Grading the Bears: Week Three Preseason: @ Denver Broncos

The Chicago Bears pulled off a victory this past Sunday over the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City, 27-17.

The Bears’ offense looked a little lethargic at times, but once the offense picked up a first down or two, they picked up steam.

The grades stand as follows…

 

Offense:

 

Quarterbacks: A-

Cutler started out pretty slow in the first quarter but turned it on in the second, finishing 15/21 for 144 yards and a touchdown.

He seemed a little hesitant starting out but really, once the Bears picked up a first down, they picked up momentum.

Backup QB Caleb Hanie finished a combined 4-8 for 48 yards. Hanie’s accuracy looked a little shaky at times, but he did throw a 43-yard strike to rookie Johnny Knox on a drive that eventually led to a touchdown run by Adrian Peterson.

Basanez went 2-2, hitting Juaquin Iglesias for a 25-yard gain, and then later tight end Michael Gaines for 26 yards on a drive that ended in a Robbie Gould field goal.

 

Running Backs: B

This grade is based on overall standings. The final numbers looked alright, but the Bears need a better ground attack if they wish to continue their success into the regular season.

Matt Forte looked good, running for a TD and catching a TD, but overall the Broncos’ much maligned run defense basically shut the Forte down, holding him to 21 yards on nine carries and 11 yards off of four receptions.

Adrian Peterson was actually the most successful running back today. He finished the game with 68 yards on 12 carries.

Kevin Jones and Garrett Wolfe were both fairly unimpressive in limited action. A.P.’s performance tonight might have solidified his roster spot.

 

Wide Receivers: C

They weren’t bad…but they really weren’t all that good either. Three of the top four receivers in terms of yards were all tight ends. The only exception is Knox who hauled in that 43-yarder. No one had any real drops, but no one made any spectacular catches.

It was like purgatory. It was alright, not great by any means, but not bad. Just sort of so-so.

On a side note of that, no single receiver really made a solid case for a roster spot. Knox might have with his long grab and Iglesias had a solid 25-yard reception, but Rashied Davis didn’t record a catch (although he had a few special team tackles) and both Rideau (one catch, four yards) and Aromashodu (two catches, eight yards) were unimpressive

 

Tight Ends: A-

Contributions came from all over. Greg Olsen had 47 yards, Clark had 30, and Gaines had 26. They were solid from top to bottom. Kellen Davis didn’t get much action, but his blocking looked alright and neither Hanie nor Basanez had many chances to throw the ball anyway.

 

Offensive line: C

After a good game against the New York Giants last week, the Bears’ offensive line really under achieved against the Broncos. Free agent pick up Orlando Pace was taken to school on a number of occasions by defensive end Elvis Dumervil. And while they didn’t allow any sacks, there was little to no push by the starters on run plays, which against a suspect run defense, was not encouraging.

Much like the receivers, the offensive line graded only average. If they play like that against the Vikings’ defensive line, Jared Allen will record five sacks minimum.

(DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS ON PAGE 2)

Defense

 

Defensive line: B

They managed to generate some pressure against former teammate Kyle Orton and the starters limited the rushing yards, allowing only nine net rushing yards in the first half.

I would, however, like to see more pressure from just the front four. Orton is not going to beat you on a deep pass, which allowed our defensive backs to cheat up and muddled things up, but we will not be able to do that in week one up in Green Bay.

Props to Matt “Big Toe” Toeaina, who is fighting for a roster spot, for a heads up recovery of a fumble. With Dusty Dvoracek’s knee injury, Toeaina could find himself on the active roster for the rest of the season. This comes after struggling the past couple years for consistent time with the Bears.

 

Linebackers: A-

Lance Briggs made the only sack of the game. Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa both had three tackles and Pisa showed off some speed, catching Broncos’ receiver Eddie Royal from behind.

Rookie Marcus Freeman contributed to the high grade by recording the only interception of the game on a pass deflection.

 

Defensive backfield: B-/C+

Trumaine McBride looked shaky at times, especially when making tackles. Nathan Vasher was not amazing, but I thought he played better than expected.

The safeties played alright, although quietly. Kevin Payne made a couple nice stops but you didn’t hear much from Craig Steltz, who recorded three tackles, or Josh Bullocks, who recorded four tackles.

The grade is balanced between C+ and B- due in large part to the fact that McBride, Vasher, Graham, Steltz, and Bullocks are all backups covering for starters.

Projected defensive backfield starters that were held out were both starting cornerbacks, Charles Tillman and Zachary Bowman, and free safety Danieal Manning.

 

Special Teams: B+

Well, Robbie Gould was money on his field goals, although a kickoff or two landed a little short.

Brad Maynard played alright, punting seven times for a net average of 42 yards and a long of 58 yards. And while only one of those seven punts landed inside the 20-yard line, Maynard for the first half was consistently kicking out of the shadow of his own goal posts.

And that brings us to Devin Hester…listen, I am sure that the media has covered Hester’s 54-yard punt-return extensively, and believe me I am excited. Just seeing Hester prove he still has the jets for punt returns made my heart pound.

But that said, what Hester did on one punt return was more than both Garrett Wolfe and Johnny Knox were able to accomplish on the kickoff return unit. Their combined yardage equaled HALF of Hester’s one return. Although, I suppose having Danieal Manning back there will be a boost.

Rashied Davis did make a couple nice tackles on special teams, which should help in his case for making the team.

 

Overall Grade: B+

The offense looked sloppy at times, and the defense benefited from facing a Brandon Marshall-less Broncos team. They pulled out a victory, but the run game/offensive line has to improve, and the defensive line needs to apply more pressure. Otherwise, Bears are looking pretty good.

Lovie Smith: The Key to the Chicgo Bears Success This Year

Say what you want to about Jay Cutler and his cannon arm or Matt Forte and the offensive line. Make arguments for whoever ends up as our starting free safety or Brian Urlacher in the middle. But the real key to success this season is Head Coach Lovie Smith.

This is really a make-or-break year for Lovie, and really, his entire coaching staff. With a franchise quarterback, a long term solution at running back and several up and coming offensive lineman, the Chicago Bears offense should be able to stay with most teams in the NFL (providing Ron Tuner doesn’t hold anybody back).

But with the offensive improvements, we come to the real problem which lies with the defense.

Last season the Bears defense got worked over on more than one occasion. They gave up the following:

1) 27 points to Brian Griese and the Bucs.

2) 22 points and a deep pass to set up the winning field goal to the Falcons.

3) 41 points in a win over the Vikings.

4) 23 points to the eventual 0-16 Detroit Lions (that was the second most points scored by the Lions last year).

5) 37 points to the Green Bay Packers in a blowout loss.

6) 34 points to the Vikings again.

7) 31 points in a win-or-go-home game against the Houston Texans.

 

The defense ended as just a run-of-the-mill unit, ranked 15th in points allowed and 16th in yards allowed per game.

And that wasn’t even the frustrating part. The worst was you knew what was going to happen. You would know that Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Nick Roach would crowd the line of scrimmage and then fall back in coverage as the ball was snapped.

And every time they did this, the Bears defensive backs would be 5-10 yards off the line, leaving that wide open ten yard slant pattern every time. It was like the coaching staff forgot that the DB’s are allowed to jam people.

It was brutal at first, but then it became sad and then, eventually, amusing because no one could understand why the Bears defense did not adjust to these tactics…tactics that everybody watching from home would see coming.

The most obvious scapegoat was defensive coordinator Bob Babich. However, I don’t hold him responsible, at least not fully. This defense is Lovie Smith’s baby. It is his design, his schemes, his way of football. Babich was really just a puppet.

I say “was” because Lovie has announced that he will be taking over the defensive play calling during games for this upcoming season.

And I will give him credit for stepping up and taking the responsibility.

If the Bears defense comes out and plays like everyone believes they can, then he will look like a genius. If the defense comes out and stinks it up like they did at times last season, then there will be nobody to blame but himself.

To be successful, the Chicago Bears’ defense will have to hold teams to 21 points or under. If they can do that, then they should win at least 10 games, easy.

That will require a lot of hard work by the players, a lot of assistance from the training staff, and most importantly, Lovie to prove he is a defensive mastermind.

Chicago Bears Report Card: Preseason Week 2 Vs The New York Giants

Grading the Chicago Bears by position following their 17-3 victory over the New York Giants in week two of the preseason.

Offense

Quarterbacks: A-

No other grade to give here. Jay Cutler looked exactly like every Chicago Bear fan’s expectations, going 8-13 for 121 yards and a touchdown.

What is more, he led them on three scoring drives in three chances. That is offensive proficiency.

Caleb Hanie then game into the game and looked poised and comfortable in the pocket and made some good decisions.

The simple fact that Brett Basanez did not have a pass attempt also improves the QB grade.

Why is it not an A? Well, Hanie couldn’t get the Bears on the scoreboard and Cutler and Hester just missed hooking up on what would have been a roughly 90 yard touchdown pass.

I realize that I am being nit picky, but the biggest problem with Orton last season was his inability to connect on the deep pass.

It was a great game for Chicago QB’s, but just not quite perfect.

Running Backs: B+

If I was grading just Matt Forte, he would have an A++. I mean he was GOOD. Ripping off runs, accelerating through the holes, cutting back, making people miss, it was the total package. This is especially true against such a top tier defense like the Giants.

The rest of the running backs performed admirably. Kevin Jones had a good run or two before fumbling the ball away, which led to the only points by the Giants.

Adrian Peterson continued to look like a player who would be hard to cut, with good special teams play and a nice couple runs.

Even Garrett Wolfe busted out a nice little 11 yard run.

So overall they did well, but there was a considerable drop off once Forte left the game, and losing a fumble that turns into points definitely docks you a grade or two.

Wide receivers: A

This group gets an A. After all the questions and the criticism, the receivers went out there and played very well. First and foremost, Earl Bennett. Earl finally looked like the receiver the Bears took out of Vanderbilt in the third round last season. He made a couple nice catches and a good run after the catch.

Hester had only two catches for 14 yards, but he also got behind the Giants secondary for what could have been a 90 yard touchdown pass that was just a little overthrown.

Iglesias had a nice grab, Rideau pulled in a nice couple catches and both Eric Peterman and Derek Kinder had a grab.

But that brings us to Devin Aromashodu and Rashied Davis. Both had one reception, Davis for three yards and Aromashodu for 38 yards, that set up the final touchdown. This is really where the battle is. With Hester and Bennett as the starters, Rideau as the bigger receiver and Iglesias as the possession receiver, it comes down to these two players battling it out for the final spot.

Next week will be the deciding game for one of these two, whether they play themselves into a spot, or out of one.

Tight Ends: A-

I know, I know. Another A-??? After Dez Clark had the touchdown catch, Olsen pulled in a couple nice balls and Kellen Davis made a nice 27 yard catch over the middle, how could I give them an A-?

Easy, Olsen had a drop. Again, nit picky, but as the No 1 receiving option, he cannot have those type of mental errors. End of story. I am being harsh because the expectations are so high for him.

Offensive Line: A

Was that really the New York Giants defensive line? The most feared D-Line in the NFL? They did well. I think you can basically lock in Frank Omiyale as the starting guard, although he did get beat once on the inside that ended with Forte getting stuff five yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Both Chris Williams and Orlando Pace played out of their minds, denying the DEs again and again. Center Olin Kreutz even played so well it was noticed by the announcers when he sealed off the nose tackle that sprung Forte’s 32 yard touchdown run.

The back ups did have a little trouble with protection, but the Giants backups could probably be starters on some teams anyway, so I can’t fault them too much.

Solid effort all around.

Defense:

Defensive line: B

It was much improved effort by the unit this week with Alex Brown, Ogunleye, Dvoracek, and Marcus Harrison all getting sacks. Brown’s sack was more of a forced fumble when he swatted the ball out of Manning’s hand as he came around the end.

But tackling was poor at times with Brandon Jacobs bruising through holes and running over several would be tacklers more than once.

The pressure on the QB was the improvement we needed to see, but the tackling has got to be better.

Linebackers: B-

Pisa Tinoisamoa was by far the most noticeable linebacker out there. He hit people, he made tackles and he looked explosive. Brian Urlacher on the other hand missed some tackles. In fact, Jacobs bounced right off of him at one point and rumbled for another 15 yards before finally being tackled.

I think Brian has something left in the tank, but that cannot be happening to the face of our defense.

Defensive backfield: B+

They were much better than last week. Nathan Vasher made tackles and actually looked like he know what he was doing on the field and Corey Graham put pressure on the QB on a blitz. Trumaine McBride and DJ Moore played decently, although Moore completely whiffed on at least one tackle.

Kevin Payne broke up a deep pass and Afalava provided some stout run support but neither really looked like the free safety we need. Craig Steltz played alright in limited action but he also failed really to distinguish himself. Josh Bullocks recorded one sack, late in the game.

Coaching: A-

This is based on the improvements from last week to this week. The defense played better and with more intensity. The offense looked completely different from last weeks debacle. Props to Ron Turner for calling plays that played to Cutler’s strengths and to not be scared of taking chances, especially on third downs.

Overall Grade: A-

Now comes the big game. Preseason Week three is when the starters get the most action and this week it will be against the Denver Bronco’s. Tell me there won’t be some motivation in this weeks practices on both sides.

Beekman Out, Omiyale In: Chicago Bears Starting Lineup Taking Shape

After performing admirably last season at guard, the Chicago Bears’ Josh Beekman has now seemingly been reduced to a reserve as Frank Omiyale has been moved into the starting lineup for the upcoming game against the New York Giants and their stellar defensive line.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, at least in terms of timing, since Beekman had held the starter’s spot all of training camp and in the first preseason game.

By most accounts, Beekman played just as well as Omiyale, if not better, through most drills at training camp in Bourbonnais.

When Omiyale was signed in the offseason, most predicted he would be the starting guard for the team. However, no one expected Beekman to put up such a strong case for himself.

If Omiyale holds his own against one of the top, if not the best, defensive line in football, you can consider that battle over.

So then, it would be on the line (from left to right): Pace, Omiyale, Kreutz, Garza, Williams.

All five players, assuming Omiyale doesn’t bomb out against the G-Men, are set.

Cutler, Forte and Olsen are all set, as are Hester and Earl Bennett as the starting receivers. Jason McKie will more than likely be holding on to the starting fullback position, although it will be interesting to see how Michael Gaines fits in there.

Defensively, there are only three real battles for starting spots going on:

Defensive tackle

Between what appears to be Anthony Adams and Marcus Harrison, although it also could include Dusty Dvoracek if he steps his game up.

Strongside Linebacker

Pisa Tinoisamoa and Jamar Williams. I honestly think this is a mere formality because I don’t see a scenario involving Pisa NOT starting unless it is due to an injury.

Free safety

It’s a mess. End of story.

 

With the key special team players pretty much set, there are no other starting spots on the line.

So then we start watching the roster battles.

For that, there are two key dates:

Sept. 1: Rosters must be cut down to 75 players

Sept. 5: Rosters must be cut down to the final 53 players.

This will be interesting.

The New Chicago Bears Looked A Lot Like The Old Chicago Bears

Well let’s see:

Our starting QB went 5-10 for 64 yards. He had one interception when he under threw to “No. 1” receiver Devin Hester, and almost had another when one of his passes hit a defender square between the numbers, but was dropped.

Our backup quarterback looked impressive and composed despite many questioning his ability and maturity.

The receivers were almost non-existent with a couple drops and one bobble that turned into an interception for the third-string QB.

The defense forced only two three-and-outs the entire time and consistently got burned on third downs.

The defensive line generated little to no pressure. Of course, the one exception was Alex Brown, who recorded the only sack of the game for the Bears.

And the defensive backfield was once again, torched. The Bills QB’s went a combined 29/34 for 265 yards with a TD and an INT. That equals an over 85% completion rate… Seriously?

Of course, the special teams had what few highlights there were recovering a muffed punt and Robbie Gould booting a 50-yard field goal.

Call me crazy, but this really sounds like a game from last year’s preseason, right?

I know, I know. I don’t want to be Mr. Negativity and I do not intend to be. It is the first preseason game. It was the Bears’ first chance to play together with their new signal caller and they were without both Matt Forte and Greg Olsen, so of course there is a learning curve.

And no, Cutler did not throw as many interceptions as Kyle Orton did (but they did throw the same number of touchdowns: 0).

But that said, the Bears defense did not look any different than the one we saw last year and that is bad sign.

Again, I realize it was the first preseason game, but I was looking for signs of improvement, for changes the Bears were trying to implement…

And all I saw was more of the same. No pressure on the QB, third down conversions and poor pass defense. Where was Rod Marinelli’s magic? Where was the intensity that was supposed to come with the D when Lovie took over?

Maybe I am asking for too much too soon. I was just hoping, like many other Bear fans, that we would see something different than what we saw last season, from both the offense and defense.

And we didn’t. I am not losing faith, but I refuse to ignore the obvious. The Bears played bad. They looked like the same exact team last year. 

Is it the end of the world? By no means. But does it raise red flags? Very much so.

Chicago Bears Depth Chart Released

The Chicago Bears released their first depth chart of the 2009 season, and there are a few surprises…

First, the two starting receivers are Devin Hester and Earl Bennett. Not a huge shock, but the two players listed as their backups are Brandon Rideau and Rashied Davis.

This continues a trend from the coaching staff to not give the rookies too much. Especially rookie receivers.

Juaquin Iglesias is listed with Devin Aromashodu as the third stringers leaving rookie fifth round pick Johnny Knox on the outside looking in.

Next is the nose tackle position where Anthony Adams is listed as the starter next to Tommie Harris. This comes as a slight shock since it has been reported that Adams was fighting for a roster spot against Dusty Dvoracek. Not a starting spot.

This could be stemming from Marcus Harrison missing the first couple practices, since he came to camp overweight. But it certainly should motivate Dusty knowing that his status is in jeopardy.

Another unexpected move was the announcement that Hunter Hillenmeyer is the backup MLB behind Urlacher. This might be best suited for him as he can drop in coverage and is a sure tackler. Pisa is the top strong side linebacker with Nick Roach as his backup.

Rookie Marcus Freeman is listed as a fourth stringer, which makes you wonder if the Bears are going to risk moving him to the practice squad or stick him on the IR list with a “mysterious injury” and let him learn the system.

But perhaps the biggest surprise was Craig Steltz, who was thought to be in the competition for free safety with Danieal Manning, has dropped to the third string behind Josh Bullocks.

Nothing coming out of camp seemed to mention that Steltz had been playing poorly or that Bullocks, by any means, had stepped up his game.

While this is just the first draft, so to speak, the coaches have sent notice to all of the rookies (and a couple vets) that they will certainly have to earn not just their playing time, but their roster spot as well.

Chicago Bears Training Camp: Week One in Review

The first week has passed. Some answers are becoming clearer, while some questions are developing. Let’s take a look at who has stepped up, who has taken a step back, and who is fighting for a spot.

First off is the wide receiver situation. Devin Hester and Earl Bennett look pretty locked in as the starters. But after that, it’s basically a free for all.

Rookie Juaquin Iglesias should make the 53-man roster. He has looked pretty good in drills and in the seven-on-seven scrimmages. Also making waves is Brandon Rideau, who has been growing and developing on the Bears practice squad for the past couple seasons. Both should be safe.

That, of course, leaves three players for what we will say is one spot left (assuming the Bears only keep five receivers). Those three are veteran Rashied Davis, rookie Johnny Knox, and practice squad star Devin Aromashodu.

Each one of them has a case to be made for that final roster spot.

Davis is the experienced veteran and the only receiver other than Hester to record a reception in a real game last year. Knox has blazing speed and pretty decent hands and should only improve with experience. Aromashodu has had arguably the best training camp of the three, drawing praise from new QB Jay Cutler.

But when it comes down to it, I believe that Davis will make the team based strictly on experience. Knox will get moved to the practice squad and Aromashodu will probably end up on the short end of the stick. If they keep six receivers, then Knox is in and Aromashodu is bound for the practice squad once again.

The next issue is the battle at cornerback. With Peanut Tillman out with injury, second-year player Zackary Bowman has not only stepped in to fill the void but has outperformed the other starting cornerback, Nathan Vasher.

It had gotten to the point where there was talk of having Tillman and Bowman as the starters with Vasher as the backup, once Peanut returned.

Then, of course, Bowman immediately strained a hamstring and missed practice (rookie D.J. Moore filled in for him and looked decent, picking off Cutler once).

So it looks like it will still be Vasher and Tillman as starting corners with Bowman as the third option. But here is where it gets a little crazy: Danieal Manning was supposed to be the nickel corner, but he is currently pegged to be the starting free safety, ahead of Corey Graham, Craig Steltz, and Josh Bullocks.

That would leave Moore and Trumaine McBride left to fight it out for the nickel spot. However, if Graham, Bullocks, or Steltz can jump ahead of Manning at the FS spot, then Manning would be the nickel corner and McBride and Moore would be fighting for playing time as the fourth option.

Of course, if Steltz or Bullocks win the job, then the other one would back up strong safety Kevin Payne and Graham would be in sole possession of the reserve spot for FS.

If Graham wins the FS battle, then I guess Manning would be starting nickel AND the backup free safety with Steltz backing up Payne and Bullocks sort of a back up to both?

OK, OK, OK. My head is hurting too. Next issue…

(The coaching staff certainly does not make things easy.)

The offensive line. And to be more specific, since there is really only one battle, Josh Beekman vs. Frank Omiyale.

Many had Omiyale pegged as the starting guard when the Bears signed him from the Carolina Panthers practice squad. But Beekman has not only held his own, he has been earning a majority of the reps with the first team.

While this has surprised some, don’t look for Omiyale to back off. These next couple weeks and first two preseason games will be crucial so as to give the offensive line some time to jell before opening weekend in Green Bay.

The fourth battle is a little under the radar, but it is in the linebacker corps. Pisa Tinoisamoa is battling it out with Hunter Hillenmeyer for the strong side spot.

Honestly, I had predicted that Hunter would be cut early so as to allow him to sign with another team and slide Pisa in. The Bears must have missed my memo because while they did cut a veteran linebacker, it was Joey LaRoque, not Hillenmeyer.

This means that Hunter is still being considered as a possible starter. While I believe that Pisa will eventually win the spot, Hunter will press him to work harder for it than all of us thought.

The intriguing aspect to all of this is that there has been no mention of Nick Roach in any of the starter discussions. Considering he took Hunter’s spot midway through last season, you think he would have at least made it somewhere in the debate.

But all we have heard is General Manager Jerry Angelo mentioning that Roach has looked “impressive” early in camp (Although that comment was made after he said the same thing about Jamar Williams and Pisa).

And finally, the battle at quarterback…Caleb Hanie vs. Brett Basanez vs. bringing in a veteran.

I know, I know, but if something happened to Jay Cutler, we need to know who would be coming in.

I am firmly in the Caleb Hanie corner. I think the kid has some real potential and if Jay should go down for an extended period of time, I do not think that Basanez or anyone of the half decent/half lousy veterans available will lead us to the Super Bowl.

Most people seem to feel that this contest is really Hanie vs. a veteran…Which could include, but is not limited to, anyone of the following:

• Gus Frerotte
• J.P. Losman
• Ken Dorsey
• Anthony Wright
• Do I really need to continue?
• How about Jeff George? He could still play right?

Unless someone is cut suddenly from another team, the Bears will keep these three (Basanez might get dropped down to the practice squad), and that’s how it should be.

So all of these things are happening, plus some other interesting sidenotes:

• Apparently, Tommie Harris had his knee scoped in March and is just now getting around to telling us about it.
• Marcus Harrison showed up to camp 30 pounds overweight.
• Talks of having Henry Melton returning a kick off or two in a preseason game have begun.
• The Bears signed OL Donovan Raiola. He has been in the league since 2006, but spent all of his time on the practice squad.                      He is basically just another body to fill in on the line. The only reason I mention it is because he is the younger brother of Dominic Raiola, starting center for the Detroit Lions.

Zachary Bowman: The Most Important Bear in Training Camp?

Zachary Bowman; unless you are a Chicago Bears or a Nebraska Cornhusker fan, you probably have never heard of him.

Drafted last year by the Bears in the fifth round, Bowman came in with a lot of upside but a history of being injury prone coming out of college. In fact, he only started a total of nine games for Nebraska.

Both his skill set and tendency to get hurt showed in his one and only game last season. Against the Minnesota Vikings, he picked off a Gus Frerotte pass inside of two minutes left to seal the game, but he also tore his bicep and missed the remainder of the season.

Now fully healed, Bowman has been practicing in camp and getting quality time with the first team.

This is for a number of reasons:

-Peanut Tillman is missing all of training camp and preseason with back surgery.

-Daniel Manning getting the start at free safety as opposed to getting practice time in at nickle corner.

-Corey Graham, who was far and away the best cornerback on the field last year, is trying to make the transition to free safety and is sitting behind Manning.

 

That removes three players who should be ahead of Bowman on the depth chart. By all account, Bowman has made the most of his opportunity. He has impressed coaches, fellow players, and fans during the first two days.

He broke up a couple passes, picked off Cutler on a deep pass intended for Devin Hester, and also caused Hester to fumble on another play.

If Bowman can stay healthy and continue to develop, it will give the Bears a lot of flexibility at one of their weaker positions. If Tillman can return to form, the Bears would have three quality corners—including Nathan Vasher.

It also means the Bears coaching staff can allow Graham to develop at the free safety spot and eventually move Danieal Manning back to nickle, where he is much better suited. It also gives Al Afalava, a rookie safety out of Oregon St, and D.J. Moore, a cornerback from Vanderbilt, some time to develop and learn the system.

Bowman has shown he has the talent; now we will find out if he is durable enough to showcase those skills for 16 games.

Chicago Bears Coaches’ Hot Seat: Ron Turner & Darrly Drake Must Step Up

Yes, Lovie Smith’s job could very well be on the line this season, depending on the success of the Chicago Bears. But he isn’t the only one.

Offensive coordinator Ron Turner has come under scrutiny ever since being signed five years ago. With a few minor exceptions, most of Turner’s playbook has evoked groans of dismay from both fans and media members alike.

While the Bears have showed some impressive flashes of offensive punch the past few seasons, they have yet to put together a consistent enough threat to really be taken seriously. I mean, the offense has disappeared for quarters and full halves at a time. It is embarrassing.

Before this year, one could always blame the struggles on a lesser talented quarterback. Whether it was the good Rex/bad Rex, Kyle Orton, or Brian Griese, fans could still point to them and scream, “WHY? WHY DID YOU MAKE THAT THROW!?”

Now the Cutler Era has begun in Chicago and with the expectations being as high as they have been in years, don’t pretend to believe that Bear fans are going to be patient.

They might blame Cutler if he makes poor passes, but their rage will be focused on Turner and his inability to coach on the fly. He has done decently when the plays are scripted out, but once it gets into him actually having to make split second choices, he continually falls short.

The Bears offense always looked its best in either the first 20 plays of the game or during the two-minute drill, where most of the decisions were being made by the quarterback behind center.

But let’s not blame just Turner. There is another coach (well, there is more than one, but I want to keep this under 10,000 words) who has underachieved to the point that I don’t know why he still has a job—wide receivers coach Darryl Drake.

Let’s see how Drake grades on the Bear receivers he has had time to help:

Bobby Wade, Justin Gage, Bernard Berrian, Mushin Muhammad, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, Devin Hester.

Well, Wade was cut from the Bears, but is now a starter and produces on the Vikings (Drake:0 , Opposing WR Coach:1).

Gage showed some flashes on the Bears but flamed out for some unknown reason. Then, he turned up in Tennessee and was their leading receiver (Drake:0, OWRC:2).

Berrian came into his own with Rex Grossman launching him the ball. However, the Bears wisely did not match the $49 million offer, as Berrian hasn’t improved that much since leaving (Drake: 1, OWRC:2).

I hate Moose, I really do. The man was miserable for us. He dropped a lot of passes, he complained too much and was a waste of space.

However, in the season before coming to Chicago, he caught 93 passes for over 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Panthers. In the season following his departure, he recorded 65 receptions, 923 yards and five touchdowns.

In his three years with Chicago, the highest amount of catches he had in one year was 64 receptions. His highest yardage total was 863 yards and his highest touchdown total was five.

What does that tell me? I am not sure, but I know it isn’t good for Drake (Drake:1, OWRC:3).

In 17 games with the Bears, Mark Bradley caught six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown.

In 10 games with the Chiefs, he had 30 receptions for 380 yards and three touchdowns (Drake:1, OWRC:4).

Shoot, I will give Drake another point for Hester and I won’t dock him points for Rashied, and he is still two behind. Game over.

This year, the receiving corps needs to mature and grow with the help of Drake. Hester is primed for a breakout year, while Earl Bennett and Igelsias are two sure-handed young guns. In Drake’s tenure, no Bears receiver has had over 1,000 yards receiving, which is unacceptable.

So let me make a declaration, and this is regardless of the final record. If the Bears offense finishes 15th or lower in the NFL and none of the Bear receivers get better as the year goes on, Turner and Drake are fired. End of story.

 

The Calm Before the Storm: Looking Forward to Bears Training Camp

It is almost upon us…

The long summer months are almost over. The time where all we have to watch is:

• Baseball
• The NBA Draft
• Baseball
• The NBA Summer league
• Baseball
• Good Soccer (Confederations Cup)
• Baseball
• The WNBA
• Baseball
• Bad Soccer (MLS)

But no longer, because on July 31, in that beautiful, delightful Friday afternoon, the Chicago Bears training camp begins at Bourbonnais on the campus of Olivet Nazarene University.

After dealing with Manny and the steroids and the poor fate that Blake Griffin faces, the exciting, albeit brief, run by the Americans in the Confederations Cup and the WNB… er, I mean MLS…uh, GOLF…oh hell, nevermind.

Finally, football is here. For diehards, this is where we dig in for the long haul. In the sweltering heat of summer, this is where rookies become men (both in football and fandom terms). This is where battles are lost and won. This is when the season can be decided.

This isn’t just what fans live for, but NFL writers as well. There are so many storylines, with practice everyday, they can scrutinize and question every call and every decision made. They can work up a story about a player sitting out. They can over cover a minor injury. They can drive us sports fan nuts.

Add to that the extremely-high expectations of their fan bases, especially the Bears’ fan base this year, which makes every camp battle that much more important and that much more covered.

Will Dusty Dvoracek or Anthony Adams be the last defensive tackle on the roster? Which receiver will line up across from Hester on opening week? Will Tommie Harris return to Pro Bowl form?

Will the Bears cornerbacks stay healthy? Who’s going to start at the free safety position? Will Rod Marinelli make that big of a difference on the defensive line? Will Lovie return the whole D to it’s previous form?

I mean shoot, has Caleb Hanie improved enough to be a reliable back up? Will any of the undrafted free agent rookies make the team? Who’s a shoe-in for the practice squad? Will Brandon Rideau finally make the 53-man roster? How many people will buy a Will Ta’ufo’ou jersey just because that name is awesome?

I don’t know, but am excited to find out.

And not all of these questions can be answered in camp, but most will, because starting Friday, everyone has a chance to make the team. Every fan is excited to see who is going to break out and who is going to flop. Every team is undefeated. Every football fanatic can dream of comeback wins, rookies making impacts, and underrated veterans busting out of their shell.

This week is where people can convince themselves that their dreams are not just that.

This week will be the longest week of the summer, but once it is over, the madness begins…and I love it.

« Previous Page — Next Page »

NFL Sport Channel Latest

• Just How Far Would You Go?
• Sorry Rex, But It Isn’t Happening
• Super Bowl Predictions: Five Stat-Free Reasons Why the Eagles Will Reach The Super Bowl
• Seahawks Attempt to Turn Corner With Heavy Pursuit of Pete Carroll
• Bill Cowher Unlikely to Coach in 2010