Chicago Bears Give Fans Giant Middle Finger by Retaining Lovie Smith

Sure, firing offensive coordinator Ron Turner is a step in the right direction. But what about the men who hired him in the first place? When will the Bears hold the feet of Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo to the fire?

Add to that the name of Bears president Ted Phillips, and you have the Three Stooges.

To the fans, today’s news that head case, er, head coach Lovie Smith will return is like a sharp slap in the face from the Bears organization.

Look, the Bears don’t care about you, only your money—and they know they already have that. With every game a sellout and many more waiting for a chance at season tickets, the McCaskey family aren’t concerned in the least about what we think.

Still, I believe I speak for most Bears fans when I say this stinks like rotten tuna. But no, there’s nothing fishy about this move. It’s plain for all to see.

It’s about the money, as always, with this organization.

All this does is postpone the inevitable. Why any decent offensive coordinator would want to come in knowing that it is likely a one-year gig is beyond me. Still, Mike Martz, former Lovie mentor, is the front runner to replace Turner, and he has expressed interest.

If the decision were up to Jay Cutler—and let’s face it, with all that the Bears have invested in this guy, why shouldn’t it be?—former Denver Broncos assistant Jeremy Bates would be the guy.

Bates worked under Mike Shanahan when the trio was with Denver. Bates is currently the offensive coordinator at USC but would be able to jump back to the NFL if given the opportunity.  

Yet no matter who is hired and fired within the Bears coaching carousel, the core remains. The Lovie and Jerry show gets renewed each year despite poor ratings from fans like you and me.

Again I scream, where is the accountability? I’ll tell you where—it’s hidden in the cash left on the contracts of a coach and GM who have worn out their welcomes.

Finding scapegoats is a lot like applying band-aids where tourniquets should be. The root cause of the problem is not addressed, so ultimately, the bleeding will continue.

Yes, the Bears went to the Super Bowl under Lovie’s direction, as his few followers point out. But the league was weak that year, and the defense played very well under defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

Whatever happened to the former Bears lineman? Oh yeah, he was fired too, by Lovie and Jerry. It seems they didn’t see eye-to-eye on the defensive scheme.

Which brings us to another point of contention and yet another reason that Lovie needs to go—the Tampa 2. That base package is obsolete. Yet with Lovie around, we’re sure to continue seeing it, since that is all he knows.

Yes, most teams run some cover-2 as a prevent defense, but as a base scheme, the Tampa 2 (and yes, there is a difference between the cover-2 and the Tampa-2) is used by only a small handful of teams.

That’s because that defense has been exposed. Still, it’s the defense that Lovie has cut his teeth on, so as long as he is here, it will be also.

Meanwhile, I hope you appreciate the snub you received this afternoon, Bears fans. In a billion dollar organization, you wouldn’t think that $11 million is such a high price to pay for improvement.

But what do the McCaskeys have to lose? It is, and always will be, a Bears town.

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Lovie Smith’s Replacement as Chicago Bears Head Coach Could Be Dave Toub

While the team isn’t likely to make any announcements one way or the other in the next couple of days, it would not surprise me if the Bears go in-house for a replacement for Lovie Smith.

Dave Toub, current Special Teams Coordinator, has completed six seasons with the Bears. His teams have finished best in the league twice (2006 and 2007) and have ranked in the top third for five consecutive seasons. 

He was voted as the Special Teams Coach of the Year by his NFL coaching peers after the 2006 season.

While an assistant special teams and defensive line coach for Philadelphia from 2001-2003, the Eagles won the special teams titles in Toub’s first and last seasons there.   

Even during the Bears’ losing seasons, Toub’s units have been a silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud.

Toub has extensive coaching experience at the college level as well, spending 15 seasons coaching at the college level before making the jump to the NFL, highlighted by 12 years at Missouri (1989-2000).

In short, Toub is a well-respected coach in the league, and given that the Bears always hire coaches without previous head coaching experience, it would fit into their mold to replace Lovie with Toub.

Sure, players spent Sunday telling the media how much they desire having Lovie return as head coach. But what do you expect the players to say? If they aren’t loyal and he does come back, they might be in the doghouse.

Plus, players who generally are not being held accountable get used to that kind of favorable treatment. Jobs are usually more on the line when a new sheriff comes to town.

I know this would be somewhat of a long shot, but Toub is a good man, and with a solid staff around him, he could be a fine head coach.

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Bears-Lions: Chicago Loss Would Hasten Lovie Smith’s Departure

Despite the goodwill generated from the Chicago Bears improbable win over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night, a Bears loss to the hapless Lions this Sunday might be a fatal blow to head coach Lovie Smith.

A loss to Detroit on Sunday could make firing Smith that much easier for Jerry Angelo. That is, assuming Angelo himself is still here after the season.

For if it were up to me, I would blow up the whole thing. But to end the season with consecutive wins might make it easier for the McCaskeys to retain the Bears coach.

Look, Detroit is a bad football team. Yes, it has young QB Matthew Stafford to look forward to, but for now, it stinks.

I realize the Bears are not a good team themselves, but at least they aren’t 2-13. Even being on the road shouldn’t hurt the Bears, since the Lions are a mere 2-5 at home this season.

Detroit ranks 31st in team defense and 25th in offense.

The Lions do hold an edge over the Bears in some categories, however. The Lions rank 24th in rushing, while the Bears rank 30th. The Lions also hold a slim edge defending the run.

Meanwhile, they are dead last in defending the pass, and they allow a league-worst 30 PPG. Heck, they have even thrown more interceptions than the Bears!

Detroit ranks last in turnover differential, at minus-16.

In other words, this is a game that the Bears simply must win.

Still, this could be a classic trap game in the sense that the Bears are coming off a short week, and a big win, and may be taking Detroit lightly.

But if a loss means the end of Lovie and his staff, maybe a loss wouldn’t be so bad for the Bears after all, come to think of it.

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The Chicago Bears Twelve Step Program To Rehab Jay Cutler

“Hello, my name is Jay Cutler…and I am an intercept-aholic…”

When Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo morphed totally out of character to make the bold move to acquire Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos, Bears fans everywhere shouted for glee.

Now we’re screaming bloody murder.

Look, as much of a nightmare as Cutler’s debut season with the Bears has been, never fear, for addiction specialist Dr. Bob is here.

Yes, I believe that Cutler can be saved. But in order to do so, we must follow these 12 steps.

Step One: Admitting there is a problem is the first step

Alright, this is an easy one but a very necessary step. Yes, we have a problem. Cutler has not come close to fulfilling the great expectations from Bears fans. He leads the world in interceptions. He throws from his back foot. He can’t score in the red zone. 

Enough already, I think you get the point. Even Cutler has to recognise there is a problem at this point.

Step Two: It’s the coaching, stupid!

Yes, Cutler has accountability for his poor decision making. But heck, you must remember he is still a young 26 and he needs solid coaching, or at least a mentor that can help with the mental and physical part of the game.

QB coach Pep Hamilton? Be serious. I doubt that Cutler has much respect for him. Much like Derrick Rose with the Bulls and not-ready-for-prime-time coach Vinny Del Negro, Lovie Smith and Ron Turner and everyone else associated with this team needs to go.

The sooner the better.

Step Three: Weapons of mass destruction

Look, it was stupid of Angelo to make such a bold trade, giving up draft picks and paying lots of money, and then not giving Cutler the weapons he needs.

In Denver, he had receivers like Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal. In Chicago, he has a former college teammate who couldn’t find the field last year, a kick returner still learning how to be a wideout, and assorted other mismatches and spare parts.

Get this man a true number one wideout. End of story.

Step Four: The O-line is O-so important

True, Angelo did go out and sign a couple of offensive lineman to protect Cutler. Unfortunately for Jay, they turned out to be a washed-up former Pro Bowl in Orlando Pace and the undistinguished Frank Omiyale.

And, to add insult to injury, they played Omiyale out of position.

This will be a tough one to solve, given the lack of high draft picks. But through a combination of free agency and the development of Chris Williams, a stronger and more cohesive O-line next year will give Cutler the time he needs to complete passes.

Step Five: Come off the bus running

I know, we’ve heard this all-too-familiar refrain from Lovie Smith too often, but in this context I am referring to having a running game Cutler can count on in the red zone.

Perhaps this goes hand-in-hand with the O-line, but if the running game doesn’t improve, Cutler will continue to think he has to do it all. And we all know how this normally turns out, with 10 interceptions in the red zone over the last two seasons.

Step Six: Improve the play calling

Yes, no matter what changes are made (or not made) to the coaching staff, offensive coordinator Ron Turner has to go.

How hard is it to come up with a roll-out package for Cutler? All year long Cutler has been running for life, yet only broken plays have resulted in Cutler rolling to his right.

Step Seven: Better decision making

This one’s on Cutler. He needs to throw the ball away instead of forcing it into tight coverage. He needs to understand when it’s prudent to check down instead of trying to throw the ball down field when the receiver isn’t open.

In other words, he needs to make better decisions.

Step Eight: Be a leader

Cutler needs to grow up and grow a pair, and be the leader the offense needs him to be.

Instead of sulking and pointing fingers when things go wrong, Cutler should look in the mirror and realize he is accountable for the results on the field.

Cutler has been tagged as a baby, and an immature player mostly concerned with his stats. Fair or not, he needs to start exhibiting the leadership that all of the great QBs do if he wants to make it to the next level.

Step Nine: Run baby, run!

Cutler can move, and he needs to use this to his advantage. There are times when he seems to have an open lane in front of him, yet he won’t take off.

Now I realize this could get him killed. So he will need to pick his spots. Still, I think it would be a more effective compliment to his game than simply forcing the ball when no one is open.

Step 10: Better mechanics

Jay often throws off his back foot and this habit needs to be cured. Sure, a better offensive line would help, but this is something he needs to work at.

Also, he has a tendency to lock on to a receiver, particularly his buddy Greg Olsen. Defenders can easily follow those eyes and know where the ball is going.

Step 11: In “defense” of Cutler

An improved defense would help take the pressure off of Cutler and the Bears offense. A full, healthy season from Brian Urlacher and a healthy and productive Tommie Harris should go a long way toward accomplishing this goal.

Signing a safety and a pass rush specialist would be a bonus, as well.This way, Cutler wouldn’t have to feel like he has to do too much on the field.

Step 12: Be confident!

This one is really a chicken-or-the-egg kind of thing. Do you need confidence to be successful or does success breed confidence? Well, in Cutler’s case he was confident almost to a fault at the start of the season.

Now, he has gone to the other extreme and seems to lack the confidence and brashness necessary to success as a QB in the NFL.

Hey, every great QB has an enormous ego. If you think that Joe Montana wasn’t an ass at times to his teammates, then you don’t know football, my friends.

Addiction can never be cured, but it can be treated. If the Bears follow each of these twelve steps, perhaps Jay Culter can be salvaged after all, come to think of it.

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Come to Think of It: Ex-Packers Boss Ron Wolf Could Be Next Bears GM

Ron Wolf, the former general manager of the hated Green Bay Packers, just may be on the Bears’ short list if they decide to replace GM Jerry Angelo after the season.

While much speculation has centered around the status of Lovie Smith, perhaps one of the reasons that Angelo hasn’t made a decision on Smith is that he is also being shoved out the door.

It’s not likely, admittedly. As I’ve written before, the more likely scenario is that they replace Ron Turner and refuse to eat Lovie’s remaining salary. Still, this is an interesting rumor because, love or hate the green and gold, Ron Wolf is a solid football mind.

Wolf brings success as a talent evaluator and could help bring about some much-needed improvement to the Bears draft. Sure, the team doesn’t have a first or second rounder but that just makes the remaining picks that much more important.

And let’s face it, this is a critical junction for our Bears. They need to work with Jay Cutler to salvage any return on their investment. They also need to take a fresh look at a team that is in disarray on the coaching staff and seemingly has lost its focus.

In other words, they need a new GM, not just a new coach.

After all, Angelo is the one ultimately responsible for the talent on this team, no matter how much influence Lovie has been given. Angelo brought in a washed up Orlando Pace and an ineffective Frank Omiyale to protect Cutler, and how has that worked out?

He also refused to upgrade the receiver position and just recently told the media that this has been an area of strength for the team.

Now really, is this the guy you would entrust to make the necessary changes to your team at such a critical crossroads? I don’t think so.

Recognizing the mess that is Jerry and Lovie, let’s clean house and start anew. But will Virginia McCaskey and her grandchildren give figurehead Ted Phillips the keys to make such a bold move?

Phillips was hired largely to oversee the purse strings for the McCaskeys. They liked his tough stance as a fierce negotiator, even though he was not a football man. I say get rid of him, too, and put one of the grand-kids in as President (not Michael, please!), say Brian, for example, and let Wolf and whoever he hires make the football decisions.

Ah, but while this may be a nice fantasy, it is probably just that. After all, it would cost money to buy out Jerry and Lovie and hire Wolf. And we all know how much the Bears love their money.

Just ask Ted Phillips, come to think of it.

 

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Come to Think of It: Who Will Replace Ron Turner as OC for the Bears?

I don’t expect the Bears to fire Lovie Smith after this season. That would be great, but I do not feel it is likely to happen.

What I do expect to happen is that Ron Turner will be fired as offensive coordinator, and rightfully so. But the question is, who will replace him?

Knowing that whoever the Bears bring in to be head coach once Smith does eventually go will probably get to hire his own staff, and that includes offensive coordinators, it is hard to imagine that anyone would want the gig.

Likewise, do the Bears pony up for a multi-year contract knowing that he may only serve one year, leaving the Bears to pay even more money following the inevitable?

Well, first of all, let’s end this talk about Turner being some sort of scapegoat for Lovie’s failures. The Bears coordinator has demonstrated enough questionable play calling to be considered on the firing line independent of the bad things that Lovie has done.

So when he leaves, let’s not feel sorry for the guy or shed any tears. We need not only a creative offensive mind, but a mentor to Jay Cutler. After going through this nightmare of a season, to salvage Cutler will take a lot of work. 

Pep Hamilton? Um, no.

Now, we all know that former Irish coach Charlie Weis has expressed interest in the job. Remember, he did receive a lot of credit for running the offense in New England before heading to Notre Dame.

But critics have since questioned his impact there, and there are plenty who believe that Weis may not be the mastermind he was previously given credit as.

Mike Martz is out there, and Lovie has worked with him before. But at least publicly, he doesn’t appear to be interested.

“There isn’t a better man that I know than Lovie Smith. Ron Turner shouldn’t be in trouble either. If there is a problem there, it’s personnel and not with Lovie or Ron. He’s the same offensive coordinator that took him to the (Super Bowl).”

“If” there is a problem? Hello, how about a totally inept offense, Mike? That do anything for you? Cutler is a train wreck, the running game is basically nonexistent, and the play calling is suspect.

As ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson recently wrote, “Why don’t the Bears ever call a bootleg for Cutler so he can roll out of the pocket? The only time Cutler moves outside the tackle box is on a busted play.”  

Even Devin Hester, who can hardly put a lucid sentence together, knows that Turner is gone.

“It’s tough, you know, watching other teams, other offenses,” Hester said. “They find ways for other guys to get their hands on the ball better.

Cutler said he would tell management how he felt about Turner if asked.

“But by no means am I going to march up there and tell them what should happen or what’s going to happen,” Cutler said. “That’s up to them. They’re going to do the best thing they can for the team, and I’m going to try to do my job.”

Oh, but if Cutler has any say in this, perhaps he might want Jeremy Bates. He’s the current USC offensive coordinator who knows Cutler from his days working for Mike Shanahan in Denver.

USC would likely allow Bates to go if he wanted to come to Chicago.

But you have to wonder how many of these names are legitimate and how many are simply being floated out there for leverage in other jobs.

Still, it would be quite an upset for Turner to come back next season. So I ask you, the Bears fans, who do you want to see, come to think of it?

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Come To Think Of It: Denver’s Brandon Marshall Is The Biggest Loser

No, I don’t mean to imply that the Broncos’ fine wideout Brandon Marshall is a loser.

In fact, his NFL-record 21 receptions against the probable Super Bowl-bound Indianapolis Colts is indicative of his tremendous abilities.

Still, all those catches were in a 28-16 losing effort and when Marshall looks back on his record-setting day, that score will be there as well.

Marshall surpassed the mark San Francisco’s Terrell Owens set on Dec. 17, 2000. He finished with 200 yards and two touchdowns and bettered his own team record of 18 catches, set on Sept. 14, 2008 against San Diego.

Kyle Orton is lucky to be throwing to a receiver like Marshall. Jay Cutler apparently benefited a lot from that while he was in Denver considering his struggles with the Bears.

Broncos coach Josh McDaniels put the proper spin on the achievement.

“When you lose, you lose,” McDaniels said. “There’s no moral victories in this league. We understand where we want to go. We just got a really close-up look of it for four quarters.”

Moral victories don’t show up in the standings, but look, despite falling behind 21-0, Denver didn’t embarrass itself in Indianapolis. Still, I’m sure the Broncos would trade Marshall’s record for a win.

Colts linebacker Clint Session had this to say when told about Marshall’s record.

“He got 21 catches today?” Session asked. “That’s a good tribute to that guy. We knew he was going to be a tough task to cover coming into this game. He got his, but they lost.”

And that’s the bottom line, isn’t it?

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Come to Think of It: Bears Lovie Smith Challenges Final Score (Satire)

Immediately following the end of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith was seen throwing the challenge flag on the field, contesting the 21-14 final score of the game.

Referee Mike Carey could be overheard telling the crowd as they filed out, “The Bears are challenging the final score of 21-14.”

As players and coaches shook hands and embraced each other, a few oblivious fans remained to hear Carey announce his decision. “After further review, the final score stands. Packers 21, Bears 14.”

The Bears will lose a timeout in the first half of next Sunday’s game at Baltimore. 

Following the game, Smith was asked what he was thinking in challenging a score that couldn’t possible be overturned.

“Well, we played hard and I was hoping the guys would be rewarded with a victory. By my count, we were ahead 14-13 but I simply forgot that Green Bay scored the last touchdown. My mind must have been on our playoff roster when Jay threw that pick which led to the touchdown.”

When asked about the game itself, Smith was noncommittal.

“The final score was disappointing, but there really wasn’t anything we could do about that. We played hard and I was hoping the guys would be rewarded with a victory. That’s all we can do, really, and the score is what it is.”

The players backed their head coach following the loss.

“Coach Smith had us prepared, we simply didn’t execute,” said center Olin Kreutz. “Sure, all week long Coach said we were playing Minnesota and we tried to remind him that we were playing Green Bay, but we can’t blame that. He’s the greatest coach in the history of professional football.”

When told that they were officially eliminated from the playoff picture, according to STATS LLC, Smith was noncommittal.

“We won’t discount that but I do feel we should keep sight of our goal and go from there. Anything can happen.”

When told that anything can’t happen, Smith was noncommittal.

“Normally when you win eight games you have a chance. Today was a perfect example—usually when you outscore your opponent, you win. It’s tough when the score and your season record is out of your control.”

Reporters are still trying to figure that one out, come to think of it.

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Come To Think Of It: Bears, Rams Battle For Title of Worst Team in NFL

The Vegas books have made the Chicago Bears a nine-point favorite over the Rams Sunday. Yes, the same Bears who have lost four in a row and six of seven are more than a touchdown favorite over another professional football team. 

This says two things. One, Vegas wants more money bet on the Rams, and, two, the Rams are really, really bad.

But you know what? Not only are the Bears really, really bad, too, but they have this on their shoulders. If the Rams win, they are heroes. It is an unexpected surprise. But if the Bears lose…wow.

I’m not foolish enough to predict a Rams victory, but it’s not the slam dunk you may think it is.

First, the Bears will be without their best defensive player in Lance Briggs. And they will be without the services of Orlando Pace, thus making it likely that the disappointing Chris Williams will make his first career start at left tackle.

Look, this should be the start of next season, which means looking at future young players. Still, knowing that Lovie needs a win badly, that may not happen.

Devin Aromashodu will hopefully get some playing time. And while they’re at it, why not put Gaines Adams and his toothpick arms in there to see what they have? Jarron Gilbert, anyone?

Still, St. Louis is 1-10, so whatever the Bears decide to do, if they don’t win by at least 10 points, the entire coaching staff should pack up and go home; not pass go and not collect $200. 

The Bears have nothing to gain from this game. If they win, even convincingly, everyone will say it is as it should be. If they lose, they will be the worst team in football history.

They have no one to blame but themselves for this. In fact, they may have no one but themselves watching this game, come to think of it.

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Come to Think of it: NFL to Put Jay Cutler on Payroll of Every Team (Satire)

In a move sure to spark significant controversy around the league, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that Bears QB Jay Cutler’s salary will be equally distributed to all of its teams, effective immediately.

Said Goodell of the surprising move, “Look, Cutler does his damnest to throw the ball to each team he plays, which helps them win, right? Well, then it’s only fair that the money the Bears are paying him gets shared by the entire league.”

“With the length and amount of that contract he’s signed to, the Bears can’t pull him, so eventually Cutler will play against most of the teams in the NFL before his career is over, and I just think his expected contribution to those teams should be recognized.”

The Bears were not immediately available for comment, with Lovie Smith saying only that he couldn’t personally vouch for the fact that Cutler plays for the Bears.

“Jay Cutler? Yes, I’ve heard the name. But I’m not going to get into questions about whether he plays football, and if so, if it’s for us or what have you. I just know that we still have a chance to reach our goal, and we’ll go from there.”

Cutler, who was acquired in a trade with the Denver Broncos prior to the season, leads the NFL in interceptions, with 20. He threw two more in a 36-10 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.

Meanwhile, as to the rumor that the Bears have contacted the Guinness World Book of Records people, a team spokesman said, “I won’t confirm or deny that, but do I believe any publicity is good publicity? Yes I do. This whole interception thing has been spun in a such a negative light, and I just feel it’s high time that Jay gets recognized for the truly historic event we are witnessing.”

Cutler’s problems have even carried over to his personal life. His attempt to pass the potatoes during Thanksgiving dinner resulted in a mess on the floor.

As for the weak offensive line, lack of running game and poor receivers, Cutler said none of that matters.

“I am The Saviour, and my mere presence should elevate these mortals into super human status.”

No word on whether GM Jerry Angelo has returned from Barbados, come to think of it.

 

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