Grading the Chicago Bears…Secondary
In 2009, the Chicago Bears secondary was terrible. Al Alalava and Kevin Payne were your starting safeties and along with Danieal Manning. It was painful to watch.
What a difference a year makes?!? The Chicago Bears traded for their old friend Chris Harris and moved Manning in as the starting strong safety. DJ Moore had a great year as the nickel safety. Rookie Major Wright proved to be a big hitter when he could stay healthy. Craig Steltz exploded out of camp as a potential starter but disappeared thanks to an injury during the preseason.
Charles Tillman is a favorite target of fans. He can be terrible against the slant pattern. However, he’s an excellent tackler and causes many fumbles. He’s a poor man’s Charles Woodson. Zachary Bowman was productive last season and struggled this year. He was replaced by one of the more underrated Bears this season in Tim Jennings. Josh Bullocks and Corey Graham are also cornerbacks, but their contributions come on special teams where Graham is a stud.
Obviously things were going right from a coaching standpoint. Jon Hoke was interviewed by the Philadelphia Eagles for their vacant defensive coordinator position. He didn’t get the job but it’s a nice pat-on-the-back for his career.
Overall, I give this unit a B+. While I think Harris was overrated and missed many tackles, he did get interceptions. Manning had a strong season. The cornerbacks played well and the coaches pulled the plug on Bowman quickly. Moore had a great season for a nickelback.
Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ.
Chicago Bears Veteran Leadership
There have been many things written about tomorrow’s game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. One angle that hasn’t been discussed is leadership. I think the Chicago Bears have an edge in this category.
Let’s start of offense. While Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are two newer guys, Olin Kruetz has been the leader of the offensive line for a long time. While Mike Tice has done a wonderful job molding this unit, teammates will tell you that Kruetz is the one who gets in your face if he feels you’re not giving a full effort. He’s an effort guy and demands the same from his teammates.
I’ll never forget in his rookie season the Bears were playing against Washington. One of the Redskins taunted a Bear and Kruetz took a shot at the guy and was penalized. It was right then his reputation was beginning to be established. He’s a tough SOB and demands respect. We even saw that against Seattle last week. Toward the end of the game, he defended a teammate that was on the ground.
On special teams, Patrick Mannelly has been the long-snapper for a long time. He’s one of the best in football. He also covers kicks and sets the tone for this group. While he’s not as well known outside of Chicago, he’s one of the most respected Bears.
I’ve met Mannelly and seen the type of work he puts in off the field. I actually was rehabbing a broken ankle at the same gym where Mannelly trains. Holy crap! According to others in the facilities, he is always an extremely intense worker. If you don’t think that a guy who’s asked to do something maybe five times a game working his tail off doesn’t earn him respect, then you’ve got another thing coming. He wears a “C” for that reason.
On the defensive side of the ball, the list includes Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers. These guys play at a high level and can all make game-changing plays. There’s a reason why this unit is strong and it is large part to talent and leadership.
In the defensive huddle, there are seven guys that played in the 2006 Super Bowl for the Chicago Bears and one that got there with the Carolina Panthers (Peppers). In other words, eight of the 11 starters won an NFC title. Think that doesn’t motivate you a little more to get back?
I haven’t even mentioned guys like Israel Idonije, Roberto Garza, Brad Maynard and Rasheed Davis. These are veteran role players that certainly make an impact as well. All of these guys have made a huge impact at a point of the season.
While I’m not discounting the leadership on the Packers, I feel its an edge for the Chicago Bears.
Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ. If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s my son singing Bear Down Chicago Bears. I am so proud!!!
Bears Headquarters Sits Down with Vikings Post Part II
I want to thank Sara Marsh from our very own Rant Sports Vikings Post. She gave us her insite as well into this game. So read away…
Jonathan: “What the heck is going on with the inmates hating Brad Childress? What caused this problem?”
Sara: I think that the players are drawing the same conclusions as the fans: Brad Childress is not the coach who is going to get this team a Superbowl victory. He’s just not. The only thing that Childress does well is the draft (quarterbacks are an exception to that rule). Otherwise, for a guy who’s supposed to be some kind of offensive whiz kid, he’s got nothing in terms of offensive plays.
Plus, Childress butts heads with the quarterback (Brett Favre) and cut our recently acquired star receiver (Randy Moss) after Moss calle it like it is – telling Zygi Wilf that Childress is a bad coach. Now, Moss has played for the worst (Dennis Green) and the best (Bill Belichik), so he knows what he’s talking about. Cutting Moss (supposedly without owner permission) was, I think, the final straw for everyone – particularly Favre. And the knowledge that the Vikings just aren’t going to turn things around with Childress at the helm – he hasn’t got the coaching skills to win the whole thing.
Jonathan: “Do you think all the efforts by the Vikings to bring back “The Million Dollar Baby” Brett Favre created a distraction?”
[picappgallerysingle id="10143897"]
Jonathan: “What player on the Chicago Bears concerns you?”
Sara: On the offense, Jay Cutler concerns me – I think he’s an underrated quarterback. Fortunately, the Bears don’t exactly have a stalwart offensive line, so that neutralizes the effect that Cutler can have. Chester Taylor is a concern – I think he’ll probably play very hard against the Vikings, especially given the disparaging comments he’s made about the organization of late (not that I blame him). Johnny Knox can light up the field if he’s given the opportunity. On the defensive side, I’d be crazy not to be worried about Julius Peppers – the guy’s awesome. And you can never count out Brian Urlacher. You always worry about Charles Tillman, too.
Jonathan: “How do the Vikings win this game? How about the Bears?”
[picappgallerysingle id="10052716"]
Sara: The Vikings have to step up offensively. We’ve got to get the ball to Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shaincoe, and we need to establish the running game early with both Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart. That means our offensive line needs to block. Defensively, we’ve got to put pressure on Cutler. If we don’t, he’ll pick us apart.
The Bears need to do the same thing, except I’d say their focus should be passing, not rushing, given the Vikings’ injury-riddled secondary. That said, the Vikings have been giving up a lot more rushing yardage this year than they did last year, and Chester Taylor knows the system, so the Bears should use that to their advantage. But their defense has to get to Favre, and they’ve got to stop Adrian Peterson.
Jonathan: “Prediction???”
Thank you Sara!!! Much appreciated. Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ and BlueDemonsLair. Also, for the latest DePaul Blue Demons news and views, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please vote for me as the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.
Chicago Bears Blogging with the Enemy…A View from the Seattle Seahawks
In order to learn more about our opponent, I had the opportunity to catch up with Derek Stephens of The Blue Bird Herd. Derek shared with me that he considers himself a Chicago Bears fan and is friendly with former tight end John Allred. He was kind enough to give us a few minutes of his time for a Q & A. So here we go…
Jonathan: “What do you think about the Chicago Bears from your vantage point?
Derek: I think they’ve shown some growth over last season, particularly at the quarterback position, and along the defensive line. The addition of Peppers to that front four, along with the great start by Idonije have made both edges dangerous, and only make the jobs of guys like Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs that much easier.
Jay Cutler has a great arm, good poise and a healthy ego. All three seem to be prerequisites for successful QB’ing at the NFL level. Considering the lack of protection so far this year, he’s been pretty efficient and seems to have a good grasp of the offense thus far.
Jonathan: “Who scares you on the Chicago Bears?”
Derek: Julius Peppers is still as explosive as ever coming off the ball, and athletically he can do a lot of things to disrupt a QB. With the Seahawks having their share of issues along the O-line so far this season, TE John Carlson and RB Marshawn Lynch will presumably be counted on to help keep the edges stopped from a pass-rushing stand point, which would essentially neutralize two of Seattle’s greatest weapons in the passing game and force Matt Hasselbeck to rely on a young receiving corps to make big plays.
On Offense, Mike Martz spent several years stinging the Seahawks with his prolific passing attack in St. Louis. Now he brings it to Chicago and has what I think is still one of the top young QB’s in the league at his disposal. I don’t know that anyone in the Bears’ receiving corps necessarily scares me, however, a QB like Cutler has the ability to make guys around him better, and both Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are explosive athletes who can stretch the field and run after the catch. Greg Olson can’t be forgotten either. Aaron Curry will be lined up over him all day. That will be a matchup to watch.
Seattle has the No.2 defense in the NFL against the run right now, so if I’m Chicago, I wouldn’t necessarily count on a big day from Matt Forte, at least between the tackles. If he’s somehow able to run on the Seattle defense, I just don’t see the Seahawks being in this one.
Jonathan: “What does Seattle need to do to win this game?”
Derek: First neutralize the running game, and then get big pressure on Jay Cutler. Seattle has converted former DT Red Bryant to a defensive end where he’s starting on the left side. The move, thus far has proven to be brilliant, as Bryant has essentially shut down the running lanes to that side, through 4 games. Brandon Mebane and Colin Cole are the two interior lineman, and both have been stellar at squeezing down and plugging the middle against the run.
Chris Clemons is off to a good start from the weakside DE spot with 4 sacks through 4 games, and will need to get to Cutler early. If Seattle has to rely on blitzing linebackers to get pressure on Cutler, they’re going to leave themselves vulnerable to Cutler making plays underneath to his play-makers. They absolutely have to get pressure on Cutler with their front four if they want to have any chance of winning this week.
On offense, it’s simple. Seattle has to protect Matt Hasselbeck. If given time, he’s still one of the smartest QB’s in the league and has a long history of making things happen with limited resources. Seattle’s WR corps is young, but much more explosive than it has been in recent seasons with 2nd year wideout Deon Butler and rookie Golden Tate as the speed guys, and former washed up first-round bust Mike Williams looking good as the starting split end.
Jonathan: “What does Chicago need do to win this game?”
Derek: Get to Matt Hasselbeck early and often on defense, and establish the run on offense. Pretty simple really.
Jonathan: “How’s Pete Carroll been so far this season?”
Derek: Pete Carroll has an immeasurable amount of energy for a head coach. It’s really unprecedented. His passion on the sidelines, in practices and even in the media seem to be rubbing off on the rest of the organization in that he’s creating an exciting atmosphere where players are forced to compete for their jobs every day. His philosophy of the best man winning at each position has thus far produced good results. There are no favorites.
He’s rebuilding the team completely, so it’s hard to measure his impact on the field right now. With that said, there is clearly a noticeably different attitude around the team and in the locker room, and the players that have been acquired thus far seem to be a lot more exciting to watch than those we’ve seen the past few years. This is no longer a high-character-first organization. It’s talent-first, character second, so we’re seeing guys on the roster who would’ve never so much as sniffed the locker room at team headquarters under previous GM Tim Ruskell (now with the Chicago Bears). It’s refreshing to see.
Jonathan: “Are you as sick of the 49ers as I am?”
Derek: I’m actually starting to enjoy watching the 49ers. Each week brings more gratification.
Jonathan: “Game prediction?”
Derek: Bears 24, Seahawks 13
Thank you Derek. Now it’s my turn. Here is what Derek asked of me.
Derek: “What has been the biggest area of improvement for the Chicago Bears so far this season?”
Jonathan: It is the play of the defense. Adding Julius Peppers gave the unit one hall-of-famer and having Brian Urlacher healthy gave them two. They are getting after teams and creating turnovers. Teams have trouble running the ball on the Chicago Bears and this was an issue last season. The play of the defense was supposed to improve, but no one realized it would be this much.
Derek: “Who is the weakest link along the offensive line when it comes to pass protection for the Bears?”
Jonathan: Pick your poison. They all pretty much suck. Mike Tice said that he would be able to get something out of this group, and he’s been shifting and moving guys around. If the Chicago Bears really will contend this season, the offensive line needs to be at least average. We can’t say that quite yet.
Derek: “Who has been the biggest surprise (good or bad) so far this season in Chicago?”
Jonathan: Matt Forte. He appears to have his speed back. Last season, he appeared to be running in concrete. Once he gets into the open field he can outrun anyone. Devin Hester also should get a nod based on his improved return skills.
Derek: “Who is the best pass defender in the Bears’ defensive backfield?”
Jonathan: Charles “Peanut” Tillman. He’s been underrated for many years but is a really good corner. Plus he’s the best ball stripper I’ve ever seen.
Derek: “How can Seattle beat the Bears?”
Jonathan: If Seattle can get after Jay Cutler and force bad throws, there’s your chance. But Mike Martz has been dialing up some great plays. Seattle’s offense will struggle and they need to create points off of turnovers.
Derek: “How do fans and local media seem to feel about/treat Jay Cutler?”
Jonathan: People are still on the fence. His talent is appreciated but it would be nice to see him perform better. If the Chicago Bears fall apart after this start, Cutler hunting season will begin. It won’t help his cause that Kyle Orton has played well in Denver.
Follow me on Twitter at bearshq.
Why Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith is Worse than former Coach Dick Jauron
[picappgallerysingle id="5805174"]Yes, you read the headline to this correctly. After reviewing some of the recent history of this team, I find that Dick Jauron was a better coach than Lovie Smith. I am not trying to say that Jauron is a great coach, but I am convinced he is better than Smith. I have four reasons for this, so I am sure everyone will have his or her thoughts as well…
[picappgallerysingle id="6690805"]
1. Jauron took over for the worst coach in Chicago Bears history.
Without a doubt, Dave Wannstedt was the worst coach in my lifetime, and according to my father (69 years old), his too. Jauron had to take over a disaster of a team and was able to fix some of the damage. The team responded to Jauron’s style and within three years (2001) he got the team to a 13-3 record. While the team had a poor season the following year, other factors were involved including the renovation of Soldier Field forcing the Chicago Bears to play all home games in Champaign. Jauron’s coaching tenure never recovered from this change of venue.
2. Player development under Jauron was strong.
His coaching staff helped develop Tony Parrish, Olin Kruetz, Patrick Mannelly, Marty Booker, Warrick Holdman, Rosevelt Colvin, Jerry Azumah, Brian Urlacher, Mike Brown, Anthony Thomas, Mike Gandy, Alex Brown, Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs. Several of these players were important factors in Lovie Smith’s trip to Super Bowl XLI. Meanwhile, Smith hasn’t produced nearly as many players. In fact, it is safe to say that players seem to actually get worse after starting strong with Smith (see Devin Hester).
3. Lack of organizational spending.
While Jauron was the head coach, the organization didn’t spend like it does today. Smith has had the luxury of the organization bringing in some top talent, while Jauron had to work with less quality players. Jauron’s success was a direct result of his development of players. Jauron had to coach at the old Soldier Field with its outdated facilities. Smith inherited a state-of-the-art stadium with amenities never available to Jauron.
4. Jauron was always a stand-up guy.
When things didn’t go the Chicago Bears way, Jauron would always take blame. Smith, on the other hand, avoids responsibility like the plague.
[picappgallerysingle id="9575043"]Lovie Smith may be in the discussion for worst head coach in the NFL. Basically, here is a guy that got into a Super Bowl with a core of players developed under Dick Jauron and screwed everything up. Meanwhile, the organization continues to take steps backwards under his leadership.
In Other News…
It looks as if the Chicago Bears outsmarted themselves once again. Instead of allowing Dan LeFevour to develop, the Chicago Bears released him with the idea of putting him on the practice squad. However, little did Jerry Angelo know that another team (Cincinnati) would want him and claimed him off of waivers. While I wasn’t that impressed with LeFevour, this goes down as another wasted pick by our wonderful GM.
Please follow me on Twitter at bearshq.
