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Warren Sapp Tells Brian Urlacher to “Shut Up”

3rd December 2009 by under Bears Player Preview, Power Rankings, Speak Up     

nfl_g_sapp_580Retired defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who is currently on NFL Network and Inside the NFL appeared on the Mully & 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 on 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, but 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 Briggs, Urlacher and June doesn’t sound bad to me.

All quotes from nationalfootballpost.com

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Bears Add Special Teams Ace To Roster

29th September 2009 by under Bears Player Preview     

72907884Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune said this in his article The Bears Re-Sign Darrell McClover:

“The Bears must not be overly concerned about their linebacker situation after re-signing reserve Darrell McClover Tuesday. The Bears made room for McClover by releasing cornerback DeAngelo Smith. McClover is more of a special teams contributor than a player capable of contributing on defense, which would indicate the Bears are confident Hunter Hillenmeyer’s rib injury is not too serious. Pisa Tinoisamoa is also due back from a knee sprain, possibly as soon as Sunday’s home game vs. Detroit. Adding McClover also decreased the chance the Bears would look to a veteran such as Derrick Brooks.”

So What?

McClover has played in 22 games in three seasons with the Bears (2006-2008). In his time here, he recorded 36 special team tackles along with two blocked punts. He played in 10 games last season before going on the IR with a hamstring injury. McClover signed with the Bears this off-season after being released immediately after the season ended. He played in the preseason finale before being released September 5th.

The 28 year old McClover gained the nickname “The Commando” during his three seasons with the Bears and has been brought back because of the injuries to Hunter Hillenmeyer and Pisa Tinoisamoa. Because of the injuries Nick Roach and Jamar Williams have been taken off of special teams and put into the starting lineup.

McClover gives you nothing but 100% effort on special teams, I’m glad they decided to bring him back.

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Week Four Power Rankings, Bears Edition

29th September 2009 by under 2009-2010 Schedule, Bears Player Preview, Did you Know?, Power Rankings     

88971958OG004Here are the week four Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN:

#14 (No change from last week)

Analysis, “It’s now hard to remember how lousy Jay Cutler played in Week 1.”

CBS:

#16 (+3 from last week)

Analysis, “The past two weeks we saw why they traded to get Jay Cutler. The kid can play, even if some, like my colleague Clark Judge, don’t think he can.”

Yahoo Sports:

#14 ( No change from last week)

Analysis, “When coach Lovie Smith assured us Devin Hester was a legitimate No. 1 receiver, is it possible he was right?”

Pro Football Weekly:

#13 (+5 from last week)

Analysis, “Hester and Knox have corners stretching hamstrings extra long.”

Fox Sports:

#16 (+1 from last week)

Analysis, “Who’d have thunk it, the Bears being 0-1 in games started by Brian Urlacher and 2-0 without their defensive leader? Thank new shiny ride Jay Cutler, who has more than made up for yakking all over the season opener by leading the Bears to two straight fourth-quarter comeback wins against tough teams Pittsburgh and Seattle.”

SI.com:

#16 (+1 from last week)

Analysis, “We’ve knocked Jay Cutler when he gets sloppy with the ball, so honesty compels us to highlight just how efficient he has been in leading the Bears to consecutive wins over the Steelers and Seahawks. He completed 73.8 percent of his passes in those games (48 of 65) for 483 yards, with five touchdowns and just one interception. Even better, he’s not forcing throws downfield, but seems content to take the short stuff underneath and wait for his shots at big plays. That’s winning football, and if it keeps up, Cutler is going to change a lot of minds.”

Covers.com:

#11 (+7 from last week)

Analysis, “The Bears won against a short-handed Seattle team and now face the Lions who may still be celebrating into the week. Chicago has a bye next week before two straight roadies.”

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Making Predictions: The 53-man Roster

3rd September 2009 by under 2009-2010 Schedule, Bears Player Preview     

90096443The Bears play their preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. This game means a lot for players on the bubble, eh, Trumaine McBride, Henry Melton, Rashied Davis, Michael Gaines, and the list goes on. The Bears have to cut their roster down to 53 players from their current number of 75. Eight players will be put on the practice squad, so basically their only disposing of 14 players.

Here are my predictions with the 09-10 Bears 53-man roster:

QB (2): Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie

The Bears have the starter they have been looking for in Jay Cutler and Caleb Hanie looks to be improving as a quarterback. That being said I don’t think the Bears should keep Northwestern product Brett Basanez on the active roster, he just isn’t good enough.

RB (4): Matt Forte, Kevin Jones, Garrett Wolfe, Adrian Peterson

This decision will be very hard for the Bears. Of course they know what they have in Matt Forte and they have really been impressed by Kevin Jones this offseason, but Garrett Wolfe and Adrian Peterson have both been good on offense and on special teams this off-season. The Bears should keep four running backs instead of four tight ends, because Adrian Peterson gives you all hes got either running the ball or tackling on special teams plays.

FB (1): Jason McKie

The Bears don’t need two fullbacks on the starting roster. They should put Jason Davis on the practice squad just in case Jason McKie gets hurt.

WR (6): Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Devin Aromashodu, Johnny Knox, Juaquin Iglesias, Rashied Davis

Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and the two rookies Iglesias and Knox are sure locks in my mind. Then, you have three receivers fighting for two spots, the other Devin (Aromashodu), Rashied Davis and Brandon Rideau. If the Bears didn’t draft two receivers this year, Rideau would be a lock for the 53-man roster, but he is the odd man out. Aromashodu is a favorite of Cutler, so he is in and Davis stepped up last week on special teams, so he looks to be in. Many Bears fans want Rideau instead of Davis, but Davis is more experienced and probably more suitable for this team. Sorry Brandon I’m sure an NFL team wants you, if not will love to have you on our practice squad. This has to be the hardest decision made by the Bears coaching staff.

TE (3): Greg Olsen, Dez Clark, Kellen Davis

Greg Olsen is Cutlers favorite target and Dez Clark is still very good. They are one of the best tandems in the NFL. Kellen Davis looks to be a solid blocker and target on goal-line situations. Free agent acquisition Michael Gaines looks to be the odd man out, because he hasn’t showed much this preseason, plus I’d rather have four running backs than four tight ends.

Offensive line (8): Orlando Pace (LT), Frank Omiyale (LG), Olin Kreutz (C), Roberto Garza (RG), Chris Williams (RT), Kevin Shaffer (LT or RT), Josh Beekman (LG, RG or C), Dan Buenning (LG, RG or C)

Players like Johan Asiata, Lance Louis,  Donovan Raiola and Cody Balogh are all destined for the practice squad.

Defensive line (10): Alex Brown, Anthony Adams, Tommie Harris, Adewale Ogunleye, Mark Anderson, Israel Idonije, Marcus Harrison, Jarron Gilbert, Matt Toeaina, Henry Melton

Because of Dusty Dvoraceks injury Matt Toeaina was able to make the roster. Fourth round pick Henry Melton has the edge over last years practice squaders Ervin Baldwin and Joe Clermond. If Tommie Harris can stay healthy this could be one of the best group of defensive lineman the Bears have had since 2006.

Linebackers (6): Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach, Jamar Williams

The Bears added Pisa Tinoisamoa, who has been a fan favorite so far this preseason and Nick Roach and Jamar Williams are some of the best backups you can find. Then you have Hunter Hillenmeyer, who has currently the backup at MLB to Brian Urlacher, has been on the field with all three of the starters this preseason. Fifth round pick Marcus Freeman has looked solid this preseason, but should be put on the practice squad. Undrafted rookies Kevin Malast and Mike Rivera have been very good at times, but just can’t possibly make the active roster. Recently signed Darrell McClover was brought back to be the special team ace he was last season, but I don’t know if their is a spot for him on this years roster.

Defensive Backs (10): Charles Tillman, Zack Bowman, Danieal Manning, Kevin Payne, Nathan Vasher, D.J. Moore, Corey Graham, Rod Hood, Al Afalava, Josh Bullocks

Charles Tillman probably won’t be back for opening night, but they shouldn’t put him on the injured reserve because he should be back sooner than later. Recently added Rod Hood should be a lock to make the roster and Josh Bullocks should beat out second year man Craig Steltz because of his experience. Steltz was said to be the starter this off-season, but fell out of the starting role and he finds himself on the edge of the roster because of his lack of experience. Backups Trumaine McBride, Woodny Turenne, Marcus Hamilton, Rudy Burgess and Dahna Deleston all should be released.

Special teamers (3): Robbie Gould, Brad Maynard, Pat Mannelly

These guys are some of the best in the league, if not the best.

So what positions will be the hardest to make decisions at:

Wide receiver, safety, and linebacker are the most talented positions on this roster and that’s why they will be the spots where the coaches have the toughest decisions.

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Depth Chart Battles: Tight Ends

28th August 2009 by under Bears Player Preview, Power Rankings     

Packers Bears FootballThe Bears have always had very good tight ends, but this year they are stacked at the position.

Of course Jay Cutlers favorite weapon Greg Olsen will be the starter and veteran Dez Clark will be used a lot as the number two.

Second year pro Kellen Davis looks to be the projected third string quarterback. The Bears veteran blocking tight end Michael Gaines in free agency this off-season.

Will the Bears keep four tight ends? Probably.

Why do I say this? Well Greg Olsen lines up as a wide receiver more than he does a tight end and Michael Gaines has been used at full back during the pre-season.

Greg Olsen is entering his third season with the Bears and he has slowly been getting better by the season. This year he has high expectations because of his new quarterback under center.

Dez Clark is Dez Clark, a solid 11 year veteran, who still has lots of juice left in him. Look for him to provide some nice goal line catches.

Kellen Davis is a 6-7 kid, who played both tight end and defensive end in college. Look for him to fill the role of John Gilmore of two years ago, which was goal line situations and lots of blocking situations.

Michael Gaines is a veteran, who can be a fullback or tight end because of his blocking skills. Look for him to be used sparingly throughout the season.

Overall the Bears have very good tight ends and Jay Cutler will definitely give all these guys some good looks this season.

I give the Bears tight ends an A grade.

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Who Is The Odd Man Out At Receiver?

9th August 2009 by under Bears Player Preview     

davisThe Bears clearly have their #1 and #2 receivers in Devin Hester and Earl Bennett, but the question is who will be the odd man out with all of those receivers in the mix.

Brandon Rideau has had a good camp, Johnny Knox and Juaquin Iglesias have looked real solid and Rashied Davis is on the roster.

Then you have seventh round pick Derek Kinder and journeyman Devin Aromashodu.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said this about the receivers after practice at Soldier Field last night:

“I think D.A. is coming along really well, he’s making some flashes out there. We’re working him in with the ones a little bit. We’ve got to find some depth there. We’ve got to find some guys we can trust other than Earl [Bennett] and Devin [Hester] and the tight ends. We’re getting there. I’m real happy with the receiving group right now.”

Jay Cutler brings in D.A., who of course is Devin Aromashodu. Aromashodu worked with the first team offense last night at Soldier Field.

The Bears will most likely keep five receivers, maybe six. Devin Hester and Earl Bennett are locks. Johnny Knox, Brandon Rideau, and Juaquin Iglesias should be in the mix. Rashied Davis has been titled the slot receiver, but Devin Aromashodu could take Davis’s spot.

I know Bears fans would like to see new faces in the mix. Rashied Davis was in the doghouse last season and I think he is still there this training camp. Rashied Davis was a very solid receiver in the slot position the year of the super bowl run. I don’t know, who will be the odd man out, but I hope they don’t let Rashied Davis go it would be a big mistake. Rashied Davis should stay with team because of his experience in the slot. Devin Aromashodu is a long shot to make the team and should be put on the practice squad.

Hester, Bennett, Rideau, Davis, and Iglesias should be the five receivers the Bears keep on there active roster or if they keep six add Knox in there.

Aromashodu and Kinder are guys on the outside looking in.

all quotes from chicagobears.com

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Devin Hester Is A Full Time Receiver?

19th July 2009 by under Bears Player Preview     

hesterDevin Hester is currently the number one receiver on the Bears roster.

Everyone knows that the Bears receivers aren’t the most popular group around the league.

Hester struggled all last season juggling his time as a return man and a receiver.

The Bears have plans for him to be the punt returner, while Danieal Manning takes over duties at kick returner full time. Two rookie receivers, who might see some time in the return game, if Hester struggles are Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox.

Hester spoke up about his plans are for the 2009 season, this is what he had to say:

“I think a return man simply has to be a return man, there’s really no other position he should go out and play. A return man is a totally different ball game from trying to be a return man and starting receiver, or the starting cornerback, or a starting safety. I don’t think it’s going to work. That’s why you never really see it last that long in the NFL. You can’t do it.

“But with me right now, I feel like at punt returns there are going to be opportunities where we’re going to need big returns, with all the success we’ve had at the return game, it would be real crazy to just give it up now. Plus I’m looking to break this record. In the back of my mind, I’ve got to get this record before I give (punt returns) up.’’

Will Devin Hester be able to be a full time receiver and punt returner this season?

Will find out. I personally think if he just stops taking so much time thinking where he is going to run and he just runs, he will be the same old Devin Hester.

The Bears would  to get the quick six from any player, but it seems like Hester is the most exciting to watch. He is just so fast. Maybe he can be the next Steve Smith, or maybe he can be even better.

all quotes from chicagotribune.com

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Craig Steltz: Is He The Next Mike Brown Or The Next Adam Archuleta?

1st July 2009 by under Bears Player Preview     

steltzWill safety Craig Steltz step up this season and become the next Mike Brown?

Will he be the leader the Bears need so much in the secondary?

I hope he will be, but what I saw out of him last season wasn’t so good.

In eleven games Craig Steltz made 17 tackles and one interception.

He was a solid contributor on special teams, but when he stepped into the Green Bay Packers game in week 16 for the injured Mike Brown, he scared me.

I was at that freezing cold game and I thought he was Adam Archuleta at times, not just because he had the same #20 jersey, but because he made one of the worst plays of the game. He let Ryan Grant truck him for about a 15 yard touchdown run into the end zone.

What I saw out of Craig Steltz on that play made me want to vomit, just like all the horrible plays I watched Adam Archuleta  make for one long season.

The Bears management hung with Archuleta for too long and I’m afraid they might do the same with, Steltz, the former fourth round pick out of LSU.

They have Steltz penciled in at FS and Kevin Payne at SS, but I really hope that the coaching staff goes with the real athlete in Corey Graham.

Graham made the switch from CB to FS this off-season and the coaches are really high on the guy.

The Bears also have safeties Glenn Earl, Josh Bullocks and Al Afalava, who are all fighting for a starting gig, but will probably be special team contributors at the most.

Don’t forget about the Bears possibly using Danieal Manning at FS, it’s unlikely because he has settled into the nickel-back position so well, but it could happen.

Back to Craig Steltz, I don’t see him as anything other than a special teams contributor for his entire NFL career.

He made an interception in a game against Detroit last season and also blocked a punt against Minnesota, but I don’t see him being the next Mike Brown or even anything resembling him.

He just might be the next Adam Archuleta, and that could be really bad.

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Bears Player Preview: Zack Bowman

21st June 2009 by under Bears Player Preview     

bowmanUsually on Bears Player Preview I only discuss rookies and free agent acquisitions, but today I am really excited to talk about second year cornerback Zack Bowman.

This kid could be something.

David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune said this about Bowman:

“I know cornerback Zack Bowman quietly has made one of the biggest impressions during off-season workouts and could be a sleeper that comes on strong during training camp. In the first 10 OTA practices, Bowman made seven interceptions, according to the team’s Web site.”

Bowman played in one game against Minnesota (week 7) last season.

He recorded two tackles, one interception and one touchdown off a blocked punt.

The reason he fell in the draft last season is because of his durability and we saw that last season.

But if he can stay healthy he could be weapon at the cornerback position.


Projected starters at cornerback: Nathan Vasher, Charles Tillman

Backups at cornerback: Danieal Manning (NB), Corey Graham (Might be FS), Zackary Bowman, Trumaine McBride, and Marcus Hamilton

I really like Zackary Bowman he could be in lineup if Nathan Vasher screws up.

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Speak Up: CBS Analyst Jim Nantz On Plaxico Burress

16th June 2009 by under Bears Player Preview, Speak Up     

plaxCBS analyst was on ESPN 1000 yesterday and this what he had to say about the Bears interest in troubled WR Plaxico Burress:

“If I was running a franchise, I don’t want him, so, do the Bears try to go out and get him? Why would you want that problem? I mean, look, Plaxico Burress, he put himself in this position. I mean, he’s a guy that left his family, his wife and kids at home and had to go to a nightclub and carry a loaded weapon with him in New York. And then shot himself. Is this a guy you want on your football team?’’

“I hate to guess, I’m not going to try to put that weight on him, but if I’m a team and I know Plaxico’s gifted—I get it, he’s a big target with speed and creates great separation, what a target; the Giants won a Super Bowl with him—but I don’t need all that, I don’t need all that in the papers all the time about every move he makes off the field. A total distraction. I think the Giants this year are going to find out, now that they’ve had time to regroup: he destroyed their season last year. His selfish act cost the Giants a chance at repeating. I would really be surprised if anybody was that anxious to get him if they had to deal with that hanging over their head the whole season long about what’s going to happen at the end of the year. It’s not worth it to me.’’

“I don’t see any conceivable way that he could be cleared of these charges, there will be an uproar in New York if they say, ‘Okay, we’re going to let him go.’ They’re not going to give him preferential treatment. You know what the outcome’s going to be on this deal … So why do you want this hanging over your team? Is it worth it for one year? I don’t want that. I wouldn’t want it.’’

My thoughts:

I think the Bears really need the veteran receiver to help out the younger receivers and Cutler, but Nantz has many good points.

You don’t want another distraction like Tank Johnson or Cedric Benson on your team.

Don’t get me wrong Plaxico Burress is a great player, but there’s a reason he is still a free-agent.

I’d prefer Brandon Marshall over Plaxico.

Marshall, who wants more money, asked to be traded yesterday.

Although Marshall made some stupid mistakes outside of football, he had great chemistry with Jay Cutler in Denver and really improved his game every year.

I would love to have Marshall as one of our receivers, he would bring the veteran presence that is just not there.

Trading for Brandon Marshall is a good move, but signing Plaxico Burress is a bad one.

all quotes from chicagotribune.com

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