My Feelings on Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith
I think Lovie Smith should have been fired after having Todd Collins take meaningful snaps during the Chicago Bears loss in last season’s NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers. There was absolutely no excuse and it ultimately cost the Chicago Bears any chance of winning that game. Every good decision he made during the regular season was totally destroyed by that one move. And yet, the Chicago Bears extended his contract.
Many of you will think I’m being harsh, but when you regularly choke on the biggest stages, one has to question your coaching ability (see Super Bowl and Championship game last season). Smith is horrible with challenges and time outs. While I am not going to use the he looks like he doesn’t care card, he does things to make all of us scratch our heads.
Smith can come across like a jerk. Again, I do not need a head coach to be my friend, but his arrogance is puzzling. Ron Rivera left the Chicago Bears because of Lovie Smith, and that loss hurt the Chicago Bears defense for a long time. Last season, things improved but I think Julius Peppers had a lot to do with that improvement. It should be noted that Peppers came to the Chicago Bears because of Smith, but one player’s decision isn’t exactly what I would call a solid coaching resume.
While I do not think Smith will ever reach the Dave Wannstedt level of crappiness, I do believe that Smith hasn’t delivered despite a load of talent over the years.
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Chicago Bears Greg Olsen on the Market…or is He
The Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday Morning that Greg Olsen’s agent Drew Rodenhaus sent an email to all of the NFL teams suggesting that the Chicago Bears are looking to move Greg Olsen. Within minutes, the email was rescinded. Attempts to reach Rodenhaus by the Tribune were unsuccessful for comment on this strange situation.
All of you should know by now where I stand on Olsen. He should have been on my overrated list, but you have to be actually rated before you can be overrated. Most fans are onto how much this guy is a soft blocker, pass dropper and generally crappy football player. In order to be an elite tight end, you have to be able to at least do something. Doing nothing makes you a disgrace to the Chicago Bears.
I am sure by now the other NFL teams know what brutal football player Olsen is by now as well. This does not mean that a team may not take a shot at him, but his value has plummeted. Too bad the New England Patriots pulled the second-round draft pick off the table last season. That would have been larceny.
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Five Most Overrated Players in the NFL
I am sure this list won’t anger too many people, but I am giving you my opinion. We are all entitled to our opinions, even if we do not agree. Just because I think a guy is overrated doesn’t mean he is a terrible football player. It means that the player is strictly overrated. Here are the five most overrated players in the NFL according to me…Jonathan Carroll (a Chicago Bears Fan).
5. Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
Peterson is a freak of nature. He has some amazing runs and blows through defenders. But, he fumbles way too much. In fact, I believe if he didn’t fumble as much he would be one of the all-time greats. I cannot look past a running back that regularly puts the ball on the turf.
4. Eli Manning (Giants)
He’s not Peyton. Considering the hype surrounding this guy, he just isn’t as good as we are led to believe. More excuses are made for Manning’s failures than any other quarterback in football. I would like to see Manning carry the Giants, which doesn’t happen very often.
3. Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears)
I do not question Jay Cutler’s toughness. I do not question Jay Cutler’s committment. I question his talent. While I think he’s talented, I don’t know if he’s as talented as we were once led to believe. Cutler throws way too many interceptions and misses open receivers. While he will make some great throws, he also makes terrible ones too. Something is missing with this guy, and I cannot put my finger on it…
2. Clay Matthews, III (Green Bay Packers)
This shouldn’t be a secret to many of you that read my work regularly, but you should be shocked that he isn’t number one. Matthews thrives in Dom Capers 3/4 defense, but put him in another city, and I am not sure if you’d see the results. Plus, this guy sucks against the run and isn’t strong in pass coverage. He’s a good football player that is helped by a system. Case closed…
1. Michael Vick (Philadelphia Eagles)
He’s exciting to watch. He’s got freakish skills. But he’s overrated as hell. Hit him once and he stops caring. I’m not saying he doesn’t make spectacular plays…he does. But he also is a wuss that hates contact and kills dogs. For Madden and fantasy purposes, he’s a star. But besides that…you can have Vick.
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Chicago Bears Add Undrafted Ohio State Buckeye Dane Sanzenbacher
Usually, undrafted rookie free agents come with little hype. However, in the case of former Ohio State Buckeye wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher, this isn’t the case. He agreed to a contract with the Chicago Bears despite having many offers (even for more money) from other teams. Sanzenbacher envisioned himself as a member of the Chicago Bears and wants to play for offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
Last season for the Buckeyes, Sanzenbacher caught 55 passes for 948 yards and 11 touchdowns. How does this translate to the NFL? Many experts including ESPN’s Jon Gruden suggested that Terrelle Pryor was helped immensely but Sanzenbacher and that he was shocked that Sanzenbacher wasn’t drafted. Gruden noted Sanzenbacher’s soft-hands, precise routs and play-making abilities.
I like two things about this kid…he was productive and seems to have a strong character (I know, Ohio State cheats, but…). Could he be the Chicago Bears Wes Welker? Remember, Welker followed a similar path. I will say this…while I do not think teams in the NFC North are shaking over this move I’m excited to see this kid develop. Along with Andy Fantuz, there is some potential much-needed help for the Chicago Bears in the receiving game.
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Should the Chicago Bears Franchise Tag Danieal Manning?
Chicago Bears safety Danieal Manning had a strong season last year. On top of being a great kickoff returner and special teams performer, he played at a high level in the secondary. After a few mediocre seasons, Manning is emerging as a top NFL safety.
With that being said, would it serve the Chicago Bears to franchise tag Manning? I believe it is the right move. While he’s not a ball-hawk, he does make tackles and does a solid job in coverage.
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