Some of you Bears fans might be asking who is Jeremy Bates? Why wouldn’t we just hire Mike Martz or Charlie Weis?
Let me introduce Jeremy Bates. He is the 33-year-old son of the recently fired Bucs defensive coordinator, Jim Bates.
Jeremy began his coaching career with the Bucs in 2002 as the offensive quality control coach (The same season the Bucs won the Super Bowl.). He spent two additional seasons in Tampa and then spent one year with the Jets as the quarterbacks coach.
From 2006-2008, he was the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos with the Chicago Bears current quarterback Jay Cutler.
This offseason Jeremy bolted for USC to be the assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach.
Jeremy knows football. He knows quarterbacks and most importantly, he knows Jay Cutler.
Jay Cutler trusts this guy a lot and that is a good thing to have between your quarterback and your offensive coordinator.
Cutler said this upon hearing Bates was heading to the college ranks last January:
“Jeremy is one of the best offensive minds in football. He was extremely innovative with our offense and took our playbook to the next level with some of the things he did, keeping defenses off balance and changing our look but at the same time keeping it simple for us players. Some of the things he did were amazing to watch. He was always watching other teams and coming up with new ideas for our offense.”
“He helped me grow into my third NFL season and helped me reach the Pro Bowl along with some of the other goals I set for myself. As a unit, our offense became one of the most productive in the league with Jeremy calling plays. He brought a lot of excitement to the meeting room and on the field.”
“He made me want to come to work every day and get better. Jeremy will do great things in his new role, and USC couldn’t have picked a better guy.”
If the Bears decide to hire Jeremy Bates as their new offensive coordinator, I would support it because of his strong relationship with the Bears future star, Jay Cutler.
Also, the comparisons to Rex Grossman and Jeff George could come to an end next season if the Bears hire Bates. In 2008, the Denver Broncos’ offense, with Jay Cutler at the helm and Jeremy Bates as his quarterback coach, ranked second overall in the NFL. The passing game was ranked third and the rushing attack was ranked 12th.
The addition of Bates could already be in the works, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Bears have supposedly reached out to Jeremy Bates about succeeding the recently fired offensive coordinator Ron Turner.
By firing Ron Turner who didn’t know how to use Jay Cutler correctly, and the hiring of someone who is smart and capable of working with Jay Cutler, is the greatest idea the Bears could have.
I hope the Bears strike a deal with Jeremy Bates before someone else snags him away. The offense is what’s going to help this team win games not the defense which could improve with some adjustments. Who knows.
Why is Jeremy Bates the answer for the Bears?
Because of his unique relationship with the Bear’s most important piece of the puzzle: Jay Cutler.
all quotes from The LA Times
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Former Rams head coach, 49ers offensive coordinator and Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz would like to work with Lovie Smith again if the Bears are interested in Martz as their offensive coordinator.
Martz and Lovie worked together when the Rams were known as “The greatest show on turf”, Martz was the head coach and the offensive guru while Lovie was the defensive coordinator.
Martz is good friends with both coach Lovie Smith and former Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner.
Martz had this to say about the possibility of getting the offensive coordinator gig:
“I really hope I get a phone call, I’m excited about it. Obviously, I’d love to work for Lovie. From a selfish standpoint, it would be a great situation for me. Working for someone you know and believe in would be ideal. There is real potential there.”
“Cutler has more talent than anybody I’ve ever seen, when he came out I gave him the best grade of any quarterback I’ve ever graded. But I don’t know him. Until you sit down and work with a guy, you don’t really know him.”
“I’d like to coach again, but the situation has to be right, otherwise you go back into TV if that’s available.”
Martz went 56-36 as a head coach in St. Louis and his teams averaged 26.5 points per game—more than any head coach in history of the NFL. Those numbers alone are impressive. He has also taken some decent quarterbacks and made them successful in his system some of them were Trent Green, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Jon Kitna.
Do I think hiring Martz would be a good move?
Well Martz does have the experience and the success, but he is maniac when it comes to passing, he barely ever runs it and maybe thats why he didn’t get the job done in San Fransisco or Detroit, but he would be a big help to Jay Cutler. I’m not opposed to the idea, but just make sure he is the right guy and you don’t overpay for him.
all quotes from chicagotribune.com
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The Bears’ press conference is scheduled for 3pm ET, and will be streamed live on the team’s official site.
According to a league source, offensive coordinator Ron Turner will not be returning next season. Also gone is tight end coach Rob Boras, offensive assistant/assistant offensive line coach Luke Butkus, quarterback coach Pep Hamilton, offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, and offensive assistant/assistant receiver coach Charles London.
Running back coach Tim Spencer and receiver coach Darryl Drake are expected to return.
Someone had to take the blame for the Bears’ failures, and the offense didn’t get it done with the new Pro Bowl quarterback in Jay Cutler. Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner and quarterback coach Pep Hamilton never had a good relationship with Cutler, and some have said Pep very rarely talked to Cutler. Cutler needs someone who fixes his mistakes by being demanding, because sometimes Cutler looks like he doesn’t care out there. Cutler needs to be a leader, and to be a leader you a need someone leading you.
We’ll soon find out whom the Bears will bring in as the next offensive coordinator and the next quarterback coach. These decisions are important for the success of the Bears over the next couple of seasons.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
32 year old defensive end Adewale Ogunleye came to the Bears in 2004 in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, which sent WR Marty Booker to Miami and Ogunleye to the Windy City.
Ogunleye had 25 sacks in three seasons with Miami and in six seasons with the Bears he has 42 sacks but has only had two seasons with nine or more sacks.
Ogunleye has his own blog on Chicagonow.com called Wale’s World and this is what he said last Wednesday when he learned his season was officially over after he broke his leg against Baltimore:
First let me say this…I will do everything in my power to return to Chicago. With that said, it’s somewhat out of my hands. In the near future my agent and the Bears’ management will sit down and discuss whether we fit into each others plans.
Secondly, I want to thank the city of Chicago. I can truly say Chicago has become a home for me. The fans are the best in the world. Doesn’t matter what city we travel to …half the stadium is filled with Chicago fans. I tip my hat to you. Thank you.
I would also like to thank my teammates, Bears ownership and management, the coaching staff and coach Lovie Smith. Coach Smith is a real man, a true leader and a person who deserves more respect than he is getting.
Yes, these last three seasons have not ended like we hoped but how do we forget the good things. Coach Smith brought the Bears back to respectability. You can count on one hand the off-the-field problems the Bears have had since he has been head coach.
I guess in this world of “what have you done for me lately?” the things that truly matter in life get tossed to the side for instant gratification. Oh, well…goodbye for now.
I look forward to resuming this blog in 2010 (fingers crossed).
‘Till then BEAR DOWN!!!
My Thoughts:
I hope Ogunleye returns next season, but it might be difficult because the Bears don’t want to give to much money to a 32 year old defensive end, who seems to be declining. Plus, Mark Anderson is young and is a cheaper option and they did give up a 2nd round pick to acquire disappointing DE Gaines Adams. We’ll have to wait and see what the Bears management does with Adewale.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Here are the Week 17 Bears’ power rankings from various sites around the Web:
Yahoo Sports: No. 22 (Last week: 24)
Analysis: When Jay Cutler plays like he did Monday night, is there any question as to why this franchise gave up so much to get him?
ESPN: No. 23 (Last week: 25)
Analysis: They came up big Monday night. Too bad that hasn’t happened more often this season.
Pro Football Weekly: No. 23 (Last week: 26)
Analysis: Could Lovie’s job hang on Week 17’s result vs. the Lions?
CBS Sports: No. 24 (Last week: 27)
Analysis: What they saw from Jay Cutler on Monday night is what they expected this entire season. He looked comfortable for a change.
Fox Sports: No. 23 (Last week: 25)
Analysis: Some have questioned his reputation as being diva-esque. His body language, hair style, and social habits have been questioned. But 26 interceptions or not, as a fellow human being, it was nice to see Jay Cutler’s 2009 train wreck of a season get some relief with that Monday night thriller against the Vikings.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The Bears won an ugly one yesterday against the pathetic St. Louis Rams and snapped a four-game losing streak.
The Bears rushed the ball 38 times, with Matt Forte averaging 3.8 ypc on 24 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown. Kahlil Bell added 35 yards on 11 carries. Earl Bennett and Devin Hester both had huge catches early in this game, Bennett with a 71-yard catch and run and Hester with a 48-yard catch and run.
Some Other Stuff That Happened:
Johnny Knox was super on kick returns. Jamar Williams had 18 tackles filling in for the injured Lance Briggs, Hunter Hillenmeyer had an interception, and Al Afalava had a big fumble return.
Anthony Adams, Israel Idonije, and Adewale Ogunleye all had sacks. Devin Hester left with a calf injury, but should play next week. Gaines Adams was a healthy scratch, which was weird because you’d think the Bears would want to see him play some more, but Jarron Gilbert got the edge over him.
Kevin Payne started at strong safety and Al Afalava moved to free safety, while Danieal Manning played strictly nickelback. The defense was much improved, only allowing St. Louis to convert two of their 14 third downs.
Good News and Bad News:
The Bears won their first game since defeating Cleveland Nov. 1. They move to 5-7 and still have a slim shot at the playoffs. I know yesterday’s game showed us nothing to start believing that this Bears team can win four more games and improve to 9-7, but you have to believe.
The running game was improved and that was a plus, as it took the pressure off of Jay Cutler. The Bears have games against Green Bay, Baltimore, Minnesota, and Detroit coming up.
The Bears are 5-3 during the day, 0-4 during the night, 4-2 at home, and 1-5 on the road. They haven’t beaten a team with a winning record. Pittsburgh, Seattle, Detroit, Cleveland and St. Louis are a combined 15-45. That is not impressive at all, but if the Bears could have pulled out a win in one of their close games they could be right in the playoff hunt, instead they have to win the next four to have a chance, but no one believes that is remotely possible.
Lets see what the 2009 Bears can do with the rest of the season.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Retired defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who is currently on NFL Network and Inside the NFL, appeared on the Mully and Hanley Show on WSCR-670 AM in Chicago yesterday. He was very critical of Brian Urlacher’s comments.
Here’s what he had to say:
“Shut up, he’s not helping. Why don’t he go and help those linebackers watch tape and teach them how to call a defense and line them up. That way they aren’t all off flank all game long against Cincinnati and Cedric Benson is running for 189 yards.”
My Thoughts
I think Brian Urlacher is right on the money with what he has said, but those things shouldn’t be said publicly, especially when you haven’t been playing up to your expectations over the last couple of seasons.
I agree with what he has said, and I really believe he would have had a huge season this year if he had stayed healthy.
The reason for the defense being so bad at stopping offenses on third downs is because of Urlacher’s absence. Without Urlacher’s help in the middle of the field, quarterbacks and running backs can pick apart this defense. Hunter Hillenmeyer is an average player at best; he is nothing like Brian Urlacher.
I think next season if Urlacher comes back healthy and can stay healthy, this defense will be much improved. A trio of Lance Briggs, Urlacher, and Cato June doesn’t sound bad to me.
All quotes from nationalfootballpost.com.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, veteran linebacker Cato June has been signed by the Chicago Bears.
The former Colt (2003-2006), Buc (2007-2008), and Texan (2009) has appeared in 88 games, making 504 tackles, one sack, 12 interceptions, and three forced fumbles over six seasons.
The 30-year-old was drafted in the sixth round by the Colts in 2003 out of Michigan. He was voted to his only Pro Bowl in 2005. He won a Super Bowl ring in 2006 with the Colts, in a game that came against the Bears. He left that offseason for Tampa Bay for some big money, but was released this offseason because the Bucs were going to a younger team. He signed with the Houston Texans this offseason, but broke his forearm in a practice and was put on injured reserve. He was released with an injury settlement at the start of the season.
The Bears need some linebackers after Lance Briggs was roughed up in Minnesota. They have already lost starters Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa. They still have Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach, and Jamar Williams as experienced linebackers. June will definitely see some playing time on Sunday, with Briggs iffy for the game.
What does this move mean for the long term?
Well, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Hunter Hillenmeyer, and Pisa Tinoisamoa will all be over 30 next season. Tinoisamoa is a free agent, so maybe they’re seeing if June is a starter for next season. Personally, I like the signing. June is a very versatile player, but he is kind of small. At 6′0,″ June is one of the smallest linebackers in the league. June will be flying around on Sunday.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
Here are the Week 13 Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:
ESPN: No. 23 (Last week: 23)
Analysis: “Jay Cutler’s 20 interceptions are bad enough; the league’s worst rushing offense isn’t helping matters, either.”
Yahoo Sports: No. 23 (Last week: 21)
Analysis: “Whatever happens to Lovie Smith after this season, there’s no way Ron Turner returns as offensive coordinator, is there?”
Pro Football Weekly: No. 22 (Last week: 22)
Analysis: “So many needs, so few draft picks left to use.”
CBS Sports: No. 25 (Last week: 22)
Analysis: “Paging Bill Cowher. Paging Bill Cowher. Is there any doubt they will make a coaching change now?”
Fox Sports: No. 23 (Last week: 23)
Analysis: “How tough is this season to watch for Brian Urlacher? It must be maddening to watch the Bears get annihilated by the Vikings and not be able to do one bleeping thing about it. It’s probably tougher to watch for coach Lovie Smith, however, especially as online bidding wars are likely underway for www.FireLovie.com naming rights.”
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
The Bears defensive leader, Brian Urlacher, who was injured in week one against Green Bay had lots to say about this year’s team.
Here is what he said:
“I just wish I could be out there battling, when I go to the facility and see the guys, I feel like I’m in the way.”
“Look, I love Jay, and I understand he’s a great player who can take us a long way, and I still have faith in him. But I hate the way our identity has changed. We used to establish the run and wear teams down and try not to make mistakes, and we’d rely on our defense to keep us in the game and make big plays to put us in position to win. Kyle Orton might not be the flashiest quarterback, but the guy is a winner, and that formula worked for us. I hate to say it, but that’s the truth.”
“I’m not taking a shot at Jay. I’m not one bit taking a shot at Jay, he throws it better, right? And we haven’t tried to run the ball as much. That’s true.
“But Kyle has won games. His formula works. So I’m not taking a shot at Jay or Kyle.”
“I do like Jay, he’s a cool dude. But the way things are going right now, anything you say that appears to be derogatory, they’re going to run with it. That’s for damn sure.
“People are going to think I’m taking shots at my teammates, but I’m not. The guys that have been around here and have played with me would know my tone of voice when I’m saying that (stuff). I don’t feel like I said anything bad about Jay.”
“You know why that doesn’t work? We don’t make anyone [expletive] miss. I guess I just don’t realize what great tacklers these [opposing defenders] are. They’re amazing.”
“Minnesota’s a good-tackling team, and they were up on our receivers pressing all game along, they never backed off. That’s all I was saying.”
“I believe in Lovie, and I hope I get to play for him for a long time, I really think we’ll come back stronger than ever next year, and then everything will take care of itself. I know we have what it takes. I believe in this team, and trust me, I will do everything I possibly can to help us get better next season.”
all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.
Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com
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