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Chicago Bears Have 53 Man Roster

Jonathan — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:06:08 +0000

Josh Beekman, Jarron Gilbert and Juaquin Iglesias were probably the biggest surprises to not make the final roster.

Beekman started several games during his three seasons with the squad, but his bad snap against Cleveland last Thursday may have been the straw that broke his Chicago Bears career. Apparently, Johan Asiata is worth keeping ahead of Beekman. I don’t quite get this move. Beekman has always seemed to be under-appreciated by the Chicago Bears.

Gilbert and Iglesias were the Chicago Bears top two picks last season and showed nothing. Additionally Al Alfalfa was also cut from that class as well. This is probably why Bobby DePaul is out of work. Your college scouting director needs to identify better talent.

Tim Shaw set a single season Chicago Bears special teams tackle record with 30. The addition of versatile Brian Iwuh sealed his fate. Of course, Iwuh took his job in Jacksonville too last season.

One of the biggest bubble battles was between Garrett Wolfe and Khalil Bell. Both didn’t get red tagged and for the moment are Chicago Bears.

Dan LeFevour had one solid game in the preseason and was released with the idea of bringing him back on the practice squad. This is a sign that Caleb Hanie will be ready to roll by opening game.

The biggest surprise for me was Wolfe. When the Chicago Bears released fullback Will Ta’ufo’ou, this gave Wolfe an inside track as a special teams player. I felt Wolfe was safe because of this (as I mentioned a few days back), but I still wonder why he’s around.

While a few guys were a bit surprising, there were no total shocks today. Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith at least proved today they are willing to admit a mistake or two. This team needs football players and guys like Gilbert and Iglesias just didn’t develop. Now this leads to my next entry on the lack of player development. Read more tomorrow.

For breaking roster news, follow me on Twitter at bearshq.

Chicago Bears Release Tim Shaw and Al Afalava

Jonathan — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 12:33:57 +0000

Al Afalava started for the Chicago Bears last season, and Tim Shaw led the team in special team tackles. But the NFL is a cruel league and both are no longer on the team.

Afalava wasn’t a huge surprise. Last season the secondary pretty much sucked. Along with Kevin Payne, not a lot of good things came from this tandom. By drafting Major Wright and trading for Chris Harris, the writing was on the wall. Alfalava overcame some off-the-field issues while at Oregon State stemming from a drunk driving conviction. He got passed this but now needs to prove to another team he can play.

Born in England, Tim Shaw has bounced around the NFL after his time at Penn State. He replaced Brian Urlacher on the roster last season. I’m a little surprised on this move, but others including Brian Iwuh seemed to be more versatile. Ironically enough, Iwuh also beat Shaw out in Jacksonville last season.

Stay tuned for updates on the final roster on my Twitter account (bearshq) and on bearsheadquarters.com.

Chicago Bears Tight Ends…Not so Good…

Jonathan — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:30:16 +0000

For those of you that know me, you know that I have never been a fan of Greg Olsen. He has never seen a block that he likes. Additionally, while he makes catches there are many occasions when he is out of a play before it begins. He will get caught up in interference or not be able to shed a defender. The Chicago Bears have claimed that he is now a recognized target, but so are Dallas Clark, Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. However, the difference is that the three guys not in a Chicago Bears uniform make plays on a regular basis.

Speaking of Gates, the Chicago Bears signed his former teammate Brandon Manumaleuna as one of the big three with Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor. Manumaleuna is supposed to be a devastating blocker and will occasionally catch a pass when he’s open. Well this preseason, he hasn’t caught a pass or blocked very well. Now in his defense, he was hurt. For a guy that is considered by many to be such a great blocker, I ain’t seeing it. He was a key player for the Mike Martz offense in St. Louis, so let’s hope this is just him getting his legs back after an injury. But like with Marv Cook, the Chicago Bears haven’t had the best track record of bringing in tight ends from free agency.

Desmond Clark has been one of the more underrated Chicago Bears during his career. This season, he has made the transition to h-back as well as playing some tight end. H-back is a combination between the two positions, but one of the primary jobs of an h-back is to block for both the quarterback and running game. Clark has struggled with both of these tasks. In his defense, it is a new season and he is learning a new position. However, it better improve really quickly or this could be a disaster.

Kellen Davis isn’t a lock on this roster. He is used primarily as a special teams player and catches occasional short passes. Quite honestly, he has looked the best of the four this preseason (although I have to say that Olsen is a far superior pass catcher, but I think blocking is as big of a part of the tight end position as catching passes…unless you’re Jay Novecek). He seems to get a pad on someone and helped with the running game. That does not mean I think he is more talented than the other three (well more than Olsen in the blocking department, my two-year old son can block better), I just am giving him credit for being the best of the tight ends this preseason.

Closing Preseason Thoughts…

I think one of the dangers of the preseason is the ability of us fans to gripe about something. When teams play four games, fans want to see what his or her team can do. In the case of the Chicago Bears, we saw very little from this squad. If this team finishes 13-3, people will forget the preseason fairly quickly.

I have no issue with Lovie Smith holding out some of his star players. That being said, it would seem that learning a complicated offense like Martz’s one require a lot of practice. The lack of blocking really did not allow this group to find a rhythm. Maybe this is getting done at Halas Hall, but based on the results (and I am sure most of you would agree), we do not have much to feel good about at this point. This can all change a week from Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns Preseason Recap

Jonathan — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:03:06 +0000

Todd Collins was the major story tonight as he performed very well tonight. The highlight came on a throw to Greg Olsen throw into the end-zone. Olsen made a great double move between two defenders to find pay-dirt.

Other than that, the Chicago Bears have a clown college of tight ends. It seems to me that none of the members of this group are any good. Now this might be a product of the offense, but blocking seems to be optional.

While the Chicago Bears finished 0-4 in the preseason, this was by far their best showing. While the fourth preseason game is the most meaningless, it was nice to see guys competing tonight. If nothing else, we are left with a little better taste in our mouths. Who am I kidding, we learned very little tonight and the bubble players are on the bubble for many reasons.

Chicago Bears To Hold Out Jay Cutler and Brian Urlacher Tonight

Jonathan — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:41:58 +0000

Please allow me to once again express my opinion on how worthless this final preseason game really has become. Look, does it really matter if Garrett Wolfe or Khalil Bell make the team? Will our whole season be won or lost based on Tim Shaw’s status as a special teams performer? So why bother with this exercise in ripping off season ticket holders with one more meaningless game?

I am glad Jay Cutler isn’t playing. He is getting his tail kicked up and down the field. But maybe we should all be a little more concerned about Brian Urlacher. While the Chicago Bears are sticking to the story he will be ready for the Detroit Lions, this is a guy that has played about a quarter and a half this whole preseason after missing all of last season. Is it possible that he is a lot more hurt than they are telling us? I wouldn’t put it past this group.

So this evening, sit back, relax and enjoy the start of the Todd Collins era.

Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns Preseason Preview

Jonathan — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:29:01 +0000

As of tomorrow, we can finally say that the preseason is over. Here we are in the fourth and frankly most meaningless preseason game. The Chicago Bears will take on the Cleveland Browns in what is sure to be can’t miss television…wait for it…NOT!

OK, so I am being a little bit sarcastic here, there are still some things that the Chicago Bears need to shore-up. There are still a few roster spots that have not been decided and I am sure some of the starters would like to get one final tune-up in before the start of the season a week and a half away.

Probably the most curious roster battle is at running back. Garrett Wolfe and Khalil Bell have been locking horns throughout training camp. My feelings on Wolfe have not been a secret (he isn’t very good), and Bell has gotten more of the work this preseason.

I would have guessed Wolfe would have been the odd man out. But our little friend may have been saved by the release of fullback Will Ta’ufo’ou. Not that Wolfe is a fullback, but he has been the signal caller on punts the last few seasons and may be kept around for special teams (and if he is kept around, can we PLEASE keep him only on special teams, and never let him be involved with the offense again). Eddie Williams is also a fullback in camp, and since you probably didn’t know that you can only guess that he will have little chance of making this team.

For those of you not familiar with Bell, I have his college photo above. He was one of the nation’s top running backs at UCLA until injuring his knee. His first run for the Chicago Bears (and in the NFL) was a 72-yard run against the Philadelphia Eagles during a Sunday night battle. While he didn’t quite have the same success after that, it was sure an exciting run.

Another interesting battle is in the secondary. Craig Steltz suffered a high ankle sprain during the first preseason game and has not been on the field since that time. Major Wright had an impressive showing in the first game as well until injuring his finger. Now Wright is expected back by the opening game, but Steltz is anyone’s guess.

This leads to Al Afalava. As previously discussed, he was the toast of training camp last season, but really hasn’t shown much since that time. But with Steltz and Wright on the shelf, he may have gotten a lifeline. While he may open the season with the Chicago Bears, chances are he probably will not be around by the end of the season.

Jarron Gilbert and his jumping out of the pool skills (if you click the link you can see it on You Tube….quite cool) and Henry Melton are two guys the Chicago Bears drafted last season. Neither one has done anything too impressive. Melton will probably get his walking papers and Gilbert will stick around. Although if anyone spots Gilbert actually doing something productive on the field, please let me know. Same goes for Melton if he actually sticks around…

Johan Asiata opened camp as your starting left guard. However, Lance Lewis passed him on the depth charts and Asiata may not even make the team. Asiata may make the team as a continued project of coach Mike Tice, but Tice is legendary for putting players in his doghouse and making it almost impossible to get out. Asiata is in that position.

Well enjoy tonight’s game and hopefully we will have something good to feel about after this one…

Chicago Bears 4th Phase

Jonathan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:00:10 +0000

I am going to piggy back a little of the talk from my good friends at Bears Goggles On. They do excellent work and all of us bloggers are on a mission to keep things real.

The Chicago Bears have jumped on the bandwagon of professional sports teams by nicknaming its fans. In our case, we are considered the 4th Phase. We are told to make a lot of noise on defense and help bring the thunder on offense by the stadium announcer Jim Riebandt. (look, he’s a DePaul guy, so I have to give him a huge shout out…and for the record…”there’s a timeout…(fans scream “where”)…on the field…(fans scream “oh”)” was started by DePaul fans when we actually drew well).

Let me start off by saying that fans have little to nothing to do with team success. Sure, it can make things louder in a stadium and disrupt cadences and what not, but do you think really good teams have won or lost road games based on the opposing fans? In fairness, the Chicago Bears are not the ones that started this fire.

As a quick reminder, the other three phases are offense, defense and special teams. My wife likes to point out at games that all four phases aren’t working too well at all times. She feels as the 4th Phase we are doing our job (with the cheering and support), but the other three phases are not up to that same standard.

I think the Chicago Bears have the best fans in sports. In my seats, I sit next to an 86-year-old gentleman. He has been going to games for over 60 years. 60 YEARS!!! The season tickets have been in my family for over 60 years as well. It is a right of passage to attend games. Four generations will own my Chicago Bears tickets and the beat will always continue. Don’t let the National Media let you think any other way, they’ve got no clue about the loyalty and dedication of Chicago Bears fans.

Instead of pandering to us by calling us the 4th Phase, rebuild the winning tradition. That is what we deserve.

Chicago Bears Cut Loose a Few Players

Jonathan — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:06:38 +0000

Please remember this day…The Chicago Bears released three players yesterday…defensive lineman Maurice Evans, quarterback Matt Gutierrez and wide receiver Zeke Markshausen. Evans and Markshausen were to be expected, but some felt that Gutierrez was expected to compete (well until Todd Collins came to town). Gutierrez must really not be very good to not even get any game action.

This leads to an interesting question…what are the Chicago Bears planning on doing with Caleb Hanie? How hurt is he? Will he be ready to start the season? As well as Dan LeFevour played on Saturday night, do we really have any faith in his ability to play this season? As of right now, with the way the Chicago Bears are blocking and Jay Cutler’s ability to get crushed by oncoming rushers, this is another alarming situation in Chicago Bears camp. There really isn’t a lot of depth at the quarterback position.

One Last Thing…

I was called out yesterday by GaryD who said…”You’re not a real fan who knows anything for sure. You just jump on the bandwagon when they are good and jump all over them when they are bad…”

Let me explain something to you GaryD (and anyone else that is wondering about my loyalty). I have been a Chicago Bears fan my whole life (36 years). I am a season ticket holder and owner of a pair of Chicago Bears Zubaz. My whole life revolves around the Chicago Bears.

Just because I am critical of the team doesn’t mean I want the team to lose. It is my responsibility to point out the truth. I want the Chicago Bears to go 16-0 and win the Super Bowl. However, I am asking someone to tell me how this team will be any good this season.

I will hang up and listen for your responses…

Is it Time to Fire Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith???

Jonathan — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:00:41 +0000

On the way home from the game Saturday night with my father, he reminded me of how the Chicago Bears keep shuffling defensive coaches “like deck chairs on the Titanic”. Instead of firing an under-performing coach, they seem to reassign the individual to a new position. Bob Babich failed miserably for two seasons at the job when Ron Rivera left. Instead of firing Babich, he was reassigned to his old position of linebackers coach. Last season, Smith took over the job and the defense showed no improvement.

This season, we get to enjoy the wonderful Rod Marinelli of 0-16 Detroit Lions fame. Last season, he was hired to turn the defensive line around and was also hired as assistant head coach. As many of you noticed, he didn’t exactly do a very good job. So what is his reward…you guessed it, a promotion to run the defense that has been run into the ground since Rivera’s departure.

Can the Chicago Bears admit that the problem is deeper than shifting guys around the coaching staff? Since the Chicago Bears pee’ed down their collective legs in Super Bowl XLI, this team has failed to make the playoffs. Who’s fault is this? Why is it that the Chicago Bears continue to get worse? When does someone hold Smith responsible for the demise of the Chicago Bears.

The Chicago Bears were forced to extend his contract after 2005 (the Super Bowl year) and this has crippled the team from firing him. Well, let’s be a little more honest here, this is the history of cheapness continuing out of Halas Hall. Teams like the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks fired highly paid coaches when they do not like the direction of the organization. The Chicago Bears, however, insult us with BS press conferences and suggest we do not know the positive qualities Lovie Smith brings to the table.

While the season hasn’t started yet, we can see that this has the makings of a terrible 2010 for the fans of the Chicago Bears. Why not try to at least spark something and replace Smith now? Is there anyone out there that can make a strong argument as to why he should still be with this organization? His time here was somewhat successful, but it is now time to give someone else a shot. I know, its only three preseason games into the season and they have not taken a meaningful snap as of yet, but I am afraid it ain’t going to get much better.

Chicago Bears vs. Arizona Cardinals Post-Game Recap

Jonathan — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 05:22:22 +0000

Yuck! Can I just end the article with that statement? I would but I feel obligated to tell you more about the blood-bath I observed tonight. For those of you that enjoyed a Saturday night doing anything else, smart move.

Here are some of the low-lights…

-Jay Cutler played like Rex Grossman.

-The offensive line still cannot block.

-Missed tackles on defense.

-Two missed field goals.

-Lack of third-down stops.

-Lance Briggs injured his ankle.

-Matt Forte doesn’t play very much.

-Chris Harris missed two obvious tackles on consecutive plays.

-Brandon Manumaleuna forgot how to block.

What were the highlights???

-Dan LeFevour actually looked like he did in college…good (and he shut me up with some play-making abilities).

-Juaquin Iglesias made a tough catch in the end-zone.

-Pisa Tinoisamoa was all over the field making plays.

-Johnny Knox continues to grow before our very eyes.

-Julius Peppers is pretty good.

-Tommie Harris continues to show flashes of his former self.

Overall Recap

I really left Soldier Field tonight with a sour taste in my mouth and anger in my gut. How can this team be so bad? Are they not showing us anything or do they not have the ability to show us anything? Lovie Smith claimed that this game was going to be treated like a regular season game and even suggested that the Bears had a score to settle with the Cardinals from last season. If this is how the Chicago Bears settle a score, it may be time to start looking for another line of work.

OK, its only the preseason I keep telling myself. No one remembers what your record was during this time. However, glaring holes are still showing up on this team and there is little that may give us any hope.