Da Bears

[DMBZeppelin]

I am not impressed by Jackson at all.

I'm still pissed about Chud. Marty Schottenheimer was on Waddle & Silvy. He didn't know Chud was interviewing for OC till told by W&S. I left out a couple pointless sentences, but here's what he said:

"I was no aware that he is, but I'm delighted. He's an outstanding football coach. He's got a very broad understanding of offensive football. Chud I think is one of the best coaches that I've been around, young coaches. I would say this. If they sign him as offensive coordinator, you need to look toward the sky, because the sun is now rising."

They even had Rob Ryan on the same day. I respect all the Ryan's in terms of football knowledge. They were in Cleveland together, and he also had praise for him. This Jackson guy hasn't done anything to where I can say he's better then Ron Turner. I don't exactly look at Joe Flacco and think he got better as the season went along.

[AlexK79]

I am not impressed by Jackson at all.

I'm still pissed about Chud. Marty Schottenheimer was on Waddle & Silvy. He didn't know Chud was interviewing for OC till told by W&S. I left out a couple pointless sentences, but here's what he said:

"I was no aware that he is, but I'm delighted. He's an outstanding football coach. He's got a very broad understanding of offensive football. Chud I think is one of the best coaches that I've been around, young coaches. I would say this. If they sign him as offensive coordinator, you need to look toward the sky, because the sun is now rising."

They even had Rob Ryan on the same day. I respect all the Ryan's in terms of football knowledge. They were in Cleveland together, and he also had praise for him. This Jackson guy hasn't done anything to where I can say he's better then Ron Turner. I don't exactly look at Joe Flacco and think he got better as the season went along.

Agreed. They are starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel here. Chudzinski was the way to go, and while we don't know the details, I'm guess the Bears shat the bed on bringing him by either being cheaper, waiting too long, or some other typically Bear-like thing to do.

It's already a fairly unattractive job given the lame duck nature of the coaching staff. Letting good candidates walk is just not acceptable. Leave it to the Bears to finally get their hands on a franchise caliber QB and then waste his prime years trying to find someone that can actually develop him.

[DMBZeppelin]

:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol He was suppose to interview today, but passes up a chane to be OC here for the Raiders!? How bad does this make the job look? :lol:lol:lol

Sources: Jackson to take Raiders' offer (http://espn.go.com/chicago/story?id=4859138&campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

Baltimore Ravens (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal) quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson, who was scheduled to interview Tuesday in Chicago for the Bears' offensive coordinator job, will accept an offer to serve in that capacity for the Oakland Raiders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=oak), sources close to the situation tell ESPN.

Jackson interviewed with Raiders owner Al Davis last week and has had a desire to become an NFL offensive coordinator. His biggest project is expected to be working with Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10446), who has been a disappointment since Oakland selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.

Russell again struggled this season and was benched by coach Tom Cable for four of Oakland's final seven games.

Jackson's move now leaves the Ravens with an opening. Baltimore will have two primary options in hiring a quarterbacks coach; the first would be to promote offensive consultant Al Saunders, who has fared well in working with quarterbacks, and the other is to hire former Washington Redskins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=was) coach Jim Zorn.

At the very least, the Ravens will interview Zorn for the position before making their decision about which coach would be best to work closely with quarterback Joe Flacco (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11252).

[BotheDMBFan]

I am now applying to be Bears OC.

[saygdbye4134]

I am now applying to be Bears OC.


Good luck dude. I had my interview last week.

[Tiduwho]

The Bears now have egg all over their face. They acted like people would line up to come here? Lmao, that's 7 coordinators now that have said "Thanks, but no thanks."


The Ron Turner scapegoat plan is looking more and more of a joke as the days go by. They intimated that they were going to be letting Ron Turner go halfway through the season. How did they not have a list of candidates? How did they not have ideas of who they would hire and who would take over? They had months to plan for this. You should always have contingency plans. Instead, they're just grabbing random names out of a hat and then STILL being rejected by them.

This offseason is a failure, and it's all thanks to this Organization and their money hold uncertainty of keeping Lovie, Angelo, and Ted Phillips. Talk about a lame duck season.

This is going to be like the Bulls this year now. The only point of the season is to get Jay Cutler better (like the Bulls with Derrick Rose). There's "no other real point to next year" is the MESSAGE that this organization is sending.

What's going to be our motto next year to sell tickets?

[saygdbye4134]

What's going to be our motto next year to sell tickets?

At least we don't have the opportunity to draft a bust 1st round pick. please buy tickets.

[Tiduwho]

Bears. Season. Over.

Right. But. Bears. News. Not.


I meant next season. Bad offseason news followed by more bad offseason news, word?

[Bron Yr Aur]

This is what fucking happens when you fire your OC but not the head coach. Epic failure.

[DMBZeppelin]

Tillman's injury keeping him out of Pro Bowl (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/knox-tillman.html)

MOBILE, Ala. -- One Bears player was able to heal from an injury in time to make an appearance in the Pro Bowl. Another is still on the mend and couldn't get clearance for the all-star game to be played Sunday in South Florida.

Wide receiver Johnny Knox was added to the NFC roster Monday as a return specialist when Minnesota's Percy Harvin backed out of the game, and a league source said cornerback Charles Tillman was in line to get a spot in the game but could not be cleared by team doctors. The NFL called the Bears about Tillman, but the league was told he's not available.

Knox suffered a badly sprained ankle in the Week 16 upset of the Minnesota Vikings, but he has healed just in time. Tillman still is recovering from a lung contusion and four broken ribs suffered in that same game. He's doing fine, but was informed at the time that it would be eight to 10 weeks for him to be fully recovered. It has been four.

The NFC has replaced cornerbacks Charles Woodson, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Antoine Winfield, all because of injuries.

Tillman finished third in the Bears in tackles with 86, and had a career-high six forced fumbles to give him 14 in the last three seasons.

Once he heals from the lung/rib injuries, he can look forward to an offseason of rest. Tillman has shoulder and back surgeries last offseason.

[DMBZeppelin]

Damn you Craig Steltz. Tillman deserves to go to at least one Pro Bowl in his career.

[DMBZeppelin]

Tribune reports that Vikings QB coach Kevin Rogers next on Bears OC interview list. I don't know about you guys, but why in the hell would we even attempt to hire him? I think Hub Arkush had a great idea on the Score today. Go back to the Packers and ask about Clements again. Offer them a 5th or 4th rounder on the condition that we hire him.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Tribune reports that Vikings QB coach Kevin Rogers next on Bears OC interview list. I don't know about you guys, but why in the hell would we even attempt to hire him? I think Hub Arkush had a great idea on the Score today. Go back to the Packers and ask about Clements again. Offer them a 5th or 4th rounder on the condition that we hire him.

Do we even have any picks in the draft?? Thought we traded them all already.

[DMBZeppelin]

Do we even have any picks in the draft?? Thought we traded them all already.
We owe a 1st rounder to Denver for Jay. We owe a 2nd rounder to Tampa for Gaines Adams. We have all the rest. So we'll have the 10th or 11th pick in the 3rd round. Which is fine if you can draft well. I mean Knox was a 5th rounder. There's talent in that round, but we'll probably take bust.

[Bron Yr Aur]

We owe a 1st rounder to Denver for Jay. We owe a 2nd rounder to Tampa for Gaines Adams. We have all the rest. So we'll have the 10th or 11th pick in the 3rd round. Which is fine if you can draft well. I mean Knox was a 5th rounder. There's talent in that round, but we'll probably take bust.

Yeah, I was joking. Still, we keep trading away picks we may actually have nothing left.....

[DMBZeppelin]

Yeah, I was joking. Still, we keep trading away picks we may actually have nothing left.....
To me getting a real coordinator is one of the biggest needs we have. A 4th or 5th round pick is worth it. We have the picks to get better. If it makes us better then why not?

[AlexK79]

Tribune reports that Vikings QB coach Kevin Rogers next on Bears OC interview list. I don't know about you guys, but why in the hell would we even attempt to hire him? I think Hub Arkush had a great idea on the Score today. Go back to the Packers and ask about Clements again. Offer them a 5th or 4th rounder on the condition that we hire him.

Seriously- because of all that amazing work he's done developing Tavaris Jackson? :lol

[Bron Yr Aur]

To me getting a real coordinator is one of the biggest needs we have. A 4th or 5th round pick is worth it. We have the picks to get better. If it makes us better then why not?

I don't really give a shit at this point. Is Clements that great? Who knows. Not much else out there. But honestly that scenario sounds kind of far-fetched.

[DMBZeppelin]

I don't really give a shit at this point. Is Clements that great? Who knows. Not much else out there. But honestly that scenario sounds kind of far-fetched.
Kevin Rogers.

[DMBZeppelin]

Dear god the Vikings gave us permission: http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4861505

Can we unfire Ron Turner?

[saygdbye4134]

We owe a 1st rounder to Denver for Jay. We owe a 2nd rounder to Tampa for Gaines Adams. We have all the rest. So we'll have the 10th or 11th pick in the 3rd round. Which is fine if you can draft well. I mean Knox was a 5th rounder. There's talent in that round, but we'll probably take bust.

so we owe for 26 INTS and a death.

Our OC opening is a joke.

Lovie is still at the helm.

I love the bears and all, but not really thinking this season will be all that great.

[1eyed_jack]

To me getting a real coordinator is one of the biggest needs we have. A 4th or 5th round pick is worth it. We have the picks to get better. If it makes us better then why not?

not really? how is a 4th or 5th round pick that could potentially be a good player, better than a coordinator who will likely be here for one year?

the bears season is basically written off for next year and there's really no reason to think otherwise

[BotheDMBFan]

I have written a letter to Bears Upper Management. This is the letter, minus my contact information at the bottom.

Dear Chicago Bears Upper Management,

My name is Robert Pearson. I am nineteen years old and I live in La Quinta, California. As a lifelong Bears fan, I understand the struggles our offense has had throughout the years. In reading various websites, and watch ESPN, I have seen that your organization has had a tough time finding a replacement for former offensive coordinator Ron Turner. I have searched high and low, through various possible candidates for this job, and have decided that there is one man you should give this job to above all else: me.

You may be saying to yourself “why?”, and that is a good question. At my age, I haven’t even finished community college yet, nor have I played football since I was twelve years old in a youth football league. But I have three major reasons why you should consider me for this job, as opposed to anyone else.

1. I will work irretrievably cheap. I know that finances are a burden, especially in these economic times. But I will work for the league minimum to try and help this organization succeed at the highest level.
2. I won’t turn you down. There have been various reports of the organization trying to bring in an offensive coordinator, and having them turn you down in favor of jobs they think are better, such as the Raiders offensive coordinator position. To those fools, I say good riddance. The fine people who run this team are not insane, unlike Al Davis.
3. I’m good at Madden. I mean, I’m not great or anything, but I’m pretty good at calling the plays and having people execute them. I have also figured out a way to get off the bus running, and throw the ball 50 times a game. If this is not a win-win situation, then I don’t know what is.

I will list here at the bottom my telephone number, address, and email. Please contact me if you are interested. Thank you.

[BotheDMBFan]

I have just applied for the OC position! Wish me luck!

[jimibadfish]

So, you guys find an new OC's career to ruin, yet?

[BotheDMBFan]

So, you guys find an new OC's career to ruin, yet?

Hopefully, mine.

[jimibadfish]

Remember when the Bears were in the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman? Man. How the fuck?

[1eyed_jack]

Remember when the Bears were in the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman? Man. How the fuck?

...remember when the bears had the lead in the super bowl! :shrug:(:BANG

[Doors Allan Coe]

Remember when the Bears were in the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman? Man. How the fuck?

How? Because Lovie truly isn't as bad as everyone thinks...

[AlexK79]

Remember when the Bears were in the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman? Man. How the fuck?

Because they had a great defense, an excellent O-line, a good 1-2 punch at RB, and Rex Grossman, while certainly no great shakes, was not as bad as people made him out to be.

[DMBZeppelin]

ZachZaidman (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman) An NFL source confirms Bears lining up an interview with University of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti
about 3 hours ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/8296911447)from TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/)

[BotheDMBFan]

Tell Ginger Haired Genius that I am also lined up for an interview. Just got a second email back. Biznatches. (I didn't.)

[Jimp210]

Listening to Boers and Bernstein from Friday. According to Terry Boers Bears source. Bates was the absolute first choice for offensive coordinator. Once that didn't happen Lovie went to Angelo and told him he wanted Martz. Jerry told him no. Angelo isn't big on getting Cutler killed in the Martz system, or a fan of Martz in general. Though that's most people around the NFL.

I want to know why we aren't signing Chud. Because he actually is very qualified. It makes me wonder if Lovie is going to interview candidate after candidate until there's no one left. Then he can go back to Jerry and say "What about Martz now?" That's where I feel this is going.

Just heard this. That's unbelievable to me. Martz would be the best thing to happen to the Bears. One, his offenses always improve. Two, there are two main areas he's good at: Developing WRs and QBs. Nobody had ever heard of Kurt Warner or Marc Bulger, and look at whats happened to Bulger since.

Throw in that for once, he'd respect the coach he worked for and it's a perfect fit. I'd almost guarantee a Pro Bowl for Jay Cutler. But that's why Angelo is the worst GM in the league...

.......

[BotheDMBFan]

I'll tell you what happened to Kurt and Marc after Martz left.

They were left battered and broken. Kurt, had he not been tossed around and gotten the chance to heal, would have still been considered a flash in the pan. Marc hasn't had that, and now he's considered done.

[Jimp210]

I'll tell you what happened to Kurt and Marc after Martz left.

They were left battered and broken. Kurt, had he not been tossed around and gotten the chance to heal, would have still been considered a flash in the pan. Marc hasn't had that, and now he's considered done.

You can say that to an extent, but Kurt's issue was more on his hand issues. He couldn't hold onto the ball. He was pretty effective even with the Giants. Hes been wearing a glove with Arizona. Bulger truly is done. They look very different in watching them play. Bulger's terrible even with good protection.

Listen, Martz has his downfalls because he requires a lot of 5 step drops, which means the QB is going to get hit more. But it would be greatly reduced with a guy like Cutler who can scramble a little bit. Warner and Bulger were strictly pocket passers. But he can also take little talent and turn it into quality results. Both Bulger and Warner will say Martz taught them alot. He demands perfection. But even a guy with little to no talent drafted out of Harvard in the 7th round has been able to start a little in this league, Ryan Fitzpatrick. That's on Martz too.

Will Cutler be effective for ten years? Doubtful. Will he give you 5-7 great ones? Absolutely. At this rate he just looks like the guy that led the league in interceptions.

[DMBZeppelin]

It takes 3 years to install the Martz system. I'm not sure he'd be in Chicago that long. Once he leaves I doubt we keep the system. Seems like it be a waste of time. Without a doubt Martz is more qualified then Kevin Rogers and similar company.

[Jimp210]

It takes 3 years to install the Martz system. I'm not sure he'd be in Chicago that long. Once he leaves I doubt we keep the system. Seems like it be a waste of time. Without a doubt Martz is more qualified then Kevin Rogers and similar company.

I heard that somewhere, but I don't know where it's coming from. Martz has had instant success everywhere. In their first year in the Martz system, Detroit San Francisco and St. Louis all drastically improved.

Hell, Jon Kitna threw for 4000 yards.


But realistically, with what's left out there, the Bears are insane not to hire Martz.

[AlexK79]

Glad they are bringing him back.

Report: Bears to re-sign Tinoisamoa
ESPNChicago.com

Pisa Tinoisamoa will likely get another chance to prove himself to Chicago Bears fans.

The Bears plan to re-sign the 28-year-old veteran linebacker for another season, according to a Chicago Tribune report citing a league source.

Tinoisamoa injured his knee on the first series of the season against the Green Bay Packers. The former St. Louis Ram sat out for three games and came back against the Atlanta Falcons only to injure the same knee, which required season-ending surgery.

Tinoisamoa signed a one-year deal with the Bears last offseason worth $1.5 million.

[DMBZeppelin]

I heard that somewhere, but I don't know where it's coming from. Martz has had instant success everywhere. In their first year in the Martz system, Detroit San Francisco and St. Louis all drastically improved.

Hell, Jon Kitna threw for 4000 yards.


But realistically, with what's left out there, the Bears are insane not to hire Martz.
Detroit/St. Louis = Dome. San Fran = Nice weather year round. I'm not sure how well the system would fair in Chicago where we play lots of bad weather games. We also might as well trade Greg Olsen if we sign Martz.

Glad they are bringing him back.

Report: Bears to re-sign Tinoisamoa
ESPNChicago.com

Pisa Tinoisamoa will likely get another chance to prove himself to Chicago Bears fans.

The Bears plan to re-sign the 28-year-old veteran linebacker for another season, according to a Chicago Tribune report citing a league source.

Tinoisamoa injured his knee on the first series of the season against the Green Bay Packers. The former St. Louis Ram sat out for three games and came back against the Atlanta Falcons only to injure the same knee, which required season-ending surgery.

Tinoisamoa signed a one-year deal with the Bears last offseason worth $1.5 million.
This makes me very happy. He's a good linebacker. Hopefully he comes back 100% healthy.

[DMBZeppelin]

Olin Kreutz having Achilles surgery Thursday (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/olin-kreutz-having-achilles-surgery-thursday.html)

MOBILE, Ala. -- Bears center Olin Kreutz will have surgery Thursday to repair an ailing Achilles tendon.

The six-time Pro Bowler, who was an All Pro in 2006, is expected to need four to six months to recover and should return in time for training camp.

The Bears captain missed part of camp in 2008 because of the injury, which has made it difficult for Kreutz to push off and get leverage. Following surgery, he is expected to return to form, stronger and better.

While questions about Kreutz's future with team surfaced during a disappointing 2009 season, he is singed through 2010. New offensive line coach Mike Tice has raved about Kreutz as the anchor of the offensive line.

Kreutz sought a second opinion on the injury after the season and moved quickly to have the surgery to ensure he's ready to go for 2010.

Tice's work rebuilding the line will begin without Kreutz in spring drills, creating an opportunity to see what Josh Beekman offers the Bears in that role, though it is unquestionably Kreutz's job in 2010 once he returns.

[Jimp210]

Detroit/St. Louis = Dome. San Fran = Nice weather year round. I'm not sure how well the system would fair in Chicago where we play lots of bad weather games. We also might as well trade Greg Olsen if we sign Martz.


This makes me very happy. He's a good linebacker. Hopefully he comes back 100% healthy.

Greg Olsen is the only downside to the Martz hire. But I will say, Martz has never had a top notch tight end except for Vernon Davis, who hadn't done anything to that point. He hated Vernon Davis because he ran terrible routes and dropped easy passes. And even in this breakout season, he did a lot of that. So I don't know that it's a slam dunk he'd under utilize Olsen... But i'd be leary as well.

And I doubt you'll be loving the Pisa signing later. He had a few good seasons for the Rams but he was terrible in his last one with us. He also went from never missing a game early in his career to not being able to stay on the field.

By the way, I'm obviously rooting for the Bears to sign Martz. I like Martz's teams. Even in losses, the games are entertaining. And the Rams are absolutely horrible so I'd love to make the Bears my fill-in hah

[BotheDMBFan]

You can say that to an extent, but Kurt's issue was more on his hand issues. He couldn't hold onto the ball. He was pretty effective even with the Giants. Hes been wearing a glove with Arizona. Bulger truly is done. They look very different in watching them play. Bulger's terrible even with good protection.

Listen, Martz has his downfalls because he requires a lot of 5 step drops, which means the QB is going to get hit more. But it would be greatly reduced with a guy like Cutler who can scramble a little bit. Warner and Bulger were strictly pocket passers. But he can also take little talent and turn it into quality results. Both Bulger and Warner will say Martz taught them alot. He demands perfection. But even a guy with little to no talent drafted out of Harvard in the 7th round has been able to start a little in this league, Ryan Fitzpatrick. That's on Martz too.

Will Cutler be effective for ten years? Doubtful. Will he give you 5-7 great ones? Absolutely. At this rate he just looks like the guy that led the league in interceptions.

Kurt had hand issues because he got the shit beat out of him every play. Watch the Rams Super Bowls. In the game agains the Titans, he wasn't hit on 3 passing plays in the first half. THREE!

Martz system kills QBs. You are literally supposed to hang back til the last possible second.

[BotheDMBFan]

It takes 3 years to install the Martz system. I'm not sure he'd be in Chicago that long. Once he leaves I doubt we keep the system. Seems like it be a waste of time. Without a doubt Martz is more qualified then Kevin Rogers and similar company.

No, it doesn't.

[BotheDMBFan]

Greg Olsen is the only downside to the Martz hire. But I will say, Martz has never had a top notch tight end except for Vernon Davis, who hadn't done anything to that point. He hated Vernon Davis because he ran terrible routes and dropped easy passes. And even in this breakout season, he did a lot of that. So I don't know that it's a slam dunk he'd under utilize Olsen... But i'd be leary as well.

And I doubt you'll be loving the Pisa signing later. He had a few good seasons for the Rams but he was terrible in his last one with us. He also went from never missing a game early in his career to not being able to stay on the field.

By the way, I'm obviously rooting for the Bears to sign Martz. I like Martz's teams. Even in losses, the games are entertaining. And the Rams are absolutely horrible so I'd love to make the Bears my fill-in hah

Pisa had a bad injury and tried to come back too early and it got hurt again. That is all.

[AlexK79]

This is pretty far-fetched, but extremely tantalizing from the Sun Times:

Trying to make sense of 'un-coordinated' Bears
BY MARK POTASH |

With the Bears' tedious search for offensive and defensive coordinators now in it's fourth week, there are only three possible conclusions:

1. The Bears are as dysfunctional as ever, hampering their own offensive coordinator search by hiring an offensive line coach first, interviewing coaches and leaving them hanging so long they just give up and lacking the leadership anywhere in their organization to make a decision that will leave them better off than they were before. They need a search firm to find the right search firm to find their next coaches.

2. They are cooly, patiently waiting on an assistant coach on either of the Super Bowl teams, probably Colts assistant head coach/wide receivers Clyde Christensen, who was a quarterbacks and tight ends coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when Bears general manager Jerry Angelo was the Buccaneers' director of player personnel; or Saints first-year offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Jr. , whose father was a Bears offensive assistant in 2001-03; or Saints quarterbacks coach Joe Lombardi, a grandson of legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi.

3. Word is out that the Bears already have an informal agreement with former Steelers coach Bill Cowher for 2011 if the Bears don't make the playoffs next season. Who's going to take a job with the Bears that is likely to be a one-year deal with no shot at the head coaching job?

Of course the last one is the most intriguing. And if you piece together reports from credible NFL sources over the past two months, you can see that the Cowher scenario might be more than just a pipe dream:

Nov. 25, 2009: Hub Arkush, the Score's Bears/NFL expert with close ties to the Bears organization after a long association with the team as a game-day radio analyst, reports that someone connected with the Bears made inquiries with someone connected with Cowher as to Cowher's availability for the Bears' head coaching job.

Dec. 27, 2009: Less than a week after Angelo pointedly refuses to give Lovie Smith a vote of confidence amd a dreadful 31-7 loss to the Ravens -- the Bears' eighth loss in 10 games -- makes the possiblity of a coaching change more real than ever, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen report that Cowher "is primed to get back in the game."

Jan. 4, 2010: After the Bears finish the season with victories over the Vikings and Lions to finish 7-9, the Bears decide to keep Lovie Smith as head coach and ESPN reports that while Cowher is "trying to put together a staff," he will not coach in 2010.

Maybe it's just coincidence, but the timing of those reports sure lends credence to idea that Cowher is waiting on the Bears job. For what it's worth, Cowher was unusually silent or hesitant to criticize when the subject of the Bears came up on CBS's "NFL Today." And he's a jut-jawed, blue-collar guy who would seem to relish a job like the Chicago Bears, especially having worked for the Rooneys in Pittsburgh.

If it's not the Cowher scenario and if the Bears aren't targeting the Colts' Christensen, we have no choice but to believe the Bears are tripping over themselves as they often do. Their search for an offensive coordinator is confirming every fear: that Lovie Smith's tenuous status would limit the field of candidates; that Jay Cutler's reputation as a quirky personality would trump the lure of working with a former Pro Bowl quarterback; and that Smith, who hasn't had much luck hiring coordinators or position coaches, just doesn't know what he wants or what he needs.

A year ago, Packers coach Mike McCarthy fired his defensive coordinator Bob Sanders on Jan. 5 and hired Dom Capers -- a renowned coordinator and former NFL head coach -- on Jan. 18. Even with a switch to a 3-4 alignment, the Packers went from 20th in the NFL in total yards allowed to second in 2009.

Smith is aiming a lot lower than Dom Capers' caliber in his search for an offensive coordinator and still can't even seem to get out of the starting block. The Packers denied the Bears' request to talk to their quarterbacks coach Tom Clements; Jeremy Bates went with Pete Carroll from USC to the Seahawks. Ken Zampese interviewed but couldn't wait for a decision from the Bears and went back to the Bengals as their quarterbacks coach; Rob Chudzinski interviewed but is no longer a candidate; And now Hue Jackson, the Ravens' quarterbacks coach, cancelled an interview with the Bears to become the offensive coordinator with the Raiders, one of the few teams in the NFL even more dysfunctional than the Bears.

All we are left with is the hope that the Bears know something we don't. Nothing against them, but the Bill Cowher scenario is looking better and better every day.

[BotheDMBFan]

I am still ready and willing for this job. I don't care if I get fired after a year. Bring it on!

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears lose another offensive coordinator candidate (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/28/bears-lose-another-offensive-coordinator-candidate/)

OK, now it's getting ridiculous.

In their effort to hire a new offensive coordinator, the Bears have been swinging and missing more than Barry Bonds in a blindfold.

So they've lowered their expectations, and they're still striking out.

Recently, Pitt offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti emerged as a candidate (http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/01/27/pitt-oc-getting-the-eye-from-the-nfl/). And Cignetti now says he's staying put at Pitt.

Pitt released a statement on Thursday evening from Cignetti.

"My return to Pitt last year was the realization of a longtime personal and professional goal," Cignetti said. "It was made even more gratifying by the outstanding season we enjoyed. I couldn't be more fortunate to work for Dave Wannstedt and coach these great kids. Despite recent reports connecting my name with other jobs, I am wholeheartedly committed to being at Pitt and continuing to establish our program among the nation's very best."

In other words, the Bears will have to keep looking.

Coincidentally, Cignetti's current boss served as head coach of the Bears from 1993 through 1998, generating a record of 41-57.

[BotheDMBFan]

I am beginning to look like a better and better candidate as the days go on.

[DMBZeppelin]

Mike Martz is at Halas Hall right now interviewing for the OC job.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Dear God no.

Should've just kept Turner and let them all go down after the 2010 season.

[AlexK79]

I kind of had a feeling they would end up coming back to Martz in the end. I'm sure Lovie wants him and everyone else at Halas Hall doesn't. If they hire him, I guess we can look at it this way: if they're successful, great, if not, he and Lovie will almost certainly be gone after the season.

One positive: the Bears playbook in Madden '11 will be a lot more fun to use. :lol

[Doors Allan Coe]

Well...seems like the OC will end up being Martz...

I'm not thrilled, but I'm not sick.

Martz is clearly a smart guy and a well respected offensive mind. He's had some success before. He has something to prove. This whole team has something to prove. With Cutler behind center I'm happier with an experienced OC/HC. Jeremy Bates would have been a mistake. Maybe I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt but I would imagine he will be tweaking his system to fit this team.

It's strange but after reading about all the different possibilities I feel most confident that a guy like Martz could make an impact. Maybe coach Cutler into throwing fewer INTs. Maybe coach our WRs into running the correct routes....maybe he could actually make the bubble screen to Hester work...ONCE...

[Tiduwho]

Cutler will have inflated passing numbers, which will *look* good. But the eye test will tell us within a few years, he'll be damaged and never the same.

Cool. If our O-Line isn't spruced up, we are f'd beyond belief next year.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Cutler will have inflated passing numbers, which will *look* good. But the eye test will tell us within a few years, he'll be damaged and never the same.

Cool. If our O-Line isn't spruced up, we are f'd beyond belief next year.

Well, if our line didn't improve we were screwed anyway. Whether it was Bates, Martz, Cowher, or the ghost of Vince Lombardi...nobody would do well without a little help from the O-line.

Most importantly we need Briggs - Urlacher - Pisa trio to stay healthy...plus some actual production from our D-line...

[AlexK79]

Well, if our line didn't improve we were screwed anyway. Whether it was Bates, Martz, Cowher, or the ghost of Vince Lombardi...nobody would do well without a little help from the O-line.

Most importantly we need Briggs - Urlacher - Pisa trio to stay healthy...plus some actual production from our D-line...

And a safety. I don't know who is out there on the market this offseason, but God do we need help at safety.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Yeah, safety too. But, if our D-line actually disrupted the QB our DBs (including safety) would look much less inept. In fact they might look like the heavy hitting head hunters... instead of a the losing squad from a middle school track meet...

[DMBZeppelin]

Jeremy Bates would have been a mistake.
Ya it would been horrible if the Bears hired a young offensive mind on the rise. Cutler went to the Pro Bowl under him. Bates isn't afraid to be hard on Cutler. I mean all these things are just bad. More importantly if he's bad and gets fired after the season. You've done nothing to hurt the development of your franchise QB.

Instead lets get a guy who negates Greg Olsen, Desmond Clark, and Kellen Davis. Uses a lot of 5-7 step drops with a suspect O-line. Requires the receivers to be even smarter and know exactly where they have to be. Take away Jay's mobility by almost always keeping him in the pocket. You don't see Martz use the moving pocket or bootlegs. The terminology and route trees are completely different then the west coast offense. When Jay came to the Bears he just had to learn what Ron called such and such with the Bears. With Martz Cutler and everyone else has to re-learn everything.

[DMBZeppelin]

Maybe coach Cutler into throwing fewer INTs.
Interceptions by Martz offenses year by year

1999: 15 INT's
2000: 28 INT's
2001: 24 INT's
2002: 32 INT's
2003: 31 INT's
2004: 28 INT's
2005: 30 INT's
2006: 22 INT's
2007: 22 INT's
2008: 19 INT's

Bears had 27 INT's last year (26 by Cutler).

[Ev42]

who threw the other i din't see any games

[AlexK79]

who threw the other i din't see any games

Hanie. Garbage time when he got in at the end of a game. I think it was the Ravens game.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Ya it would been horrible if the Bears hired a young offensive mind on the rise. Cutler went to the Pro Bowl under him. Bates isn't afraid to be hard on Cutler. I mean all these things are just bad. More importantly if he's bad and gets fired after the season. You've done nothing to hurt the development of your franchise QB.

No offense but lets be real here. You DMBZEPP have no real idea about how Jeremy Bates and Cutler interact. Cutler went to the pro bowl with him...on another team, with a different OC and HC. I'm not saying he wouldn't have done well. I just don't see why hiring Cutlers boy is the best option. It's clear Cutler isn't doing something right...Cutler has an attitude and acts like a baby during games. Personally I like him, I find him really entertaining. Your boss doesn't have to be your best friend to be effective. It's not impossible that an experienced OC would help him out and teach him things Bates didn't or couldn't. Also, I'm not a big Martz fan, but for what the 2010 season looks like I'd rather have a throwaway OC like him.


Instead lets get a guy who negates Greg Olsen, Desmond Clark, and Kellen Davis. Uses a lot of 5-7 step drops with a suspect O-line. Requires the receivers to be even smarter and know exactly where they have to be. Take away Jay's mobility by almost always keeping him in the pocket. You don't see Martz use the moving pocket or bootlegs. The terminology and route trees are completely different then the west coast offense. When Jay came to the Bears he just had to learn what Ron called such and such with the Bears. With Martz Cutler and everyone else has to re-learn everything.
That is quite possible and that wouldn't be good. However, Martz is a grown man. Hopefully he would adapt his "system" to help this Chicago squad win quickly. Is he that egotistical that he would sacrifice his friend job out of stubbornness? Maybe. Is it possible he will we working to make this team successful in one season? Yes. He isn't even the OC yet. Hopefully he is intelligent enough to realize Chicago will never be the greatest show on turf.

I'm not a Martz fan. In fact I also dislike Martz. However, I am a Bears fan. This is Lovie's final stand. Let him bury himself. IF Martz is the best he can do so be it. If it is I'll be rooting for the Bears either way.

[DMBZeppelin]

No offense but lets be real here. You DMBZEPP have no real idea about how Jeremy Bates and Cutler interact. Cutler went to the pro bowl with him...on another team, with a different OC and HC. I'm not saying he wouldn't have done well. I just don't see why hiring Cutlers boy is the best option. It's clear Cutler isn't doing something right...Cutler has an attitude and acts like a baby during games. Personally I like him, I find him really entertaining. Your boss doesn't have to be your best friend to be effective. It's not impossible that an experienced OC would help him out and teach him things Bates didn't or couldn't. Also, I'm not a big Martz fan, but for what the 2010 season looks like I'd rather have a throwaway OC like him.
We do have an idea. This isn't Urban Meyer and Tebow. I do agree that I wouldn't want Bates if he was going to treat Cutler as his best friend. Maybe you missed some of this stuff, but I went back to find some of the Bates articles I posted. Here's some things about Bates/Cutler:


Appearing Wednesday on "The Mully & Hanley Show" on WSCR-AM 670, Lombardi said Bates -- who worked with Jay Cutler in Denver as the Broncos' quarterbacks coach -- would do wonders for the Bears' QB.

"He is exactly what the Bears need right now because there is an element of toughness that he brings to the table," Lombardi said. "He is going to be able to get into the quarterback's head and he is going to be able to get into his mind. And the quarterback -- this is the key point now -- the quarterback accepts what he says as coaching."

Cutler reportedly had a cool relationship with Ron Turner, who was relieved of his offensive-coordinator duties Monday.

"Like those two kids I have in college, the hardest part of being a parent was getting them to accept that what I was saying wasn't being critical, it was just trying to help them," said Lombardi, who directed personnel departments for the Raiders and Browns and also worked for the 49ers, Eagles and Broncos. "And that's the dynamic every coach must face because players historically don't want to hear the negativity. But if they embrace the negativity and they take it as coaching instead of criticism, now you are on your way. And ultimately that's what I think Jay Cutler does with Jeremy Bates.

"Does (Bates) tell him what he wants to hear? No way. I've watched it, I've seen it. I love Jay Cutler. I think Jay Cuter can win for him. However, I do know that he needs to be coached, and coaching done the right way is not being afraid of confrontation and telling a player when he is doing something wrong."
---------------------------------------------------------
Cutler has spoken glowingly of Bates and no doubt is pushing for his hiring.

"Jeremy is one of the best offensive minds in football," Cutler said in a statement last year after Bates was hired at USC. "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."
---------------------------------------------------
Bates is a film-room rat who isn't afraid to get in players' faces. He once got into an argument with Brandon Marshall that could be heard throughout the Broncos' facility. He, like Martz, could solve the complex riddle that has been the Bears' offense for the last several seasons. That he isn't yet seen as head coaching material may make him more attractive to Smith.
---------------------------------------------------
King describes Bates as a football junkie who didn't have a life outside of his work.

"He was always wearing dirty, dingy sweatshirt and khakis, and he always had football plays in his hand," King said. "The thing you could see is he was really in love with football. He would do everything they let him do. You could tell right away he was going to be successful."

Gruden, who played quarterback at Dayton and also is the son of a coach, shaped Bates' offensive philosophy. Like Gruden, he believes in using a multitude of formations and pre-snap disguises. His playbook is a derivative of the West Coast offense.

One reason Cutler likes playing for Bates so much is Bates likes to air it out. He spreads the field, uses a lot of shotgun and plays multiple wide receivers. During his one season as the Broncos' play-caller in 2008, they threw the ball on 61 percent of the snaps.

He reeled it in at USC in 2009, but that might have been more to do with having a freshman quarterback.

Bates knows how to play to his team's strengths and minimize weaknesses.

"Jeremy is brilliant," said Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who recommended Bates to Shanahan in Denver after working with him on the Jets (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/new-york-jets-ORSPT000199.topic). "He's very imaginative. He comes up with a different game plan every week. He does a great job of changing the formations. He diagnoses well."

Like Cutler, Bates is gifted but rough around the edges. People who have worked with him have described him as stubborn, arrogant, defensive.

"He had that cocky, 'I know more than you' attitude," King said. "We would give him a hard time about it."

Even Cutler acknowledged he and Bates clashed.

"Yeah, we yell at each other, we get mad at each other, that's how it is," Cutler told the paper. "We're both such competitors."

Bates was criticized for USC's disappointing season, but it hasn't hurt his stock, including potentially following Carroll.

Whatever happens in the next couple of weeks, it seems Bates is certain to continue a climb that began long ago.

That is quite possible and that wouldn't be good. However, Martz is a grown man. Hopefully he would adapt his "system" to help this Chicago squad win quickly. Is he that egotistical that he would sacrifice his friend job out of stubbornness? Maybe. Is it possible he will we working to make this team successful in one season? Yes. He isn't even the OC yet. Hopefully he is intelligent enough to realize Chicago will never be the greatest show on turf.

I'm not a Martz fan. In fact I also dislike Martz. However, I am a Bears fan. This is Lovie's final stand. Let him bury himself. IF Martz is the best he can do so be it. If it is I'll be rooting for the Bears either way.
I agree that I have no problem with Lovie burying himself. I'm very worried about what a year under Martz will do to not only Cutler, but everyone on offense. But yes Martz is that egotistical. He wants to do things his way. Maybe time out of the NFL will have changed him. I also wonder about the Tice factor. We hired him and told him he'd have significant say in the offense. Especially in regards to the running game. How will he mesh with Tice?

If Martz was willing to work and listen to Tice, and mix in certain philosophies of the west coast offense (which seems very unlikely) that play to Cutler's strengths. Basically just create a new hybrid of the Martz offense. Then I think we could be a scary offense. Martz at no time during his career has shown he's capable of that. I guess it must be a St. Louis thing. Martz and Lovie have systems that work. But they are stubborn and unwilling to change. At least Martz has more ground to stand on when it comes to the matter. He has a much higher success rate.

[1eyed_jack]

for what it's worth, people said i was dumb when i wanted the bears to get chris chambers during the season as a veteran WR who knows how to run patterns.

well in the last 9 weeks of the season he caught 36 passes for 608 yards and 4 touchdowns.

that was in 9 games, the bears best WR this year was hester who caught 21 more passes, but only 150 more yards and one fewer TD. oh yeah, that's also including 4 more games than chambers.

i still say chambers would have done nothing but help cutler and maybe show some of the young WRs how to play smart

[DMBZeppelin]

for what it's worth, people said i was dumb when i wanted the bears to get chris chambers during the season as a veteran WR who knows how to run patterns.

well in the last 9 weeks of the season he caught 36 passes for 608 yards and 4 touchdowns.

that was in 9 games, the bears best WR this year was hester who caught 21 more passes, but only 150 more yards and one fewer TD. oh yeah, that's also including 4 more games than chambers.

i still say chambers would have done nothing but help cutler and maybe show some of the young WRs how to play smart
At the time I agreed with you, as seen here:

I honestly think Chambers would make us better. He's better then Davis. He's better then Knox. Now if we're talking about potential, and ability for a big play. Knox is a better long term answer. The problem with Knox is he's still raw. He's dropped some easy ones. He's had trouble getting open at times. Against the Browns it wasn't till late in the game that you heard his name called. Chambers isn't a super star, but we need a more reliable veteran receiver to compliment Hester and Bennett.
That is no longer the case for me though. Knox never hit his rookie wall. Last few weeks of the season he actually looked like a real receiver. More importantly Hester's injury forced the Bears to finally play Aromashau. That doesn't happen with Chambers here. His emergence was huge because I think he could be good for us. No receiver on this team is a number 1, even if Chambers was here. If we eventually get a real #1 receiver then everyone else looks better. It will never happen but lets say the Bronco's don't tender Marshall and we sign him. DA as your number 2 and Knox as your 3 look REALLY good IMO.

[1eyed_jack]

nice, i didn't know anyone agreed with me. i know someone said it would have been a bad idea.

at the time i thought the bears still had a chance and i thought cutler needed someone that knew how to play the position and would be where they are supposed to be.

i think the bears still are in desperate need of that. all their receivers now are good, but they don't have that one reliable sure handed guy. they have some big play guys, but they need a guy that does the dirty work

[AlexK79]

At the time I agreed with you, as seen here:


That is no longer the case for me though. Knox never hit his rookie wall. Last few weeks of the season he actually looked like a real receiver. More importantly Hester's injury forced the Bears to finally play Aromashau. That doesn't happen with Chambers here. His emergence was huge because I think he could be good for us. No receiver on this team is a number 1, even if Chambers was here. If we eventually get a real #1 receiver then everyone else looks better. It will never happen but lets say the Bronco's don't tender Marshall and we sign him. DA as your number 2 and Knox as your 3 look REALLY good IMO.

I'd like to see them make a run at Vincent Jackson. He's going to be an unrestricted FA, and while I'm sure the Chargers want to keep him, they have a whole bunch of guys that they need to re-sign this offseason and I can't imagine they'll be able to afford all of them.

[DMBZeppelin]

I'd like to see them make a run at Vincent Jackson. He's going to be an unrestricted FA, and while I'm sure the Chargers want to keep him, they have a whole bunch of guys that they need to re-sign this offseason and I can't imagine they'll be able to afford all of them.
Chargers have help because the CBA expires March 1st. Before you needed 4 years of service to be an unrestricted FA. Now you'll need 6. So I'm pretty sure both Vincent Jackson and Brandon Marshall are restricted. Also each tram will now have a franchise tag and a transition tags. Lots of players won't be going anywhere.

[DMBZeppelin]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/2020578,martz-meets-cutler-tennessee-013010.article

Martz travels to Tennessee, meets with Jay Cutler

Mike Martz met with quarterback Jay Cutler in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, presumably to convince the Bears’ quarterback that the two could make beautiful music together.

The meeting came one day after the former Rams coach interviewed with coach Lovie Smith for the Bears' vacant offensive coordinator position.

During the search, Cutler has typically met with candidates during the interview process at Halas Hall. This is believed to be the first time an offensive coordinator candidate traveled to meet with Cutler, which may be an indication of how eager Martz is to tutor a quarterback that he told the Sun-Times would be the most gifted signal caller he has ever worked with.

Meanwhile, Kevin Rogers remains very much in the picture. The Vikings’ quarterbacks coach, who interviewed Thursday at Halas Hall, is a proponent of the West Coast offense, which is what Cutler has played his entire pro career. Since ex-Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner ran a similar system, the Bears personnel may better fit Rogers’ schemes than the ones employed by Martz, which may be a factor in Rogers’ favor in what is looking more and more like a two-horse race.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Kevin Rogers, the man who coached Tarvaris Jackson to glory.

[BotheDMBFan]

Bears: Trying to build a 2003 dream staffz?

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears: Trying to build a 2003 dream staffz?
Will be kind of crazy that next season we could have 3 former head coaches on our staff. Usually we have a bunch of former college assistants who have no idea what they're doing.

[DMBZeppelin]

Oh and Hub Arkush was on the Score earlier today. He said the Bears and Martz were close on a deal. He put it in the 90%-99% done range. He said the one thing that could hold this is up is the relationship between Martz and Cutler. Will be interesting to hear how Saturday went.

[BotheDMBFan]

Will be kind of crazy that next season we could have 3 former head coaches on our staff. Usually we have a bunch of former college assistants who have no idea what they're doing.

Well...Martz was a good head coach...

[DMBZeppelin]

Well...Martz was a good head coach...
It's easy to be a good head coach when your team is loaded with talent.

Funny you should bring that up though. They had Kyle Turley on the Score last night. We all know Martz hated him. He's also a pretty honest guy. He said he should never be a head coach again, but that he could still be a great offensive coordinator. Says he needs to have someone keep tabs on him. He gave examples of his decision making costing games.

[BotheDMBFan]

It's easy to be a good head coach when your team is loaded with talent.

Funny you should bring that up though. They had Kyle Turley on the Score last night. We all know Martz hated him. He's also a pretty honest guy. He said he should never be a head coach again, but that he could still be a great offensive coordinator. Says he needs to have someone keep tabs on him. He gave examples of his decision making costing games.

Loaded with talent that he helped find. Martz as an offensive talent scout is tops. Martz hated Turley because he sucked and he was an asshole.

[DMBZeppelin]

There's an article about Aromashadu in the Suntimes. I knew he had some speed, but I didn't realize he was this fast:

Running a solid 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, Devin was projected to go anywhere from the second to fourth round. But he ended up going in the seventh round to the Dolphins.

[DMBZeppelin]

For comparison sake in another thread about Knox being a Pro Bowler:

But no one can argue Knox does not belong. His average kick return of 29 yards was the second best in the NFL among regular returners. Knox attributes his Pro Bowl invitation to hard work, listening to his coaches and being surrounded by people who pushed him.

That 4.34 40-yard dash time didn't hurt, either.

[BotheDMBFan]

Martz will decide who on this WR staff is good, and who is shite.

[Jimp210]

Martz will decide who on this WR staff is good, and who is shite.

Bingo. You'll be surprised. One of your more sucessful WR's last year will be cast aside, and a nobody as of now will have 900-1100 receiving. Martz is one of the best talent evaluators out there. If you know how to run a route, he'll get you the ball. Hello Shaun McDonald, Mike Furrey, and to a lesser extent Kevin Curtis.

But if this hire gets made, I'm instantly a Bears fan.

[DMBZeppelin]

Sources: Peppers, Panthers not talking (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4875540)

The agent for Carolina Panthers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=car) defensive end Julius Peppers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3530) is convinced the five-time Pro Bowl pick will play elsewhere next season.

Carl Carey said Sunday night the Panthers have "not made a single inquiry this offseason" regarding the impending unrestricted free agent.

"And we don't expect to hear from them," Carey told The Associated Press in a phone interview, setting the stage for Peppers to become one of the top defensive players to hit the market in years ahead of a potential season without a salary cap.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

League sources confirmed to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that the Panthers and Peppers have not engaged in any talks about a long-term contract extension.

Hurney and coach John Fox went to great lengths to keep Peppers in 2009, going against his public wishes to be allowed to leave as a free agent. The Panthers used the restrictive franchise tag and paid him an NFL-high $18.2 million. That counts a $1.5 million bonus for making the Pro Bowl after he recorded 10½ sacks.

Carolina is not expected to place the tag on Peppers this year -- not with the cost of it being over $20 million.

Carey said he talked with team officials on the day of the regular-season finale against New Orleans on Jan. 3, then initiated contact with the team shortly thereafter.

"They informed me they would make contact the following week," Carey said. "They never did. To date, we have still not heard from them."

However, a Panthers official insisted this week they've made no decision about Peppers and his future. The Panthers said they soon will be talking with Carey.

The Panthers have from Feb. 11 through Feb. 25 to designate Peppers as their franchise player.

When Carolina placed its franchise tag on Peppers last season, it cost them $16.7 million, plus another $1.5 million that the defensive end earned for being voted to Sunday's Pro Bowl. For Carolina to franchise Peppers again this season, it would cost the Panthers over $20 million -- a 20 percent increase over what the defensive end last season -- plus another $1.5 million Pro Bowl bonus and another million-plus in playoff incentive bonuses.

Signing the 30-year-old to a long-term contract could likely cost in upward of $15 million a year.

"I think most people who have looked at the situation have understood the complexity of it for the Panthers," Carey said. "What I'm more surprised by is the silent treatment that they're giving Julius at this time. We have had a very respectful relationship with the organization and this is very much unlike what I'm used to seeing from them."

The 6-foot-7, 283-pound Peppers, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft, has spent his entire eight-year career with Carolina. His 81 sacks are the third-most in the NFL during that span behind Miami's Jason Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1245) and Dwight Freeney (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3539) of Indianapolis.

Peppers, who grew up in Bailey, N.C., and played in college at North Carolina, said last offseason that he wanted to leave his home state and play as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Peppers skipped all offseason workouts, but had little leverage with the franchise tag and signed the one-year tender before training camp.

He didn't miss a game or practice and seemed to warm to new defensive coordinator Ron Meeks' 4-3 system, lining up at different spots on the line. But in a brief interview after a Pro Bowl practice Saturday, Peppers acknowledged that, "I'm just trying to get on a team right now. I just want to get a contract."

Carey said Peppers is willing to play in any type of defense next season.

"He has indicated to me that he is open to hearing from the remaining 31 teams in the league," Carey said. "He is open to any defensive scheme at this point."

Peppers took up 14 percent of Carolina's salary cap this season. That meant the Panthers had to find cheap labor in other areas and the special teams units suffered as Carolina finished 8-8.

The Panthers may not have to worry about a salary cap in 2010 if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached. But Carey believes the Panthers "have moved on."

"He feels like he is just now entering his prime," Carey said. "He has an incredibly bright future ahead of him as he opens the next chapter of his life and his career."

[DMBZeppelin]

I posted this because I think the Bears will make a run at him. He's the kind of end that could help fix the defense. With the death of Adams and no draft picks in the first two rounds. Plus Ogunleye is off the books, why not go after him?

[Doors Allan Coe]

I posted this because I think the Bears will make a run at him. He's the kind of end that could help fix the defense. With the death of Adams and no draft picks in the first two rounds. Plus Ogunleye is off the books, why not go after him?

I hope you are right.

Peppers/Wilfork/Seymour would all be worthwhile additions. I really haven't kept up with Peppers production as of late. At this age is he worth a long term deal?

Odds are Seymour and Wilfork will be franchised. Can the Panthers tag him again? I'm pretty sure they have the right to, I'm just not sure how the 2nd year works compensation wise.

We better make some serious plays at the FEW quality free agents hitting the market...no holding out for the draft this year...plus maybe the fact we aren't obligated to sign 1st and 2nd round tender this year will allot a larger sum of money towards free agency.

But, what do I care...Lovie is the one fighting for his job...he better he looking to bolster the roster...

[DMBZeppelin]

We hired Martz.

[AlexK79]

Well, the (possibly 1 year long) Mike Martz era has begun!

[Tiduwho]

Let's hope there are a lot of fireworks.

[DMBZeppelin]

I hope you are right.

Peppers/Wilfork/Seymour would all be worthwhile additions. I really haven't kept up with Peppers production as of late. At this age is he worth a long term deal?

Odds are Seymour and Wilfork will be franchised. Can the Panthers tag him again? I'm pretty sure they have the right to, I'm just not sure how the 2nd year works compensation wise.

We better make some serious plays at the FEW quality free agents hitting the market...no holding out for the draft this year...plus maybe the fact we aren't obligated to sign 1st and 2nd round tender this year will allot a larger sum of money towards free agency.

But, what do I care...Lovie is the one fighting for his job...he better he looking to bolster the roster...
Peppers turned 30 earlier this month. Here's his stats.

2002: 35 tackles, 12 sacks, 5 forced fumbles
2003: 44 tackles, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
2004: 64 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles
2005: 50 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
2006: 58 tackles, 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
2007: 38 tackes, 2.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
2008: 51 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles
2009: 42 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles

Wilfork would have been AMAZING had we hired Bill Cowher. He's the perfect NT and the hardest position to find, but required, to run the 3-4. He doesn't fit the Tampa 2 at all though.

Panthers aren't likely to pay him. If I'm not mistaken the 1st tag you get the average of the top 5 players at your position (or is it 10?) then the 2nd tag is the average top 5/10 of the entire NFL.

[DMBCubs25]

Over/under Week 4 for the first Cutler-Martz feud

[DMBZeppelin]

Over/under Week 4 for the first Cutler-Martz feud
They probably already started at dinner on Saturday.

[JTRocks]

Well, the (possibly 1 year long) Mike Martz era has begun!

we all know in the back of our minds that we're not gonna get cowher or any other big name head coach for that matter. if things go right at least on offense, i can totally see that piece of shit angelo taking the easy way out and hiring martz

[Tiduwho]

we all know in the back of our minds that we're not gonna get cowher or any other big name head coach for that matter. if things go right at least on offense, i can totally see that piece of shit angelo taking the easy way out and hiring martz

Angelo is going to be fired himself if the Bears fail this season. Maybe Ted Phillips too.

[AlexK79]

we all know in the back of our minds that we're not gonna get cowher or any other big name head coach for that matter. if things go right at least on offense, i can totally see that piece of shit angelo taking the easy way out and hiring martz

Martz is Lovie's hire, not Angelo's. Angelo didn't want anything to do with Martz - that's why it took them so long to finally sign him. If Lovie goes, Martz goes with him.

[AlexK79]

FWIW, from JD's blog, Martz on how his meeting with Cutler went:

"Martz detailed his meeting with Jay Cutler last week in Nashville, where in addition to having dinner, to two had some serious football related discussions. The coach even drew up a play meant to beat a Cover 2 defense on a blackboard for Cutler to analyze.

"It went even better than anticipated," Martz said. "We are on the same page on so many things. He is so far ahead [in the way he sees things]. We enjoyed each other's company." "

[funksoul]

FWIW, from JD's blog, Martz on how his meeting with Cutler went:

"Martz detailed his meeting with Jay Cutler last week in Nashville, where in addition to having dinner, to two had some serious football related discussions. The coach even drew up a play meant to beat a Cover 2 defense on a blackboard for Cutler to analyze.

"It went even better than anticipated," Martz said. "We are on the same page on so many things. He is so far ahead [in the way he sees things]. We enjoyed each other's company." "

Sounds like a scene in Good Will Hunting :lol

[AlexK79]

Here's a more complete summary of his conference call for reporters from the Tribune:

On whether he got impatient waiting for the opportunity after putting his name in the mix early in the process:

"Lovie (Smith) was very clear at the very beginning that this was going to take some time and he was going to go through it step-by-step. Still, that's always difficult (to wait around). But he did it the right way, especially since I got the job."

On the perception that he's not a great fit for the Bears because he likes to throw the ball:
"You know, (I'm) very pragmatic in the approach. And I think that you have to analyze your personnel, the circumstances and situation like Soldier Field, and look at what you have with the conditions and then proceed from there.

"Really, it's about winning games and just doing whatever it takes to take advantage of your strengths."


On his meeting with Jay Cutler on Saturday in Nashville, Tenn.:
"It was even better than I anticipated. There was an instant connection. You know, that happened to me and (former Lions quarterback) Jon Kitna the first time I met him.

"This was really interesting because we just were on the same page in so many things. In fact, I really got excited. We were in a little classroom down there at Vanderbilt, and we were just kind of talking football. And he asked about special plays. I put a play up that was designed specifically for the Tampa Cover-2. I told him this is how we put it in, ran it through, hit a touchdown on it. He asked a question about that play, a wide-receiver split, that kind of just stopped me dead in my tracks. It just showed that he's so far ahead and on top of this type of thing, that veteran quarterbacks generally don't even asked that.

"We had a real good dinner. Enjoyed each other's company. It was a good chance just to kind of get acquainted."

On how long it will take to get everything installed:
"We will be hitting on all cylinders on opening day, I can promise you that. There is character in this group; I know the kind of people that Lovie brings in. With the coaches that are in place already with Darryl (Drake), Tim (Spencer) and Mike (Tice), the challenges ahead are just getting them the information they need to do to really get all the little details coached on a regular basis and we'll be ready to go. They'll want to learn it, and that's the biggest part of all that, is the willingness to accept it to learn what you need and this is certainly that kind of group."

On how his style meshes with Lovie Smith's "get off the bus running" philosophy:
"It depends on who you're playing. The physical part of it I think is really what Lovie is addressing. That's first and foremost. Everything starts in the offensive line -- everything. They allow you to keep your defense off the field, allow you to protect the quarterback, allow you to do what you want to do on offense. When that's established, which will get done, then I think more than anything else, you get off the bus and really you are getting in a position to hit them right in the mouth.

"That's one of the things with Mike Tice, that toughness and tenacity and run the ball and pound it in there and still have a chance to fake that, show that ball, pull it up and then Knox or somebody, throw streaking to the end zone. The mix-and-match between that, you do whatever it takes to win. Some weeks you're going to run it pretty good. The next week you're going to throw pretty good. But it's about winning, whatever you can do the best, that's what you do.''

On how he might use the Bears' receivers:
"Well, they've got some speed. And that really is kind of a diamond to me. When you look at that group, it could be a real strength of this football team. With (Devin) Aromashodu -- I hope I pronounced it right. (Johnny) Knox is really a diamond to me. And Hester, with what he can do whether he's outside or in the slot. The matchups on these guys are extreme.

"When I went to St. Louis from Washington, Isaac Bruce was too skinny. They weren't too happy with him. He was always hurt. Had this little guy, Az Hakim, and they didn't know what they were going to do with him. Rick Proehl, slow white guy. This is three-quarters of the Greatest Show on Turf.

"And really, what we'll do with these guys, I think there's plenty of talent there. I'm really excited about their speed and the potential. And what we'll do is give them every opportunity to explore that and not make a definition on what any one of those guys can do, but let them prove to us and put no limits on them."

On running back Matt Forte:
"There's so many thing you can do with him. He has the same kind of multi-abilities as (former Rams star) Marshall (Faulk). Soft hands. Change of direction. Good route runner. He's a very unselfish pass-blocker, so he's willing to stick his nose in there. He's the complete package. And the formation to get him matched up inside on linebackers and, on occasion, safeties will be a good part of what we do."

On whether he has a different view of the game after being out of coaching for a year:
"What shocked me was how many elite quarterbacks were in the league. I just couldn't believe when I looked at teams play, the level of the passing game throughout this league right now. It's never been like this. If I'm not mistaken, I think during the season, there were 25 Pro Bowl quarterbacks on rosters. There so many guys playing at a high level."

On whether he got impatient waiting for the opportunity after putting his name in the mix early in the process:

"Lovie (Smith) was very clear at the very beginning that this was going to take some time and he was going to go through it step-by-step. Still, that's always difficult (to wait around). But he did it the right way, especially since I got the job."

On the perception that he's not a great fit for the Bears because he likes to throw the ball:
"You know, (I'm) very pragmatic in the approach. And I think that you have to analyze your personnel, the circumstances and situation like Soldier Field, and look at what you have with the conditions and then proceed from there.

"Really, it's about winning games and just doing whatever it takes to take advantage of your strengths."

On the Bears' offensive line:
"I think the biggest issue here is Mike Tice. What I know of him as a coach, and being able to visit with him, I think this is just a terrific hire. ... This guy will get this group squared away and going good. A tough, physical group. They'll be attentive to all the little details. This will be a really well-coached group."

On the situation with the rest of the offensive staff:
"Darryl (Drake) and Tim (Spencer), I met with both of them and came away so encouraged. They're excited. They've been in this system before, the three-digit system. I just had a real good conversation with them and really excited about them and I look forward to working with them. In terms of the rest of the staff, discussing things with Lovie, but really those are things that are probably better left unsaid by me and addressed with Lovie.

On how quickly he will meet with Cutler:
"As soon as I get back and he gets up there; whenever that is, we'll start on a regular basis. We actually did talk about that, if this works out, and he was really enthusiastic about that, even just from the point of looking at tape and going into the bubble inside there and walking through things -- just he and I -- that when we get going in mini-camp that he has a full comprehension of everything that we want to do.''

On comments he made about Cutler's demeanor after the season-opening loss in Green Bay, and about working again with Rod Marinelli, for whom he served as offensive coordinator in Detroit:
"The thing I told Jay, the thing I felt bad when I watched that, was I felt like I knew what Jay was, I met him when he was coming out in the draft for quite some time up in Detroit. I felt like I had a pretty good understanding of who he was and the integrity and the dignity that he has and how classy a guy he is, and how he kind of misrepresented himself with that and really that was totally out of frustration for that game.

"He's going to be one of the elite players in this league for a long time and those are things that he's just going to have to deal with. That was a very difficult situation for him, very difficult, but a great experience for him to go through it and know now you've just got to kind of take that deep breath before you go in there. As a former head coach, you go through those things and collect yourself a little bit and then go in there. I didn't think it demonstrated who he really was ... those are all learning experiences for all of us.

"In terms of Rod, it was interesting because somebody had mentioned that to me a few days ago that there might be some sort of issue. Let me tell you guys this now: I went to Detroit after I met Rod Marinelli, that's the only reason I went to Detroit. When I left Detroit, it had nothing to do with Rod, there were other factors involved there, but nothing associated with Rod or disharmony. I had a real good visit with him when I was back there; I spent the morning with him, had breakfast and laughed about some things. He and Lovie have been good friends and there's just no issue there, it just doesn't exist."
"I think the biggest issue here is Mike Tice. What I know of him as a coach, and being able to visit with him, I think this is just a terrific hire. ... This guy will get this group squared away and going good. A tough, physical group. They'll be attentive to all the little details. This will be a really well-coached group."

[DMBZeppelin]

Some of Lovie's comments blew me away.

On whether his "get off the bus running" philosophy changes with Martz's pass-happy style:
"When I say get off the bus running the football, I mean that is a mindset. The run will always be a part of what we're going to do. I mean Chicago, we play in the elements. That won't change. But there's nothing wrong with being able to run the football well and having balance to be able to pass the football. That's what I'm excited about. It's not just Mike that's coming in, it's Mike Tice and what he will bring to the table. We're looking for balance to be able to run and pass the ball."
We knew they brought in Tice to basically be the O-line coach/running coordinator. They want him to have a say in the run game. Here you have Lovie talking about balance, and bringing up Mike Tice.... WHY!? You don't hire Mike Martz to run a balanced attack. We all know what Martz will actually do. I'm sure he said the right things to Lovie, but that will change when he's calling plays. Martz's offenses always 60%+ pass. To say you brought him in for this balanced attack is crazy.

Not to mention he made it perfectly clear Martz was his hire. "But in the end, that's why I'm the head football coach." and he in other incidents in the describing the process he made sure to say "I" so even though Angelo is saying everyone was on board. I think Lovie is making it obvious that Angelo told him no.

[Tiduwho]

Well, I guess there's one thing you can say, we now have 4 NFL Head Coaches all on the same staff.

[DMBZeppelin]

Well, I guess there's one thing you can say, we now have 4 NFL Head Coaches all on the same staff.
That's usually a good thing, but here it's a mess. Lovie is the boss on defense and everyone knows that. With how little Lovie envolves himself on offense you give Martz all this power. Though Lovie seems to want Tice to have some. I just don't see how that's going to mix with all these strong personalities. Maybe it will turn out to be a good thing.

[DMBZeppelin]

Random thought. Just put yourself in your Bears fan mindset of 2008. Remember what that felt like. How crazy is it that we're about to watch a season of Bears football with Mike Martz as the offensive coordinator and Jay Cutler is our QB. I never in a million years thought I'd see something like this in Chicago.

[DMBZeppelin]

Warner steps up to the Mike (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/2024121,CST-SPT-sean02.article)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Kurt Warner knows about riding the Mike Martz roller coaster better than anybody else.

Warner experienced the ups and downs in 1999.

''He has a certain way he likes his quarterbacks to play,'' Warner said Monday, mentioning footwork and balance as two of the keys. ''It was really frustrating, at first, to get that stuff down, and he was on me all the time, yelling and screaming.

''I couldn't get that at first, and it shuts you off.''

Warner warned Bears quarterback Jay Cutler to buckle up but added that -- with faith -- the ride can be positive and enlightening.

''It's going to take some time. It might not be the way you've always done it, but trust it, because I know how it helped me,'' said Warner, who retired Friday from the Arizona Cardinals. ''In the long run, the stuff he teaches makes a quarterback better.''

Warner, of course, persevered and quickly thrived, completing one of the most remarkable rises in NFL history -- from the Arena Bowl (with the Iowa Barnstormers) to the Super Bowl (with the St. Louis Rams).

Warner did not get a call from Cutler, but he would have told him all about Martz.

''I think he presents you, as a quarterback, with unique opportunities to succeed, and succeed at a high level,'' Warner said.

''That's the Catch-22 -- he puts you in positions to do that, and if you can handle it all, and you can do what he puts you in a position to do, then you can have great success. But if not, then you can go in completely the other direction.''

Or, as Warner put it, ''You can implode.''

But there's something about Cutler that makes Warner believe the young quarterback can survive the Martz roller coaster.

''One of Jay's greatest strengths is his confidence,'' Warner said. ''He doesn't seem to be easily shaken.

''And I think that's one of the biggest attributes you can have when dealing with Mike. He's going to throw things at you, and there's going to be frustration.''

Warner pointed to 2001, one of his two MVP seasons. Martz's nature is ''high risk and high reward,'' Warner said, which is why he threw 22 interceptions that season.

''I'm going to make mistakes, but I'm going to make three plays to overcome those mistakes. That's not easy for everyone to do, to just shake stuff off.

''You can't be gun-shy, and that's one thing I've seen with Jay. He's got supreme confidence. I think that's going to be one his greatest strengths.''

Cutler is ''extremely talented,'' Warner said, but he also raised one potential roadblock: Martz's offense, known as ''The Greatest Show on Turf,'' was predicated on timing.

''It was so much about anticipation,'' Warner said. ''When I've watched Jay -- not that it's a bad thing -- but he looks like a guy who relies more on his physical gifts, and he watches things develop and buys some time.

''I wonder how that's going to mix. I'm not saying he can't anticipate, but I just haven't seen that when I've watched him. He may throw some things later than I would, because of his arm strength and his ability to move.''

Warner said Martz is demanding, something the coach already has conveyed to Cutler.

''His expectations for himself are high,'' Martz said of Cutler. ''This guy is all about winning now. He's frustrated he's not at the elite level, and he can't contribute to help that football team win.''

Warner said he got a call from Bears coach Lovie Smith, but they did not connect. Still, Smith saw up close how Martz works with his offensive players.

''I saw the results,'' said Smith, the Rams' defensive coordinator from 2001 to 2003. ''I saw players that had not had a lot of success in the league.

''I just thought it would be a great fit to have Mike work with a guy with the type of talent Jay Cutler has. ... Mike can help Jay in a lot of ways, from fundamentals to decision making to everything you have to do on game day.''

Meanwhile, Warner said Martz is smart enough to tailor his offense based on his personnel.

''Just because we were a four-receiver team doesn't mean anything,'' Warner said. ''He'll build his offense around whoever his playmakers are.''

For his part, Martz on Monday noted that he would analyze the team's personnel -- general manager Jerry Angelo made clear not to expect wholesale changes -- and other factors, like playing at Soldier Field, ''then proceed from there.''

''Really, it's about winning games and doing whatever it takes,'' Martz said, noting that he had top-10-ranked run offenses during his Rams tenure.

Still, Warner said Martz's roller coaster doesn't stay grounded for long.

''That's not how he's built,'' Warner said. ''He likes a high-flying, attacking type of offense.''

Despite Martz's comments, Angelo seems to know what's coming.

''We'll wait and see what Mike does,'' Angelo said. ''Obviously, we know what Mike's reputation is. He likes to throw the football. He's very aggressive in play calling. He runs an attacking offense.

''We wanted to make a change, wanted to be something different than what we were.''

[Jimp210]

I absolutely can't wait to see this. The question is which fantasy players to draft? Some of them are going to be huge values where they're picked up.

I'm shooting with Cutler, Knox, and for his pass catching abilities Forte. And actually, I'd almost guarantee where you get him Greg Olsen will have a ton of value. Martz always makes the most of what hes got. His rushing offense has been terrible because he had no RB in Detroit, and SF couldn't block for Gore. His YPC in the Martz offense was awful for an 'elite back'.... 4.3.(Actually wasn't that amazing this year for that title considering all the long runs he had... 4.9)

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears hire DeBord as tight ends coach (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6527)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Tuesday hired Mike DeBord as their tight ends coach.

DeBord spent the last two seasons with the Seahawks as an offensive line assistant under Mike Holmgren in 2008 and tight ends coach for Jim Mora in 2009.

This past season DeBord, 53, tutored second-year tight end John Carlson, who caught 51 passes for 574 yards and a team-leading 7 touchdowns.

Prior to joining the Seahawks, DeBord spent 26 seasons in the college ranks, including 12 years at the University of Michigan from 1992-99 and 2004-07. In between those stints, DeBord was head coach at Central Michigan for four seasons from 2000-03.

A four-year letterman on the offensive line at Manchester College, DeBord began his coaching career at Franklin College in Indiana in 1982 after receiving his master’s degree from Ball State in 1981.

He was also an assistant coach at Fort Hays (1984-86), Eastern Illinois (1987-88), Ball State (1989), Colorado State (1990-91) and Northwestern (1992) before joining the Michigan staff.

DeBord is the third offensive coach the Bears have hired this offseason, and all are named Mike. He joins new offensive coordinator Mike Martz and offensive line coach Mike Tice.

[DMBZeppelin]

Faulk: Martz will be 'eye-opening' for Cutler (http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/9682/faulk-martz-will-be-eye-opening-for-cutler)

MIAMI -- Former St. Louis running back Marshall Faulk was a popular guy Tuesday at Super Bowl media day. Now an NFL Network analyst, Faulk has some special insight when it comes to Chicago’s new offensive coordinator.

Indeed, Faulk played seven seasons for the Rams when Mike Martz was either the offensive coordinator or head coach. I asked Faulk what advice he would give Bears players as they prepare for the transition.

“Just be in shape,” Faulk said. “You’ll actually practice harder than you play in a game.”

The dynamic everyone wants to know about, of course, is Martz’s relationship with quarterback Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597). They seemed to hit it off well enough during a weekend meeting in Tennessee, but Faulk said there is no way Cutler can be prepared for what Martz is about to throw at him.

“I’m not sure how [former Denver coach] Mike Shanahan coached him,” Martz said. “And I don’t know how [former Bears offensive coordinator] Ron [Turner] coached him. But this will be eye-opening for him. He’ll never have as much on his plate as he has now. He’ll never complain about throwing the football. Trust me. This will be an experience for him. Last year, he looked like he was bored in the Bears’ offense, maybe a little frustrated.

“If he’s frustrated next year, it won’t be because he is bored.”

We have yet to hear from Cutler on the Martz hire. If he’s smart, he’ll wholly embrace it. More often than not, Martz has elevated the play of the quarterbacks he’s coached.

My corporate cousin Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com spoke with Faulk (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664208/faulk-be-prepared-when-playing-for-martz) about other aspects of the Martz’s offense, including how it might change the roles of tight end Greg Olsen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10475) and tailback Matt Forte (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11278).

[DMBZeppelin]

Faulk: Be prepared when playing for Martz (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664208/faulk-be-prepared-when-playing-for-martz)

MIAMI -- Former All-Pro running back Marshall Faulk (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=548) offered up sound advice about Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

"If you mess up, if you don't do your job, if you don't work hard, he's extremely difficult to deal with," Faulk said during Tuesday's Super Bowl media day at Sun Life Stadium. "If you decide to take a day off, you will hate Mike Martz. If you show up for work or for a meeting and you're not prepared, you will hate him. It's that simple."

Faulk, who spent seven seasons with Martz in St. Louis, disputes the theory that Martz's offensive system may prove too difficult to learn for some players.

"It's not about the offense, it's about the quarterback," Faulk said. "If the quarterback can call it and learn it, everybody else can call it and learn it, because the quarterback has more on his plate than anybody else. Everything is based on the quarterback. They're going to run what Cutler can handle."

"The learning curve is based on Cutler, and what his abilities are. I mean, he's a Vanderbilt guy, he should be able to digest it in a week."

Historically, Martz has placed a lower priority on running the ball and involving the tight end in the passing the game, but Faulk expects both to be non-issues in Chicago, and even predicted Matt Forte (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11278) will embrace the new opportunity.

"He'll love it, if he can just understand and come to grips with the fact that a screen pass or a check down is just like getting a handoff and breaking the line of scrimmage,” Faulk said. “If you can fix that in your head, and not expect to get 30 carries a game, then you can play and play well in Mike's offense."

"[Also], this will be the best tight end he's ever had," Faulk said. "[Greg] Olsen will be the best tight end he's ever had.”

[DMBZeppelin]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0202-bears-oc-chicago--20100201,0,4576935.story

Martz, who lauded the work of wide receivers coach Darryl Drake and running backs coach Tim Spencer, will be involved with the hiring of the remainder of the offensive staff. The word in the coaching community is he would like to hire Adam Gase as quarterbacks coach. Gase coaches wide receivers in Denver and worked for Martz in San Francisco and Detroit. It's unknown if the Broncos would allow him to leave. The Bears already interviewed Mike DeBord for the tight ends position.

[DMBZeppelin]

:lol We took Garrett Wolfe.


Turner pushed for former Illini star Thomas (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicagobears/post/_/id/4664212/turner-pushed-for-former-illini-star-thomas?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

MIAMI -- For a brief moment nearly three years ago, New Orleans Saints (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nor) running back Pierre Thomas (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10713) thought he might end up playing for his hometown Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) after receiving a phone call from his former college coach, Ron Turner.

"[Turner, then the Bears offensive coordinator] definitely did give me call during the 2007 draft," Thomas said Tuesday at Super Bowl media day. "He scared me a little bit because I thought it was the phone call I was waiting for. It was the third round in the draft, and I got [caller ID] saying Turner, I was like please tell me this is the phone call I've been waiting for."

It wasn't.

"He just wanted to wish me best of luck and [that] he's been telling those guys [Bears] about me, trying to pull for me," Thomas said.

Turner's sales job fell short as Thomas ended up signing with the Saints as an undrafted free agent, and is now a major cog in coach Sean Payton's offense -- 1,095 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns in the 2009 regular season.

"I know Turner did his best to try to get me there, but hey, I'm with a good team right now," Thomas said.

[DMBZeppelin]

Colts' Williams could be good fit for Bears (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664218/colts-williams-could-be-good-fit-for-bears?campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

MIAMI -- If Lovie Smith still intends to look outside the organization for a defensive coordinator, then it's hard to knock the qualifications of Indianapolis Colts secondary coach Alan Williams.

"I've had good guys to work with," Williams said Tuesday. "Coach [Tony] Dungy is probably the best that there is in terms of being able to communicate, and communicating what he wants done and how he wants to do it.

“I've had a chance to work with Mont Kiffin, Rod Marinelli and Mike Tomlin, Actually, Tomlin is the reason why I'm in the NFL, because he recommended me for the [defensive assistant] job down in Tampa [in 2001]. I've also worked with [Indianapolis defensive coordinator] Larry Coyer, who brought something different to our Tampa 2 system, so I've had good teachers and good training."

After spending just one season in Tampa, Williams made the jump to Indianapolis with Dungy in 2002, where he has overseen defensive backs for the last eight years. Although Williams never actually served on the same staff with Smith, it sounds like the two coaches have a solid relationship.

"I know Lovie well," Williams said. "He's a very good coach. When I first got to Tampa, one of the first things Monte Kiffin said when I got there was that Lovie was well beyond his years in terms of coaching linebackers. Monte knew Lovie would be a great coordinator and a great head coach, one of those rare coaches that come a long every so often."

[DMBZeppelin]

Hub Arkush brought up some interesting points on the Score today. He said Forte is a good enough receiver for this offense, but he's not really the type of runner you need. He brought up examples of being a running back in this system, and how it doesn't play to his strengths. He said Chester Taylor is an unrestricted free agent (regardless of CBA shit) and the Vikings probably won't tag him. Said he'd be a really good fit in this offense. Just food for thought.

[DMBZeppelin]

Kurt Warner did an interview with CSN Chicago: http://www.csnchicago.com/02/02/10/Warner-Talks-Martz-Retirement-on-CTL/landing_09.html?blockID=173968&feedID=661 (http://www.csnchicago.com/02/02/10/Warner-Talks-Martz-Retirement-on-CTL/landing_09.html?blockID=173968&feedID=661)

You can go to that link to watch it. Here's some things he had to say...

Do you think that Martz is a good fit for our quarterback Jay Cutler?:

"I think he's a good fit for Jay. I think Jay in his confident, aggressive attacking style is going to fit perfectly for what Mike does. It's the same kind of quarterback I was. More of a gunslinger. Loved to have the ball in my hands. Loved to have opportunities to make plays down the field. I think it's going to be a great mix for those two guys. The big thing is all the pieces around them. Because the thing about Mike is he loves to be aggressive. Loves to utilize talented players and spread them out, and attack down the field. And that's going to be the big key. Does he have the right pieces in place to run his offense? I think they have a number of them there. I think they're going to be a lot more exciting, but time will tell.

---------------------------------------------

I'd copy other parts of the transcript, but most of it's wrong. It's like they paraphrased the whole thing. I edited the above by adding in what he actually said. Some other things he talked about. Be ready for an aggressive offense. When they led the league in scoring in 2001 they also led the league in turnovers. It gives you chances to make plays, but it also gives the defense a lot of chances.

He also touched on coming to the Bears in 2005. He wanted to because he loves Lovie. Loves everything he stands for. They have a relationship from their Rams days together. The reason he didn't come here was because he was told

"When I came in for my visit. They told me 'Hey, we feel good with our young guys. We're going to start in that order. If you can make your way up from the #3 quarterback and win the job, then you'll be our starter.' After the experiences I had had. I was really looking for more assurance than that I can be a starter, or at least have a chance right away to compete for a starting position. So, from that stand point it was never really close. So it was considered. I would have loved to have been there, apart of that organization, under Coach Smith. The timing just wasn't right from a position standpoint, for me to make that move."

Here's what I want to know. Who was the #2 when we turned down Kurt. Chad Hutchinson or Kyle Orton? To think we could of had Warner leading the Bears in the 2006 Super Bowl.

[DMBZeppelin]

With DeBord on board, only quarterbacks coach vacant on offense (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0203-bears-defensive-coach-chicago20100202,0,5775971.story)

Bears coach Lovie Smith (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic) said his original goal was to have his staff set by Super Bowl (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/super-bowl-EVSPR000004.topic) XLIV, and he's are making progress toward that.

Mike DeBord was hired as the tight ends coach on Tuesday, and Shane Day will arrive at Halas Hall today with a good chance of being hired as quarterbacks coach, a league source said. Day has spent the last three seasons as a quality control coach for the 49ers (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/san-francisco-49ers-ORSPT000057.topic), working with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz in 2007 and 2008.

Previously, Day was an assistant quarterbacks coach at Michigan where he worked under DeBord, the former offensive coordinator of the Wolverines.

Another league source said the Bears (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) couldn't get Martz's top choice to be quarterbacks coach, Adam Gase, out of his contract in Denver where he is the Broncos wide receivers coach.

If the Bears finalize things with Day, that will leave the defensive coordinator opening as the only major position for Smith to fill. He has backtracked off his original comments following the season that he would seek a candidate from outside the organization.

[Tiduwho]

Bears hire DeBord as tight ends coach (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6527)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Tuesday hired Mike DeBord as their tight ends coach.

DeBord spent the last two seasons with the Seahawks as an offensive line assistant under Mike Holmgren in 2008 and tight ends coach for Jim Mora in 2009.

This past season DeBord, 53, tutored second-year tight end John Carlson, who caught 51 passes for 574 yards and a team-leading 7 touchdowns.

Prior to joining the Seahawks, DeBord spent 26 seasons in the college ranks, including 12 years at the University of Michigan from 1992-99 and 2004-07. In between those stints, DeBord was head coach at Central Michigan for four seasons from 2000-03.

A four-year letterman on the offensive line at Manchester College, DeBord began his coaching career at Franklin College in Indiana in 1982 after receiving his master’s degree from Ball State in 1981.

He was also an assistant coach at Fort Hays (1984-86), Eastern Illinois (1987-88), Ball State (1989), Colorado State (1990-91) and Northwestern (1992) before joining the Michigan staff.

DeBord is the third offensive coach the Bears have hired this offseason, and all are named Mike. He joins new offensive coordinator Mike Martz and offensive line coach Mike Tice.


They should have hired that Mike Ditker!

[Doors Allan Coe]

***Rumor Alert***

On ESPN.com today they had a "rumor" that the Bear may be shopping Greg Olsen around for draft picks. Whether that is based on truth or not, I have no idea. But, I ask you guys... if that is the case, what do you think would be enough?

Olsen was a 1st round pick. He shows he has the ability to be dangerous. He hasn't show that he can dominate opponents week in and week out. His blocking skills aren't amazing, but he is a great young player.

I personally am a huge fan of Olsen. I would pain me to see him go. What are your thoughts?

[AlexK79]

***Rumor Alert***

On ESPN.com today they had a "rumor" that the Bear may be shopping Greg Olsen around for draft picks. Whether that is based on truth or not, I have no idea. But, I ask you guys... if that is the case, what do you think would be enough?

Olsen was a 1st round pick. He shows he has the ability to be dangerous. He hasn't show that he can dominate opponents week in and week out. His blocking skills aren't amazing, but he is a great young player.

I personally am a huge fan of Olsen. I would pain me to see him go. What are your thoughts?

I don't think I would trade him for less that a #1 and a #2. And I don't think anyone would be willing to give that up. I know we are short on picks, but the last thing we need to be doing right now is trading away talented young offensive players. I know there are worries that Martz won't utilize Olsen well enough, but if we don't make the playoffs this year there's a strong chance that Martz will be gone anyway, so let's not get rid of him just yet.

[DMBZeppelin]

Dungy sees Williams, Lovie as solid match (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/2028522,CST-SPT-bearnt04.article)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Tony Dungy hopes he can connect two of the branches on his coaching tree.

The former Super Bowl champion head coach gave Bears coach Lovie Smith and Indianapolis Colts defensive backs coach Alan Williams their first NFL jobs in Tampa Bay, and he strongly believes they should work together in 2010.

''There's a lot of good coaches out there,'' Dungy told the Sun-Times on Tuesday. ''But I know what Lovie's looking for -- the way he wants to run things -- and I think Alan would perfect.''

On Monday, Williams told the Sun-Times all coordinator jobs are ''intriguing'' and said it would be ''neat to explore the opportunity'' if the Bears do want to speak to him. Dungy said he hasn't spoken to Smith, but he said he would tell him that Williams is ''special.''

''[Williams] is going to be a defensive coordinator and then be a head coach, and he's going to do things the right way,'' Dungy said. ''And I'll be proud when that happens.''

Dungy gave Smith his first NFL job in 1996, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers coach. But when he left the Bucs in 2001 to become the St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator, Dungy hired Williams as a defensive quality control assistant. The following year, when he took over the Colts, Dungy hired Williams as his defensive backs coach.

''[Williams] was with me eight years, and I've watched him develop,'' Dungy said. ''He's very much in that mold of Leslie [Frazier] and Mike [Tomlin]. He's a communicator, and he's thoughtful.''

Former Dungy assistants who have become head coaches include Smith, Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers), Rod Marinelli (Detroit Lions) and Jim Caldwell (Colts).

Dungy credited Williams with helping young players like Antoine Bethea and Kelvin Hayden make a quick impact.

''Because of our salary-cap situation, we were never going to have all those veteran DBs,'' Dungy said, noting that the exception was two-time Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders. ''We let Nick Harper go, and Hayden had to play. We've almost turned the secondary over twice since he's been there.

''That's where Alan was so critical.''

Dungy said there's ''no question'' that Williams is ready to be a coordinator, adding that he believed the Bucs would hire him last year as the defensive coordinator. But Bucs head coach Raheem Morris decided to hire Jim Bates, who had a background different from the Tampa-2 long run there. In November, the Bucs fired Bates, and Morris took over the defensive coordinator duties.

[DMBZeppelin]

Coordinator Coyer has given team's Cover-2 new dimensions (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0204-pompei-colts-super-bowl--20100203,0,1482834.story)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Say hello to the future of the Cover-2 scheme.
Bigger, more physical defensive tackles. More blitzing. More man-to-man. And more pre-snap disguises.

What the Colts (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/baltimore-colts-ORSPT000159.topic) defense has morphed into under new coordinator Larry Coyer is part of the natural evolution of the scheme. If it had not changed, quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints likely would go through it Sunday like an electric saw through a two-by-four.

Once Colts coach Jim Caldwell took over for Tony Dungy after last season, he recognized the need to tweak his defense. He replaced coordinator Ron Meeks with Coyer.

Coyer, with 45 years of experience, didn't overhaul the defense as much as he adapted it to the demands it would face in the 2009 season. The result was a defense that ranked second in the league in points allowed going into the second-to-last game of the season, when the Colts began resting starters.

Coyer knew he didn't have the chess pieces to play the Cover-2 the way the Colts had been playing it.

"The talent level you need to play the Cover-2 truly the way it was designed is extreme," he said. "You've got to have the [Warren] Sapps, the pass rushers and linebackers who are physical and fast. It has become very difficult to put the personnel together to be a pure Cover-2 team."

Asked if he thought the concept was losing effectiveness, Coyer said: "Everything happens in cycles. People have worked really hard against the Cover-2. For a while it gave West Coast offenses a hard time. It reduced the passing field to a small area. People have learned how to stretch out Cover-2 and take advantage of the linebacker in the middle of the field. They have been running the football because it's a seven-man front, so you're really a gap short."

Coyer talked about wanting to be different from the old Cover-2 defenses. He said the Vikings, for instance, were different from most that played the scheme because of how big and physical they were up front.

So one of the first missions was to beef up at tackle. They promoted 312-pound Daniel Muir and 310-pound Antonio Johnson to the starting lineup. They helped make the Colts more physical and stout against the run.

Coyer talked to Colts defenders and asked them how they envisioned the defense changing. They said they wanted to adopt a more aggressive mentality. And they have.

"We're not a bend-but-don't-break defense, sitting back and taking it," Colts cornerback Kelvin Hayden said. "This year, we are taking it to the offense and making the offense show their hand. We force them to make plays down the field instead of having us sit back in zone, letting the quarterback pick and choose what he wants to do. It's a more aggressive defense, trying to put the quarterback in tough situations."

In 2008, the Colts played some form of zone about 80 percent of the time according to players and coaches. But this season, they played it no more than 40 percent of the time.

The rest was good, old fashioned man-to-man. They were fortunate their corners were up to the challenge. Most times, teams play zone because their corners aren't good enough to play man.

Hayden can play anything, and the Colts' pass coverage was lifted by the play of rookie corners Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey.

"It's a very attacking attitude, more of the mindset that you're going to adjust to us, we're not going to adjust to you," linebacker Clint Session said.

The Colts have attacked more up front, blitzing about 10 percent of their snaps compared with 2 percent last year, Coyer said.

"With the scheme now, they can't double on our defensive ends," Session said. "They have to respect our backers blitzing, our safeties blitzing."
The Colts defense is proof the scheme still has value if it's deployed properly and it has the right personnel components.

"We are still a Cover-2 scheme," middle linebacker Gary Brackett said. "We still play a lot of Cover-2 throughout the game. I just think we do a little bit more."

[DMBZeppelin]

I find the above article very important because Williams has seen this first hand and helped coached this. We need someone who can convince Lovie that we need to evolve from some of the crap we currently do in our Cover 2. Especially when it comes to playing our secondary way too deep. Tillman and Bowman are good enough to play man. They can be more aggressive. No one puts the safeties farther back then we do.

[BotheDMBFan]

Bowman has about 9000 INTs though. Hypothetically.

[DMBZeppelin]

Cutler excited about working with new offensive coordinator (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6531)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Quarterback Jay Cutler enjoyed meeting with Mike Martz last Saturday in Nashville and is eager to begin working with the new Bears offensive coordinator.

Cutler and Martz talked football in a Vanderbilt classroom and went out for dinner together. On Monday, the veteran NFL coach was hired to run the Bears offense in place of the fired Ron Turner.

“I felt very comfortable with him,” Cutler said. “The results of his offense speak for themselves. He had a lot of success in St. Louis and his offenses made improvements each year in Detroit and San Francisco. I haven’t run his system, but I am familiar with it. I’m anxious to start digesting the playbook and getting back on the field.”

Martz always has had high expectations for the quarterbacks he’s worked with and doesn’t think that Cutler will have a problem with the demands placed on him.

“The connection that we had on really I guess more less an intellectual level was so much fun for me,” Martz said. “His expectations for himself are extremely high, and that was one of the great things about meeting with him. This guy’s all about winning now. He’s frustrated he’s not at an elite level and he can’t contribute to helping that football team win.

“There are so many things that came out of [the meeting] about Jay that were exciting for me just on who he is, and to kind of discuss what he’s about was very encouraging.”

Martz spoke to Cutler about comments the coach had made on NFL Network about the quarterback following the Bears’ Week 1 loss to the Packers. At the time, Martz criticized Cutler’s demeanor in his post-game press conference after he had thrown a career-high four interceptions in a 21-15 loss.

“He just doesn’t get it,” Martz said at the time. "He doesn’t understand that he represents a great head coach and the rest of those players on that team.”

“I addressed that immediately with Jay,” Martz said. “The thing I told Jay—and I said this a few days after that show—the thing I felt bad when I watched that was I felt like I knew who Jay was. I met with him when he was coming out in the draft [in the 2006] for quite some time up in Detroit.

“I felt like I had a pretty good understanding of who he was and the integrity and the dignity that he has and how classy a guy he is, and how he kind of misrepresented himself with that and really that was totally out of frustration from that game.

“He’s going to be one of the elite players in this league for a long time and those are things that he’s just going to have to deal with. That was a very difficult situation for him, very difficult, but a great experience for him to go through it and know now you’ve just got to kind of take that deep breath before you go in there [to a press conference].

“As a former head coach you go through those things and collect yourself a little bit and then go in there. It just did not I didn’t think demonstrate who he really was in that, and those are all learning experiences for all of us.”

[DMBZeppelin]

Hester appeared on Waddle and Silvy. He wants to be a full time returner again. Only the Bears will get in the way of this happening. I thought this was worth posting:


Waddle & Silvy: Any chance we can see you returning kickoffs and punts fulltime for the Bears next year?

Hester: I wouldn't doubt it. I mean to be honest I really don't know. I would love to get back in that situation with the return game. But at the same time I told coach I'm a team player. So wherever y'all want me to go, I'm willing to do it.

Waddle & Silvy: But if it's up to you and you had your choice, of cutting back a little bit on wide receiver duties and being full time punts and kickoffs, or being a number one wide receiver, which one would you choose?
Hester: I know what I'm best at. The return game is my bread and butter, so if I had to cut back on my receiving and go back to returning, that's something I would love to do.

Waddle & Silvy: That's great. That is fantastic to hear, because as fans we feel like we're being cheated. Because you're not back there everytime on kickoffs and punts.

Hester: Right, but at the same time it's a team effort thing. 100% of the time the players don't make the call. So you just have to go with the flow.

Waddle & Silvy: 13 touchowns in a matter of two years. A lot of people said special teamers can't keep up that pace. What is the main reason that your pace slowed down for returning it back all the way?

Hester: I guess we pretty much hit it right on the head when we said the receving. Becoming a full time receiver, it's real tough coming out there being a full time receiver and then trying to do the return game. As a returner you have to have fresh legs everytime you get out there.

Waddle & Sivly: Hey Devin are you excited about the announcment that Mike Martz will be your new offensive coordinator?

Hester: Man, I am so excited about this situation. With bringing him in, and with Jay coming back. And then the receiving core showing that we're capable of making plays. There's 4-5 guys on the receiving core that are capable of making plays. It's a nice offensive scheme with 4-5 wide. I think it's going to be a great situation for us this year, and that we can make plays to give the fans what they want to see.

Waddle & Silvy: How would you describe your relationship, after one year, with Jay Cutler?

Hester: It got real strong towards the end of the season. Jay is kind of a quiet type of guy. You've really got to kind of pick at him to open up to you. Toward the end of the season we bonded, got on the same page, and I'm hoping that continues throughout the rest of my career and his.

Waddle & Silvy: Is he a good leader, Devin, in the huddle?

Hester: Oh ya he is. He don't show it outside of the huddle. I tell a lot of the people he don't show it outside of the huddle. Once we get in that huddle he's joking and laughing and getting everybody all riled up to go out and play.

Waddle & Silvy: So do you believe that this team is capable, with Lovie Smith as the head coach, to rebound and make a run next year in the post season.

Hester: I really do think so. I think with the weapons we have on offense. We have a lot of quiet weapons on offense. It's going to shock a lot of people. When you spread the type of guys that we have, when you spread them out across the field it's going to be real hard to stop us.

[Bron Yr Aur]

At this point, Hester is probably past his prime in the return game. 2 years ago, yeah, they shouldn't have fucked a good thing up. Now, do I think he can get back to the level he was at? Doubt it. At the moment he's our best WR so....

That said, if Aromashodu and Knox and Bennett step up and show that they can be strong receivers, it's definitely worth it to give Hester another shot at returning.

Also, I think Devin is a bit overly optimistic about the offensive "weapons."

[DMBZeppelin]

At this point, Hester is probably past his prime in the return game. 2 years ago, yeah, they shouldn't have fucked a good thing up. Now, do I think he can get back to the level he was at? Doubt it. At the moment he's our best WR so....
I agree, but we won't know if we don't try. Hester is only 27. When we switched him to receiver full time it made an immediate impact on his return game. Maybe if he goes back to being a full time returner we'll be suprised. Plus Hester will probably not be good in this new system with how complicated the routes are. It took him 3+ years to learn the West Coast Offense. Who knows maybe Hester will surprise me. I view him as our 3rd best receiver right now behind Aromashadu and Knox.

[DMBZeppelin]

The Bears have finalized their coaching staff for 2010.

Defensive Coordinator - Rod Marinelli (Formerly D-Line coach)
Defensive Line Coach - Eric Washington (Formerly Asst. D-Line coach)
Defensive Quality Control - Mikal Smith (Lovie Smith's son)
Quarterback Coach - Shane Day
Offensive Quality Control - Andrew Hayes-Stoker

Day was a quality control coach with the San Francisco 49ers the past three seasons, working with Martz in 2008. Day also worked with new Bears tight ends coach Mike DeBord at Michigan in 2005-06, serving as assistant quarterbacks and quality control coach. His other duties included opponent film breakdown and recruiting.

Hayes-Stocker has been with us since 2007. I know at one point he had the title of football operations assisant. He was LT's backup at TCU. So I have no idea what he or Lovie's son do exactly to control quality.

[DMBZeppelin]

The only reason you announce this on a Friday afternoon is because you're embarrassed about it. I'm kind of pissed we didn't wait till after Sunday to just interview Williams from the Colts. What harm could it do? I mean I know Lovie wanted Marinelli as DC when he became coach in 2004, but Marinelli has more work to do with this d-line. Especially when Lovie promised a new DC who could bring in new ideas. You know what Marinelli's ideas are? The same as Lovie's.

[AlexK79]

The only reason you announce this on a Friday afternoon is because you're embarrassed about it. I'm kind of pissed we didn't wait till after Sunday to just interview Williams from the Colts. What harm could it do? I mean I know Lovie wanted Marinelli as DC when he became coach in 2004, but Marinelli has more work to do with this d-line. Especially when Lovie promised a new DC who could bring in new ideas. You know what Marinelli's ideas are? The same as Lovie's.

Not to mention the fact that he's never called defensive plays on gameday before - he went from being D-line coach in Tampa to HC in Detroit back to D-line with the Bears.

What that says to me is that it's still Lovie that is going to be running the show on D. I would have really liked to bring in Williams because he's been working under a guy who has been able to successfully make changes to the Cover 2 scheme and adapt it so it can still be successful. With Marinelli we're getting the same old, same old.

[DMBZeppelin]

I was listening to Boers and Bernstein today. They talked about how they put the 2000 Rams offensive playbook on the Score's website. Obviously the Martz offensive might be a little different now, but a lot of stuff is probably the same. So if you're a football nerd check it out: http://imgsrv.670thescore.com/image/wscr2/UserFiles/File/2000-Rams-Offense.pdf

[Bron Yr Aur]

Haha this season is going to be laughably bad. Lovie, Martz, and Marinelli. L-O-fucking-L

I can't wait to watch this team to 4-12 and who will everybody blame? Cutler, of course.

[BotheDMBFan]

I was listening to Boers and Bernstein today. They talked about how they put the 2000 Rams offensive playbook on the Score's website. Obviously the Martz offensive might be a little different now, but a lot of stuff is probably the same. So if you're a football nerd check it out: http://imgsrv.670thescore.com/image/wscr2/UserFiles/File/2000-Rams-Offense.pdf

Pffft. That was one of them.

Martz added hundreds of plays a week.

[DMBZeppelin]

Tra Thomas, Torry Holt will be released by Jaguars (http://jacksonville.com/sports/football/jaguars/2010-02-05/story/tra_thomas_torry_holt_will_be_released_by_jaguars)

MIAMI — Wide receiver Torry Holt and offensive tackle Tra Thomas, two veteran free agents who were signed last year, won’t be returning to the Jaguars next season.

The Jaguars can’t make the moves official until next week because players can’t be waived before Monday, but the players were given advance notice because they both hope to continue their careers, and the Jaguars want to give them time to find new teams.

Holt, 33, was the Jaguars’ third-leading receiver with 51 catches for 722 yards this season.

[DMBZeppelin]

Now if we can pull off a sign/trade for Marshall, Boldin, or Jackson then obviously we go get them. Maybe the CBA gets redone and Boldin and Jackson are unstricted free agents that will change things too. I see no reason we can't cut Rashid Davis and sign Holt. He can help the young receivers learn this offense. Not to mention he still has something left in the tank. Only problem is this team is full of #2 and #3 receivers. I think it be a smart move to pick him up.

[Bron Yr Aur]

Now if we can pull off a sign/trade for Marshall, Boldin, or Jackson then obviously we go get them. Maybe the CBA gets redone and Boldin and Jackson are unstricted free agents that will change things too. I see no reason we can't cut Rashid Davis and sign Holt. He can help the young receivers learn this offense. Not to mention he still has something left in the tank. Only problem is this team is full of #2 and #3 receivers. I think it be a smart move to pick him up.

Definitely would be smart to pick him up.

Would love one of the other three but this is the Bears. When have we ever spent money on a big name offensive player in free agency?

[Tiduwho]

Did Dent get into the Hall of Fame?

[rangel0004]

Did Dent get into the Hall of Fame?

Negative. Finalist again and then got denied....again.

[DMBZeppelin]

Did Dent get into the Hall of Fame?
All-time greats Jerry Rice (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12) and Emmitt Smith (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=72) led a class of seven into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.

The NFL's career receiving and rushing leaders were joined in the Hall by John Randle (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=196), Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=6516), Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau. Little and LeBeau were elected as senior committee nominees.
When Dent retired he had 137.5 sacks which was 3rd all time. Only behind Reggie White and Bruce Smith. He's currently tied at 6th with the same John Randle elected today. Dent was the catalyst to one of the all time great defenses. You could argue that he was great because he had help, but the whole d-line was in place when he got there. Before he got there they weren't close to being dominant. Dent's first year was 1983. Dent's last year as a Bear was 1993 (though he had a one year stint in 95).

1982 Bears: 30.0 sacks, 13 interceptions [13th ranked defense]
1983 Bears: 51.0 sacks, 21 interceptions [5th ranked defense]
1993 Bears: 45.0 sacks, 18 interceptions [3rd ranked defense]
1994 Bears: 28.0 sacks, 12 interceptions [10th ranked defense]

There's was a huge change when he got here, and a huge change when he left. He had much more to do with the Bears success then Hall of Famer Dan Hampton. I don't understand why he hasn't made it in yet.

[JRS1386]

http://www.milehighreport.com/2010/1/31/1286575/i-take-no-credit-for-making-this

[BotheDMBFan]

When Dent retired he had 137.5 sacks which was 3rd all time. Only behind Reggie White and Bruce Smith. He's currently tied at 6th with the same John Randle elected today. Dent was the catalyst to one of the all time great defenses. You could argue that he was great because he had help, but the whole d-line was in place when he got there. Before he got there they weren't close to being dominant. Dent's first year was 1983. Dent's last year as a Bear was 1993 (though he had a one year stint in 95).

1982 Bears: 30.0 sacks, 13 interceptions [13th ranked defense]
1983 Bears: 51.0 sacks, 21 interceptions [5th ranked defense]
1993 Bears: 45.0 sacks, 18 interceptions [3rd ranked defense]
1994 Bears: 28.0 sacks, 12 interceptions [10th ranked defense]

There's was a huge change when he got here, and a huge change when he left. He had much more to do with the Bears success then Hall of Famer Dan Hampton. I don't understand why he hasn't made it in yet.

Refusal to play politics. Or the voters are just retarded. I pick both.

[DMBZeppelin]

Mike Martz was on Mully & Hanley yesterday. You can listen to the interview here (http://www.670thescore.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=4375709) , but here's a transcript of some of the football related stuff I liked. It's a really good listen.


Mully & Hanley: [On Jay Cutler's skill set, and if it gets him firing on all synopsis.]

Mike Martz: It does, and he could take us in some areas at that position that we've not been before. Just because of his athleticism and his ability to throw the ball on the move. The only thing that I would caution everybody about. This is what Denver did on offense. When he was there they were big play action, and get the quarterback out like they did with Elway. So this is a very big part of what they do.

What I told Jay was, because he's excited about doing those things and that's great, he's really good at it. You can't put a fence around Jay and say, 'This is what he is,'. He's just too good of a player. There's nothing that this guy can't accomplish at a high level in the passing game. And what we're trying to do is broaden his horizon with that and come in and learn the five-step and the hot reads and really expand his knowledge of these things. Because he'll excel at whatever he puts his mind to doing.

Mully & Hanley: Mike, how does he compare with Kurt Warner from a talent stand point, from an intangibles stand point. Are they similar, dissimilar?

Mike Martz: It's a bit of an unfair question because Kurt has established himself in this league, and played at such a high level. Certainly Jay has got all the ability to do those kinds of things. I don't know if I've ever been around anyone with this kind of skill or just innate ability to throw the football. He's got Kurt's accuracy with a stronger arm. His mobility is just unusual. What Kurt has that I see in Jay, which is really unusual, is the ability to make terrific throws under duress. With guys coming at you, and in the grasp, and going down, and just putting the ball on target where you need to put it, and put it on rhythm.

But more importantly his ability, his unique ability rather, to see things down the field and react to them very quickly. What he sees is above average. It's way up above what normally really good quarterbacks see. And how well they digest that information, it's really remarkable. Kurt is the best I've ever seen at that. There might not ever be anybody like Kurt. But Jay has that kind of ability to see things, have the perception of when to get rid of that ball. We've just got to get these guys on the same page, and this could get really good.

Mully & Hanley: Mike there's been a lot of talk in town here, over the past year, about Devin Hester. Who is kind of making the transition still from a return man to a receiver. I assume he's going to continue to make that transition. Because he made some comments last week that indicated he might be happier as a return man. What do you see in him as a receiver, and how does he fit in this scheme in particular?

Mike Martz: We're going to use him like we used Az-Zahir Hakim. Az was a really good player for us. But Devin Hester in that role could just be stupid good, if that makes sense to you. What we could do with him inside, the matchups that we can get with him on third corners, on safeties and linebackers, and some of the defensive schemes would be absolutely remarkable.

I think it would be hard for us, and we haven't talked personnel yet. So I'm kind of out of line with this. But it would be very difficult for him to take every snap at wide receiver and play at a high level on special teams. So, we have to look at that I think. These are things we need to talk about. The role that I have in mind for him would allow him to do both and do both at a high level.

[DMBZeppelin]

Martz provides insight into his offense, Bears players (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6539)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – New Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz discussed a variety of topics with ChicagoBears.com senior writer Larry Mayer Tuesday at Halas Hall.

LM: What are the first steps you’re taking to familiarize yourself with your new players?

MM: I’m watching all the games from this past season on tape. I go through all the games and then go back and do some cut-up work to familiarize myself with what the players are physically and where they are in their development, especially some of the young guys so I can have a better feel for where they are when we start.

LM: What’s the very first thing you have to do when installing a new offense?

MM: It starts with the basics: where we stand in the huddle, how you break out of the huddle and the cadence. It begins with the very basics of Pop Warner football and then progresses from there. You kind of force-feed them. We go at a quick pace. They’re expected to learn a lot soon and they’ll get used to that because that’s what we’ll do during the season.

LM: You often hear players say that learning a new offense is like learning a new language and that it doesn’t happen overnight. How confident are you that they will know your system as well as they need to by the start of the season?

MM: They’ll learn it by the time we open up. They’ll be comfortable with it and they’ll be excited about it. During the process there are always some guys—especially older veterans who have been in another system—that struggle with it a little bit. But it’s such an easy system and it has so much flexibility that once they stop fighting it and learn it, it becomes a lot easier for them and makes a lot more sense.

LM: What are some key characteristics of your offense?

MM: The biggest thing is that it’s a three-digit system in the passing game. Three receivers get numbers, so if you’re a receiver and you know what all those numbers mean, that’s all you’ve got to do. Everybody’s told exactly what to do on every play. All you’ve got to know is what a five-route is, what a swing route is. When you start to mix and match the numbers with the tags, the combinations are endless.

LM: What are your initial impressions of Jay Cutler?

MM: I think from a physical standpoint no one would ever argue that this guy’s got very unusual skill sets. I think what some people don’t realize is how committed he is to winning, and how important it is to him. He’s a perfectionist, and the elite players in the league are like that. If they’re not at the level they think they should be, they’re not happy. That’s one of the reasons why they’re elite players. I was very impressed when I met him. We had an instant connection. It just really felt like this is somebody who I can really connect with and get excited about what we’re going to do on offense.

LM: What do you see in Matt Forte?

MM: Matt’s a complete back. So many backs have little limitations here and there. Maybe they’re not quite a good route runner or in the running game they’re a gap scheme. But Matt can do all those things. He’s a complete back much like Marshall [Faulk] was and so many backs in the league are now. We won’t go into things thinking, “We’ve got to shy away from this because this isn’t a strength of his.” That’s not the case with Matt at all.
[B]
LM: There’s been a lot of talk about how Lovie Smith wants to emphasize the running game while your offense is more pass-oriented. How would you describe what the offense will be this season?

MM: It’s pragmatic. From week to week we’ll morph into whatever it takes to win. Some weeks we’ll run the ball a lot more than we did the previous week. Our personnel will take us in certain directions. The NFL’s all about personnel match-ups. If we have a dominant match-up in the running game, then that’s what we’ll try to emphasize. If we have a receiver match-up we really like, that guy’s going to get a lot of balls that week. You don’t know what you are as an offense because you’re going to have to change every week. If you’re not flexible and if you can’t move in and out of some of that stuff, you’re going to have a hard time.

LM: What role do you envision Devin Hester filling on offense?

MM: I think he’s still the best special teams return guy in the league, period. We have to be careful about how much we ask him to do on offense. That’s really a reason the Bears have won some games is because of Devin and what he does in the return game. So we’ll be very judicious in what we ask him to do offensively. But he’ll be very involved and we’ll ask him to do some really dynamic things where we can get him isolated in [favorable] personnel match-ups.

LM: I heard you say in a radio interview that Hester will line up more as an inside slot guy like Az-Zahir Hakim did for you with the St. Louis Rams. Is that true?

MM: He’ll be outside occasionally too. But if you put him in as a third receiver and move him around inside, who’s going to match up with him, either their third corner or a safety or a nickel back? That’s what we look for. To line him up outside and leave him outside on a good corner, he’ll win out there and do well. But to me the craziness of it would be to put him inside and if they stay in a zone or leave a linebacker on him, my goodness, we can’t get him the ball fast enough.

LM: Many outsiders felt that the Bears wide receivers would be a weakness in 2009. But they surpassed most expectations and performed well. What’s your impression of the group?

MM: When you look at what these guys are on tape and what they can be, it’s absolutely worth getting excited about. They will be a major reason why we win games here. This is just a dynamic group with tons of potential. I’m really anxious to see these guys together and start to learn the system. With the speed they have and the run-after-the-catch abilities, it’s just pretty incredible.

LM: Tight ends haven’t traditionally caught a lot of passes in your offense, and Greg Olsen is known more as a receiver than a blocker. What type of contributions do you envision him making?

MM: With any tight end in any offense, when you first start looking and say that he’s a receiver and not a blocker, there’s going to be an issue. Even when you ask Tony Gonzalez, he’ll say he’s first a blocker. Otherwise, you would play with a receiver. The good ones are good at both of those things, and Greg affords us the ability to get the best of both and be a complete player at that position. If we can get him to the same level both in the running game and the passing game, then you’ve got potentially the best tight end in the league.

LM: What are your impressions of the Bears offensive line?

MM: Chris Williams at left tackle is worth getting excited about. [New line coach] Mike [Tice] will do a terrific job with him over there getting him settled. The rest of the group is going to fall into place. We’ve got the best guy in the world working with them. I have complete confidence in that; that the quarterback will be protected and we’ll run the ball very effectively. This line is potentially a better group than I’ve had in many years. For us it all starts in the offensive line. That’s the center of the universe in football for any team. It keeps the defense off the field and allows you to do what you want on offense.

[DMBZeppelin]

I think it's funny that when he's asked about the O-line on the ChicagoBears.com interview he only praises Chris Williams. Does he not like Kreutz?

[BotheDMBFan]

As long as Tice can make this O-Line decent...we could be a top 10 offense.

[Doors Allan Coe]

I'm actually getting excited for Free Agency. At least Martz is speaking openly about our team.

[Bron Yr Aur]

With all the amazing things Martz is saying about our players, you'd think we'd won 12 games last year..... :rolleyes

This should be a piece of cake, for him.

[BotheDMBFan]

With all the amazing things Martz is saying about our players, you'd think we'd won 12 games last year..... :rolleyes

This should be a piece of cake, for him.

Not his fault that he is a genius that knows how to make a lot out of a little, and Ron Turner called the same plays for 14 weeks.

[AlexK79]

I can't help but get a little excited when I read all of these Martz interviews. He really does seem to be genuinely pumped up to work with this offense. I love that he realizes the best way to use Hester is in the slot. With Bennett and Aromashodu on the outside, Hester, Knox, and Olsen should be able to really create some match up nightmares for other teams. I also like that Martz is so into making adjustments in game and calling plays based on what is happening in the moment. Turner was so married to his gameplan and never deviated no matter how unsuccessful it was on gameday.

[DMBZeppelin]

Will Bears try for Boldin—again? (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/2041053,anquan-boldin-bears-cardinals-10.article)

The Bears attempted to trade a second-round draft pick for Anquan Boldin last year. Might they be tempted to send a third rounder to the Cardinals this year, even if it means they wouldn't have a pick in the first three rounds of the draft?

The Miami Herald is reporting that the Dolphins may offer a third-round pick for the Cardinals' receiver. The Dolphins own the ninth pick in the third round while the Bears have the 11th.

The Cardinals were shopping Boldin last spring. They reportedly sought first- and third-round picks. Bears general manager Jerry Angelo offered the No. 49 pick on draft day knowing that the Bears would have to offer Boldin a lucrative contract extension. Arizona officials didn't bite.

Last month, Boldin told the Cardinals that he will not request a trade. However, with Kurt Warner retired and the emergence of Steve Breaston in the shadow of Larry Fitzgerald, the timing might be right for the Cardinals to make a deal.

[BotheDMBFan]

We won't get him.

[DMBZeppelin]

Jaguars release Torry Holt; good fit for Bears? (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/jaguars-release-torry-holt-good-fit-for-bears.html)

Let the Torry-Holt-to-the-Bears talk resume again: As expected, the Jacksonville Jaguars released the veteran wide receiver Thursday.

It was a popular topic last year after Holt left the St. Louis Rams, where he spent the first 10 years of his career, and it's sure to gain even more momentum with Mike Martz in place as the Bears' new offensive coordinator.

Holt became a star in "The Greatest Show on Turf" under Martz and his career numbers look worthy of the Hall of Fame: 920 receptions, 13,382 yards, 74 touchdowns.

But Holt, who will turn 34 in June, was only the third-leading receiver for the Jaguars. He caught 51 balls for 722 yards and no touchdowns. Jacksonville got more production out of Matt Jones the year before, and Jones wasn't in the league in 2009.

The remarkable thing about Holt is his durability. He has missed only three games in 11 seasons, but scouts have said he has issues with his knees and he's not the same player he once was.

Martz has raved about the Bears' wide receivers. He has said the position could prove to be a "diamond" and already is dropped hints about his plans, including moving Devin Hester to the slot. That would leave Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu, two players he has gushed about, and Earl Bennett in competition for starting jobs on the outside.

How do you fit Holt into that mix? Chances are, the Bears are not going to try.

They've been down that road before, bringing in a veteran wide receiver to help a young group. The feeling is it didn't do much when Marty Booker came back in 2008. Holt knows the offense, but Martz doesn't need him to teach it.

General manager Jerry Angelo has said that the arrival of veterans (particularly those well past their prime) can stunt the development of young players. While this past season was mostly a mess on offense, the Bears did come out of it feeling good about the future of their receivers. That's why they don't figure to be inclined to add Holt to the group.

[1eyed_jack]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/2042474,jay-cutler-picks-11.photogallery

very good read breaking down cutlers interceptions one-by-one.
doesn't make him sound good!

[rangel0004]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/2042474,jay-cutler-picks-11.photogallery

very good read breaking down cutlers interceptions one-by-one.
doesn't make him sound good!

Wow. Very good read-thanks for posting.

[BotheDMBFan]

Ron Jawarski doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground, honestly. Bum of a QB that makes some laughable mistakes in his analysis. Not just here, but on other things he does on ESPN.

[AlexK79]

Ron Jawarski doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground, honestly. Bum of a QB that makes some laughable mistakes in his analysis. Not just here, but on other things he does on ESPN.

Seriously, a guy with a career QB rating of 72.8 who had a TD-INT ratio of 179-164 shouldn't be criticizing anybody's game.

[rangel0004]

Seriously, a guy with a career QB rating of 72.8 who had a TD-INT ratio of 179-164 shouldn't be criticizing anybody's game.

Meh I'm not a big fan of this argument....just look at the head coaches in the NFL-most of them weren't big NFL stars or anywhere close....should they not criticize their players or do they not have any credibility when they break down film?

[DMBZeppelin]

Holt open to Martz reunion (http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4908833)

Torry Holt (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1757) had the best seasons of his career in Mike Martz's offense, and the free-agent receiver is open to a reunion with the new Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) offensive coordinator.

Holt was a seven-time Pro Bowler when he and Martz were with the St. Louis Rams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=stl), and it's his familiarity with the complex offense that he says makes him a perfect fit for the Bears as they try to learn the system.

"Absolutely I would consider coming to Chicago because of Coach Martz," Holt said Friday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "I have kept in contact with him over the course of the years. That's my guy. I've got a lot of history with Coach Martz, a lot of great years there obviously in St. Louis. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a man and as a coach. Most importantly what I respect the most is his mind. I respect his passion for the game of football. I respect the standards he sets everyday."

Holt, who posted eight straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons in St. Louis, had some advice for the Bears' receivers as they begin learning Martz's offense.

"In his system you've got to be able to run," Holt said. "That's one of the things I would tell those guys, you better be able to run, and you better be cerebral to learn, and you better have thick skin because he is so demanding. You are working with a guy who is a perfectionist. If you can't do those three things and you're not tough and you're not willing to go and block and be efficient and be quick you will not play in his system."

Holt, who will be 34 next season, spent last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=jac). The Bears were reportedly interested in Holt before last season, but elected to stick with their young receiving corps.

Holt said he made it known then that he would like to join the Bears, and, a year later, he is making it known again.

"This year I would again consider coming to Chicago and helping that football team out, helping Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597) in terms of helping him get settled in that offense and give him a quality and consistent weapon play after play along with Hester and Aromashodu and Knox and Bennett and Forte and Olsen, I mean the list goes on and on with the talent that they have," Holt said. "I think I could fit in really well with that ballclub and add a really good veteran presence."

[Tiduwho]

I thought I already posted this, but on the Score yesterday, Matt Spiegal's guy's guy said that Martz has already reached out to Holt and that it's pretty much a done deal. Holt is coming to the Bears.

[DMBZeppelin]

I thought I already posted this, but on the Score yesterday, Matt Spiegal's guy's guy said that Martz has already reached out to Holt and that it's pretty much a done deal. Holt is coming to the Bears.
I listened to the interview from the story I posted above. There was some really good quotes that didn't make it into the story. I'll be excited if he comes here. He's very willing to work with our young receivers.

Though I've heard conflicting reports on if he's coming here. I didn't hear the Spiegal thing, is his info reliable in the past? If it came from Zach Zaidman or Hub I'd be more inclined to believe it. My only issue with signing Holt is don't do it until the CBA expires. It's a shot in the dark, but what if we re-new it? Then Marshall and Vincent Jackson among others would be UFA's.

If we sign Holt does this mean no more Rashid Davis? With Martz as the OC I don't see a scenario where we have a wideout playing just special teams.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears part ways with pro personnel director (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/bears-part-ways-with-pro-personnel-director.html)

Off-season changes for the Bears continued Monday as the team parted company with the front-office executive best known for engineering the trade for quarterback Jay Cutler, two league sources confirmed.

It is unclear whether pro personnel director Bobby DePaul was fired or resigned, but he is believed to be out of a job after he was escorted out of Halas Hall.

DePaul, in his ninth year in the position, played a major role in acquiring free-agents such as John Tait and Thomas Jones as well as working behind the scenes last April to pull off the trade for Cutler with the Broncos. He is deeply connected around the league and well-respected for his ability to judge of talent and make a deal.

His relationship with general manager Jerry Angelo always was considered strong, even if it was known by insiders that DePaul and Lovie Smith didn't always see eye-to-eye.

Brash sometimes to a fault, DePaul came to the Bears in 2001 with Angelo after having served as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles' player personnel department for four years following an eight-year career as an NFL assistant coach.

DePaul entered the NFL in 1989, hired by former Bears defensive back Richie Petitbon as a member of Joe Gibbs' coaching staff at Washington, where he stayed until 1993 after winning an NFL championship with the Redskins' Super Bowl XXVI victory over Buffalo. The Bowie, Md., native then served on the Bengals coaching staff for three seasons before joining the Eagles as a scout.

[DMBZeppelin]

I really don't understand why we fired him (why else would he be escorted out). He's a guy people view as a future GM. I like how the story mentions he doesn't see eye to eye with Lovie... well ya because Lovie is a retard and does things like sign Adam Archuletta or draft Dan Bazuin. Thank you Mr. DePual for your key role in the Cutler trade.

[DMBZeppelin]

BradBiggs (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs) Firing of DePaul leads to speculation that Jerry Angelo will hire a friend from Tampa Bay for the job, ex-Seahawks GM Tim Ruskell.
37 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs/status/9161907594)from web

[DMBZeppelin]

ChicagoBears.com has released their decade crap.

Offense (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6558)
QB Rex Grossman (2003-2008)
RB Thomas Jones (2004-2006)
FB Jason McKie (2003-Present)
WR Marty Booker (2000-2003, 2008)
WR Bernard Berrian (2004-2007)
TE Desmond Clark (2003-Present)
LT John Tait (2004-2008)
RT James "Big Cat" Williams (2000-2002)
C Olin Kreutz (2000-Present)
LG Ruben Brown (2004-2007)
RG Roberta Garza (2006-Present)

Defense (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6561)
RE Alex Brown (2002-Present)
LE Adewale Ogunleye (2004-Present)
DT Tommie Harris (2004-Present)
DT Ted Washington (2001-2002)
MLB Brian Urlacher (2000-Present)
OLB Lance Briggs (2003-Present)
OLB Rosevelt Colvin (2000-2002)
CB Charles Tillman (2003-Present)
CB Nathan Vasher (2004-Present)
FS Mike Brown (2000-2008)
SS Tony Parrish (2000-2001)

Special Teams (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6561)
K Robbie Gould (2005-Present)
P Brad Maynard (2001-Present)
KR/PR Devin Hester (2006-Present)

Player of the Decade: (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6564) Brian Urlacher

[DMBZeppelin]

Ten greatest Bears games of the last decade (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6566)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – While the Bears registered a slew of big victories from 2000 through 2009, we’ve selected the following as the 10 greatest games of the past decade:

Oct. 28, 2001
Bears 37, 49ers 31 (OT)
Soldier Field

The Bears rallied from a 28-9 third-quarter deficit to stun the 49ers as Mike Brown returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown on the first play of overtime.

Chicago outscored San Francisco 28-3 over the final 23 minutes of the game, staging its biggest comeback since rallying from a 20-point deficit for a 27-26 win at Tampa Bay in 1987.

The Bears forced overtime on David Terrell’s 4-yard TD reception from Shane Matthews coupled with Anthony Thomas’ two-point conversation run with :26 remaining in the fourth quarter.

“That was unbelievable,” coach Dick Jauron said after the Bears won their fifth straight game. “I can’t tell you how good it feels. I’m so happy for our football team. We made some bad plays, some bonehead plays, but I never sensed any letdown or any give-up in any of them. What a way to win a game.”

Nov. 4, 2001
Bears 27, Browns 21 (OT)
Soldier Field

Seven days after shocking the 49ers, the Bears topped one of the most dramatic comeback victories in franchise history with an even more remarkable one.

Matthews erased a 21-7 deficit by throwing two TD passes in the final :28 of the fourth quarter—the second on a Hail Mary to a diving James Allen with no time remaining—and Brown returned an interception for a touchdown in overtime for the second straight week.

“This defies imagination,” Brown said after his game-winning 16-yard return. “If a book was written about it, I don’t think anyone would believe it. It seems like it’s fiction. I don’t know how to explain it—higher power, luck, destiny, whatever you want to call it.”

Jan. 6, 2002
Bears 33, Jaguars 13
Soldier Field

The Bears captured their first division championship since 1990 in the regular-season finale as Thomas rushed for 160 yards and the defense intercepted three passes and registered four sacks.

The play of the game was generated by mammoth defensive tackle Keith Traylor, who set up a Bears touchdown by rumbling 67 yards after picking off a short Mark Brunell pass.

“I just followed the ball,” Traylor said later. “When it landed, I said, ‘Oh, I got it. What should I do now?’ The ball landed in my hands and I just got as far as I could. I was looking for someone to pitch it to, but no one showed up. I did the best I could. I was trying to get there, but they got me.”

Dec. 25, 2005
Bears 24, Packers 17
Lambeau Field

The Bears had a very Merry Christmas in Green Bay, beating their arch rivals to clinch the NFC North title.

Making his only regular-season start after recovering from a broken ankle he sustained in the preseason, Rex Grossman threw a 12-yard TD pass to Muhsin Muhammad on the Bears’ first possession.

Lance Briggs returned a Brett Favre interception 10 yards for a TD to give the Bears a 24-7 third-quarter lead before the Packers closed to within 24-17. Chris Harris then secured the win by picking off Favre’s desperation heave in the end zone on the game’s final play.

Sept. 24, 2006
Bears 19, Vikings 16
Metrodome

After giving the Vikings a 16-12 lead on a gift-wrapped interception that cornerback Antoine Winfield returned 7 yards for a touchdown, Rex Grossman rebounded to throw a 24-yard TD pass to Rashied Davis with 1:53 to play.

The decisive score came after Tommie Harris forced a Chester Taylor fumble that Adewale Ogunleye recovered at Minnesota’s 37-yard line with 3:25 remaining in the fourth quarter.

“All good quarterbacks have to go through a little adversity,” said coach Lovie Smith. “The defense gave him an opportunity to get back on the football field and when we needed the offense to step up, Rex led them down for that big score to win the football game.”

Oct. 16, 2006
Bears 24, Cardinals 23
University of Phoenix Stadium

Trailing 23-3 late in the third quarter, the Bears staged a miraculous comeback, scoring two touchdowns on defense and one on special teams to escape with a stunning victory on Monday Night Football.

The defense scored on fumble returns of 3 yards by Brown and 40 yards by Charles Tillman before Devin Hester returned a punt 83 yards for a TD with 2:58 to play.

“When you’re a good football team you have to go through some games like that,” Smith said. “Down the way we were on the road, normally you don’t come out with those types of results. But we have a lot of character in that locker room.”

Brian Urlacher willed the Bears to the win, recording a career-high 25 tackles and forcing the fumble that Tillman returned for the score.

Jan. 14, 2007
Bears 27, Seahawks 24
Soldier Field

Robbie Gould’s 49-yard field goal with 10:02 left in overtime gave the Bears a thrilling divisional playoff win and propelled them into the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1988.

Gould’s 41-yard field goal into the wind with 4:24 remaining in the fourth quarter tied the game 24-24 after the Seahawks had scored a field goal and touchdown on their first two drives of the third quarter to erase a 21-14 halftime deficit.

“Last night I talked to the team about finishing,” Smith said. “Last year we were in this position and we were unable to finish the season up the way we wanted. We just talked about all we’ve gone through this year and that it would be a shame not to finish on a high note.”

Jan. 21, 2007
Bears 39, Saints 14
Soldier Field

After 21 years, the George Halas Trophy returned home as the Bears advanced to Super Bowl XLI with a stirring win over the Saints in the NFC Championship Game.

The Bears scored four offensive TDs without committing a turnover, generated four takeaways and outrushed the Saints 196-56 in recording their most lopsided playoff win since Super Bowl XX.

After team owner Virginia McCaskey was presented with the trophy named after her father, Smith said: “You could see it in her face how excited she was. This was a dream for her for a long time. We told her we would do that. The team told her that they would bring it to her.”

Oct. 7, 2007
Bears 27, Packers 20
Lambeau Field

The Bears scored the game’s final 17 points to stun the previously undefeated Packers on Sunday Night Football. Desmond Clark capped the comeback with a 34-yard TD reception from Brian Griese, snapping a 20-20 tie with 2:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.

After allowing 341 total yards and 15 first downs in the first half, the Bears defense held the Packers to just 98 yards and three first downs in the second half. That included five straight three-and-outs that ended with an interception and four punts.

“In the second half, the defense stepped up,” said Smith, who delivered some impassioned words to the unit at halftime. “We challenged them. That’s about as bad a first half of defense as we’ve played. But that’s about as good a second half of defense as we’ve played, and that’s when you want to play your best there at the end of the football game.”

Sept. 20, 2009
Bears 17, Steelers 14
Soldier Field

The Bears turned a 14-7 fourth-quarter deficit into a thrilling 17-14 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions in the home opener.

Quarterback Jay Cutler ignited the rally, rifling a 7-yard TD pass to rookie Johnny Knox to tie the score with 6:21 remaining before engineering another scoring drive that resulted in Gould’s winning 44-yard field goal with only :15 to play.

“Guys fought hard,” said Cutler, who completed 9 of 10 passes for 92 yards with 1 TD and a 138.3 passer rating on the Bears’ last two possessions. “We knew it was going to be 60 minutes. We knew it was going to come down to the last couple drives, and guys hung in there and we made some plays when we had to.”

[DMBZeppelin]

I don't get how the Steelers game from this season made the list, and the MNF Vikings game didn't. What about the Bears/Broncos game in 07? Rex ties the game on a pass to Berrian (who had Champ Bailey on him) on the last play in the 4th quarter. We win it in overtime. Hester returned to kicks that game.

[DMBZeppelin]

BradBiggs (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs) The #Bears (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears) have signed WR Eric Peterman and TE Richard Angulo to one-year deals. Both have been with the team before.
about 8 hours ago (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs/status/9498045171)via web

BradBiggs (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs) TE Richard Angulo spent time on #Bears (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears) practice squad in 2006. More importantly, he was drafted out of W. New Mexico by Martz in 2003.
about 8 hours ago (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs/status/9498668556)via web

BradBiggs (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs) Angulo also played under Mike Tice in Minny and Jax. He's 6-8, 272 pounds and considered a solid blocker. He was out of the NFL last year
about 8 hours ago (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs/status/9498688536)via web

CSNMoonMullin (http://twitter.com/CSNMoonMullin) TE Richard Angulo fits blocker profile that Martz prefers. Bears getting muscle at TE with Angulo, Kellen Davis and Dez Clark.
about 5 hours ago (http://twitter.com/CSNMoonMullin/status/9504880143)via web

[BotheDMBFan]

That Kieth Traylor INT is still my favorite Bears moment ever.

[DMBZeppelin]

Could Rolle be a fit for Lovie's Bears? (http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Could-Rolle-be-a-fit-for-Lovies-Bears.html)

Could you see Cardinals free safety Antrel Rolle playing in Lovie Smith's Cover 2 scheme in Chicago next season?

According to AZCardinals.com — the team’s official website — Rolle will be released before the start of free agency (http://blog.azcardinals.com/2010/02/21/two-weeks-of-decisions-set-offseasons-course/). He is due a $4 million dollar roster bonus at the start of the new league year (March 5), and his salary for 2010?

A cool $12 million.

As the NFP’s Brad Biggs points out, the Cards already have one of the league’s highest-paid safeties in Adrian Wilson (http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Biggs-Rolle-soon-to-be-an-exCardinal.html). Call it a money issue if you want, but the real story here is that Rolle is going to hit the open market.

And Lovie and Bears GM Jerry Angelo should look to make a strong offer.

The safety play in Chicago during the ’09 season was brutal. And, in Lovie’s Cover 2 system — outside of the Mike Backer — the safety play is monumental to the success of the defense. The Bears need a playmaker, someone who can drive down off of the numbers and get to the football. They have players, and even young Al Afalava did showcase some ability to hold down a starting gig in Chicago, but there isn’t a player on that roster that compares to Rolle.

Not to mention the fact that Rolle can come down from the safety position and play man-coverage and pressure-man coverage on a No. 3 WR in the slot — which allows the Bears to keep their base package on the field.

Yes, there are other areas of the Bears defense that need to be examined — such as defensive end and the corner position opposite Charles Tillman. But my question is simple: why not at least float an offer to Rolle when free agency opens?

Besides the pressure that Lovie and the entire front office is under in Chicago, and despite the addition of Mike Martz to the coaching staff, this Bears defense needs to get better. The Bears are short on draft picks, and I don’t see how drafting a safety on the second day will match up to the skills and experience of a player like Rolle.

A safety with corner skills and a team in Chicago that has a desperate need for a player in the middle of the field and in their Cover 2 scheme to make plays on the football and turn this defense back into a turnover machine? It’s a perfect match.

Rolle still has to officially hit the market, but the opportunity is there for the Bears to add some talent and speed to their secondary.

[DMBZeppelin]

That Kieth Traylor INT is still my favorite Bears moment ever.
That play is awesome.

For those who don't remember: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73dW4740ILE

Regardless of the play, the game shouldn't have been on the list.

[DMBZeppelin]

Does anyone remember this play? It was in the related vids, and always a personal favorite of mine.

Rex's first start in 2003. Late in the game Vikings were driving down by 3, and then Tillman steals the game away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSgLNeuV_tM

[AlexK79]

I wonder if we will make a play for Brian Westbrook now that's he's been released? Would love to see him splitting carries with Forte, would make a nice 1-2 punch and help keep him healthy if he's not looked at to get 30 touches per game.

[DMBZeppelin]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Filed to ESPN: Former Seahawks president Tim Ruskell has agreed to become the Bears director of player personnel.
2 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/9551388590)via UberTwitter (http://ubertwitter.com/)

[DMBZeppelin]

Sweet home Chicago for Peppers, Kampman? DEs coveted by Bears (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8168c92c&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true)

The Chicago Bears (http://www.antsmarching.org/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI) are gearing up for a major run at Julius Peppers (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/juliuspeppers/profile?id=PEP422041), a league source said Tuesday, and Aaron Kampman (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/aaronkampman/profile?id=KAM725424) also is an option for a team that's intent on landing a pass-rushing defensive end this offseason.

Peppers, who will not receive the Carolina Panthers' franchise tag (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81688f7e&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true), is the Bears' prime target. However, Peppers will not come cheap -- he was seeking around $40 million guaranteed from the Panthers. The Bears traditionally are a frugal team, but in this limited free-agent market, they are prepared to jump into the sweepstakes for Peppers, who had 81 sacks in eight seasons with the Panthers.

Kampman, who struggled to switch from end to linebacker in the Green Bay Packers (http://www.antsmarching.org/teams/greenbaypackers/profile?team=GB)' new 3-4 defense, also is someone the Bears are high on, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The Bears know Kampman well from their intense NFC North rivalry games against the Packers.

Chicago's defense ranked 17th in the NFL last season, and coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo need improvement to ease questions about their job security. After mulling whether or not to part with higher-priced defensive veterans such as linebackers Brian Urlacher (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/brianurlacher/profile?id=URL059326) and Lance Briggs (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/lancebriggs/profile?id=BRI150227) and tackle Tommie Harris (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/tommieharris/profile?id=HAR548445), Bears management has decided to keep that core together and try to add playmakers through free agency.

Pass-rushing end Gaines Adams (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/gainesadams/profile?id=ADA289187) passed away last month, and Adewale Ogunleye (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/adewaleogunleye/profile?id=OGU444955) is unlikely to return, according to a source. The Bears plan to make Mark Anderson (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/markanderson/profile?id=AND355961) the starter at left defensive end, with Israel Idonije (http://www.antsmarching.org/players/israelidonije/profile?id=IDO444955) providing competition, but the team still needs impact players at the position.

[BotheDMBFan]

If they brought both in (they won't) I would love Jerry forever. Even more.

[DMBZeppelin]

If they brought both in (they won't) I would love Jerry forever. Even more.
If we could find a way to sign both Rolle (if he's going to get released as reports claim) and Peppers. Then the defense is fixed. You could focus the whole draft on offense.

[BotheDMBFan]

I'd prefer Kampman to Peppers, honestly.

[DMBZeppelin]

I'd prefer Kampman to Peppers, honestly.
If Kampman wasn't coming off a major knee injury I might agree. The article said he's the backup plan. Maybe if the price is right we'd go after him regardless of Peppers. With Adams passing away, Ogunleye leaving, Anderson a restricted free agent. We have lots of question marks at defensive end. Peppers without question can be a lot more dominant then Kampman even when healthy. The double team he'd draw would help out Harris who looks to finally be getting healthy.

[BotheDMBFan]

Peppers doesn't try though. That's my one concern.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Thomas Jones anyone?

[DMBZeppelin]

Thomas Jones anyone?
I'd love to have him back, and remember we brought him in originally for the Shea version of the Martz offense in 04'. But Moon had an interesting tidbit in his blog about Jones:


Jones is intriguing to the Bears’ situation because he is in the Marshall Faulk mold of runner-receiver that works in a Mike Martz offense. But there are issues, deep issues.

I’ve chronicled the back story on Jones’ trade to the Jets. But I’ve since been told that there was an issue between Jones and a teammate that may have had as much to do with the Bears needing to get him out of Chicago as Jones’ desire for another big payday. That story isn’t the stuff that is going to make it into a column of mine; just suffice it to say that not everyone in the Bears’ locker room (besides Cedric Benson) was sorry to see Jones leaving.

[BotheDMBFan]

Urlacher I'm guessing.

[DMBZeppelin]

We lost the coin flip. So Jax picks 10th we pick 11th. Though obviously our pick goes to Denver.

[BotheDMBFan]

We lost the coin flip. So Jax picks 10th we pick 11th. Though obviously our pick goes to Denver.

A loss that's a win.

[DMBZeppelin]

Westbrook would love to play in Chicago (http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4949076)

Former Philadelphia Eagles (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=phi) running back Brian Westbrook (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3619) said Friday he would love to play for the Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi), and he's not concerned about potential concussion issues.

"I would love to play in Chicago; I would love to play anywhere," Westbrook said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show on ESPN 1000. "They have a pretty good quarterback there [in Jay Cutler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9597)]; great defense.

"There's no question that I would love to definitely play in Chicago."
And Westbrook wasn't deterred by the fact the Bears consider Matt Forte (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11278) to be their No. 1 running back.

"I've admired Matt's game from afar," Westbrook said. "He's a young guy, very talented. I like the way he runs. I like the way he plays the game. He plays with a passion. He runs hard.

"So no, I wouldn't have a problem with sharing the load. In this day and age, everybody needs to share the load. At the age of 30, I know that I won't be carrying the ball 30 times a game like I used to, but I would like the opportunity to be in the backfield with another back. Matt is definitely a great running back."

At the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Bears coach Lovie Smith said his team could use help in the backfield.

"We're trying to improve our ballclub at all positions," he said. "This past season, we weren't as pleased as we'd like to be with our running back situation. So we'll look at everyone available."

Westbrook shot down speculation that he could be retiring because of health issues. He had two concussions last season and an ankle injury that cost him eight games, which led to his release from the Eagles. Westbrook said he would be playing next season with a clean bill of health from his neurologist.

"No, I'm not concerned about that [concussion issue] at all," he said. "I played the last few games. They [doctors] said that I'm healthy and that I can play."

[DMBZeppelin]

Smith: We need to improve at safety (http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=4949189)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) coach Lovie Smith can't name specific free agents the team is interested in until free agency officially starts March 5, but he did address one position in particular the team needs to focus on in the offseason: safety.

"We need to improve the safety position, period," he said Friday at the NFL combine. "I haven't been pleased with the production we've gotten. I think we had one interception from the safety position. That's one reason why I think our takeaways were down a little bit this year."

Smith tried to mix and match safeties all season, with little success. Rookie Al Afalava (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12629) parlayed a nice training camp into a starting opportunity, and was a tough tackler, but ultimately wasn't memorable playing both safety spots. Danieal Manning (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9628) and Kevin Payne (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10610) lost starting jobs at different points. Craig Steltz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11356) and Josh Bullocks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8454) got some playing time and weren't terrible.

Arizona's Antrel Rolle (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8423) might be available, along with veteran Darren Sharper (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1203), coming off his Super Bowl win.

"We need to invest a little bit more at the safety position," Smith said. "We've hit well on some lower picks, but sometimes you need to invest a little more in free agency or higher draft picks."

Smith also said the team would be comfortable with a young safety because of the veteran nature of the defense. This draft is reportedly very deep at cornerback.

"We need a good player there, period," Smith said.

[DMBZeppelin]

Ron Turner leaving Stanford for Colts job (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/02/ron-turner-appears-headed-to-colts.html)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner, who was hired this month to the staff of Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, is leaving to take a job with the Indianapolis Colts, his agent said Saturday.

Frank Bauer, Turner's agent, told the Tribune he is uncertain what job Turner will assume with the Colts. Their offensive coordinator, Tom Moore, is believed to be set to retire and assistant head coach/receivers coach Clyde Christensen could be in line to replace him. Turner perhaps could replace Christensen as receivers coach.

"It's an opportunity for him to stay in the NFL and his family can stay in Chicago and he'll be nearby so his daughter can graduate from high school next year," said one league source who learned of the development Friday night.

Turner was fired by the Bears after the 2009 season along with tight ends coach Rob Boras and offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. He joined Stanford on Feb.17 to oversee quarterbacks and receivers.

Turner was unavailable for comment, his wife said.

[DMBZeppelin]

Manumaleuna very high on Bears wish list (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0228-bears-free-agnecy-combine--20100227,0,6125465.story)

INDIANAPOLIS — The Bears (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) have shuffled their defensive coaches a couple of times now in hopes of finding the edge they once had.

Their focus in free agency, starting at 11:01 p.m. Thursday, is expected to be on that side of the ball as they finally have admitted they need an infusion of talent for a unit that ranked 17th in the NFL (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic) last season.

But new offensive coordinator Mike Martz figures to get a part or two along the way, and according to multiple league sources, the Bears have strong interest in tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/brandon-manumaleuna-PESPT004615.topic), who played for Martz with the Rams.

Manumaleuna, who will be an unrestricted free agent, is the best blocking tight end available. That's something the Bears lack, and if they sign him, it raises questions about the future of former first-round draft pick Greg Olsen (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/greg-olsen-PESPT008269.topic).

Martz always has tried to operate with a big blocker at tight end, and Manumaleuna had his finest season receiving for the Rams in 2003, when he had 29 catches for 238 yards and two touchdowns. He has been with the Chargers the last four seasons and has missed only two games in a nine-year career.

The 6-foot-2, 295-pounder just turned 30 and effectively would provide the offense with a third tackle. That not only would augment a running game that struggled last season, but also would shore up pass blocking for a lot of the deep drops Martz prefers.

In 2008, talented pass-catching tight end Vernon Davis of the 49ers (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/san-francisco-49ers-ORSPT000057.topic) stayed in to block on more than 250 pass plays in Martz's offense. Davis is a terrific threat, but the 49ers had issues with their line and Davis is also an outstanding blocker. He did so well that he was a first alternate to the Pro Bowl despite having only 31 receptions and two touchdowns. Manumaleuna is a similar blocker.

Speculation surrounds what will happen to Olsen. Kellen Winslow (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/kellen-winslow-PESPT008040.topic) Sr. had a Pro Bowl career in a similar offense for Don Coryell's Chargers, but Martz never has highlighted the position. The most catches a tight end has had in a Martz offense is Ernie Conwell (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/ernie-conwell-PESPT001450.topic)'s 38 in 2001.

Olsen, entering the fourth year of his five-year rookie contract, would like a new deal, and he has expressed concerns about the change in philosophy. General manager Jerry Angelo has done his best to say Olsen figures prominently in the future. But what else is he going to say? Olsen is one of only three Angelo first-round picks still on the roster.

The Bears last week signed Richard Angulo, a blocking tight end who has played for Martz and line coach Mike Tice, but Manumaleuna is far superior.

Veteran Desmond Clark (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/desmond-clark-PESPT001299.topic) turns 33 in April. He's entering the final year of his contract, and for the first time in his seven-year Bears tenure, he was injured last season. Kellen Davis remains somewhat of a project. Make no mistake about it, Martz wants a tight end to block first.

"All tight ends, their first responsibility, they have to put their hand down on the line of scrimmage and be a successful blocker, and then they move to receiving," Martz said on WSCR-AM 670 after he was hired. "To just skip by that and say, ‘OK, he's a terrific receiver,' well, then you may as well just put another wide receiver in there."

Other options will be available. The Jets (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/new-york-jets-ORSPT000199.topic)' Ben Hartsock is one. Alge Crumpler (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/alge-crumpler-PESPT001567.topic) helped pave the way for Chris Johnson (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/chris-johnson-PESPT003648.topic)'s 2,000-yard season with the Titans. But the Bears could add a defensive end and safety and find room for a tight end to give Martz an element he desires.

[DMBZeppelin]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Filed to ESPN: Cardinals will release S Antrel Rolle this week. Team still trying to keep him, but first it will release him.
20 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/9788886040)via UberTwitter (http://ubertwitter.com/)

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears released Orlando Pace today.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears' top priority on defensive could be Peppers (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/jensen/2078015,CST-SPT-sean02.article)

Perhaps it's a smoke screen or just a matter of semantics. On Feb. 19, team president Ted Phillips said the Bears would not be among those who ''just go hog-wild in free agency.''

But the McCaskey family has given general manager Jerry Angelo the OK to spend at least $25million in up-front money, according to a league source, to secure impact free agents. Relative to the Washington Redskins, that figure isn't all that staggering because they guaranteed nearly $50 million to defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and guard Derrick Dockery in free agency last year.

But the Bears could even free up more space by dumping or trading a couple of high-priced veterans. The Bears initiated that process on Monday night, releasing left tackle Orlando Pace, who was due to make $3.75 million in 2010. Other veterans who could be asked to take a pay cut or be traded or released include cornerback Nathan Vasher ($2.95 million base salary), defensive end Alex Brown ($5 million) and receiver Rashied Davis ($1.35 million).

The buzz in Indianapolis, during the NFL combine, was that the Bears would be a major player in free agency, which kicks off Friday, because they don't have a first- or second-round pick in the 2010 draft.

The financial commitment of the McCaskey family suggests that they're empowering Angelo and coach Lovie Smith to succeed and survive a run that has included three consecutive non-playoff seasons since Super Bowl XLI. As reported by the Sun-Times in early January, the Bears are one of about 10 teams to already have committed more than $100 million in salary-cap space for 2010. Even if there's no salary cap, as expected, the Bears are on the hook for over $60 million in base salaries alone.

The McCaskey family already has green-lighted changes to the coaching and scouting departments.

After a disappointing 7-9 season, Smith has dramatically upgraded the experience on his coaching staff -- he now has three former NFL head coaches working under him -- and Angelo started the process of tweaking his personnel department by ousting Bobby DePaul, the Bears' director of pro personnel since 2001. If the widespread speculation is true, the Bears might replace DePaul with former Seattle Seahawks president Tim Ruskell.

None of those additions is cheap.

But the final -- and most expensive -- part, of course, is players.

End results

It's believed the Bears' top priority might be defensive end Julius Peppers, who could vastly improve their pass rush.

Smith expressed optimism Friday that defensive tackle Tommie Harris could be an impact player in 2010. But even if that happens, the Bears need more from their defensive ends. No one has come close to 10 sacks since 2007, and 10 of the team's 35 sacks last season (which ranked 13th in the NFL) came from linebackers and defensive backs. By comparison, the Minnesota Vikings -- a team that also runs a cover-2-based defense -- led the league with 48 sacks, with all but seven of them coming from defensive linemen.

The most effective cover-2 defenses are predicated on generating pressure with only the front four. The Bears have solid depth at defensive tackle, but they obviously lack an elite defensive end.

Despite the criticism of Peppers -- that he's not consistent, that he's not committed -- he has topped double digits in sacks in six of his eight NFL seasons.

The Bears, though, will have plenty of competition for his services.

But the entire McCaskey allotment could wind up going to Peppers.

The league's highest-paid defensive end is the Vikings' Jared Allen, who signed a six-year, $74million contract that included $31 million in guarantees. Peppers might command anywhere from $12million a year to $15million a year, which would dramatically decrease the Bears' chances of landing another high-priced free agent.

Aaron Kampman also might be an option, but he, too, will be expensive, perhaps drawing a deal that averages about $10million a year.

If they land either player, the Bears likely would have to bargain-shop to fill another of their needs, then count on the draft to round out their roster.

Other options

In addition to defensive end, the Bears could use a more athletic safety, a playmaking running back, an offensive lineman and a blocking tight end to complement Greg Olsen.

If they strike out at defensive end -- which would be a huge disappointment at Halas Hall -- the Bears might shift their attention to safety. If they're dumped by their respective teams because of high base salaries and bonuses, Antrel Rolle and Kerry Rhodes would be the most desirable -- and expensive -- unrestricted free agents. Other options include Ryan Clark and Jermaine Phillips.

On offense, running back Chester Taylor and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna could be appealing to the Bears. The latter played under Mike Martz in St. Louis, and he could command a deal that includes guarantees of about $8 million, while the former would complement Matt Forte at a key position.

Depending on how they split the pie, the Bears could be served best by addressing the offensive line in the draft. Assuming Frank Omiyale swings to right tackle, the Bears would need a guard, a position in which a quality player could be had in the third or fourth round.

[Tiduwho]

Honestly, I don't like how Peppers disappears for games at a time. I'd rather have both Aaron Kampman and Antrell Rolle, then throw all that money at Peppers.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Here is a novice list of "magical" free agent possibilities I stole from a different message board. I didn't personally type this up, but since Free agency opens this week we might as well have fun dreaming while we can...

--------

Offense
OG:
Chester Pitts
Bobbie Williams

RB:
Chester Taylor
Willie Parker
Thomas Jones
Brian Westbrook
LaDainian Tomlinson
Darren Sproles

TE:
Brandon Manumaleuna*
Alge Crumpler

WR:
Antonio Bryant

Defense
DE:
Julius Peppers*
Aaron Kampman*
Jimmy Kennedy

SLB:
Pisa Tinoisamoa (will be allowed to test FA, may come back to Chicago)
Carlos Dansby*

FS:
Antrel Rolle*
Ryan Clark*
Michal Huff (if he is cut for the $5 million cost jump, from $1 million last year)
Darren Sharper (not likely but you never know)

S:
Kerry Rhodes (possibility of being cut, not likely to end up in Chicago)


* linked to Bears in some way

[Doors Allan Coe]

Honestly, I don't like how Peppers disappears for games at a time. I'd rather have both Aaron Kampman and Antrell Rolle, then throw all that money at Peppers.

I agree I'm not a HUGE Peppers fan. He will easily be overpaid by somebody. Everyone keeps mentioning the fact he has had double digit sack totals 6 out of the last 7 years... That stat alone interests me.

Honestly, as crazy as it sounds the Cutler trade may make signing with Chicago that much more enticing. Even though the Bears have been so-so Chicago is a huge market. JAs trading for Cutler implies a serious will to win. Even though we're very critical, Chicago has been hovering around .500 since losing the Super Bowl. Bottom line, that means no matter how bad we THINK the Bears are, they were only 1-2 games out of the playoffs since 2006. A lot of teams looking to blow huge money on free agents have done considerably worse.

Don't quote me...we might sign nobody worth while. But, something inside me makes me feel like the Bears franchise is going to flash some money for the first time in quite a while.

[DMBZeppelin]

Don't quote me...we might sign nobody worth while. But, something inside me makes me feel like the Bears franchise is going to flash some money for the first time in quite a while.
People who cover the Bears feel the same way. We have Cutler locked up long term and below what he could have asked for. While because of the Cutler and Adams trade we are without a 1st or 2nd roud pick. We also aren't paying a 1st or 2nd round pick.

Everyone in the Bears wants to save their job. Lovie has already said we need to invest in a safety to run this defense. There's no reason not to spend. Kapman and Rolle are my wishlist just like Tid. Depending on Rolle's pricetag I think it's very possible.

I'd also like to see us go after a corner in FA. If you sign one you can then cut Vasher who is overpaid.

[DMBZeppelin]

Harris losing money by not staying on field (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/03/bears-harris-fell-far-short-of-playing-time-bonus.html)

For the second straight year, Tommie Harris lost $1.5 million in the de-escalating roster bonus for 2012 that is in his $40 million, four-year contract extension.

Harris' contract calls for him to reach the Pro Bowl and be on the field for 74 percent of the defensive snaps. We know he didn't make the Pro Bowl, but he wasn't close on the playing-time lever. According to statistics acquired by the Tribune, Harris was on the field for 56.8 percent of the Bears' defensive snaps in 2009.

The de-escalating roster bonus started at $8 million and now is down to $5 million. It drops by $1.5 million each season Harris does not meet the requirement. He is due a roster bonus of $2.5 million in June that the team is planning to execute.

How far was Harris from the playing-time minimum for the 2012 bonus? The defense had a total of 1,068 plays and he was on the field for only 607. To reach 74 percent, he needed to be on the field for 791 plays. That's a difference of 184.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears met with Julius Peppers' agent (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/03/bears-met-with-julius-peppers-agent.html)
By David Kaplan

Sources tell me the representative for premier free agent pass rusher Julius Peppers met with the Bears over the weekend.

To nab him, the Bears would have to offer one of the richest contracts in franchise history.

[Doors Allan Coe]

Bears met with Julius Peppers' agent (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/03/bears-met-with-julius-peppers-agent.html)
By David Kaplan

Sources tell me the representative for premier free agent pass rusher Julius Peppers met with the Bears over the weekend.

To nab him, the Bears would have to offer one of the richest contracts in franchise history.

that is what gets me...

I would love to have Peppers in Chicago...but the richest contract ever? Can he ever live up to that?

But, maybe I'm the minority but I find Aaron Kampman a huge downgrade from Peppers. I'd rather see Chicago overpay a guy like Peppers than overpay another player with a questionable medical record like Kampman.

[DMBZeppelin]

Mullin: Latest on Olsen (http://www.csnchicago.com/pages/blog_moon)

CSNChicago.com reported Sunday that indications were that tight end Greg Olsen may indeed be looking for a way out of Chicago given his suspect role in a Mike Martz offense and the directions the Bears clearly are leaning at his position.

Channel 5’s Peggy Kusinski notes that friends of Olsen are confirming that Olsen wants out (javascript:void(window.open('http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/Is-Cutlers-BFF-On-The-Way-Out-of-Town-86099252.html'));) of MartzWorld, with Arizona and New England mentioned as possible suitors. Given the Bears already having power tight ends Richard Angulo and Kellen Davis on the roster, plus veteran Desmond Clark as a pass catcher, and reportedly have interest in another widebody at the position in San Diego’s Brandon Manumaleuna, Olsen is a ‘tweener who doesn’t belong.

General manager Jerry Angelo left little doubt last Friday that Olsen is available and that he has had some interest. What becomes intriguing with Olsen is what he might draw in return. The conventional thought is it would be for a draft choice but a better idea would be an offensive lineman who may even be a top backup but could step into the lineup immediately, something that a rookie third-rounder, for instance, would likely not be able to do.

[DMBZeppelin]

Here's a suitor for Olsen: Patriots (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicagobears/post/_/id/4664390/heres-a-suitor-for-olsen-patriots?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

CHICAGO -- With Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) tight end Greg Olsen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10475) rumored to be on the trading block, we decided to try and find a solid potential suitor for Olsen's services: the New England Patriots (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=nwe).

Our ESPNBoston.com colleague Mike Reiss offered up some unique insight (http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4675593/olsen-could-reshape-pats-te-outlook) on why the Pats may be interested in Olsen.

The Patriots are likely losing tight end Benjamin Watson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5557) to free agency. Watson was a first-round choice for the Pats back in 2004, and it seems like he's looking for a fresh start. Veteran Chris Baker (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3616) is more proficient as a blocker, so New England would benefit from somebody who can make an impact in the passing game. The Patriots do primarily use a three-receiver set, but the addition of someone like Olsen could open up many more opportunities.

Bill Belichick always takes a scouting trip down South every season, so it would not surprise me if Belichick has already pulled out his notes on Olsen coming out of Miami in 2007. Plus, if the Bears are looking for a second-round pick as compensation for Olsen, the Patriots have three choices this year in round No. 2.

[DMBZeppelin]

Did Bears tamper? NFL isn't talking (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4664387/did-bears-tamper-nfl-isnt-talking?campaign=rss&source=CHICAGOHeadlines&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

The NFL will not comment on the possibility that the Chicago Bears (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=chi) tampered when they reportedly met with the representative for impending free agent Julius Peppers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=3530).

The Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday that the two sides met over the weekend.

Peppers becomes a free agent Friday.

"We do not comment on speculative tampering matters or engage in interpreting the anti-tampering policy," an NFL spokesman said Wednesday.

According to the CBA: "The term tampering, as used within the National Football League, refers to any interference by a member club with the employer-employee relationship of another club or any attempt by a club to impermissibly induce a person to seek employment with that club or with the NFL."

[DMBZeppelin]

Report: Asking price for Boldin is a third-round pick (http://theredzone.org/BlogDescription.aspx?EntryId=3780)

Michael Lombardi of NFL Network reports he heard the asking price for Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is a third-round pick.

[DMBZeppelin]

Indications are Peppers interested in Bears (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0303-bears-chicago--20100302,0,1330073.story)

As the Bears (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/chicago-bears-ORSPT000036.topic) move closer to free agency, the player believed to be their top target apparently has a strong mutual interest he expressed as early as last year.

When defensive end Julius Peppers wanted out of Carolina after the 2008 season, the fourth ``mystery'' team on his wish list was the Bears, a league source familiar with the five-time Pro Bowl selection's trade demands told the Tribune. The others teams were identified as the Cowboys, Eagles (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/philadelphia-eagles-ORSPT000211.topic) and Patriots (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/new-england-patriots-ORSPT000192.topic).

Three of those teams — the Bears, Patriots and Eagles — are expected to make a serious run at Peppers when the unrestricted free agent hits the market at 11:01 p.m. Thursday. The free-spending Redskins (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/washington-redskins-ORSPT000226.topic) also figure to make a play, which could take the price tag out of the Bears' range. Peppers could command up to $15 million per year.

Peppers desire to play in Chicago still exists a year later, according to the source. He developed a great respect for Bears coach Lovie Smith (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/lovie-smith-PESPT008481.topic) and the tradition of the organization simply based on conversations with ex-Bears Muhsin Muhammad (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/muhsin-muhammad-PESPT005255.topic) and Dante Wesley, Panthers teammates last season.

Although there has been talk of Peppers wanting to join a contender, he appears willing to join a franchise at least making the effort to improve. The Bears added offensive coordinator Mike Martz with hopes of seeing Jay Cutler (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/jay-cutler-PESPT0000018703.topic) and the offense thrive. Plus Peppers would have the chance to work with defensive line guru Rod Marinelli, now the defensive coordinator.

The Bears need to improve their pass rush immensely after managing just 35 sacks last season, 24 coming from the defensive line. The 30-year-old Peppers has 81 career sacks in eight seasons, good enough numbers to make the NFL (http://www.antsmarching.org/topic/sports/football/nfl-ORSPT000007.topic)'s All-Decade team.

[Tiduwho]

Get. Boldin. Now.

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears tender contracts to five restricted free agents (http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6593)
LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Wednesday tendered one-year contracts to restricted free agents Mark Anderson, Josh Bullocks, Danieal Manning, Nick Roach and Jamar Williams.

Restricted free agents are permitted to negotiate with other NFL teams. If the player signs an offer sheet with another club, the Bears would have the right to match or receive compensation.

---------------------------------------------

To make this easy here's what we'd get if they sign else where.

Mark Anderson - 2nd round pick
Nick Roach - 2nd round pick
Josh Bullocks - 3rd round pick
Danieal Manning - 3rd round pick
Jamar Williams - 4th round pick

I hope they are all signed by other teams.

[DMBZeppelin]

Hub Arkush and Dan Hampton were on the Score tonight. Hub's sources have told them the Bears are as of now the front runners for Peppers, and he could be a Bear by Friday morning.

Though they spent a lot of the show explaining why it's a bad idea. How with the money you're signing Peppers for you could go after Rolle and Kampman. Who they also said is a mystery because of his ACL tear. Bottom line is if we sign Peppers it may just be him we sign. We're not one player away from being contenders like Lovie thinks.

[DMBZeppelin]

Get. Boldin. Now.
We offered a 2nd rounder last year. Best offer they received. I wonder how interested we would be. Though I think he'd be a great fit in this offense. If Olsen is really on his way out and the Cards are interested... do that trade. If I'm the Bears I call the Cards and say:

Olsen and a 3rd round pick
for
Boldin and a 2nd round pick

Reason being is all the thing I've read suggest Olsen is worth a 2nd. Boldin is good, but older and near the end of his prime. Plus there's the money factor. So we swap players, and move up about 15 spots in the draft.

[BotheDMBFan]

Peppers is still a bad idea.

He's 30 years old, which by my figuring means he has 5 good to great years left in him. When he feels like it. That's a lot of money for a guy who might just disappear for 3 games at a time.

[BotheDMBFan]

Olsen is a very good talent, but said talent never really materialized for us. I like him a lot, but if we could get a good player at a need position for him...do it without hesitation.

[DMBZeppelin]

http://interact.stltoday.com/blogzone/around-the-horns/around-the-horns/2010/03/rams-tender-atogwe-at-lowest-level-2/

Rams tender Atogwe at lowest level

The St. Louis Rams have officially tendered Oshiomogho Atogwe at the lowest level possible for a restricted free agent _ the right of first refusal level.

As a result, the Rams get no draft pick compensation if they choose not to match an outside offer.

Atogwe gets only $1.226 million as opposed to the $6.976 million he would have gotten if tendered at any other level.

The Rams are gambling that Atogwe won’t garner much interest in free agency. Or that they’ll be able to match any outside offer if he does.

The Chicago Bears, in dire need of help at safety and showing signs they are willing to spend in free agency, already are thought to be eye-balling Atogwe.

[DMBZeppelin]

So Antrel Rolle was released earlier today. Now the surpise move by the Rams to low tender Atogwe. Nice to know the Bears will have some options at free safety.

[DMBZeppelin]

Rosenhaus: Bears 'attractive team' to Rolle (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/03/rosenhaus-bears-attractive-team-to-rolle.html)
By Brad Biggs

The NFL's free-agent shopping season is about eight hours away and a major piece just landed on the street, available for bidders.

The Arizona Cardinals announced Thursday that veteran safety Antrel Rolle has been released. The Cardinals were going to have to pay him a $4 million roster bonus Tuesday, and he was due to earn another $8.1 million this season in base salary.

The Cardinals would like Rolle back, but it is believed he wants to find a new home. The Bears are expected to be very interested and the Washington Redskins may attempt to sign Rolle and pair him in the secondary with LaRon Landry.

"The Bears would be an attractive team," said Rolle's agent Drew Rosenhaus. "Stay tuned."

The Bears and general manager Jerry Angelo are expected to be very active in free agency. It's believed the team will target a defensive end -- Julius Peppers and Aaron Kampman probably top the list. The Bears also are believed to be in the market for running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna.

"I expect them to hit it big," said one veteran league observer. "This is it. There is no draft. They have to come out with four or five players."

[DMBZeppelin]

ZachZaidman (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman) KTAR-AM in Phoenix reports Cardinals offered Rolle a deal of six years worth $40 million, $10 million guaranteed. Rolle turned it down.
3 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/9999652299)via TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/)

[DMBZeppelin]

Bears in negotiations for Rolle (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/03/free-agent-rolle-could-find-new-home-quickly.html)

A deal for free-agent safety Antrel Rolle could be in place within the next few hours, and source with knowledge of the situation told the Tribune that the Bears are actively involved in negotiations at this hour.

That surely is the hope of his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who would like to strike while all 32 teams are flush with money entering the free-agency period. Rolle does not have to wait until the official 11:01 p.m. opening of free agency like big targets such as defensive ends Julius Peppers and Aaron Kampman because his contract was terminated by the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday afternoon.

Rolle is the top free safety expected to be on the market and Rosenhaus told the Tribune that the Bears could be an interesting destination. They certainly have a need after coach Lovie Smith acknowledged last week that the Bears need to "invest" more at the position.

"The Bears would be an attractive team," Rosenhaus said. "Stay tuned."

The Cardinals cut Rolle loose because he was due a $4 million roster bonus Tuesday and had a base salary for 2010 of $8.1 million. As the Tribune reported earlier this week, Rolle turned down a contract offer from the Cardinals that was worth more than $6 million annually. It is believed it was a $38.6 million, six-year offer,

Stay tuned. Something could be done by some team before 11 p.m.

[DMBZeppelin]

ZachZaidman (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman) Can't help but wonder if Bears will have to cut a big money player to fit both Peppers and Rolle. Big decisions tonight at Halas Hall about 1 hour ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/10002474151)via TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/)

ZachZaidman (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman) Being told by two league sources that Washington will not be serious players for Peppers
37 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/10003064362)via TweetDeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/)

[gocubsgo3822]

If we got Rolle and Peppers that would be nice.. I am really stupified over this desire to trade olsen....

[DMBZeppelin]

If we got Rolle and Peppers that would be nice.. I am really stupified over this desire to trade olsen....
Bears don't want to trade him, but he doesn't fit this system. Martz has already said Olsen needs to be a blocker first. There's rumors Olsen has requested a trade. Sucks because he's only 24 and only going to get better. When everyone gets fired we're going to wish Olsen was still around. Though I don't think it's gotten to the point where we HAVE to trade Olsen.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ yea i know..it jsut sucks... i mkean he is quick enough with good enough hands to play wideout

[DMBZeppelin]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter) Former Cards S Antrel Rolle free to sign, and is talking to Bears, Giants, Dolphins and Cardinals. No team more desperate than Chicago.
28 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter/status/10005151835)via web

[DMBZeppelin]

BradBiggs (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs) Real optimism brewing at Halas Hall right now. Free agency opens in 10 minutes and #Bears (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bears) believe they will land Julius Peppers.
half a minute ago (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs/status/10009583321)via web

[DMBZeppelin]

vxmcclure23 (http://twitter.com/vxmcclure23) Defensive end Julius Peppers has agreed to visit the Chicago Bears on Friday, according to agent Carl Carey. The Bears are the front-runner.
less than 5 seconds ago (http://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/status/10010153956)via web

[DMBZeppelin]

vxmcclure23 (http://twitter.com/vxmcclure23) Lovie Smith just touched down in Charlotte to meet with Julius Peppers and his agent, Carl Carey. Smith will fly back to Chicago with them.
4 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/status/10010834590)via web

[camaroz28dmb]

have fun overpaying him. itll be a waste.

[DMBZeppelin]

Before free agency started:

BradBiggs (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs) League source just texted that Chester Taylor has an offer for a significant chunk of guaranteed money from unknown team. Stay tuned.
about 1 hour ago (http://twitter.com/BradBiggs/status/10009103746)via web

After free agency started:

JuddZulgad (http://twitter.com/JuddZulgad) RB Chester Taylor will visit the Chicago Bears on Friday, according to an NFL source. #stribvikes (http://twitter.com/search?q=%23stribvikes)
17 minutes ago (http://twitter.com/JuddZulgad/status/10010507871)via web

We've basically tampered with all our FA targets.

[DMBZeppelin]

TE Brandon Manumaleu will also visit the Bears on Friday.

[gocubsgo3822]

I am a fan of tampering as long as u dont get caught.. I am intrigued by taylor peppers rolle and the TE that i admittedly know nothing about

[DMBZeppelin]

the TE that i admittedly know nothing about
He's been with the Chargers. Arguably the best blocking TE in the league, and played in the Martz system during his St. Louis tenure. He's a good fit for us, but then that means Clark or Olsen is going. Clark is a better fit for the Martz system then Olsen.

[BotheDMBFan]

http://interact.stltoday.com/blogzone/around-the-horns/around-the-horns/2010/03/rams-tender-atogwe-at-lowest-level-2/

Rams tender Atogwe at lowest level

The St. Louis Rams have officially tendered Oshiomogho Atogwe at the lowest level possible for a restricted free agent _ the right of first refusal level.

As a result, the Rams get no draft pick compensation if they choose not to match an outside offer.

Atogwe gets only $1.226 million as opposed to the $6.976 million he would have gotten if tendered at any other level.

The Rams are gambling that Atogwe won’t garner much interest in free agency. Or that they’ll be able to match any outside offer if he does.

The Chicago Bears, in dire need of help at safety and showing signs they are willing to spend in free agency, already are thought to be eye-balling Atogwe.

You know how much I love OJ.

[BotheDMBFan]

Peppers? Taylor? Atogwe/Rolle (possibly both)? Manumaleuna? I've also heard Lito Shepard's name...

[Doors Allan Coe]

Is it me or are media outlets reporting that Angelo is after several HUGE Free Agents... Rolle, Peppers, Taylor...

I'll take all three...let the accountants worry about the cap. Cut Vasher for all I care...

[Doors Allan Coe]

Manumaleuna Signed!!

[Tiduwho]

Okay, so we've got Manu, Peppers apparently on the docket, what's the latest with Rolle?

[zdaddy]

I am absolutely loving the transformation the Bears are undergoing to become the next version of the Washington Redskins. It only makes my future brighter and happier

[BotheDMBFan]

This could be the best/worst day in Bears history.

[Tiduwho]

I am absolutely loving the transformation the Bears are undergoing to become the next version of the Washington Redskins. It only makes my future brighter and happier


So in your opinion....

Standing pat and doing nothing in free agency and nothing in the draft >>>> Acquiring free agents to improve your team


:confused

[DMBZeppelin]

I am absolutely loving the transformation the Bears are undergoing to become the next version of the Washington Redskins. It only makes my future brighter and happier
Packers let both of their starting OT's hit FA. Apparently Clifton is a target of the Redskins. That's not a good thing for you if we get Peppers.

[DMBZeppelin]

Okay, so we've got Manu, Peppers apparently on the docket, what's the latest with Rolle?
Rolle wants to be the highest paid safety. Apparently we don't think he's that good. So don't expect the Bears to sign him. Instead we're going after Chester Taylor. I saw a thing on NFL.com that before he signed with the Lions we had interest in Nate Burelson. If we're looking receiver I hope we go after Boldin again.

[DMBZeppelin]

Does anyone know how much money we gave Manumaleuna? I know it was for 5 years.

[devilandthelord]

Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears!

Way to open up that checkbook finally!

[Noles20]

Peppers? Taylor? Atogwe/Rolle (possibly both)? Manumaleuna? I've also heard Lito Shepard's name...

Lito? There is a reason the 2 teams have let him walk.

[Tiduwho]

Sun Times reporting Peppers is a done deal.

My buddy just texted me Taylor done deal, 4 years $12.5 million.

[Tiduwho]

As long as Bretty Favre doesn't return, Bears could win out next year.

[gocubsgo3822]

We got Peppers Taylor and the TE.... Me likey!!!!

[Tiduwho]

Now we just need a wide receiver and a safety, and I'll be satisfied.


Good work so far Jerry. :thumbsup

[gocubsgo3822]

Now we just need a wide receiver and a safety, and I'll be satisfied.


Good work so far Jerry. :thumbsup

i am not really thinking we need a WR.. But i would give a third rounder up for Boldin!!!! So pumoped

[Doors Allan Coe]

Peppers...
Taylor...
Manumaleuna....

this is possibly the most bountiful start to free agency I can remember...

[cwsrule88]

wow didnt see this coming today

[Doors Allan Coe]

This could be the best/worst day in Bears history.

Agreed.

But, you have to be optimistic. Angelo signed the top DE and RB in this free agent class...plus a 300+ TE, who will surely help out our Ts.

It's a wonderful day.

Plus, Chester Taylor off the Vikings is a good thing. I was fearing him catching balls out of the backfield more than butter fingers Peterson toward the end of the season...

[BustedStuff87]

6 year deal for Peppers according to Sun-Times. Hell yea. Ever since he came out of college, he's been one of those players i've liked. Def. picking up a Peppers Home Jersey up when they go onsale!

[zdaddy]

So in your opinion....

Standing pat and doing nothing in free agency and nothing in the draft >>>> Acquiring free agents to improve your team


:confusedBolded is ridiculous.

Redskins should be proof that signing the biggest name free agents gives you no guarantee of doing anything. The best teams (Colts, Pats, Saints, etc) build teams through the draft and add cheap second tier free agents to fill the wholes left.
Packers let both of their starting OT's hit FA. Apparently Clifton is a target of the Redskins. That's not a good thing for you if we get Peppers. Clifton is done, Redskins can have him. Tauscher is the reason that line stabilized last year and I am confident that he will be back in uniform as very few will take a chance on the doughboy. Plus, Im still considerably more concerned with Jared Allen and Ray Edwards. Peppers work ethic instills no fear in me.

[gocubsgo3822]

Agreed.

But, you have to be optimistic. Angelo signed the top DE and RB in this free agent class...plus a 300+ TE, who will surely help out our Ts.

It's a wonderful day.

Plus, Chester Taylor off the Vikings is a good thing. I was fearing him catching balls out of the backfield more than butter fingers Peterson toward the end of the season...

this I am super happy... With no first or second round picks this is great.. Now maybe time to look into brandon marshall or anquan boldin

[Doors Allan Coe]

Redskins should be proof that signing the biggest name free agents gives you no guarantee of doing anything. The best teams (Colts, Pats, Saints, etc) build teams through the draft and add cheap second tier free agents to fill the wholes left.


Agreed. The Redskins make it painfully clear the signing high quality free agents doesn't mean you will succeed.

However, Chicago is one season removed from the blockbuster Cutler Deal. They have to do something drastic to improve this team. Our stars are aging. The Redskins do something "Raiderish" every year. Jerry Angelo us usually pretty conservative.

Angelo signed the BEST DL and RB free agents...bears fans should have NO reason to be cynical today.

[devilandthelord]

While I like what the Bears have done, its more of a short term fix because none of these guys they signed are young.
However, I do like it, because of our draft situation, its not like we'll have any expensive picks to sign. And this is the only way to improve this offseason.
I like Chester Taylor for us. I think he'll work good with Forte and add nicely to the offense. He's a great weapon.
Obviously Peppers is a beast, and that TE is freaking HUGE! 295 lb TE (and thats what he's listed at, could be bigger), hell he could sub in for O-line if we get injuries.

I would like to see them get some WR help, but at this stage, I don't know who we could get realistically. And I don't know that the guys we could get would be a lot of help. Clearly Bolden would be tits, but I dont think they'll have enough to get him or really pursue him at this point. Trading for Marshall is unrealistic because he was first round tendered and we have no first round pick, unless they would accept future year picks.

But on the whole, great job Bears!

[zdaddy]

Agreed. The Redskins make it painfully clear the signing high quality free agents doesn't mean you will succeed.

However, Chicago is one season removed from the blockbuster Cutler Deal. They have to do something drastic to improve this team. Our stars are aging. The Redskins do something "Raiderish" every year. Jerry Angelo us usually pretty conservative.

Angelo signed the BEST DL and RB free agents...bears fans should have NO reason to be cynical today.
No Bears fan should be cynical, but its funny seeing that same "We got the best player available so now we are the best team!" chant going on. I seem to remember that happening last year, didnt turn out too well did it?

[Tiduwho]

While I like what the Bears have done, its more of a short term fix because none of these guys they signed are young.
However, I do like it, because of our draft situation, its not like we'll have any expensive picks to sign. And this is the only way to improve this offseason.
I like Chester Taylor for us. I think he'll work good with Forte and add nicely to the offense. He's a great weapon.
Obviously Peppers is a beast, and that TE is freaking HUGE! 295 lb TE (and thats what he's listed at, could be bigger), hell he could sub in for O-line if we get injuries.

I would like to see them get some WR help, but at this stage, I don't know who we could get realistically. And I don't know that the guys we could get would be a lot of help. Clearly Bolden would be tits, but I dont think they'll have enough to get him or really pursue him at this point. Trading for Marshall is unrealistic because he was first round tendered and we have no first round pick, unless they would accept future year picks.

But on the whole, great job Bears!


Ding ding. There was no improvement coming through the draft, and thus Jerry made all the right moves today. :thumbsup


Standing pat and doing nothing, and then just waiting for after the lockout to rebuild the team? Yeah, let's waste a season and let Urlacher, Briggs, and Tommie get another year or two older. :rolleyes


This was the only way to improve the team this year.

[Doors Allan Coe]

No Bears fan should be cynical, but its funny seeing that same "We got the best player available so now we are the best team!" chant going on. I seem to remember that happening last year, didnt turn out too well did it?

I was much more skeptical last year.

While big name signings don't mean success, Chicago signed EXACTLY the type of players they needed. Last year when the Redskins signed Haynesworth they clearly had more pressing needs.

This offseason we signed Mike Tice and Mike Martz to our coaching staff. Think about the position those guy are in. They have the chance to redeem themselves. Both are celebrated and respected coaches, they both bring a lot to the table in the offensive side of the ball. The 2010 Chicago Bears offense will be totally different than what have watched for the last decade...

Peppers, Taylor, and Manumaleuna are evidence that Angelo and this coaching staff are ready to put it all on the line. If they fail, it's truly and epic fail...but at least these guys are going down swinging...it's the best way to go...

Plus this means we will be saying "bye bye" to some guys we probably should have gotten rid of 2 years ago...ain't nothin wrong with that...

[Doors Allan Coe]

Bears to conduct free-agency press conference
The Bears have scheduled a 5 p.m. press conference to discuss the moves they've made on the first day of free agency. It will stream live here on ChicagoBears.com.