Chicago Bears Release Tim Shaw and Al Afalava
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 vs. Arizona Cardinals Post-Game Recap
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.
Chicago Bears That May Not Make The Roster
I am writing this about four guys that are more of household names. I am hoping to spark some debate, so your thoughts are welcome and appreciated…
Garrett Wolfe…
Over the past day or so, some of you have had some strong suggestions on why Garrett Wolfe should make the Chicago Bears. His blocking on special teams and speed are two of the primary reasons. But in his time with the Chicago Bears, he has not exactly been a productive player. He has shown very little on offense and some things on special teams. With Kahlil Bell emerging as a viable third running back, Wolfe has an uphill battle. On Saturday’s roster, Wolfe was listed as fourth on the depth charts. As much as any of you, I would love to see this kid succeed because he is a local guy who had great success in college. However, I think the Chicago Bears have given him ample opportunities to prove himself, and he has not done so on a regular (or at all) basis. I am guessing Mr. Wolfe will be out of work come the end of training camp.
Dan LeFevour
Here’s another local kid that has many Chicago Bears fans excited. He put up amazing numbers at Central Michigan and has proven the ability to scramble. However, he has not exactly been lighting it up with his arm. Based on what I witnessed in person last Saturday, his arm speed and strength is not quite up to NFL standards. I know I am being a little harsh on this kid, but this is the big leagues and teams just do not have the luxury to hope glaring weaknesses get better. With the signing of Todd Collins and to a certain extent Matt Gutierrez, I think the Chicago Bears are sending a message that there is a concern with the depth of quarterbacks. Here is my prediction…the Bears will release LeFevour and try to sign him to the practice squad.
Hunter Hillenmeyer
Hunter Hillenmeyer was given the opportunity to start last season after Brian Urlacher was injured last season. He wasn’t very impressive. Now, in fairness to Hillenmeyer, he isn’t Brian Urlacher. But, he has been in the NFL long enough where he should understand the linebacker position. He seemed to have many missteps along the way. That being said, he is still a contributor on special teams and the coaches love him. He will make this team, but I think it is a lot closer than people think.
Al Afalava
Last season, Al Afalava was the toast of training camp. He impressed many people and earned a starting job with the defense. However, that did not last long and the coaches seemed to be frustrated with his development. This season, he is listed third on the free safety depth chart and hardly mentioned by the coaches. Based on the moves of getting Chris Harris and Major Wright, I think Afalava will be off this team by the end of training camp. It’s too bad, because he had to overcome some things in his life to get here…but like with LeFevour, this is the NFL for a reason.
I am interested to hear some of your thoughts. Please follow me on Twitter.
Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers Recap…First Preseason Game
The Chicago Bears lost 25 to 10 but proved some things tonight that fans were hoping to see. The offense actually played with a solid game plan. The defense against the San Diego Charger’s first unit held them to a three-and out.
With the Football…
Things for the Chicago Bears offense started off strong. Jay Cutler hit Johnny Knox on two nice patterns. Until the dreaded red-zone…Cutler Checked off on second down and perfectly anticipated a blitz from the weak-side safety. However, Matt Forte (despite being in perfect position) whiffed on his block. Needless to say, Cutler expressed his frustration in the huddle and the Bears were stopped short of a touchdown.
While its the first preseason game, Forte needs to pick up that type of rush. When you set your quarterback up to get killed, obviously bad things will happen. Had Forte picked up the block, Cutler had options downfield. While I am blasting Forte, Olin Kruetz did a solid job at center. The inside of the line had its struggles, but Kruetz looked to have a little more of a burst.
Other notables on offense include Chester Taylor. He really gives the Chicago Bears an option as a third-down back, and frankly, will hopefully be an option if Forte continues to struggle like he did last season. Caleb Hanie also showed athleticism at the quarterback position until he got knocked out of the game in the third quarter with an apparant shoulder injury (although he walked off on his own power). He appeared to mess up his throwing shoulder on a tackle. Devin Aromashodu is really establishing himself as a legitimate NFL target. Khalil Bell got a chance to show the coaching staff a lot in the second half. He’s in a tough battle for the third running back spot with Garrett Wolfe.
Without the Ball…
Welcome home Brian Urlacher. We really missed you. I really enjoyed watching Major Wright (although Wright left with a minor hand injury). He is a kid with a nose to the football and will lay the wood to other players. While it is nice to have Chris Harris back in the fold, he blew coverage on an end-zone route. Again, its the preseason. Craig Steltz suffered a leg injury early in the game. He’s been a star of training camp so the Chicago Bears hope its not serious.
Final Thoughts…
I am so glad its officially football season. The Chicago Bears did some things well last night. I really enjoyed watching how strong the Chicago Bears appear at the wide receiver position. While these guys are playing well, the blocking upfront needs to improve. The pass rush was not non-existent, so lets just hope its not a trend. My other fear is the lack of depth seems to be an issue as well. I am wondering what happens if they continue to take these little injuries. The kickers continued to be the best in the league.
Chicago Bears versus San Diego Chargers…Preseason Preview
Are you ready for some football? Well even though it doesn’t count, it is exciting to see our beloved Chicago Bears take the field tomorrow. What can we all expect?
New Offense
While Jay Cutler and the boys will not be playing the whole game, I am excited to see Mike Martz’s offense in action. There will be a learning curve involved, so I am curious as to how quickly the Chicago Bears pick up the system. Additionally, I am wondering if Mike Tice can work his magic with the offense line. It should be the main thing to watch.
The Defensive Line
Julius Peppers by all accounts is a manchild. However, how will Tommie Harris and Mark Anderson respond this season? If Harris plays well, Peppers will be an All-Pro and the Chicago Bears will be a dominating defensive unit. Tomorrow is the first step towards the hopeful return of Tommie Harris to his old form.
Linebackers
The Chicago Bears have the best linebacking core in football. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are awesome football players. I am curious to see if Pisa Tinoisamoa can get back to his form from the St. Louis Rams days. If so, the Chicago Bears will create some great opportunities from this group. Nick Roach is also a solid NFL performer.
Secondary
Chris Harris is back and playing some great ball in camp. How will Major Wright play? What about some of the other holdovers? Tonight will tell us a lot.
And Finally…
I know its the preseason. But the Chicago Bears have a lot to prove to themselves and the league. Tonight will be the beginning of that challenge.
