2005, they made a run at Salaam.

Kevin Shaffer, Cleveland. Has plenty of experience starting, particularly on the right side.

Marvel Smith, Pittsburgh. Back issues are biggest question for one-time Pro Bowl performer. He drew interest in Baltimore and Oakland.

Mark Tauscher, Green Bay. Knee surgery might keep him on the shelf until some time in the season.

Other options that are not on the market, the open market that is:

Jonas Jennings, San Francisco. It's doubtful he returns to the Niners after some injury-wrecked seasons. In fact, he's been informed he isn't in the team's plans. That would indicate Jennings will likely be released.

Levi Jones, Cincinnati. The Bengals are actively working to trade Jones. If they can't deal him, they'll probably cut him. Like Pace, he's been a left tackle.

Another alternative would be to use Frank Omiyale, the Bears first free-agent signing, at right tackle. He's primarily played tackle in four seasons in the league but Angelo said the Bears want to look at him first at guard. He's expected to compete immediately at left guard with Josh Beekman.
Just some names to consider if St. Clair winds up elsewhere.

 

[casperjr]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-6-349/Cutler-makes-some-sense-in-the-Black-and-Blue.html

Cutler makes some sense in the Black and Blue

March 16, 2009 9:00 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert
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[/td] [/tr][/table][/td] [/tr][/table] Cutler [/td] [/tr][/table]
A few weeks ago, we referred to the Jay Cutler story as "fun speculation" as it applied to the NFC North. You had three division teams expressing a desire to improve the quarterback position, but at the time there was no indication that Denver would be willing to trade Cutler to the Upper Midwest or anywhere else.

That drawback seems to have dissipated a bit after Sunday's news that Cutler has formally requested a trade. Broncos owner Pat Bowlen, meanwhile, told the Denver Post that "we might lose our star quarterback," a relatively shocking admission of defeat before trade talks begin.

So will Chicago, Detroit or Minnesota become serious players for Cutler? There is little doubt the topic is being discussed in each team headquarters Monday morning -- if it hasn't already been hashed through.

In the meantime, let's do a little hashing ourselves on behalf of those three Black and Blue cities (in alphabetical order, of course):

Chicago Bears

Current depth chart: Kyle Orton, Caleb Hanie, Brett Basanez
Key quote: "We have to stay focused on the quarterback position. You win because of the quarterback." (General manager Jerry Angelo early in the offseason.)
Cliff's notes: The Bears aren't sure if Orton is their long-term starter, but to this point they appear set to give him another season to prove himself.
Why Cutler makes sense: He was a Bears fan growing up, so it's likely he would accept a trade to Chicago. That's no small accomplishment for a player who appears to have some maintenance issues. Cutler has proved more in three years than Orton has in four and still has more room for improvement. The Bears could also offer the Broncos a short-term solution at the position by including Orton in the deal.
Why it's difficult to imagine: The Bears typically guard their draft picks and cash with equal passion. Is Chicago willing to pay its quarterback a premium salary, which a trade for Cutler would essentially require? For Cutler, you figure it would take upwards of $30 million in guaranteed money to complete a deal.


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[h1]Memo to Jerry Angelo: Jay Cutler Officially Wants Out; Grow a Pair and Get Him[/h1]
by TAB BAMFORD (Columnist)
22
1933 reads

Opinion

March 16, 2009

Reports early Monday morning are that Jay Cutler has formally asked for a trade out of Denver. His house is on the market, his bags are packed, and he's not reporting for the Broncos' upcoming mini camp.

Now I, on behalf of Chicago Bears fans, am putting the hypothetical gun to Bears' GM Jerry Angelo's head: Get Jay Cutler. Now.

There are three reasons that Angelo should want to make this move:

1. The Detroit Lions have openly coveted Cutler.

2. The Minnesota Vikings have openly coveted Cutler.

3. Jay Cutler is better than Kyle Orton (the picture of him above... yeah, that's a Pro Bowl jersey he's wearing. And it's his, not a fashion statement).

Let's look at each of these reasons in a little more depth.

First, the Lions want Cutler. Really? A winless team wants a Pro Bowl quarterback? That's about as shocking as a AA Battery in the bathtub.

Why should this influence Angelo pursuing Cutler? Because the Bears couldn't cover Calvin Johnson when Jon Kitna and Dan Orlovsky were throwing him the ball. If nothing else, Angelo should try to keep Cutler out of the division and out of Detroit.

Secondly, the Vikings were pretty much a quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender last year. If you add Cutler to an offense with Adrian Peterson and Bernard Berrian, they're the leaders in the clubhouse heading into the draft.

Yeah, they just traded a fourth-round pick for Sage Rosenfels. But let's get serious for a moment: if you could start Rosenfels or Cutler for your home opener in 2009, do you really think anyone in their right mind says they'd take Rosenfels? Cutler isn't named for a spice in a Simon and Garfunkel song, but he can throw the ball 50 yards. Advantage Cutler.

Again, just as with Detroit, Angelo should be trying to acquire Cutler in an effort to not only strategically help the Bears, but also to keep him off the Vikings' roster.

Thirdly, Cutler is better than Kyle Orton. I'm not going to get on too much of a soap box here regarding comments from Jerry Angelo this off-season regarding the Bears' quarterback situation, but he has said in the past that he wants there to be competition to make the team better.

Why not eliminate the competition and bring in the best arm the team would have had since Erik Kramer?

I will say this a million times: I have nothing against Kyle Orton as the Bears' starting quarterback. I think that, with health and a legitimate receiver opposite Devin Hester and outside Greg Olsen, Orton could get the Bears back into the playoffs.

But Cutler is better than Orton. He has better mobility, a better arm, and more experience.

So Angelo should be DOING HIS JOB (i.e.: looking to improve the team), and if a Pro Bowl quarterback is available and he's better than what the Bears have, Angelo should be trying to improve his roster.

In review, Angelo should be trying to get Cutler to A) improve the Bears, B) keep him out of Detroit and C) keep him out of Minnesota.

So what would the Bears need to give up to get Cutler?

Well, first of all, the No. 18 pick in this year's draft is probably a part of any package. Yes, Kansas City gave up just a high-second round pick for both Mike Vrabel and Matt Cassell, but Angelo doesn't have the luxury of having his former employer making him an offer he can't refuse like Mr. Pioli did with the Chiefs.

I am also going to say that Orton would be part of the deal, for more reasons than the Bears not needing him any more. If the new GM and head coach in Denver want to put their futures on the arm of either a rookie or Jeff Garcia, that's fine.

But if the Broncos could bring in a potential replacement in Orton, or at worst a backup who has been successful in the NFL, it selfishly helps their potential job security as well as fills a need on their roster.

I'll also say the Bears might be able to throw in Nathan Vasher. The Broncos have brought in Andre Goodman as a corner and Brian Dawkins as a safety, but Champ Bailey has had some health issues the past couple years and the Broncos released Dre Bly earlier this winter. Vasher would add depth in the Broncos secondary.

So I'll propose the following deal:

Bears send Orton, Vasher, the No. 18 pick and the Bears' third round pick to Denver in exchange for Cutler and Denver's second round pick (No. 4.

The Broncos would then have a quarterback to compete for the starting job with Chris Simms and/or Jeff Garcia, a corner to add depth to their secondary, and two picks in the top 20 in the first round of the draft.

The Bears would get a franchise quarterback and, in acquiring the Broncos second round pick, the Bears would have two picks with which to either trade back up into the late first round or early second round, or to add depth with drafting talent.

Jerry Angelo has a history of trading down in the draft, so unloading the first-round pick wouldn't be an enormous stretch of the imagination. With consecutive picks in the middle of the second round, the Bears could land a receiver like Kenny Britt or Louis Murphy, a safety like William Moore of David Bruton, or a lineman.

The only two things this deal requires to happen is the Broncos willingness to listen to an offer, and Jerry Angelo growing a pair and making an offer. It sounds like Cutler's forcing the Broncos to listen (again), so I'm encouraging Angelo to now hold up his end of the bargain.



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[h1]Bears announce Hillenmeyer, Dvoracek to be sidelined at minicamp[/h1]
By Brad Biggs on March 16, 2009 9:37 AM | Permalink | Comments ( | TrackBacks (0)

The Bears announced on their Web site that veteran linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek will be sidelined during minicamp this week.

Hillenmeyer was sidelined during the season last year following surgery on his right hand. It's not known if that is the injury that he is rehabilitating. Hillenmeyer has been in Hawaii as the Bears' representative at the NFL Players Association annual meeting.

Dvoracek is still rehabbing his way back from a torn right biceps suffered in Week 13 at Minnesota. He has landed on injured reserve in three consecutive seasons and entering the final year of his contract, Dvoracek must stay on the field. He was sidelined for a good portion of the offseason program a year ago and then again in training camp.

*** Also, the Bears announced that Frank Omiyale will work exclusively at left guard. That is what has been expected all along, at least in most circles.

*** Zack Bowman will be used at free safety and Josh Bullocks will run with the first team at the position. That's because Craig Steltz will line up at strong safety with Kevin Payne still recovering from shoulder surgery. Cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Trumaine McBride will also be sidelined meaning Corey Graham and Nathan Vasher are expected with the first team at cornerback.
*** Elsewhere, John St. Clair will arrive in Cleveland a little later today to meet with coach Eric Mangini and general manager George Kokinis. St. Clair will also take a physical.
Check back later on for more news.

 

[chris paul 3]

I really want Cutler.

But does Denver trade him?

 

[tylerdub]

Yes lets get Cutler. Then we wont have to hear how Haney is a good QB.

Plus Matt Jones got released. Maybe he could come in and help out a little.

 

[southsidechi773]

Angelo should def. go for Cutler,the city of Chicago deserves a franchise quarterback and to spend a few dollars.

But knowing Angelo...

 

[assistantsupervisor81]

Originally Posted by SouthsideChi773

Angelo should def. go for Cutler,the city of Chicago deserves a franchise quarterback and to spend a few dollars.

But knowing Angelo...

man I wish but it is the bears so we all know they prob wont do anything

 

[curtiscarter23]

Originally Posted by AssistantSupervisor81

Originally Posted by SouthsideChi773

Angelo should def. go for Cutler,the city of Chicago deserves a franchise quarterback and to spend a few dollars.

But knowing Angelo...

man I wish but it is the bears so we all know they prob wont do anything

I dont give a @##@ what it takes to get CUTLER make the $%*@@@% move angelo! NOBODY and i mean NOBODY(i take that back, everyone but izzyidonije) on this team should feel safe from being traded. Vasher, tillman, urlacher, briggs, forte, draft picks,IDC! you do whatever it takes to get cutler inour blue and orange. He is the franchise qb we have been trying to get forever. If the lions or the vikings end up getting this guy, i honestly dont think iwill EVER be able to root for the bears again. i must stoneface myself for that

, but dammit its true.

Listen im a cubs fan and my cubs have not won, EVER, but for the last 4-6 years they have spent money to try to win. I respect the cubs for trying to put theright squad out there in order to win the chip, but i cannot continue to support a team that wont go out in FA and make a $%*@@@% ORGANIZATION changing move.Wake up jerry angelo!

 

[tylerdub]

^^^
I could not say it any better than that.

If the Bears dont make some type of move if Cutler comes to the market I swear for a chicken I will start cheering for the Colts.