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Archives for 2011-2012 Schedule

NFC North Preview: Where do the Bears Rank?

11th August 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule     

The NFC North is going to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL this season.  The Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions are all talented teams capable of taking over the division.

The Bears are looking to defend their NFC North championship from last season, while the Packers are looking to defend their Super Bowl championship, but no team has ever won the Super Bowl two seasons in a row while coming from the Wild Card.

So let’s take a look at how this division will shake up this season and which team is going to take the NFC North.

4. Minnesota Vikings(5-11)

The Vikings have lost a few big pieces this offseason.  With Ray Edwards and Sidney Rice gone, they are out a pass-rushing threat on defense and a big-play receiver on the offensive end.

Brett Favre is also officially retired (hopefully), and they have replaced him with Donovan McNabb, not exactly a step towards youth.

It is very possible that first-round pick Christian Ponder takes over for McNabb at some point, but that will only be if the season is completely lost.

As of right now, their only threats are Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen, and they don’t have many great pieces around them.

 

3. Detroit Lions (8-8)

The Vikings have been known for having the best interior defensive line in the NFC North and possibly the NFL with the Williams duo.  Now, the Williams duo is getting older and less effective and a new combo is taking shape in the NFC North.

Last season, Ndamukung Suh took the NFL by storm, giving every quarterback on the opposing team the fear of being put in a coma.

Rather than look for new positions where they could improve, the Lions grabbed another stud defensive tackle in the first round of this year’s draft in Nick Fairley.

The combo of Suh and Fairley are going to opposing offensive lines nightmares, especially in the NFC North where each team’s quarterback has two games to get put in the hospital.

Offensively, Calvin Johnson is always a threat to make a cornerback look stupid, and he could do that plenty this year if Matthew Stafford is able to stay healthy.

The Lions are making all the right moves, and they are ready to make the jump up to contender this season.

2. Chicago Bears (11-5)

The Chicago Bears are consistently one of the most underrated teams in all of sports.  Nobody ever expects great things from them, then the regular season comes, and Chicago fans are pleasantly surprised.

This season will be no different.  The Bears have made a few additions that don’t seem great on paper but will pay off big time during the regular season.

Roy Williams had two of the best years of his career when he was coached by Mike Martz.  He’s back with Martz again, and Jay Cutler loves to throw to big targets.

Marion Barber will likely put an end to the Chester Taylor experiment, and he will bring stability behind Matt Forte.

The offensive line isn’t spectacular, they aren’t even good, but they are good enough.  Last season started horribly for the front five, but after some movement, the players got in the correct spots and played admirably.

If they can play like they did the last few weeks of the season for all 16 games this year, opposing defenses are going to be wondering how the Bears offense became dangerous.

Add in a full season with Devin Hester back to being used as a gimmick receiver who specializes in punt and kick returns, and the Bears have a good chance to surprise the experts yet again.

 

1. Green Bay Packers (13-3)

This one hurts me greatly, but the Packers are easily one of the best teams in the NFL.  Coming off a surprise Super Bowl victory, the Packers are back and healthy—something that they weren’t last season.

The Packers were riddled with injuries starting even from before the season started.  With all of their players healthy, Aaron Rodgers is going to have a full arsenal of weapons, and the defense will be even better.

James Starks surprised a lot of people late last season and had more rushing yards than any other player in the postseason (although they did have at least one more game than every other team).

With Ryan Grant back and healthy, the Packers are going to have a formidable rushing duo that will give defenses fits having to also watch Rodgers pass to players like Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley.

Expect to see the Packers making a deep run in the playoffs and meeting the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game.

I’m Joe W.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker

Also, make sure to follow me on Twitter @JWillett2

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Bears Bring Back Veteran TE Desmond Clark

2nd August 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

34-year old veteran tight end Desmond Clark is coming back for a ninth season with the Bears.

Clark, a 12-year veteran only appeared in five games last season reeling in one catch for 12 yards.

Clark fell out of the depth chart because Greg Olsen, Brandon Manualeuna and Kellen Davis all were favored over him.

Clark, who watched the Bears trade away Olsen and release Brandon Manumaleuna last week. Will get his chance to make some plays this season for the Bears.

In his eight seasons with the Bears, Clark has appeared in 110 games, making 242 catches for 2639 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Clark’s best season came in 2006 when he reeled in 45 balls for 626 yards and six touchdowns. Clark isn’t capable of a year like that, but he is capable of being a very good number three tight end.

He can be used in many different ways. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz definitely has a plan for him this season.

“It was important for us to get Desmond back,” Martz said. Martz said he could see Clark having an H-back role.

Clark should be happy to be back this year considering his chances were pretty slim when last season ended. Matt Spaeth and Kellen Davis will be ahead of Clark, but don’t expect the veteran to slack off once he arrives to camp later this week.

Glad to hear Clark is back into the fold. He is a fan favorite and a guy every Bears fans likes to watch.

All quotes from Chicagotribune.com

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more information on each Bears signing.

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Projected Depth Charts and Thoughts On Bears Free Agency Thus Far

1st August 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

The Bears have made some solid moves this off-season. Adding seven new free agents and five of their own free agents. 36 undrafted free agents were also added for training camp.

The Bears made some tough decisions, like letting 13-year veteran Olin Kreutz go and trading away TE Greg Olsen to the Panthers.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what the Bears have added this off-season and what their depth chart could look like for the regular season opener against Atlanta on September 11th.

QB: The Bears brought back backup Caleb Hanie, who made a name for himself in the NFC Championship last January. Hanie was re-signed last Friday on a one-year deal worth over $1 million.

Projected QB Depth Chart: Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie, Nathan Enderle

RB: The Bears added a powerful runner in veteran Marion Barber. Barber signed a two-year deal worth $5 million this past Saturday. Exclusive rights free-agent Kahlil Bell was brought back on a one-year deal worth under $500,000. Veteran Chester Taylor had a disappointing season last year, but the bulk of the money in his contract was paid last season, so he isn’t a big cap hit this year.

Projected RB Depth Chart: Matt Forte, Marion Barber, Chester Taylor, Kahlil Bell/Harvey Unga.

WR: The Bears added former Cowboys Roy Williams and Sam Hurd. Williams inked a one-year deal worth $1.5 million and Hurd signed a three-year deal worth $5.15 million. But, fan favorite Rashied Davis left for Detroit.

Projected WR Depth Chart: Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, Roy Williams, Devin Hester, Sam Hurd, Andy Fantuz.

TE: The Bears traded away former first-round pick Greg Olsen to the Panthers for a third-round selection in next years’ draft. Disappointing Brandon Manumaleuna was released as well. Matt Spaeth was added for blocking purposes.

Projected TE Depth Chart: Matt Spaeth, Kellen Davis, Andre Smith (UFA).

OL: The Bears ended the Olin Kreutz era by refusing to give him the contract he desired, because of it Kreutz will likely retire. Veteran Chris Spencer was added as his replacement. Also, guard Edwin Williams was re-signed to a one-year deal. The Bears could be in the market for a veteran guard or tackle before the good ones are all signed.

Projected Offensive Line Depth Chart: LT, J’Marcus Webb, LG Chris Williams, C Chris Spencer, RG Roberto Garza, RT Gabe Carimi. Swing tackle/guard Frank Omiyale.

DL: The Bears re-signed veteran Anthony Adams on a two-year deal. They also added former Jets top ten pick Vernon Gholston, who has been labeled a bust in so far Another first-round pick, Amobi Okoye former Texan was added on a one-year deal as well.

Defensive Line Depth Chart: DE Julius Peppers, DT Anthony Adams, DT Henry Melton, DE Israel Idonije

LB: The Bears brought back Nick Roach on a two-year deal worth $4.5 million and Brian Iwuh on a one-year deal worth $630,000. Both good players, Roach will likely start at strongside linebacker, while Iwuh will backup Briggs at weakside and excel on special teams. Pisa Tinoisamoa could be brought back because currently the Bears only have five backers, they typically like to keep six.

Projected Linebacker Depth Chart: Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Nick Roach.

CB: The Bears re-signed Corey Graham to a one-year deal. Graham was the leader on special teams last season, but he will have to earn playing time at corner because a lot of players sit ahead of him in the depth chart.

Projected Cornerback Depth Chart: Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, D.J. Moore.

S: The Bears haven’t made a move in free agency for a safety yet. They let Danieal Manning flea to Houston, where he received a four-year deal worth $20 million. A veteran safety could be brought into the mix in the coming days.

Projected Safety Depth Chart: FS Major Wright, SS Chris Harris.

K/P: The Bears let 37 year old punter Brad Maynard go, kicker Robbie Gould and long snapper Pat Mannelly weren’t too pleased about that, but Maynard simply wasn’t the same punter he used to be. Former Jaguar Adam Podlesh was added to the mix last Thursday when he signed a five-year deal worth $10 million.

Projected Kicker/Punter Depth Chart: K Robbie Gould, P Adam Podlesh.

Thoughts on Bears Free Agency thus far:

I like what the Bears have done so far. They brought a big powerful running back, Barber into the fold to help out in goal-line situations. They added two tall receivers in Williams and Hurd, they might not be the best, but they will excel in Martz’s system. They also brought in a real blocking tight end in Matt Spaeth.

They replaced aging Olin Kreutz, with 29-year old Chris Spencer, who started a lot of games in Seattle. They added two young defensive linemen Vernon Gholston and Amobi Okoye who have been disappointing so far in their careers, but will likely become motivated under coach Rod Marinelli. They also brought back veteran defensive tackle Anthony Adams, who anchors the tackles on the line.

They re-signed Nick Roach, who will finally get his chance to be the starter from the beginning of the season. The brought back Brian Iwuh and Corey Graham, both players are fantastic on special teams and are capable backups for the Bears. The landed a new punter, who was fifth in the league in net yards in Adam Podlesh.

Overall, the Bears have done a nice job this off-season. They made some tough decisions by letting leader and warrior Olin Kreutz go, trading tight end Greg Olsen away and letting fan favorite Rashied Davis go to the division rival Detroit Lions. But sometimes tough decisions pay off.

In my mind, the Bears are rising right now, they might not have made the flashy moves that some teams have made this off-season. Some say the Eagles are the free agent winners, and they deserved to be crowned as that, but the Bears have made some solid moves to fit the needs of their team.

I wouldn’t count Danieal Manning not being brought back as a tough decision because the decision to let him walk away in free agency was made a while ago.

The Bears will likely make a couple more moves before their first pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills on August 13th. A veteran safety and veteran offensive lineman will likely be brought in. Pisa Tinoisamoa could be brought back if the Bears believe he is healthy.

Don’t be upset Bears fans, this will be an improved ball club this upcoming season even though you might not believe so right now.

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more information on each Bears signing.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

 

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Speak Up: Olin Kreutz Now Considering Retirement After Bears Add Spencer

31st July 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

The Bears wouldn’t budge on a one-year contract offer with Olin Kreutz, but it might have been because they wanted to add Chris Spencer to the fold. Other teams were said to be interested in his Spencer’s services.

By offering Kreutz a contract it makes Kreutz leave on a good note rather than a bad one. You don’t want to end a 13 year relationship with one of your most loved player on a bad note. Jerry Angelo made the tough, but right decision replacing Kreutz.

But, they could regret letting Kreutz go in one of the shortest training camps in NFL history. Spencer will have to learn Mike Martz’s offense quick. Most importantly, he will have to become a leader because Kreutz was a great one in his 13 seasons with the Bears.

Here’s what Kreutz had to say about a possible retirement and contract talks with the Bears:

“That is a decision I am still making. I am sure I will have an opportunity,” Kreutz said Sunday night. “I am just not sure if I want to play for anyone else. Retirement is definitely an option.”

“Jerry has been good to me too. He’s given me a lot of money and I’ve been there a long time,” Kreutz said. “It felt like maybe it was time to move on. I just got that feeling. If I was right, if I was wrong, if the offer was fair. I have enough money. So the offer wasn’t a big hurdle for me. It was a feel I had, just maybe they wanted to move on no matter what the offer was.

“At this point in my career, the offer of money is not a big deal to me. It’s just a feel I had. I don’t want to taint anyone. Both sides have won since I’ve been here. I’ve won. They’ve treated me good. They’ve given me everything I’ve asked for and I think I’ve played my ass off for them.”

All quotes from Chicagotribune.com.

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.


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Bears Add Roy Williams and Hurd To Heighten Receiving Core

29th July 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

The Bears added some height today by scooping up two former Dallas Cowboys receivers in Sam Hurd and Roy Williams.

Roy Williams stands at 6’3″, 215 pounds while Sam Hurd stands at 6’3″, 209 pounds. Roy Williams has appeared in 100 games reeling in 355 receptions for 5206 yards and 42 touchdowns.

In his seven seasons in the NFL, only once has Williams gone over the 1,000 yard mark. That came in 2006, when he played under Mike Martz as the head coach. He reeled in 82 receptions for 1310 yards and seven touchdowns that season.

In three seasons in Dallas, Williams was labeled a bust, not even breaking 600 yards in one of the seasons.

Hurd, has spent all five of his NFL seasons with Dallas appearing in 62 games, reeling in 45 receptions for 630 yards and two touchdowns.

He will likely take over Rashied Davis’s role on special teams, he will have to earn his way into the offensive plans.

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

 

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Free Agency Recap: Bears Officially Trade TE Greg Olsen To Panthers

29th July 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

The Bears traded former first-round pick TE Greg Olsen away to the Carolina Panthers for a 2012 third-round pick late yesterday.

Talks of trading Olsen occured all day yesterday after his agent Drew Rosenhaus sent out a message to all the NFL teams telling them he was available.

“The Bears have granted me permission to seek a trade for Greg Olsen,” Rosenhaus wrote in the first email, sent at 8:56 p.m. EDT. “Please let me know if interested. Sounds like the Bears will be very reasonable on the compensation in return for Greg.”

Olsen will play next to veteran TE Jeremy Shockey in a much improved Carolina offense. Fans were surprised that Olsen was traded away, it definitely made some scratch their heads.. Bears country were big fans of him, but he never really lived up to the potential everyone knew he had.

Some games Olsen just simply wouldn’t show up, but some games he was the player the Bears thought they drafted in 2007 out of Miami.

Olsen appeared in 62 games, reeling in 194 passes for 1981 yards and 20 touchdowns in four seasons with the Bears. The Bears currently have Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth under contract after trading Olsen and releasing Brandon Manumaleuna. Another tight end could be brought on, maybe the Bears will decide to bring back veteran TE Desmond Clark.

Olsen had this to say about his “bittersweet” departure from the Bears:

“I did everything that I was asked,” Olsen told “Chicago’s Gamenight” on ESPN 1000. “Playing fullback and pass protection and blocking. That was kind of the wrap going in. I proved all that wrong and showed that I could play every down and did everything I was asked to do. At the end of the day, it just wasn’t really a fit. And that’s fine. Everyone has their ways of doing things and I have no hard feelings towards it at all, and I’m just happy and satisfied that I have the opportunity to go play somewhere where I feel like I have a better opportunity.”

Former Bears WR Rashied Davis, who signed with NFC North rival Detroit yesterday had this to say about the Bears:

“I have no clue what is going on with the Bears organization.”

All quotes from ESPNChicago.com

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

 

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Free Agency Recap: Bears Officially Trade TE Greg Olsen To Panthers

29th July 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

The Bears traded former first-round pick TE Greg Olsen away to the Carolina Panthers for a 2012 third-round pick late yesterday.

Talks of trading Olsen occured all day yesterday after his agent Drew Rosenhaus sent out a message to all the NFL teams telling them he was available.

“The Bears have granted me permission to seek a trade for Greg Olsen,” Rosenhaus wrote in the first email, sent at 8:56 p.m. EDT. “Please let me know if interested. Sounds like the Bears will be very reasonable on the compensation in return for Greg.”

Olsen will play next to veteran TE Jeremy Shockey in a much improved Carolina offense. Fans were surprised that Olsen was traded away, it definitely made some scratch their heads.. Bears country were big fans of him, but he never really lived up to the potential everyone knew he had.

Some games Olsen just simply wouldn’t show up, but some games he was the player the Bears thought they drafted in 2007 out of Miami.

Olsen appeared in 62 games, reeling in 194 passes for 1981 yards and 20 touchdowns in four seasons with the Bears. The Bears currently have Kellen Davis and Matt Spaeth under contract after trading Olsen and releasing Brandon Manumaleuna. Another tight end could be brought on, maybe the Bears will decide to bring back veteran TE Desmond Clark.

Olsen had this to say about his “bittersweet” departure from the Bears:

“I did everything that I was asked,” Olsen told “Chicago’s Gamenight” on ESPN 1000. “Playing fullback and pass protection and blocking. That was kind of the wrap going in. I proved all that wrong and showed that I could play every down and did everything I was asked to do. At the end of the day, it just wasn’t really a fit. And that’s fine. Everyone has their ways of doing things and I have no hard feelings towards it at all, and I’m just happy and satisfied that I have the opportunity to go play somewhere where I feel like I have a better opportunity.”

Former Bears WR Rashied Davis, who signed with NFC North rival Detroit yesterday had this to say about the Bears:

“I have no clue what is going on with the Bears organization.”

All quotes from ESPNChicago.com

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

 

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Olin Kreutz Will Likely Make Decision On Friday, Between The Bears and 49ers

28th July 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

Will the Bears bring back veteran center Olin Kreutz?

The veteran center is entering his 13th NFL season. He has spent all 12 of his seasons with the Bears.

Kreutz was voted to six straight Pro Bowls from 2001-2006. He’s not the elite center he once was, but he is a leader and the Bears want to keep the offensive line intact.

The Bears offensive line last season gave up a league high 56 sacks, including nine in one game against the NY Giants. But the line improved down the stretch and with the drafting of tackle Gabe Carimi, the Bears believe bringing some veterans in and the line could be much better.

Olin Kreutz wants to return to the Bears, he wants to retire a Bear. Fans love him, he has been steady for 12 straight seasons. The Bears have some competition with the San Francisco 49ers, who are looking to sign him.

The 49ers have already sent out a contract to Kreutz. The Bears are looking to bring him back to the mix and keep the line steady, but if Kreutz gets a much bigger offer from the 49ers don’t be surprised if he departs.

The Bears will have to make a decision soon because Kreutz is expected to announce which team he will choose tomorrow.

If I had a vote, I would say keep Kreutz, he is great in the locker room and will teach the offensive line to play harder. He might not be the same center he once was, but he is better than any of the free-agent centers.

Other options:

If Kreutz doesn’t return look for the Bears to move guard Roberto Garza over to center. Former first-round pick Chris Williams, who was drafted to be a tackle, played guard last season could also possibly transition to center as well.

Kreutz will make the decision that he believes is right, he is a straight up guy. Tomorrow we’ll know the answer.

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.

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Breaking News: TE Manumaleuna Released, Olsen To Stay?

28th July 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

The Bears have reportedly released TE Brandon Manumaleuna and his monster contract that he signed last off-season.

This move makes sense considering Manumaleuna was not at all what the Bears thought they got when they signed him.

He signed a five year, $15 million deal last off-season, but Manumaleuna wasn’t the blocking tight end they desired. He reeled only five passes for 43 yards and one touchdown in 16 games last season.

He was known as the “best” blocking tight end in the league when the Bears brought him in, but the Bears added Matt Spaeth today and he will likely take over as the blocking tight end.

What does this mean for Greg Olsen?

All the rumors about Olsen being traded could easily be false now that the Bears dumped Manumaleuna. Olsen, Spaeth and Davis will likely be the three tight ends the Bears have on the roster this season.

It’s a smart move to keep Olsen considering he is one of the better tight ends in the league. Plus, he commands double teams which could help out the other tight ends or other receivers in Mike Martz’s offense.

I know Mike Martz doesn’t like to use tight ends as anything more than a blocker, but Greg Olsen is an above average receiver and a much improved blocker. Honestly if he can’t figure out how to use Olsen, he would be considered a waste of a first-round pick. Martz is smart enough to figure out how to use Olsen.

In other news:

The Bears were said to be interested in WR/KR Brad Smith, but he will be heading to the Buffalo Bills after receiving a four-year deal worth $15 million.

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

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Bears Add Blocking TE Matt Spaeth, Talking About Trading Greg Olsen

28th July 2011 by under 2011-2012 Schedule, Bears News     

The Bears have made an interesting move today. They signed former Steelers TE Matt Spaeth to a contract. Tight end wasn’t considered an area of need for the Bears with Greg Olsen, Brandon Manumaleuna and Kellen Davis all signed on for the season.

Spaeth, a third-round pick from the 2007 NFL Draft has appeared in 60 games, reeling in 36 receptions for 275 yards and five touchdowns since 2007. Spaeth, 6’7″  is considered a very good blocker in the passing and running game.

Is this the end of Greg Olsen?

Greg Olsen, who will be a free agent after the season, has always been considered a hybrid tight end. He is an above average tight end, who catches a lot of passes when used correctly.

He was very dangerous in the playoffs, but offensive coordinator Mike Martz typically uses his tight ends as blocking tight ends more than receivers.

Since coming to the Bears in 2007 as a first-round pick, Olsen has appeared in 62 games, reeling in 194 passes for 1981 yards and 20 touchdowns. In two post-season games last year, Olsen caught six passes for 143 yards and one touchdown.

Trading Olsen wouldn’t make sense unless the Bears received a legitimate wide receiver in return.

If Olsen departs, the Bears would be left with Spaeth, Manumaleuna and Davis as the tight ends on the roster. Those three tight ends combined for 15 receptions for 142 yards and three touchdowns last season.

If I were the Bears I would think about moving Brandon Manualeuna’s contract, either through a trade (if someone actually wanted his big contract) or by releasing him.

It will be interesting to see what the Bears will do with Olsen. Fans don’t want to see him go and he doesn’t seem like he wants to go.

Olsen had this to say about the Bears:

“Not happy at all [with the] trade talk” because he “wants to play his entire career in Chicago,” Olsen said.

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears signing.

All quotes from NBCChicago.com

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

 

 

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