Da Bears Blog

The Top 10 Draft Busts in NFL Hstory

2010-05-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

NFL Drafts are always an exciting time. So many predictions, so much expert analysis, so much time, money, and energy all spent on one goal: To decide which players will have success in the NFL. An enormous amount of hard work goes into drafting a single player. Teams spend countless hours, days, months, and even years trying to figure out which prospects have the greatest potential to find success. The NFL Draft consists of 7 rounds of all the rounds the first round is the most hyped and anticipated and understandably so as some of the best college players are drafted in this round. When drafted in the first round the future prospect has to live up to the enormous expectations that come with being drafted in the first round. Some go on to find success in the NFL and fulfill their duty as a first round pick, however there are many circumstances in which first round picks fail to live up to the expectations. In that scenario they are considered a “Bust”. Although first round picks have enormous pressure to perform well they are also very handsomely paid. In 2008, the average guaranteed salary for a first-round pick in the NFL was $11,924,000. For second-round picks, that number drops to $1,932,000, while third-round picks averaged $668,000 guaranteed. The steep drop illustrates the significant financial importance a higher draft slot has for a prospect. So it’s easy to see why there is so much pressure on first round picks. However the first round is not the only round of the draft there are six more rounds behind it. Teams can defiantly find talent in all rounds of the Draft. Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana was drafted in the third round, 3-time MVP Brett Favre was drafted in the 2nd round and 3-time Super Bowl winner and future Hall of Famer Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round with the 199th overall pick. Even with all the great NFL Draft picks there are some really horrible and frankly stupid draft decisions. For every Tom Brady there is a JaMarcus Russell. With that being said we now break down the Top 10 worst draft picks in NFL history. Picks that cost their teams millions and the chance to draft future NFL stars and Hall of Famers.

10. Jeff George, QB, Illinois (1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1)

The Colts traded to draft George, making him the first pick in the 1990 draft, and then rewarded him with the richest rookie contract in NFL history. What should have been a dream career with his hometown Colts turned ugly almost from the start. By the time it ended after four seasons with a trade to the Atlanta Falcons, he had made vile gestures to the hometown fans, argued with Coach Ted Marchibroda, held out for 36 days, and tried to get a trade. George would turn out to be a journeyman quarterback being on seven different teams. He had a passer rating of 80.4 and threw for 27,602 yard with 154 Touchdowns and 113 interceptions.

9. Blair Thomas, RB, Penn State (1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2)

Thomas was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round (second overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft. His NFL playing career spanned six seasons. Despite leading NFL rookies in yards-per-carry and AFC rookies in total yardage, he is widely considered another in a long line of Jets draft disappointments. Thomas rushed for only 2,000 yards and five touchdowns in his four seasons with the Jets.
Thomas suffered a series of nagging injuries beginning in 1992 and was released by the Jets following the 1993 season. He began the 1994 season with the New England Patriots, but finished it with the Dallas Cowboys. He concluded his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers in 1995.

8. Akili Smith, QB, Oregon (1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3)

Taken by the Cincinnati Bengals with the No. 3 overall pick in 1999 draft, Smith never grasped the complexities of the NFL game and failed to show the work ethic required to succeed in the league. He started just 17 games over four years with the Bengals, throwing just five touchdowns. He had two failed comebacks with the Packers and Buccaneers before an uneventful, short stint in the CFL. As for life after football, in March 2010 Smith became a graduate football assistant at Cal. He was hired by head coach Jeff Tedford, who previously coached Smith at Oregon as offensive coordinator.

7. Lawrence Phillips, RB, Nebraska (1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6)

Phillips was drafted sixth overall in the 1996 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams despite his considerable character issues; several teams with higher picks declared they passed on him because of his off-the-field troubles. Phillips played the 1996 and part of the 1997 seasons with the Rams before refusing to show for a team meeting and practice in a dispute with coach Dick Vermeil over playing time in November 1997. The Rams cut Phillips in 1997..Phillips is arguably one of the biggest draft day blunders in NFL history, the Rams thought so highly of him that the team traded his predecessor, Jerome Bettis, to the Pittsburgh Steelers immediately after drafting Phillips, a trade that would later prove beneficial to the Steelers. After the Rams he played two games with the Miami Dolphins before being cut. He later played for the 49ers, CFL, AFL, and NFL Europe. His lone career highlight is an infamous one as he missed a crucial block on all-pro cornerback Aeneas Williams who proceeded to knock out Steve Young during a Monday Night Football game against the Arizona Cardinals. This injury would lead to the end of Young's career. Phillips had one run-in with the law after another after his playing career was over, none worse than the one that sent him to prison last December for attacking his girlfriend and driving his car into three teens. He is currently serving a 31 year prison sentence.

6. Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State (2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2)

The No. 2 overall pick in 2003 by Detroit lasted just three seasons in the NFL, and caught just 36 passes in his 14-game career. Poor attitude, injuries, and a drug habit contributed to his failures as an NFL player. After getting cut by the Lions in 2005, the same year the NFL suspended him for substance abuse, he had tryouts with the Dolphins, Patriots and Buccaneers in 2006, but was not signed. His career was finished. After his career was over Rodgers did not face much better off the field. He was arrested in September 2008 and charged with assault and battery of a female acquaintance. In December 2008, Rogers was sentenced to attend sobriety court or face jail time after violating his probation after testing positive for vicodin. In March 2009, Rogers was jailed for violating probation. On September 16, 2009, Rogers was arrested in Novi, MI for driving under the influence of alcohol after being found unresponsive behind the wheel of his car by police. Rogers was arrested again in Novi, MI on January 5, 2010, having passed out after drinking at an On the Border restaurant, which was a violation of a sobriety court order, and subsequently sentenced to a 93-day jail term. And last month, Rogers was ordered to return $6.1 million of his $9.1 million signing bonus to the Lions because his drug use violated the terms of his NFL contract.

5. Heath Shuler, QB, Tennessee (1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3)

Shuler was a first-round selection in the 1994 NFL Draft, taken by the Washington Redskins with the third overall pick. ESPN rated him the 4th biggest NFL Draft bust of all time. He held out of training camp until he received a 7-year, $19.25 million contract. The Redskins had fallen on hard times since winning Super Bowl XXVI, and Shuler was looked on as the quarterback of the future. However, Shuler's poor play contributed to a quarterback controversy with fellow 1994 draft pick Gus Frerotte. This was showcased when Shuler threw five interceptions in a game against the Arizona Cardinals. Shuler started only 18 games in his first two years with the team and was benched in his third year, as Frerotte went to the Pro Bowl. He was out of the NFL by 1997. As a pro, his career passer rating was a horrible 54.3 and in 2004 ESPN rated him the 17th biggest 'sports flop' of the past 25 years. Despite his NFL career being a disaster unlike most of the previous top draft busts Shuelr actually did something with his life. After retiring from the NFL, Shuler returned to the University of Tennessee and completed his education, graduating with a degree in psychology. He then became a real estate professional in Knoxville. His real estate company is one of the largest independent firms in East Tennessee. Shuler is a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives, representing North Carolina's 11th congressional district since 2007.

4. Tony Mandarich, OT, Michigan State (1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2)

He was the first round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 1989, second overall behind Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, and ahead of the third selection, Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, the fourth selection, Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas, and the fifth selection, perennial All-Pro cornerback Deion Sanders. In 1989, Sports Illustrated called him "The Best Offensive line prospect ever". But his career led into what is considered by many to be one of the biggest busts in NFL history. The "Incredible Bulk" came into the league as one of the most hyped players in NFL draft history. Both scouts and media began haling Mandarich as the best offensive line prospect ever, touting his "measurables", "He weighed 304, ran the 40 in 4.65 seconds, did a standing long jump of 10'3", leaped vertically 30" and bench-pressed 225 pounds an unbelievable 39 times". The No. 2 overall pick of the Packers in 1989 never lived up to the incredible hype, and after just three disappointing seasons in Green Bay, he was cut. In an ironic twist Sports Illustrated featured Mandarich on its cover s again, however this time labeling him "The NFL's Incredible Bust” quite a stark contrast from the previous slogan of The "Incredible Bulk". Mandarich later admitted to using steroids all throughout his college career at Michigan State yet he insisted that he played his NFL career clean.

3. Tim Couch, QB, Kentucky (1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1)

The top overall pick in the 1999 draft was supposed to be the franchise quarterback for the newly re-coined Cleveland Browns. Drafted before Donavan McNabb there were high expectations for him in Cleveland. Their GM boldly predicted that Couch would win six playoff games. Although Couch did lead the browns to the playoffs most of his time in Cleveland was marred with boos, inconsistent play, and injuries. Couch was plagued by nagging injuries and an inexperienced offensive line; also he just simply didn't have the makings of an NFL quarterback. After getting cut by the Browns in 2004, he had two failed comebacks and also had a 2 year stint in the CFL.

2. Ryan Leaf, QB, Washington State (1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2)

Ryan Leaf at number 2 on the all time bust list? Is this a joke? No there is somebody who we believe is worse than Leaf but don’t get me wrong Leaf was one of the biggest busts not in just the NFL but in professional sports history. There were actually scouts out there who thought Leaf would make a better pro than Peyton Manning. THE Peyton Manning. Although that notion seems ridiculous now there were quite a few people who believed Leaf was the better QB. Good thing for the Colts they picked Manning over Leaf, too bad the same can’t be said for the San Diego Chargers. In the third game of his first season Leaf completed one of fifteen passes for 4 yards and fumbled three times in a loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was benched after throwing two touchdown passes and thirteen interceptions in nine games, and replaced by Craig Whelihan. After ten games, Leaf had thrown two more interceptions, passing for a total of 1,289 yards, with a 45.3 percent completion rate and a passer rating of 39. Leaf had poor relationships with the media and his teammates. In one infamous locker room incident during Leaf's rookie year, he was caught on-camera screaming at San Diego Union Tribune reporter Jay Posner, "Just f**king don't talk to me, all right! Knock it off!" and had to be physically restrained by teammate Junior Seau. Another on-camera incident involved Leaf confronting a heckling Chargers fan during a practice session. Two coaches had to restrain Leaf and escort him off the field. Following more poor performances and injury problems, he was released by the Chargers after the season, with four wins as a starter in three years. Unfortunately for Leaf his life didn’t improve off the field either. He has been in trouble with the law multiple times and is currently serving 10 years of probation after pleading guilty in Amarillo, Texas, to eight felony drug charges and losing his job as an assistant football coach at West Texas A&M.

1. JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU (2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1)

Presenting the biggest NFL Draft bust of all time. It will truly take great skill to be worse than JaMarcus Russell. Drafted number one overall in the 2007 Draft Russell turned out to be one of the worst draftees of all time. He was hailed as the man who could finally save the hapless Oakland Raiders. He was thought to return them to greatness. He was supposed to be the Franchise. Now he’s out of the franchise but not before talking $40 million and cementing his legacy as the worst draft pick EVER! Failing to reach a contract agreement with the Raiders, Russell held out through training camp and the first weeks of the 2007 NFL season, until September 12, 2007, when he signed a six-year contract worth up to $68 million, with $31.5 million guaranteed. He is 7-18 as an NFL starter, which is the worst record by a quarterback who was a No. 1 overall pick. He threw for 18 touchdowns and threw 23 interceptions. He threw for 4,083 yards and had a passer rating of 65.2 He is the fastest quarterback who was a top pick to be released by his drafting team. Russell lasted three years in Oakland. Russell was often cited as being lazy, overweight, and unintelligent. He showed up to camp weighing an astonishing 300 lbs! A ridiculously high number for an NFL quarterback. Although Russell’s numbers are superior to Ryan Leaf’s; Leaf only cost the chargers $11 million, JaMarcus on the other hand cost the Raiders $40 million. So there you have it JaMarcus Russell THE biggest Draft Bust in NFL history.

Bears All-Decade Special Teams

2010-04-10T00:24:00.000-07:00

“Cuts right cuts left there’s a seam AND HES OFF!! FIFTY! FOURTY! THIRTY! TWENTY! TEN!! TOUCHDOWN!!!! DEVIN HESTER YOU ARE RIDICULOUS!!! Those famous words were spoken after Devin Hester scored another return touchdown adding to his already growing legend. Special Teams is an often over looked part of football, however what people don’t realize is that Special Teams can make or break a football Team. Don’t think so? Just look at the facts. In 2006 the Bears Superbowl year Devin Hester ran wild and set records as a punt/kick returner. He was the offense for the Bears he put the team on his shoulders when the offense couldn’t. An example being the famous Cardinals-Bears game on Monday Night Football Devin Hester helped the Bears come back from a 20-0 deficit at halftime by scoring the winning touchdown on his 83 yard punt return. The Bears have always had good special teams to bad the same cannot be said for the Pittsburg Steelers.

In the 2009 NFL season the Pittsburg Steelers had one of the top five defensives in the league along with an explosive offense led by Ben Roethlisberger and Rashard Mendenhall. You would think that a team with those credentials would easily make the playoffs after all the Steelers were the defending Superbowl Champions, shockingly the Steelers finished just 9-7 good for third in the AFC North and out of the playoffs. The reason: Bad Special Teams. In week two against the Chicago Bears, Steelers kicker Jeff Reed missed two critical field goals and Chicago’s kicker Robbie Gould was able to kick the go ahead field goal that gave the Bears the win 17-14. Later on in the season with a 6-2 record and an impressive win over the previously undefeated Denver Broncos the Steelers faced division rival Cincinnati with first place on the line. Bengals running back Bernard Scott returned a kickoff 96 yard Touchdown; final score 18-12. After the loss to the Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers journeyed to Arrowhead Stadium for a match with the Chiefs. At the start of the first quarter Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles returned a kickoff from their own 3-yard line to the Steelers' end zone for a touchdown. The game would latter go into overtime with Kansas City winning on a 22 yard field goal; final score 27-24. There would be many more special team collapses for the Steelers such as the game against the Cleveland Browns where they gave up 200 All-Purpose yards to Browns returner Josh Cribbs. That’s four games that the Steelers could have easily won if they had decent Special Teams that 9-7 record could have been 12-4 not only good for the playoffs but probably a #2 seed and a first round bye. All that could have been if only they had the Special Teams.

The point being that it takes more than a good offense and defense to make a playoff football team it also takes Special Teams. While struggling to find consistency on both offense and defense, the Bears have always had excellent Special Teams spearheaded by Coach Dave Toub. With that being said we now break down the All-Decade Special Teams.

Return specialist

Devin Hester (2006-present)
Hester took the league by storm in 2006, setting an NFL record as a rookie with five kick return touchdowns—and that total did not include a 108-yard return TD of a missed field against the Giants or his 92-yard return TD on the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI. Hester then eclipsed his own mark with six kick return TDs in 2007. Hester is a two time Pro Bowler having been selected in 2008 and 2007.

Kicker

Robbie Gould (2005-present)
Signed as a free agent midway through the 2005 season, Gould has become the most accurate kicker in NFL history—counting regular-season and playoffs—having connected on 86.4 percent of his field goal attempts (140 of 162). He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2006 after finishing second in the NFL in scoring with 143 points and making 32 of 36 field goal tries (88.9 percent). Gould converted 26 of 29 field goal attempts (89.7 percent) in 2008, breaking his own franchise single-season record for accuracy. Going into the 2009 season, Gould had converted 84.8 of his career field goal attempt. He has only ever missed one extra point attempt.

Punter

Brad Maynard (2001-present)

One of the NFL’s most proficient directional punters, Maynard has placed 261 punts inside-the-20 since he joined the Bears in 2001, the most in the league during that span. A versatile athlete, he has also thrown TD passes of 27 yards to Urlacher and 12 yards to Dustin Lyman as the holder on fake field goals.
Well these are your All-Decade Special Teams players. This is our last segment of the Bears All-Decade team. We hope you enjoyed our articles and come back soon for more exciting news and updates about Da Bears.

Bears Release Brown

2010-04-01T18:10:00.001-07:00

After failing to trade veteran defensive end Alex Brown, the Bears ended up releasing him.

The Bears were unable to find a trading partner for Brown because of two factors, the first being that the league knew the Bears were heading toward releasing him. In his contract he was due to earn $5 million this season and was on the books for $5.5 million in 2011.

Brown, a fourth-round draft pick from Florida in 2002, was most proud of his streak of playing in 127 consecutive regular-season games. He departs having made 483 tackles, 43 1/2 sacks and five interceptions. Now Mark Anderson will have his second opportunity to replace Brown as a starter.

No matter how well Brown's predecessor does, nobody can bring the same intensity, leadership and post game savvyness. Although vastly underrated, Brown will always be one of the better players of this decade for the Bears and we he'll always remain a Bear at heart.

We wish him well where ever he goes.

Defensive Player of the Decade

2010-03-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

In the NFL’s current era of high flying offenses filled with quick strike capabilities defenses might be valued less than they were before or they might be valued more depending on the team. For some teams like the Chargers and Colts they live or die by their offense. The Chargers for example, had great success in 2009 as they finished with a regular season record of 13-3. They came into the playoffs with an 11 game win streak- the most in the NFL heading into the playoffs. The Chargers had an explosive offensive with QB Philip Rivers leading the way with 4,254 yds and 28 TD’s. However, they became lost in the 2010 AFC Divisional game because their offense became ice cold and became helpless against the New York Jets #1 ranked defense. Also the Chargers defense could not make a single play when the team needed it the most. The Colts suffered the same fate in Super Bowl XLIV as their defense could not create a single turnover and they consequently lost to the Saints who were able to return an interception for a touchdown. The underrated Saints defense which led the NFL in turnovers and points off turnovers stepped up and made a play…again. Both teams had high octane offenses yet it was a single defensive play that decided the outcome of the biggest game of them all.

The Bears have always and will always be known for their punishing defense. Throughout NFL history the Chicago Bears have produced some of the fiercest defenses and some of the greatest Defensive Players of all time; players so dominant that they still cast an impact on current generation of NFL players. Many have cited these players as huge inspirations behind their careers. Names like Dick Butkus, Doug Atkins, Mike Singletary, Clyde “Bulldog” Turner, and Bill George are household names when it comes to mentioning greatest Defensive Players of all time.
With that being said we now will examine the top Defensive Player of the Bears during the 2000’s. That’s right not just the best Linebacker, Safety, Cornerback, or Defensive End we are taking about the BEST of the 2000’s. And because this is the Chicago Bears we are taking about you know there are going to be some excellent candidates on this list; and here they are.

1.(Defensive End) Alex Brown

Drafted in 2002 with the 104th overall pick Alex Brown has devolved into one of the most consistent players on the entire Bears roster. Productive and durable, Brown has helped anchor the Bears defensive line since he arrived in 2002 as a fourth-round draft pick. He ranks fourth in franchise history and tops among active Bears with 43½ sacks, and leads the team with 127 consecutive games played dating back to the second week of his rookie season. He has also picked off five passes (two in 2006) and deflected 33 passes, an unusually high number for a defensive end. On December 22, 2008 Brown also deflected a kick by Mason Crosby to set up the game-winning field goal for the Chicago Bears in a win 20-17 over the Green Bay Packers. This block was huge considering it kept the Bears playoff hopes alive for the 2008 season all though the Bears would ultimately fail in their quest that blocked field goal is one of the most famous plays from the historic Bears-Packers rivalry

2.(Defensive Tackle) Tommie Harris

Harris was the 14th pick of the 2004 NFL draft out of University of Oklahoma. He quickly made an impact on the Bears by finishing second in balloting for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. In only his second NFL season, Harris was selected to the 2006 Pro Bowl. Harris became the first Bears defensive tackle ever to be selected to three straight Pro Bowls in 2005-07 and the first defensive lineman since Doug Atkins went to seven in a row from 1958-1964. In his career Harris has 199 Tackles, 27.0 Sacks, and 1 Interception.

3.(Cornerback) Charles Tillman

Known for his big play making ability the Chicago Bears selected Tillman in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft 34th overall. He recorded eighty-three tackles and four interceptions during his first year with the Bears. Known for his ability to strip the ball, Tillman has forced 21 fumbles in seven seasons, the most by an NFL defensive back during that span. His 22 career interceptions are the most among active Bears and are tied for 10th in franchise history. In 2009, Tillman forced a career-high six fumbles and scored his fourth defensive touchdown on a 21-yard interception return against the Browns

4.(Safety) Mike Brown

Brown was drafted in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft 39th overall and quickly became one of the greats in Bears History. Brown was the only rookie to play in the 2000 season’s opener, eventually becoming the team’s starting free safety for all sixteen games of the season. He recorded the second most tackles on the team that year and one interception that was returned for a touchdown. He received accolades from Pro Football Weekly, Football News and Football Digest , but lost the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award to teammate Brian Urlacher. The following year, he had two memorable performances, during which he returned two interceptions for two consecutive overtime wins. Brown was one of the most productive and clutch defensive backs in Bears history before his career was derailed by injuries. The all-time franchise leader with seven career defensive touchdowns, Brown was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2005.

5.(Linebacker) Lance Briggs

Briggs was a third round draft pick (68th overall) by the Chicago Bears in the 2003 NFL Draft. He has come to be known for his consistency and excellent play making abilities. In 2004, he made 126 tackles, and was elected as a second alternate to the Pro Bowl. Briggs is just the fourth linebacker in Bears history to be selected to five straight Pro Bowlers, joining Hall of Famers Bill George, Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. Since arriving in 2003 as a third-round draft pick, Briggs has registered 1,006 tackles, the fourth most by a Bears player since 1971 behind Singletary (1,487), Urlacher (1,410) and Gary Fencik (1,102).

6.(Linebacker) Brian Urlacher

Selected 9th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears Brian Urlacher has since become one of the most productive and popular players in Bears History. He is regarded as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2000 and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2005, becoming only the fifth player in NFL history to win both awards. The face of the franchise since he arrived as a first-round draft pick in 2000, Urlacher has been voted to six Pro Bowls in 10 memorable seasons with the Bears. Blessed with a rare combination of size and speed, Urlacher registered at least 100 tackles in each of his first nine seasons (before missing most of the 2009 campaign with an injury). In his career Urlacher has 1,410 tackles 37.5 Sacks, and 17 interceptions including a 75 yard TD return against the Green Bay Packers in a 2007 game.

Annnnnnnnd the winner is: Brian Urlacher

That’s why you save the best for last but all the names here have Pro Bowl talent and many of them have in fact been invited to play in the Pro Bowl. Two names on here in fact might be future Hall of Famers. Although Urlacher was named Defensive Player of the Decade the fact is that all the names mentioned above have that kind of potential. Each individual is explosive and has big play making ability. This is what makes the Chicago Bears so great the exceptional defenses and the great Defensive players. This is Chicago football this is Bear Defense.

Offensive Lineman of the Decade

2010-03-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

In order for any team to have success in today’s passer friendly era, one must have a good if not great offensive line. With today’s Defensive Tackles and Defensive Lineman being stronger, faster, and more athletic than players from the past having a good offensive line is a must. With that being said we continue with our All-Decade list and if you haven’t figured it out already we are going to be examining the top Offensive Lineman of the decade for the Bears. If you call your self a Chicago Bears fan then you must have realized how pathetic our O-Line was this season. With Orlando Pace past his prime and Frank Omiyale a disaster at the offensive tackle position the Bears greatly struggled to field a consistent offensive line. The debacle of the O-Line was a main reason the Bears struggled to a 7-9 record; if you can’t protect the QB and run the ball effectively your team isn’t going anywhere. With that being said the top Offensive Lineman of the Decade is:

FRANK OMIYALE…okay that was a joke. THE top offensive lineman of the decade truly is:

(Center) Olin Kreutz

The Chicago Bears drafted Kreutz in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft 64th overall. Over his nine year career, Kreutz has been selected to six Pro Bowls, and one of the team's most consistent offensive lineman. Kreutz has been a member of the Bears organization longer than any of his current teammates. Kreutz has anchored the Bears offensive line since being appointed the starter in 1999. Tough and durable, the Hawaii native has started a team-high 118 straight games dating back to 2002, when he missed one contest after undergoing an appendectomy. If only we had more lineman like Kreutz.

Although Kreutz was an easy decision for Lineman of the Decade other candidates were:

(Tackle) James “Big Cat” Williams (2000-02)

Big Cat played his entire 12-year NFL career with the Bears, emerging as a dominant right tackle after entering the league as a defensive lineman.

(Tackle) John Tait (2004-2008)

A versatile and durable performer, Tait started at right tackle in his first season with the Bears in 2004, moved to left tackle for three years, and then returned to right tackle in 2008. Tait blocked for 1,000-yard rushers in three of his four final seasons with the Bears

Perhaps the Bears best group of Offensive lineman during the 2000’s was the 2006 squad. Both Ruben Brown and Olien Kreutz were selected to the Pro Bowl with the latter earning his first All-Pro selection. That dominant line helped power the Bears to Superbowl 41. Hopefully the Bears with their young core of players are able to duplicate the success of that 2006 squad sooner rather than later.

Bears put Brown on trading block

2010-03-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

An NFL source told the Tribune the Bears are working actively to deal Alex Brown. If they cannot find a taker for the nine-year veteran who finished last season as a captain, they could release him. The move of Idonije likely signals the end of Brown's career with the Bears because there simply isn't enough playing time to go around.

This was somewhat expected when Lovie told the media that he expected Israel Idonije to be a full time defensive end. "What we're thinking about for him this year is letting him lock into end more, letting him keep his weight down," Smith said. "It's amazing what the guy can do with his body. ... I'd like to see him lock in and be more of a defensive end and see how good he can become."

The Bears feel like the addition of Peppers will neutralize if not better the situation of letting Ogunleye and Brown, both starters last year, go.

This is what the picture at defensive end looks like so far with Browns impending departure: Julius Peppers on the right to get to the quarterbacks blind side (Peppers can play both sides.), Israel Idonije on the left side to stop the run and Mark Anderson as the situational end. Throw redshirt rookie Henry Melton in there and it seems like a pretty good idea.

Now it's all about how much value Brown has if he has any. I think a mid round pick should suffice but don't expect anything higher than third rounder. Luckily for the Bears, JA has a knack for finding players in the middle of the draft.

STAY TUNED.

Bears All-Decade Team Running Back

2010-03-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

Although the new decade started more than three months ago we though it would be interesting to examine the top three Offensive and Defensive Players of each position. We are going to start with the Offense and make our way to the Defense. A Defense that has and will always be the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears no matter how great the offense will be. Last week we examined the Quarterback of the Decade which turned out to be former Bear Rex Grossman. Tonight we examine and determine the Running Back of the Decade. In this current passer friendly era featured backs are not the commodity they once were. Nonetheless any good team needs to have some kind of Running Back talent if they want to win the Superbowl. Look no further than the defending Superbowl Champions the New Orleans Saints. The saints used a trio of different RB’s. They used Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Mike Bell. The three backs combined to rush for 1,837 yards and 16 TD’s. No one star back yet a combination that helped balance out the tremendous passing attack of the Saints and led them to a victory in Superbowl XLIV (44). The Bears have a rich history of running backs from Harold Grange and Bronko Nagurski to the legendary Gale Sayers and Walter Payton. The 2000’s proved to be no different although no one man dominated the decade.

All though not relating to the article I wonder how many people saw the Jets Bengal’s game during the 2009 playoffs? I also wonder how many people noticed the two Running Backs in the game. Thomas Jones of the New York Jets and Cedric Benson of the Cincinnati Bengal’s. T. Jones ran for 1,402 yards with a 4.2 YPC and 14 touchdowns in 2009. In 13 games for the Bengal’s Benson ran for 1,251 yards wit ha 4.2 YPC and 6 touchdowns. Two excellent Running Backs now imagine if they played for one team. Two dynamic players on one team…now who would be able to stop that team. What if?…Oh wait these two players did play together at one time: They played on the Chicago Bears. The Bears drafted Benson 3rd overall in the 2005 draft. They also had Thomas Jones who became the first Bear since the legendary Walter Payton to rush for 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons. Only the Bears could screw something up like this. The Bears released Thomas Jones after their Superbowl season in 2006 to make room for Benson who the Bears believed would become their next Walter Payton. A few years later the Bears would release Benson due to off the field problems. In 3 years the Bears got rid of two quality running backs something which I don’t believe even Matt Millen could have accomplished. Although Benson never did anything with the Bears squandering numerous opportunities the fact remains that the Bears just released two franchise running backs in three seasons. Only the Bears…

ANYWAY, the running back of the decade was a tight battle between Thomas Jones and Anthony Thomas. Jones rushed for 3,493 yards and 22 touchdowns on 850 carries in three seasons with the Bears from 2004-06. As previously stated Jones became the first Bear since Walter Payton to rush for 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons. Anthony Thomas ran for 3,332 yards and 21 TDs on 858 attempts from 2001-04. And the Bears running back of the decade is….

THOMAS JONES! Even though his stats are just a little bit higher than Thomas’s Jones won the award because he was even more valuable as a locker room leader and his hard play and no nonsense attitude help bring out the best in his teammates. Thomas Jones the Bears Running Back of the Decade.

Position-By-Position Breakdown: Offensive Line

2010-03-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

There's not much to say about the offensive line. Considered an elite group back in 2006 anchored by Olin Kreutz and Ruben Brown, critics thought no end to the productiveness. A few years later, the Bears faced a Superbowl hangover in which the quarterback(s) were sacked a league high and didn't help Cedric Benson's case either. It was evident that the Bears had to become more young if they wanted to keep their quarterback(s) alive. So in the first round of the 2007 draft, the Bears took left tackle Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt. But with injuries, Williams barely saw the field his rookie season. A year after that, veteran tackle John Tait retired along with the departure of tackle John St. Claire. The Bears then signed guard/tackle Frank Omiyale to a relatively big contract not to mention the signing of future Hall of Famer Orlando Pace and then journeyman tackle Kevin Shaffer.
Here was the starting lineup for last year for the most part starting from the left side to the right. Pace, Omiyale, Kreutz, Garza, Williams.
This is how it went down: Jay Cutler was thrown to the ground, brutally I might add, 35 times and Matt Forte and company were met in the backfield more times than you can count.
...No need to elaborate on this poor performance. Let's just get straight to the Breakdown.

LT, CHRIS WILLIAMS-A first-round pick out of Vanderbilt, Williams was drafted as a left tackle. So when the Bears moved him to right tackle to make room for Pace, Williams took a step backwards. To his credit, Williams did a decent job compared to the other lineman but it wasn't his inability to play that hurt him, it was the mistakes/penalties. 30 of the 61 penalties came from Williams whether it was false starts or holding. It was evident that this was not his natural position. Luckily, Pace went down and Williams moved back to the left side where he showed the Bears why they drafted him in the first round. In week 16, Williams basically manhandled arguably the best defensive end in the league in Jared Allen. He truly is the left tackle of the future.

LG/RT, FRANK OMIYALE-Was the first and few free agent acquisitions last year. He was signed to a fairly big (and unwarranted) contract. He ended up starting the season and let's just say it was one of the poorest performances you will ever see. He was benched midway through the season and then came back a few weeks later. Surprisingly, Omiyale did much better on his second try in his run and pass blocking. He could be the left guard for next year but might be moved over to right tackle in favor of Mike Martz's scheme.

C, OLIN KREUTZ-One of the greatest offensive lineman in franchise history and our All-Decade offensive lineman of the year. Kreutz was a solid part of the offensive line just like every other year. Again, not much to analyze with Kreutz he simply is one of the best centers in the league. Unfortunately for Kreutz and every other player in the league (except for grandpa Favre) age is a huge factor in performance. He had surgery on his ankle and called out the front-office earlier in the off season. His contract expires next year. Don't be surprised if the Bears draft a project replacement or attempt to convert a current player to center. But for now, long live Kreutz.

RG, ROBERTO GARZA-Garza has been one of the most underrated players on the Bears ever since he's been here as well as being one of the most consistent players every year. He won't be flying down to Hawaii anytime soon but he's a solid pro and a lock for right guard next year. To his credit, he can easily play center as well...Just saying. Signed through 2010.

RT, KEVIN SHAFFER-Shaffer is a solid player with good skills and strength. He looked a little uncomfortable playing tackle earlier in the season but eventually ended up doing very well in the later part of the season. He should have the opportunity to start a RT but will be challenged by Omiyale or a draft pick.

LG, JOSH BEEKMAN-Was a solid starter in 2008 when he started every game and helped lead running back Matt Forte to an impressive 1200 yard rookie season. He is considered more of a run blocking/down field blocker than a pass blocker and that will hurt his value in Martz's system. Again, he's a good player but not good enough to beat out anybody on the roster. He can also play center very well, how about that.

G/T, LANCE LOUIS-A sixth round pick last year drafted as a tight end. He was actually a fairly good tight end to in college but gained significant weight and was more of a tackle/guard. To be honest, I was surprised he event made the final roster last year. So that means this guy must have some potential. To his credit he is one of the most athletic 300+ pound players in the league and it surprised me when they signed Manaeulama. Other than that he's just another bad draft pick with a lot of off field issues.

Bears Release Vasher

2010-03-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

After less than a day of signing cornerback Tim Jennings, the Bears released cornerback Nathan Vasher.

Vasher was a fourth-round draft pick from Texas became a starter midway through his rookie season in 2004 and was a Pro Bowler the next year when he made a team-high eight interceptions and helped bolster one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL.

Vasher was dubbed, "The Interceptor" and was one of the most prolific corners in the NFL...when healthy. Vasher suffered a groin injury and several others after the Superbowl season in 2006 and was never the same again.

Vasher was benched after week 1 when he gave up the game winning 50- yard touchdown to Greg Jennings. Never really saw the field after that, but just want to put this out there. In week 5 against the Falcons, Vasher was put in only one play the whole game. Results, interception.

Vasher will always be beloved by Bears fans and should be an asset to any team when he's healthy. But injuries made Vasher a bad investment for the Bears.

First McKie? Then Vasher? Who's next in line?
Stay tuned.

McKie Released, sign Jennings

2010-03-16T16:30:00.000-07:00

The Bears have released veteran fullback Jason McKie this afternoon.

McKie has been with the Bears for seven seasons and has been an over-looked factor in what once was smash mouth football, the Bears offense. But unfortunately, he saw his role decrease significantly this season.

It seemed as though there would be no role this season for him as well with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz who uses the position sparingly. The fullback in Martz's system should be more of an athlete and that is why the Bears recently signed fullback Eddie Williams, a pass catching fullback/ H type back. With the monster in line blocker Will Ta'ufo'ou already on board, there seemed no need for the aging McKie.

With that being said, the Bears signed cornerback Tim Jennings, a 5-8, 185-pound cornerback who played the last four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Can't tell you what was going on in JA's mind when he already had a little playmaker in DJ Moore...but Jennings has started 21 games and is not as bad as his size might lead you to think.

Stay tuned.

Bears All-Decade Team Quarterback

2010-03-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Although the new decade started more than three months ago we though it would be interesting to examine the top three Offensive and Defensive Players of each position. We are going to start with the Offense and make our way to the Defense. A Defense that has and will always be the heart and soul of the Chicago Bears no matter how great the offense will be. But tonight we are starting with the offense and we start with the Quarterback. In this current passer friendly era it is evident that it will take only a great QB to reach his team to the promised land. In Superbowl XLIV (44) Peyton Manning and Drew Brees respectively took both their teams to the biggest game in football; both future Hall of Famer’s. Of the last ten Superbowl Champions The Ravens, Patriots, Bucs, Patriots, Patriots, Steelers, Colts, Giants, Steelers, and Saints; 8 of the 10 teams had an elite quarterback. The only two teams who didn’t have an elite QB were the Bucs and Ravens but they also had a dominating defense, defenses that are considered two of the best in NFL history. However, those teams made it in the first three years of the 2000’s after that it was all Quarterbacks and the trend figures to continue. A record 10 different quarterbacks threw for 4,000 yards during the 2009 NFL Regular Season. So now we look at the top Chicago Bear Quarterback of the 2000’s. ( I know that’s not saying much)

We start of our All-Decade list with Rex Grossman…ahh Rex Grossman.

Rex Grossman(2003-08) was an incredibly polarizing figure who experienced more ups and downs than an elevator during the lunch hour. There was Good Rex then Bad Rex and it would be this way for his entire Bear career. The Chicago Bears selected Grossman 22nd overall during the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. As inconsistent as he was Grossman nonetheless led Bears quarterbacks in virtually every statistical category from 2000-09 with 521 completions, 962 attempts, 6,164 yards, 33 touchdowns and 35 interceptions. Grossman ranks second with a .613 winning percentage as a starter (19-12) behind Kyle Orton (.636, 21-12). Despite all his inconsistency he led the Bears to Superbowl XLI (41)only the second Superbowl in team history. People can say it wasn’t Rex Grossman who led the Bears, that it was the defense and Devin Hester(which is a very solid argument). Good Rex or Bad Rex in the end he took the Bears to the Superbowl which is all the proof anyone needs to name Rex Grossman the Bears Quarterback of the Decade.

Position-By-Position Breakdown: Tight Ends

2010-03-12T08:14:00.000-08:00

In recent years, Chicago has had one of the more consistent groups of tight ends in the league led by veteran Desmond Clark and emerging superstar Greg Olsen. A couple of months ago, I thought this was going to be one of the easier positions to write an article about. But with the arrival of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz and free agent acquisition Brandon Manumaleuna, things are just not as clear anymore.

Martz has never been one to really utilize the tight end position. Tight ends in Martz's mind are meant to block first and catch second; his philosophy is evident in the previous teams he coordinated. But let’s not forget that Martz has never had a tight end tandem as productive as Olsen and Clark.

In 2008 the Bears tight ends combined for 95 catches, 941 yards, with 4 touchdowns under mediocre quarterback Kyle Orton. When the Bears brought in Jay Cutler and was down on the receivers, everybody expected the tight ends to come out the strongest. Unfortunately, much like the entire 2009 season, the Bears tight ends took a step backwards with Cutler. Although they had a mind boggling 13 touchdowns, catches went down to 88 and 832 yards. Granted, the receiving corps really stepped it up.

So without further a due, let’s get to the breakdown.

GREG OLSEN- After being promoted above teammate Desmond Clark, everybody thought his numbers would sky rocket this season. Then they brought in Jay Cutler, and once they made a strong relationship on and off the field, everybody thought Olsen was a sure fire Pro Bowler. Again, this whole seasons been like this, but Olsen's lack of Pro Bowl numbers was a dissapointment. That's not to say Olsen didn't have a good season because he really did. Olsen had 60 catches with 612 yards. And oh yeah, tack on a whopping 8 touchdowns.

GREG OLSEN'S FUTURE- There's no doubting that Olsen has the potential to be one of the elite tight ends in the game for years to come especially when paired with a young gun in Jay Cutler. He has perfect height at 6'5'', soft hands, speed and the ability to find gaps in the middle of the field. But Olsen is still far from elite. The biggest knock on Olsen is his inability to block, whether it be run or pass. So unfortunately for Olsen, he is not favored by Martz. And there are some rumors that the Bears will trade Olsen? There is no way the Bears let one of the most athletic tight ends in the game go, especially since Jerry Angelo is infamous for his first round draft picks. Expect Olsen to be the number one tight end in 2010 and look for Martz to find ways to utilize his immense talent.

DESMOND CLARK- Desmond Clark has never been flashy in his 11 year career, but he has always been consistently reliable. After several years of being a very respectable starter for the Bears, Dez had to make room for emerging star in Greg Olsen, and he was fine with that role (At the age of 32 I'm sure he was fine with it.) But nobody expected his numbers to drop this low... 19 catches for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns? Granted he was injured for a very good portion of the season but even when healthy never showed the same swagger he had before.

DESMOND CLARK'S FUTURE- Dez is due $1 million plus a $475,000 roster bonus. Money shouldn't be the reason the Bears let him go...IF they let him go. But with Olsen the obvious starter for years to come, the signing of blocking tight end Manumaleuna and Martz scarce use of double tight end sets, they might want to cut him to make room for someone else. Again, this is just IF he is released. Other than that I fully expect him to be in a Bears uniform come the start of the season. 99% sure that Clark will play behind Olsen. Now whether the Bears re-sign him next year is a different story.

KELLEN DAVIS- Davis really went under the radar this season and rightfully so since he had limited playing time. But when given the opportunity, Davis really showed that he had potential to be great pass catching tight end. Davis had a minuscule 9 reception for 75 yards, but 3 of those catches were for touchdowns. And guess how many games he played in this season? Only 2.

KELLEN DAVIS'S FUTURE- Davis is a mammoth of a target at 6'7'' (Some report he's 6'8'') and that's probably why Cutler would favor him in the red zone. Davis has also immensely improved in his blocking skills from his rookie season. Although he gets overlooked by the one-two punch in Olsen and Dez, Davis could be a very solid number two tight end and that's just one more reason Clark is in danger next year. Expect him to be on the roster next year.

BRANDON MANUMALEUNA- Brandon Manumaleuna is among the worst pass catching tight ends in the game and unfortunately that's been the case for him throughout his 8 year career (Although he did have a decent season in 2003 when he had a career high 29 receptions.). This season Brandon only had 5 catches for 13 yards the whole season. But enough with the bashing, if he wasn't good the Bears wouldn't have wasted their money on him. Brandon is known best for his aggressive run and pass blocking as he paved the way for some of the greatest in Marshall Faulk and Ladanian Tomlinson. He also has helped protect some of the elite quarterbacks in the league, Kurt Warner, Marc Bulger and Philip Rivers.

BRANDON MANUMALEUNA'S FUTURE- Brandon is the perfect fit in Mike Martz's system. He should be used mainly as a "third tackle" on the field. He'll get his share of playing time and because of his relationship with Martz, he may just beat out Davis for the third TE.

Kevin Jones Released,

2010-03-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

There's good news and then there's bad news.

The good news is, early this Tuesday, running back Kevin Jones was officially cleared by the medical staff to participate in off-season workouts.

The bad news is, the Bears released the running back that same day. (Just want to point out that I called it a couple weeks ago... Then again, who didn't?)

Jones signed with the Bears prior to the 2008 season after being released by the Lions. After rushing for 109 yards on 34 carries in his first year, Jones missed all of 2009 after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in the preseason game against the Browns.

After the signing of Chester Taylor, it was apparent that one of the backs was doomed and it turns out they chose the injury-plagued veteran.

Aside from monetary issues, Jones was never a true contributor on special teams, an ability called for in all backups.

Garrett Wolfe and Kahlil Bell should remain on the roster and play primarily on special teams with Forte and Taylor getting virtually all the carries.

On a different note, the Bears picked up former seventh round fullback from Iowa Eddie Williams after he was released by the Redskins.

Williams is an accomplished receiver out of the backfield and is more athletic than McKie in his running ability. He would be more an H-back than an in line blocker and therefore, Williams is more appealing to Martz than McKie.

It'll be interesting (more or less, probably less.) to see how the fullback situation pans out given Martz's rare use of the position.

Da Big Three

2010-03-05T16:55:00.000-08:00

The bears are who we thought they were. Or are they? Historically reluctant to go after big name free agents the bears changed all of that by making one of the biggest free agent splash’s in the teams history. Julius Peppers and the Chicago Bears finalized a six-year deal to bring the top free agent in 2010 to Chicago, and the defensive end feels he hit a home-run with his new deal. "I'm excited to be here and looking forward to doing big things," Peppers said during a news conference. "Being able to come to a place with a deep-rooted tradition in winning is a great thing for me. It's a wonderful thing. It's one thing to play football in this league and make a living. But it's a totally different thing to come to a place with a great tradition and rich football culture like the Bears." According to sources, the contract totals $91.5 million and has $42 million in guarantees. Over the first three years of the contract, Peppers will make $40.5 million, but the number could be more if he makes the Pro Bowl, records a certain number of sacks or is Defensive Player of the Year. Peppers is a Five time Pro Bowler and is known as one of the most athletic and versatile players in the NFL. In his career, Peppers has 8 blocked kicks (extra points and field goal attempts). Peppers has had double-digit sacks in all but 2 seasons. In Chicago, he'll get to play alongside Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Tommie Harris, and give a much-needed boost to a defense that ranked 17th overall and tied for 13th in sacks with 35.

However, Peppers was not the only big name free agent to sign. The Bears also signed perhaps the best running back in this years free agency in Chester Taylor. The 30 year old Taylor rushed for 1,214 yards in 14 games in 2006 before Adrian Peterson (the OTHER Adrian Peterson) arrived and reduced his role. Last year with the defending NFC North Champions the Minnesota Vikings Taylor had 42 catches for 389 yards and 94 carries for 338 yards and served as a valuable third-down player for the Vikings. Taylor would greatly help the Bears in short down and goal line situations where the Bears deeply struggled last year. He'll also challenge for time in the Bears backfield after Chicago's hallmark running game slipped last season, with Forte rushing for 929 yards after finishing with 1,238 as a rookie in 2008. Taylor also fits in perfectly under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s system which requires a blocking back and a running back who can receive; both areas Chester Taylor thrives in. Look for him to be a valuable player in the 2010 season. Taylor's contract is worth $12.5 million with $7 million guaranteed over 4 years.

In addition to Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor, the Bears also signed blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego with a five-year deal. In Mike Martz new offensive system a blocking tight end is required which Manumaleuna does very well. This also opens up more possibility for tight end Greg Olson. Although the tight end has never been a significant part in Martz’s previous offense’s, Martz has never had a tight end like Greg Olson who is very athletic and has big play making ability. So the Bears are more stable on defense and their offense has significantly improved. With all the upgrades the Bears still don’t have a credible Offensive Line. An improved line would greatly improve the Bears playoff dreams; a dream thanks to these free agents is glowing much brighter.

Peppers, Taylor agree to terms

2010-03-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

Two of the biggest free agents on the market made the trip to Halas Hall today in hopes to become a Chicago Bear. The Chicago Bears hope was for these two players to bolster the franchise indefinitely. Both parties got what they wanted.

Running back Chester Taylor agreed to a $12.5 million, four-year contract with $7 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN after passing his physical. Is a huge upgrade in the backfield and may be in position to compete with Matt Forte. More on that later. Although age may be a factor, there's no doubting Taylor still has the ability to be a change of pace back in this league and would be a perfect fit in Mike Martz's offense...Seems like Mike Martz gets what Mike Martz gets.

Star defensive end Julius Peppers also agreed to terms with the Bears after taking a physical. The contract terms are undisclosed but sources say it is an enormous six-year deal. More to come on that to.

Jerry Angelo's still our GM right?
Stay tuned.

Peppers and Taylor expected to sign

2010-03-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Tribune says that defensive end Julius Peppers and running back Chester Taylor are taking physicals at Halas Hall as we speak.

You don't take a physical to not sign. All we can do now is wait and see how big the contracts will be. And trust me, when you beat out the Patriots and the Eagles, it will be one of the biggest contracts in franchise history.

STAY TUNED!

Bears sign Manumaleuna

2010-03-05T07:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas came early for Mike Martz as the bears signed Brandon Manumaleuna to a five year contract pending a physical. Manumaleuna is a prolific blocking tight end who has great strength in athleticism. Martz's system calls for the tight end to block before he can catch passes because of the five step drops the quarterback takes and at 6'2'' 295, Manumaleuna is practically another tackle for the Bears and is not known for his ability to catch passes.

This should be just the beginning of what will be a busy and intriguing offseason. Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor are set to visit the Bears and sign.

Unorthodox but effective. Stay tuned.

Peppers' agent meets with Bears

2010-03-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Tribune reports Julius Peppers agent met with the bears at Halas Hall over the weekend.

The bears would have to offer one of the biggest contracts in franchise history to land him. Other contenders include the Patriots, Eagles and free-spending Redskins.

Pace, Mines and Reed released

2010-03-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

Left tackle Orlando Pace, tight end Fontel Mines and guad Tyler Reed were all released by the Bears this evening.

Pace started the first 11 games of the season at left tackle until sustaining a groin injury. But when he came back, he was only the swing tackle for first-round choice Chris Williams and Kevin Schaffer at right tackle. Pace showed promise in the first few games of the season but eventually became ineffective. He was an excellent pass protector but contributed to what was one of the worst rushing attacks in the league.

Although Pace did not live up to expectations,he has had an amazing career, a sure Hall of Fame player and is well respected by the Bears and others in the league. We'll wait to see if he plans to retire or not after the somewhat expected departure.

Mines and Reed both spent time on the practice squad but never saw the field.

Mock Draft 1.0

2010-02-27T10:42:00.001-08:00

Never too early to start up a mock draft, and with the combine starting up it seems appropriate. Remember, the Bears don’t have a 1^st or 2^nd round pick (Jay Cutler, Gaines Adams). Fortunately for the Bears, this is one of the best and deepest draft classes to come out of college. Let’s take a quick look at who the Bears could draft in their four-round draft starting at the 75^th pick:

ROUND 3: MAJOR WRIGHT, FS, FLORIDA

Wright declared early for the NFL Draft which is interesting because he’ll be overshadowed by players like Eric Berry and Taylor Mays. Luckily for the Bears, Wright should drop down to the third round. Wright is a ball hawk with amazing instincts, but is known for his aggressive hits. Only knock is his inability to make tackles in open space. He is the prototypical safety at 6’1’’ 205 and should be a steal if he drops down to the third.

ROUND 4: LeGARRETTE BLOUNT, RB, OREGON

Lount is probably one of the fastest risers in this years draft class. His off the field issues are a concern but his talent is undeniable. He is a taller back with great power who can get low, unlike Matt Forte, to run through defenders. He lacks break away speed but is one of the hardest players to tackle in the second or third level. The Bears need someone like Blount who can help in those goal-line situations.

ROUND 5: CIRON BLACK, OT, LSU

Okay, maybe the getting Black in the fifth round is a stretch but his ineffective senior year hurt his stock. An AP All-American third-teamer, Ciron Black had 53 consecutive starts at LSU, and in a league where durability is key, Black delivers. He’s just an old school, physical tackle at 6-5, 320. And size is something the Bears lack at the position. Although he was never flashy (I don’t think you can use that word to describe a lineman…) he was always reliable for all four years at LSU. A steal in round 5.

ROUND 6: MICAH JOHNSON, ILB, KENTUCKY

Kentucky's All-SEC linebacker, is a brick wall at 6-2 260 lbs. He played against some of the best offenses with a pedestrian defensive line helping and still played as one of the elite. The only reason he drops down this far is his weight, he is a little too beefy for a man his height, which results in lack of speed. Although he can’t keep his own in coverage, he is a for sure tackler with the uncanny ability to separate the ball from the opponent and could become one of the best run-stopping linebackers in the NFL. Again, Johnson has to slim down if he wants to play in Lovie’s defense which calls for swift linebackers.

ROUND 7: JIM DRAY, TE, STANFORD

A big target at 6-5 250. Has excellent hands and barely ever drops catchable passes has good speed to test defenses. His greatest ability is to block, an ability at the position that Mike Martz demands. He seals the edge well using his size and aggressiveness. A systematic pick in the seventh round.

Who Dat? The Ten Greatest Players in Bears History

2010-02-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Bears are one of the Greatest Teams in NFL history. They have one 8 NFL Championships and one Superbowl (Superbowl XX) for a grand total of 9 world championships. All great teams need to have great players in order to have success. That is a given in any sport on any championship winning team having great players is a must. The Bears with their rich history have 26 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame by far the most in the NFL. But who out of those 26 are the greatest? Da Bears Blog breaks down the ten greatest Bears of all time.

#10. Mike Ditka

Before there was Tony Gonzalez there was Da Coach and before he was Da Coach he single handedly revolutionized the Tight End Position. Mike Ditka was the No. 1 draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 1961, introduced a new dimension to the tight end position that once was viewed primarily as an assignment for a tough, talented blocker. Ditka proved to be a superior blocker but he also became one of the first tight ends to catch a large number of passes. He startled opponent defenses with 56 catches for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns in his Rookie-of-the-Year campaign in 1961. Three years later in 1964, he had 75 receptions, a season record for tight ends that lasted until 1980 and the era of the 16-game season. He moved into the Bears' starting lineup at the beginning of his rookie season and didn't miss a start in 84 games with the Bears. He earned All-NFL honors four straight seasons from 1961 through 1964 and was a Pro Bowl choice after each of his first five seasons. He wound up his 12-year career with 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. After his retirement Ditka became head coach of the Chicago Bears in 1982. Reversing the Bears' pitiful record of only two winning seasons in the previous nineteen, Ditka led the Bears to six NFC Central titles and three trips to the NFC Championship Game. Ditka's coaching career hit its pinnacle on January 26, 1986 with a 46-10 trouncing of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ditka remains one of the most popular Bears of all time.

#9. Sid Luckman

If you thought that Jim McMahon was our last and only good quarterback in the Bears 90 year history you were dead wrong. Before there was Montana, Bradshaw, and Brady there was Sid Luckman. Sid Luckman, in his 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears, became the first successful T-formation quarterback. Chicago won four NFL championships, just missed a fifth, and Luckman was a major reason for the success. The crafty quarterback was named first- or second-team all-league from 1940 through 1948 and won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player honors in 1943. Luckman’s most memorable performance may have been the 1940 NFL Title Game in which the Bears destroyed the Washington Redskins 73-0. Yes 73-0 which makes the 59-0 Patriots victory over the Titans victory in the 2009 season seem respectable. Luckman had many more outstanding games but two, both in 1943, stand out above the rest. On November 14, Sid Luckman Day at the Polo Grounds, he passed for a record-tying seven touchdowns in a 56-7 win over the New York Giants. Later that year, in the championship game against the Redskins, he threw for 276 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-21 triumph.

#8. Mike Singletary

One of the greatest linebackers in NFL history and currently the Head Coach of the SanFrancisco 49er’s “Samarii Mike” destroyed anything that came in his path. Mike Singletary, was a second-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in the 1981 NFL Draft and the 38th player selected overall. Singletary became a starter in the Bears lineup in the seventh game of his rookie season. In a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, his third as a starter, Singletary put on a remarkable defensive performance recording 10 tackles and forcing a fumble. A nearly unanimous all-rookie selection, Singletary went on to start 172 games for the Bears during his 12-year career, which is the second most in club history.
An intense player, Mike finished as the Bears’ first or second leading tackler each of his last 11 seasons. He amassed an impressive 1,488 career tackles, 885 of which were solo efforts. A constant force on defense, he missed playing just two games, both in 1986.
In a game against the Denver Broncos in 1990 he had a personal-best performance when he recorded 10 solo tackles and 10 assists. Selected to play in a team record 10 Pro Bowls, Singletary was All-Pro eight times, and All-NFC every year from 1983 until 1991.
The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1988, Mike was the cornerstone of the Bears’ innovative 46-defense. In 1985, he led a Bears’ defense that allowed fewer than 11 points per game, as the team posted an impressive 15-1 record. He had 13 tackles and a sack in the playoffs leading up to the Bears’ 46-10 defeat of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. The Bears’ league-leading defense held the Patriots to a record low seven yards rushing, while the hard-charging Singletary contributed with two fumble recoveries.

#7. Bronko Nagurski

Chicago Bears fullback Bronko Nagurski was the symbol of power football during the 1930s. His performances took on legendary proportions. Many eyewitness observers insisted that for sheer brutal line-smashing, no one came close to Nagurski.
Never fancy, he just ran straight ahead, over and trucked the opposition. Although he is best remembered for his bull-like running, he had no equal as a blocker and his tackling was as effective as any the game has seen. He was the complete player. in the 1943 NFL title game against the Washington Redskins, Bronko, - who was named a first- or second-team All-NFL in seven of his first eight seasons – ended his career by scoring the touchdown that put the Bears ahead to stay.

#6. Doug Atkins

There might have never been a better Defensive End in NFL history then Doug Atkins. Drafted #1 overall by the Cleveland Browns in 1953 he was traded to the Bears two years. After two seasons in Cleveland, he was traded to the Chicago Bears and there he developed into one of history's most awesome defensive performers. Exceptionally strong and agile, the 6-8, 257-pound Atkins earned legendary acclaim as a devastating pass rusher who would often leapfrog blockers to get at the passer. That was a skill that carried over from his collegiate days when he won the Southeastern Conference high jump title.
An All-NFL choice four times and a veteran of eight Pro Bowls, Atkins wound up his career with three successful seasons with the New Orleans Saints. For 17 years and 205 games, Doug wrecked absolute havoc on opposing linemen, quarterbacks, and ball carriers. Linemen who faced Atkins usually had just one thought in mind: “Don’t make him mad.” It was common knowledge among players that as tough as Doug was, he was even tougher when angered. An outspoken free spirit, Doug often clashed with the Bears’ fiery head coach George Halas. Atkins’ easy-going approach to practice particularly annoyed the coach. But still, the two developed a mutual respect. Although their relationship was at times tumultuous, it lasted for 12 seasons and Atkins was a key part of the great Bears defense that won the league championship in 1963. After Atkins finally retired following the 1969 season, Halas openly admitted, “There never was a better defensive end.”

#5. Gale Sayers

Gale Sayers drafted #4 overall burst upon the pro football scene in 1965 with the kind of an impact that the sport had not felt in many years. Nicknamed the “Kansas Comet” Sayers quickly became one of the most exciting players in the NFL. It is difficult to imagine a more dynamic debut than the one he enjoyed as a rookie. In his first heavy pre-season action, he raced 77 yards on a punt return, 93 yards on a kickoff return, and then startled everyone with a 25-yard scoring pass against the Los Angeles Rams. In regular season, he scored four touchdowns, including a 96-yard game breaking kickoff return, against the Minnesota Vikings. And, in the next-to-last game, playing on a muddy field that would have stalled most runners, Gale scored a record-tying six touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. Included in his sensational spree were an 80-yard pass-run play, a 50-yard rush and a 65-yard punt return. For the entire season, Gale scored 22 touchdowns and 132 points, both then-rookie records. Quiet, unassuming, and always ready to compliment a teammate for a key block, Sayers continued to sizzle in 1967 and well into the 1968 season. Then, in the ninth game, Sayers suffered a knee injury that required immediate surgery.
After a tortuous rehabilitation program, Gale came back in 1969 in a most spectacular manner, winding up with his second 1,000-yard rushing season and universal Comeback of the Year honors. But injuries continued to take their toll and, just before the 1972 season, Gale finally had to call it quits. In his relatively short career, he compiled a record that can never be forgotten. His totals show 9,435 combined net yards, 4,956 yards rushing, and 336 points scored. At the time of his retirement he was the NFL's all-time leader in kickoff returns. He won All-NFL honors five straight years and was named Offensive Player of the Game in three of the four Pro Bowls in which he played. Sayers is the youngest player elected into the Hall of Fame.

#4. Harold Grange

Harold Red Grange became the first true star of the NFL. Nicknamed the “Galloping Ghost for his ghost like running style at the University of Illinois he became one of the few college football stars who turned pro in the 1920’s. He is credited for making Pro Football popular at a time when people only followed College Football and were more interested in baseball. On Thanksgiving Day, 1925, just 10 days after Grange's last college game, 36,600 filled Cubs Park (now know as Wrigley Field) to see Red's pro debut against the Chicago Cardinals. Ten days later more than 70,000 packed New York's Polo Grounds to see Red and the Bears take on the New York Giants. After he left the Bears to go into the AFL a rival football league Halas invited Grange back to the Bears in 1929 and he remained with them through the 1934 season. In the 1933 NFL Championship Game, Grange was a defensive hero with a difficult touchdown-saving tackle in the final seconds. George Halas’s respect for Grange is portrayed in the following quote:

I was interviewing George Halas and I asked him who is the greatest running back you ever saw. And he said, 'That would be Red Grange.' And I asked him if Grange was playing today, how many yards do you think he'd gain. And he said, 'About 750, maybe 800 yards.' And I said, 'Well, 800 yards is just okay.' He sat up in his chair and he said, 'Son, you must remember one thing. Red Grange is 75 years old.'
—Chris Berman on ESPN's Sports Century show

#3. Dick Butkus

Many have called him the greatest linebacker in NFL history and whoever played against Dick Butkus would certainly agree. Dick Butkus possessed a desire to excel that few have ever equaled. He played as the Chicago Bears' middle linebacker for nine years with only one goal in mind – to be the best, and from the very start, he was just that. In his rookie season, Butkus, a first-round draft choice, had only one challenger for National Football League Rookie of the Year honors, teammate Gale Sayers. That same year Butkus was named first-team All-NFL, an honor he would record five more times. Butkus also played in the Pro Bowl following his rookie season and in each of the next seven years. He even figured in the career statistical columns with 22 interceptions and 27 opponents' fumble recoveries. Dick had drive, meanness, a consuming desire to pursue, tackle, and manhandle – anything he could do to thwart the enemy on every play. Still he was a clean player, totally devoted to his career, a man who by his own admission played every game as though it were his last one. Butkus had the speed and agility to make tackles from sideline to sideline and to cover the best tight ends and running backs on pass plays. He had instinct, strength, leadership and, maybe most important of all, anger. “When I went out on the field to warm up, I would manufacture things to make me mad,” he once said. “If someone on the other team was laughing, I'd pretend he was laughing at me or the Bears. It always worked for me." Butkus suffered a serious right knee injury in 1970 that didn't respond completely to surgery. Three years later, he retired. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility. He is the standard to which all linebackers are compared to.

#2. Walter Payton

No other Chicago Bear or NFL player for that matter might match the skill, dedication, heart, and kindness of Walter Peyton. Perhaps the greatest running back of all time Walter Payton was a superstar on the field and off the field. The Walter Payton Man of the Year award is given to the NFL player who helps out the most in his community and sets great off the field examples. Walter Payton, the Chicago Bears' first-round choice and the fourth player selected in the 1975 National Football League Draft, developed into a superstar of unusual dimensions during his 13-season NFL tenure from 1975 to 1987, all of which he spent with the Chicago Bears. The records he held at the time of his retirement included 16,726 total yards, 10 seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing, 275 yards rushing in one game against Minnesota (1977), 77 games with more than 100 yards rushing, and 110 rushing touchdowns. Payton had 4,368 combined net attempts and accounted for 21,803 combined net yards. He also scored an impressive 750 points on 125 touchdowns. Payton won the NFC rushing title five straight years from 1976 to 1980. He also led the NFC with 96 points in 1977 and won the NFL kickoff return championship in his rookie 1975 campaign. He was named both All-Pro and All-NFC seven times and played in nine Pro Bowl games. Payton was selected as the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1977 and 1985, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1977 and 1985 and the NFC Most Valuable Player in 1977. An amazing runner, Walter rushed for more than 1,000 yards 10 of his 13 seasons. His best season came in 1977, when he ran for 1,852 yards, third best in history at that time. Payton's 492 career pass receptions for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns contributed to his exceptional combined net yard totals.
Extremely durable, Payton missed one game in his rookie campaign and then played in 186 consecutive games.

#1 George Halas

Who you may ask could be greater than the legendary Walter Payton? How about the man who founded the NFL? Without George Halas there would be no Chicago Bears heck there wouldn’t be no NFL. George Halas was associated with the Chicago Bears and the National Football League from their inception in 1920 until his death in 1983. He represented the Bears, originally known as the Decatur Staleys, at the NFL’s organizational meeting held in Canton, Ohio.
During his incredible career he filled the shoes of owner, manager, player, and promoter, and was an influential leader among the NFL’s ownership. It was, however, as a coach that he excelled and was best known. Although Halas coached his Bears for 40 seasons, he stepped away from the coaching ranks three times – 1930-1932, 1942-1945 (to serve in the military), and 1956-1957.
Each time a rejuvenated Halas returned to the sidelines to coach and won an NFL championship. Twice, in 1934 and 1942, Halas’ teams had undefeated regular-season records. His 318 regular-season wins and 324 total victories were long-standing NFL records until broken by Don Shula in 1993.His Chicago Bears teams won six NFL titles, the first coming in 1921 after the Staleys moved to Chicago. George's Bears won three other divisional titles and finished second 15 times. Only six of Halas' 40 teams finished below the .500 mark. As a coach, Halas was first in many ways: the first to hold daily practice sessions, to utilize films of opponents' games for study, to schedule a barnstorming tour, and to have his team's games broadcast on radio. With his players, George maintained tight control. Disobedience and insubordination were not tolerated. Along with Ralph Jones, his coach from 1930 through 1932, and consultant Clark Shaughnessy, Halas perfected the T-formation attack with the man in motion. It was this destructive force that propelled the Bears to their stunning 73-0 NFL title win over Washington in the 1940 NFL Championship Game and sent every other league team scurrying to copy the Halas system.

So there you have it the ten Greatest Chicago Bears of all time. Follow Da Bears Blog on twitter and face book.

DePaul Fired

2010-02-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

Pro personnel director Bobby DePaul, who was in his ninth year in the position, was relieved of his duties and escorted out of Halas Hall this monday.

DePaul was the mastermind behind the blockbuster Cutler trade. He was also the one was able to bring in John Tait and Thomas Jones as well as many others.

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 is a very well respected around the league and had many connections. But it is also true that him and Lovie never really saw eye-to-eye.

Curious to see who the Bears bring in to replace DePaul, especially with free agency coming up...

Stay tuned.
Go Bears.

Marinelli to be DC

2010-02-05T15:21:00.000-08:00

Smith said he wanted to fill all the vacancies before the Superbowl and he showed he was serious by promoting defensive line coach, Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator on Friday.

Lovie resigned as the defensive coordinator this season following a sub-par performance. Eric Washington, the assistant defensive line coach, will take Marinelli's place in charge of the defensive line.

Marinelli won't bring anything new to the table, still the same old Tampa 2 defense. Lovie will always be a big part of what the defense does, so no matter who they hired it wouldn't have made too much of a difference. The promotion was somewhat expected after Marinelli said he was fine with filling that role and later Smith said they would be comfortable hiring in-house.

Definitely not a big deal for the team. But for now, we'll just have to wait and see...

Go Bears.

Postion-by-Position Breakdown: Wide receivers

2010-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

"Where wide receivers go to die." Former Bear Muhsin Muhammed one said.

Is there truth to his statement? In his case, yes. Muhammed was one of the most prolific free agent wide receivers when the Bears acquired him in 2005. Unfortuantely for Muhammed, age and poor quarterback play effected his once unstoppable productiveness.

But lets face it, besides Marty Booker... can you really recall any big time wide receivers the Bears have produced in recent years (Booker is the only Bears receiver to go to the pro bowl since 1972)?

So lets give Muhsin some credit here, because the drought of an elite receiver continued in 2009.

Lets not be too negative here, the unit as a whole did show signs of hope in the future.

Lets take a look...

DEVIN HESTER- One of the greatest return man of all time turned wide receiver.

...Just the kind of move the Bears would make, move a guy that has amazing athleticism and move him to a position of need (But lets face it, if they didn't move him to wide receiver, people would be just as upset as they are now.). Although people were and still are down on him lets take a look at his numbers: 57 receptions (tops among Bear's wide receivers) for 757 yards (13.3 average) and three touchdowns. Through the Philadelphia game in Week 11, Hester was on pace for 83 catches and 982 yards. Those numbers aren't mind blowing but they would have definitely hushed the media. Hester and Cutler were not able to connect on that real "long ball" that everybody had been waiting for which was probably the most disappointing aspect of Hester's season. Hester admitted that he was not the same player he usually is because he played through an injury.
So the big question is, can Devin Hester be a number receiver like most had hoped for him to be? No. Although his blazing speed and ability to make defenders miss in open space may lead one to think so, he just doesn't have the instincts, size or hands that an Andre Johnson would have.

DEVIN HESTER'S FUTURE- Sure, we gave Hester a lucrative long term deal so why not use his versatility in every way we can right? No offense to Devin (pun intended), but like I said before, your just not a true number one wide receiver. But luckily for Hester he has a new coordinator in Martz who actually knows how to use what he has. Martz's plan for Hester is to lower his role offense and use him in the slot. With Hester as a slot receiver, there will be huge mismatches in the defense in which he might be up against a linebacker. So is Hester a non-factor on offense? Not at all. In fact, making him a slot receiver will make him even more valuable. Then again, seeing is believing.

DEVIN AROMASHODU- Where has this guy been when we needed him most? What was the problem here? Let me explain. The Bears never dress more than four receivers a game. Devin Hester and Earl Bennett were slated in to be the first two guys to fill them and Rashid Davis was the fourth receiver dressed because of his skills on special teams. Finding the third guy was tricky. Before the season started the bears had five options, Brandon Rideau, Devin Aromashodu, Juaquin Iglesias, and Johnny Knox. Knox, Rideau and Aromashodu played well throughout but at the end of the day, the Bears decided to go with DA as their third guy. Unfortunately for Devin, a quad injury held him back and so Knox got the nod. Once Knox showed what he had to offer the Bears stuck with him and that left DA out of the picture. Hester got injured in week 13 and DA got the start at wide out. He quickly became Cutlers favorite target and had one of the best games a receiver could have in week 16 against the Vikings. To put Devin’s numbers in perspective, let’s take a look at what his stats would have been if he started all 16 games… 88 receptions, 1128 yards, and 16 TD's. Are you kidding me? Devin seriously has what it takes to become a number one receiver. He is a mix between Reggie Wayne and Brandon Marshall in many ways (He studied under Wayne for two years.). He has the perfect size at 6’2’’ to be physical off the ball and go up to get a jumper and his speed is vastly underrated. But his greatest ability is his pure instincts, how he can adjust to the ball.

DEVIN AROMASHODU'S FUTURE- Look for DA to be the starting wide receiver next year. He seems to be the best option the Bears have at receiver and he already has a strong connection with Jay Cutler. Don't be surprised if they give him a contract extension to. You can just smell success here.

EARL BENNETT- Bennett was technically playing his first season with the Bears after he didn’t see a single snap on offense his rookie year. Bennett ended up being one of the more reliable receivers the Bears had on the roster, if there was a ball thrown his way he’s come up with the catch most of the time. Bennett showed strong hands as he proved to be a possession receiver as well as stunning the NFL with his underrated speed. Bennett didn’t have spectacular numbers, or anything close to it, but he was the only receiver to have a catch in all 16 games of the season. He’s not the kind of receiver that gives defenses nightmares but you have to account for him on the field.

EARL BENNETT’S FUTURE- Bennett and Cutler had a very strong relationship at Vanderbilt were Cutler threw 10 TDs to Bennett in his freshman year. Although the duo didn’t live up to expectations (much like the Bear’s entire season.), one more year of Cutler-Bennett can’t hurt. Although Bennett has tough competition with Aromshodu and Knox, Martz’s four receiver set offense will allow Bennett to earn a starting role on the offense.

JOHNNY KNOX- For those of you who think the trade for Cutler was terrible, I give you Johnny Knox. Knox was a little known receiver from Abilene Christian and when he was drafted in the fifth-round (acquired from the Broncos). Knox was known mainly for his blazing speed coming out of college. And he didn't disappoint in the big league. Knox burst onto the scene as a rookie from day one when he caught a 68- yard bomb against Green Bay. He went on to catching the clutch touchdown against the Steelers in week 2, raced to the pylon against Seattle in week 3 and eventually ended up with 45 catches for 527 yards and 5 touchdowns before getting injured in week 16 against Minnesota. Knox was invited to the Pro Bowl after Percy Harvin opted out as kick returner but Knox saw more than his share of snaps at receiver.

JOHNNY KNOX'S FUTURE- Knox shows great speed and acceleration along with superb down field vision. His route running skills and knowledge of the game will only make him better next year. Knox will definitely be in the mix at receiver on offense and should thrive in Martz's system that calls for quick receivers. Only reason Knox doesn't get the starting job opposite Devin Aromashodu is because Bennett has draft status over him.

RASHIED DAVIS- Only reason this guy's still here is his unbelievable skills on special teams. Other than that, Rashied Davis shouldn’t even be considered a wide receiver. He was originally a defensive back and MVP of the AFL before he signed with the Bears and they eventually moved him over to receiver (sound familiar?). In previous years, he was a regular contributor on offense and was pretty productive. But his size and lack of instincts at the position make him undesirable. Rashied only had 5 catches for 35 yards. Enough said.

RASHIED DAVIS’S FUTURE- Again, Rashied will be back with the team for his role on special teams, which I respect. Can’t see Rashied get any more playing time than he had this season but under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz he could be used as a slot receiver behind Devin Hester. Stay tuned.

JUAQUIN IGLESIAS- Earl Bennett 2.0. Iglesias didn’t get one snap on offense. Hard to say how good he is in the NFL but if you go back to his college days, he is no stranger to the game. Then again, every player in the NFL had a great college career.

JUAQUIN IGLESIAS’S FUTURE- For now, it’s unfair to rule Iglesias as a draft bust. If he is given the opportunity he should produce. But for now the bears are content with their four receivers already so don’t expect Iglesias to be more than a fifth or sixth receiver for Martz. Draft status is what keeps him here next year but he will definitely have to take to special teams to make him valuable.

2010 Bears a Top Ten Offense? Find out why.

2010-02-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

If history is any indication, then the Bears offense has just improved into one of the top ten units in the league, with Mike Martz being named the Bears offensive Coordinator on Monday. In all three destinations that Mike Martz has coached, his offense has greatly improved. In his years with the Rams for three straight years, from (1999-2001), “The Greatest Show on Turf” was number one in the league in passing and total offense. Scoring more than 500 points for three straight years an NFL record. Before Mike Martz left the Rams to become the Offensive Coordinator of the Detroit Lions the lions ranked 28th in scoring in the 2005 season. In 2006, the Lions were 21st in the league in scoring…a 7 spot turnaround.

Martz also had the same success with the San Francisco 49er’s. Before the arrival of Martz, the 49er’s were 32nd in scoring during the 2007 season which was dead last in the NFL. However, after the arrival of Martz the 49er’s jumped an astonishing 10 spots all the way to 22nd in scoring in the 2008 season. The Bears finished 19th in scoring in 2009, despite a league high 26 interceptions from Quarterback Jay Cutler.

If recent trends continue, then the Bears should rank at least 12th or higher in scoring. As everybody knows, the more you score, the better your chances are for winning games. However, more importantly scoring more points takes a tremendous amount of pressure away from the defense who don’t have to worry about winning games themselves. They can focus on their job and protect leads instead of preventing opposing offenses from increasing their leads, and for a Bears defense that gave up 45, 41, and 36 points in the, 09 season, increased scoring would definitely be a huge help to them.