Grading the Chicago Bears…Offensive Line
The Chicago Bears offensive line made one of the best turn-arounds this year in the NFL. It went from being horrific to slightly below average. Offensive line coach Mike Tice deserves much of the credit for this turn-around.
While Jay Cutler was beaten like he owed someone money, the running game actually produced results. Matt Forte rushed for over 1,000 yards and there were moments where Cutler did have time to throw. These are not small accomplishments.
Much of the criticism for the offensive line came from the Sunday night affair when the New York Giants looked like they knew what plays were being called by the Chicago Bears. And while this was a clinic on how not to play offensive line, it seemed that most of people’s concerns stemmed from that game.
After much tinkering by Tice, the group of Frank Omiyale, Roberto Garza, Olin Kruetz, Chris Williams and J’Marcus Webb played slightly above average. This group proved to be the strongest cohesively and in sync with each other
Based on the whole season, I’m giving this unit a D+. I recognize the improvements but Cutler took way too much of a beating. You just can’t expose your franchise quarterback to injury. Plus, some of the turnovers came as a result of blocking breakdowns.
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Roberto Garza Has Knee Surgery…Chris Williams Returns
Roberto Garza has been probably the Chicago Bears most consistent lineman over the past few seasons. However, he has started 69 consecutive games until being scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery this week. When asked which knee, Lovie Smith only indicated it was a knee and nothing else.
Meanwhile, Chris Williams returns this week after nursing a hamstring injury. He may play left guard in place of Garza. All indications are the Chicago Bears were happy with the play of tackle J’Marcus Webb and guard Edwin Williams on the right side last week. Webb is the most intriguing guy with his size strength.
It is no secret that the offensive line has been the weakness of this team. Garza’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time, but hopefully, he will be back after the bye week against Buffalo in Toronto.
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Chicago Bears Lack of Player Development and Personnel Decisions
When the Chicago Bears had their successful run a few years back, homegrown developed talent was up and down the roster. Let’s look at the Super Bowl XLI roster for starters. Here are a list of starters drafted and developed by the organization.
[picappgallerysingle id="1839604"]On offense, three players included Olin Kruetz, Bernard Berrian and Rex Grossman. Cedric Benson, as much as people hated him, also gave the team some solid work as well.
[picappgallerysingle id="1542340"]On the defensive side of the ball, ten of the twelve starters included Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Alex Brown, Tommie Harris, Tank Johnson, Peanut Tillman, Nathan Vasher, Mike Brown (until he was injured and Danieal Manning filled in…another guy that hasn’t developed as a safety but a nice kick returner) and Chris Harris. Mark Anderson should also get credit for his twelve sacks as well.
[picappgallerysingle id="1839777"]One cannot look at this team without also mentioning a second-round draft pick out of Miami. When he was drafted, many felt he was the best athlete in the draft but with raw talent. You might remember his unbelievable kick-off and punt returns including the opening kickoff in the Super Bowl for a touchdown…you guessed it…Devin Hester.
So why the stroll down memory lane? Because the success of this team really puts into perspective how much the organization has failed since Super Bowl XLI. One player in particular that stands out to me is the above-mentioned Hester.
The Hester that everyone loves was the guy that could return a kick for a touchdown every time he touched the ball. Teams were scared to kick to him and he was able to secure the Chicago Bears with excellent field position even when he didn’t touch the ball. So what did the Chicago Bears do? They decided to move him to wide receiver and feature him in the offense. At first, it seemed like a good idea…I mean here’s a guy with unbelievable talent that might be able to make the offense better. However, in the process of making this transition, Hester’s return abilities began to suffer. In fact, he became just another returner.
[picappgallerysingle id="2999848"]Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears had a good receiver in Bernard Berrian. He had great speed and good hands. Since they decided to move Hester up to offense (and Hester got a huge contract), they let Berrian go. While the Chicago Bears claim Berrian wanted too much money, they were way under the salary cap every season (that eats me up inside). Meanwhile, Berrian went to rival Minnesota and the Chicago Bears haven’t been as good since he was a member of the team.
So in two moves, the Chicago Bears (unless he makes a huge turn-around this season), have actually hurt the development of a Hall-of-Fame caliber player (and Hester was that type of returner) while letting a good player leave to a rival.
[picappgallerysingle id="1537793"]Other brilliant personnel decisions from the Super Bowl team include releasing Cedric Benson (I am aware of his off-the-field problems but to not even get anything in return for a first-round pick is inexcusable, especially when he is now one of the best running backs in football), and Tank Johnson (another guy with character issues but he comes to play every week).
[picappgallerysingle id="1839468"]The organization also traded Chris Harris (he’s back but should never have been let go by the team) and Thomas Jones (trading him away when you were aware of Benson’s off-the-field issues was also bone-headed).
[picappgallerysingle id="2154973"]Meanwhile, a huge contract was rewarded to Nathan Vasher. While Vasher had some good years, he was made one of the highest paid cornerbacks in the league. Once again, the organization lets Bernard Berrian walk over money while signing a mediocre cornerback to a big-money contract.
Today’s Chicago Bears
Since the Super Bowl, the Chicago Bears talent development has been poor. The only two players since the Super Bowl that the Chicago Bears have drafted and developed are Zach Bowman and Johnny Knox. Greg Olsen frankly has been a disappointment. Matt Forte has showed some signs but needs to do it more on a consistent basis, and having a crappy second season isn’t a ringing endorsement for player development. The jury is still out on Chris Williams, but based on some of his preseason play, it may be a short trial.
[picappgallerysingle id="9580310"]The Chicago Bears did trade two first-round and a third-round pick for Jay Cutler (the Chicago Bears did get a fifth-round pick in that trade that ended up being Johnny Knox). In addition, they gave up a second-round pick for Gaines Adams. In many people’s opinions, Cutler hasn’t lived up to the value of three picks and Adams tragically died last off-season.
[picappgallerysingle id="9580658"]Last years’ top picks (third-round) Jarron Gilbert and Juaquin Iglasius were released yesterday. So was sixth-round pick Al Afalava. This is not exactly a ringing endorsement to an organization’s scouting and player development. In fairness, Johnny Knox was a steal as a fifth-round pick, and starting left guard Lance Louis came out of this draft.
This year’s draft features Major Wright. Based on a half of a preseason game, he played well. But, let’s see what happens when it really matters.
[picappgallerysingle id="3170387"]Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith have taken a Super Bowl team and really screwed it up quickly. To go from the top game to not even making the playoffs is a joke. It is not like there isn’t any talent left on this team, it is just getting older and the younger guys just aren’t developing.
Chicago Bears Not Impressing Fans
Growing up a Chicago Cubs fan, I was always under the belief that one must look at the glass half-full (although in my later years I am beginning to become quite angry about the Cubs, so let’s go with this for the sake of my piece). I really would like to believe that the Chicago Bears are going to be a good football team this year despite what appears to be not a lot signs pointing in that direction.
I have liked some of the things that have been occurring during the preseason. Matt Forte showed his old running style on Saturday evening. Julius Peppers and Tommie Harris were collapsing the offensive line of the Raiders as well. For the most part, all of the important players are on the field. So here are a few reasons to be optimistic.
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But I went back and watched the film of the game (I was enjoying a Saturday evening with my wife on the lakefront watching the action). The Chicago Bears appear to still have some major holes. For example. we all were worried about the offensive line. Mike Tice was brought in here to clean things up. Based on Saturday, Chris Williams reminded many of us of Stan Thomas…but worse. Jay Cutler runs around in fear of his life. The cornerbacks and safeties (although two potential starters are nursing injuries at the moment) don’t seem to do a very good job of covering people. And, despite being an area of strength, what happened to the special teams?
[picappgallerysingle id="3260647"]Look, at the end of the season, preseason records are long forgotten. But that does not mean we should devalue importance of the learning experience for both players and fans. The Chicago Bears are telling us not to worry, but I am sure the passengers on the Titanic felt the same way.
Chicago Bears vs. Oakland Raiders Preseason Recap
I just got home from the game this evening (enjoyed my tailgate and game experience with my wife) and left Soldier Field with some mixed feelings on this squad.
What Went Well…
Matt Forte finally showed his fans some of his talents from his rookie season breaking off an 89 yard run. The Chicago Bears blocked well on this play and he made one move and was gone. Quite a change from last season.
Tommie Harris was dominating the defensive line at points. While he didn’t record any sacks, you could tell the Raiders were nervous. He seems to be getting some explosiveness back in his game. Julius Peppers also made some strong plays in the game including two stops on the goal line and recorded a sack.
Devin Hester had some nice plays tonight. On an end-around and middle route, he made plays. Bodes well if he continues to do so.
The Chicago Bears second unit on defense actually held its own despite being put into bad situations. There was some nice penetration on the pass-rush and guys flowed well to the ball.
What Didn’t Go So Well…
Chris Williams was being used pretty much the whole night by Kamerion Wimbley. Wimbley recorded four sacks and six tackles. Not good from the starting left tackle.
Tying into point one, Jay Cutler was running for his life at quarterback. He didn’t have any time to throw and was being thrown around like a rag-doll by the Raiders. In order for the Mike Martz offense to work, Cutler needs time to throw. Once again, not a great sign.
The starting defense lost Brian Urlacher early. While the team claims it was not a threatening injury, the Chicago Bears really need his services.
Dan LeFevour isn’t very good. Enough said…
Garrett Wolfe cannot catch, run or block. Why is he still around? Time to cut the cord.
Let’s pray that Patrick Mannelly never gets hurt. Desmond Clark is a good tight end, but a pretty crappy long snapper.
Eric Peterman is probably updating his resume at the moment. It is inexcusable to muff a punt within the 20 yard line or anywhere for that matter.
The Verdict
Chris Williams really sucked tonight. This does not bode well for the Chicago Bears’ chances. He needs to play a lot better or Jay Cutler will be killed. It isn’t like the rest of the offensive line was that great either, but if Williams cannot get the job done, this team is in trouble.
I will take the Chicago Bears at their word that Brian Urlacher isn’t that injured. But if he is, that sound you are hearing is the Chicago Bears chances falling off a cliff. Hunter Hillenmeyer is a good guy and hard worker, but hardly someone you want out there on a regular basis.
Finally, as my wife loves to point out at games, what is the deal with this 4th Phase nonsense? If you do not execute the other three, it really doesn’t matter how loud I cheer. So good catch by my lovely bride.
