In the second round, the Chicago Bears grabbed Oregon State’s Stephen Paea. He’s a big strong inside presence that is a high-motor guy. He’s penciled in to be Tommie Harris’ replacement. While Harris has sucked the last few seasons, he was a top player at one time. Paea will have big shoes to fill, but some feel he can do it. I love his effort but don’t think he’s quite pre-injury Harris. But very few can do that. A safe pick and a guy that has some upside. He set a combine record with 49 reps at 225 lbs. and runs a 4.98 in the 40-yard. Big strong dudes that can move have a spot on my team.

In the third round, the Chicago Bears grabbed Cal safety Chris Conte. He’s played many different roles at Cal including corner and linebacker. He’s a jack of many trades. I’m not sure how he’ll fit in with the Chicago Bears, but he was productive last season and is continuing to develop. I love his size, but I’d like to see him bulk up. He also has solid speed. I could see him being a solid nickel safety and special teams standout. But, he might develop into something better. I like this pick.

So far, the Chicago Bears have taken three solid football players. I like guys that are productive. And these three should step in right away.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ.

That was then, this is now. The Tommie Harris we all fell in love wasn’t the same man after injuring his leg during the 2006 season. He struggled to regain the form that made him one of the league’s premier football players. So what happened to Tommie Harris?

Let me give you some background. I broke my ankle two summer’s ago. I decided to try an alternative therapy called ARP (accelerated recovery performance). Without going into specific details, it provides and intense direct current into an injured area to increase healing. Many professional athletes (including Patrick Mannelly that I met) use this for both training and recovery purposes. It an extremely painful but effective method for healing. It helped my ankle but freaking hurt like someone was shooting me in the leg.

OK, enough about me, when I walked into the facility, Harris’ jersey was hanging in the front of the store along with a testimonial to the effectiveness of the ARP. I got to know the people at the facility fairly well, so I asked questions about Harris. They said that Harris was lazy and not committed to the program. He saw results with it early but didn’t stick with the treatments. I also found out that he had some unpublished off-the-field problems that I will not mention for the sake of protecting my source.

I’m not a professional athlete, but I knew that I needed to do something about my ankle. Literally I would get tears in my eyes trying to heal my ankle. Mannelly and other athletes have found great help with the ARP system. One of its original clients was Tommy John. Not only did the man have a surgical procedure named after him, but he used this system to keep himself in shape. It’s an effective treatment.

According to my trainer, Harris became less interested in healing from his injuries and working to get back to his original form. While Harris signed a huge contract with the Chicago Bears, he became much lazier as time went along. The Harris we all fell in love with became a menace to himself. I was told that Harris was given an ultimatum by the Chicago Bears and failed to live up to most of it. So when he was released yesterday, it didn’t come as a surprise to those people close to the situation. Instead of working hard, he took the easy way out.

Tommie Harris will go down as one of the biggest falls in Chicago Bears history. It’s too bad, because he could have been one of the all-time greats.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ.

Hillenmeyer was also a part of the 2006 Chicago Bears. He was slotted to be one of the backup linebackers this season until a concussion suffered during the preseason was serious enough to keep him out of action for the whole regular season and playoffs. It has surfaced that Hillenmeyer hasn’t had many good things to say about the Chicago Bears, but frankly, he was payed for a full season instead of being released which was a strong possibility. He needs to man-up and realize that at the end of the day, he wasn’t very good. Additionally, his status as union representative kept him around as well.

Kevin Shaffer, we hardly knew ya…He had some moments but really is on a long list of forgettable Chicago Bears. While he played OK at times, obviously there’s more to the Kevin Shaffer Story we’ll never know.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ for more details as things break.

On the other side was Israel Idonije. Well it didn’t quite start off that way, considering Mark Anderson was stealing a paycheck from the Chicago Bears for the first part of the season. Idonije had a strong season including a team-leading eight sacks (tied with Peppers). Idonije was an unsung hero on this defense and a stabilizing force at end.  Corey Wootton probably had the most memerable sack of the season when he finally knocked Brett Favre out against Minnesota. Put that one in the memory bank…who was the player responsible for finaly ending Favre’s career? The Chicago Bears are excited about Wootton and hoping he finally can get over the knee injury that cost him high-draft pick status (he was a fourth round selection). He was a beast at Northwestern. Henry Melton played very well as as swing-lineman down the stretch as well. He had some memorable plays this season.

On the interior, Tommie Harris entered this season with a lot to prove. And while he had a few moments, I would say he was a disappointment this season. Anthony Adams was solid in the middle. Matt Toeaina is a journeyman that certainly doesn’t kill you as a fourth lineman. Marcus Harrison continues to get worse and really doesn’t seem to have much of a role with this team

Overall, I give this unit a B+. Peppers was in the team photo for best defensive player of the year and the other guys also made plays. While I debated on giving this unit a higher grade, I would like to have seen more sacks and pushes up the middle.

Follow me on Twitter at BearsHQ.

As it turns out, the Chicago Bears won and the Packers lost. With that, the Bears are now 8-3 atop the NFC North and the Packers sit one game behind the Bears at 7-4. That looks even better in print.

Of course, all of the so-called “experts” on Fox’s pregame show picked the Green Bay Packers to win and the Chicago Bears to lose. As has been the case for most of the season, the Chicago Bears received very little in the way of respect yesterday. As the nation learned, the Chicago Bears are a legitimate contender in the NFC and one of the top teams in football.

[picappgallerysingle id="10209685"] 

Lovie Smith and his coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for the current state of the Chicago Bears. After two bad losses at home to the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks, the following bye week was used to correct many issues with this team. Since that time, the Chicago Bears have made huge strides and continue to get better.

There are so many positives to take out of yesterday’s game. Before I through my credit around, forgetting the person, Michael Vick has become a hell of a quarterback. I knew he got better but wow, the man is really something special. He made some throws yesterday that I’ve seen few quarterbacks even attempt. But I still hate his guts and think he’s garbage.

Let’s throw our first game ball to Jay Cutler. The guy played a flawless game yesterday. He was 14 for 21 for 247 yards and four touchdowns. For the first time since he’s been a Chicago Bear, Jay Cutler showed us why the team made the investment in his services. He did not make one bad throw yesterday and continued to get big yardage with his feet when needed. His former college teammate Earl Bennett received two of his touchdown tosses. Cutler was a pleasure to watch yesterday.

[picappgallerysingle id="10291349"] 

Matt Forte is proving me wrong when I called him one of the most overrated players in football. He had 117 yards rushing and 22 yards receiving. Keep in mind that this Eagles defense has been solid all season, and with the state of the Chicago Bears offensive line, it is impressive that Forte continues to get better as a running back this season.

Julius Peppers yesterday played like the NFC Defensive Player of the Year. His statistics do not tell the whole story (he did get one sack yesterday), but he was creating havoc all afternoon for the Eagles. His most impressive play came in the fourth quarter when he tripped-up a running Michael Vick with one hand as it looks as if Vick was going to break off a huge run. This is why he’s a franchise player.

Tommie Harris has made himself an easy target with his lackluster performance this season. I am also throwing him some love. He made the absolute play of the game when he tipped a Vick pass in the red-zone to a waiting Chris Harris in the end-zone. This was not only a game changing play, but Vick’s first interception of the season. Here’s to hoping the old Tommie Harris is back. At this point of the game, the Bears were winning 14-13 and the Eagles seemed to be taking control of the game.

The Eagles actually held the ball for longer than the Chicago Bears. But it should be noted that one of the biggest keys for the Chicago Bears was a long and methodical drive in the third quarter that took 17 plays for 83 yards and ate over ten minutes off the clock. It was capped off by a Robbie Gould 23-yard field goal.

It’s getting serious ladies and gentlemen…and with the state of football these days, anything can happen. The Chicago Bears just took a huge step and are now sitting at the big kid’s table.

Follow me on Twitter at bearshq and BlueDemonsLair. For the latest DePaul Blue Demons new s and more, check out www.bluedemonslair.com. Please show me the love for the Big East’s Biggest Fan at www.mybigeastvolvo.com.

Quarterbacks (C-)

Jay Cutler has made some good throws and some bad ones. Todd Collins made no good throws and Caleb Hanie hasn’t done much of anything. While the line hasn’t been good, the quarterbacks haven’t been either.
Running Backs (C)

Matt Forte isn’t very good at blocking of holding onto the football. Chester Taylor is the consummate professional. While Forte has had some spectacular plays and a good game against Carolina, he allows his quarterback to get killed. Taylor is consistently above-average. This needs to improve.

Offensive Line (D)

They’ve been bad, but the running backs and tight ends haven’t helped. Does Olin Kruetz actually block anyone? So a “D” is given out of my frustration to other people not helping a weak unit.

Tight Ends (F)

This has been the most disappointing group. Greg Olsen may make a play once in a while, but his lack of blocking and inconsistent play make him a bad player.  Brandon Manumaleuna for a guy that supposedly can block…hasn’t. Desmond Clark and Kellen Davis ain’t worth hot either.

Wide Receivers (C+)

Johnny Knox is coming into his own. Earl Bennett has been solid and Devin Hester has made some plays. Devin Aromashodu is a non-factor.

Defensive Line (B)

Julius Peppers is a dominant football player. Israel Idonije has played well since being slotted as a starter. Tommie Harris isn’t any good and the others are just there.

Linebackers (A)

The best unit on this team and maybe in football. Enough said.

Secondary (B)

Receivers haven’t been going crazy and they cause turnovers. I wish they had a shut-down corner, but this unit has been solid.

Special Teams (B+)

Devin Hester is back. Robbie Gould is awesome and Brad Maynard is solid. Good coverage and Early Bennett’s block on the Seattle punter was one of the best I’ve ever seen.

Coaching (C)

Lovie Smith not challenging Jay Cutler’s TD last week along with Mike Martz’s inability to stop a blitzing corner are bad. Rod Marinelli has done a good job with the defense. At 4-3 this team is still in it, but things have to change next week or we will be in for a crappy final nine games.

Overall (B-)

As of this morning, the Chicago Bears are a first place team. Doesn’t mean there a good one, but who in the NFC really is that good?

You mean now you’ve noticed the corner blitz? You can motivate Tommie Harris to actually make a play? You will teach Greg Olsen and Matt Forte to block? You will not get your franchise quarterback killed?

Lovie’s obnoxious attitude towards the media really gets old especially when the team loses. He is so smug when the team wins and becomes a condescending jerk when they lose. I’m sure he ain’t happy about it, but he will never accept accountability. When fans pay a lot of money buying tickets and devote hours of his or her time to a team, no one really wants to see a whiney little brat.

I’m curious to see how this problem is fixed. I was there on Sunday and will tell you the better coached and prepared team won. Mike Shanahan will have the Redskins ready too. How about Lovie?

Follow Bears Headquarters at bearshq on Twitter.

I just started a new blog on DePaul basketball at www.bluedemonslair.com. You can follow it on Twitter at bluedemonslair.

No word yet on Devin Aromashodu.

Some interesting events came out of this game. Julius Peppers was held on every play.  It was called a few times, but his presence is making teams nervous.

Devin Hester is back. Instead of dancing, that man finally hit a hole. If you watch the replay, new Bear Rod Wilson threw the key block. Hester’s been working hard, let’s give the guy a huge welcome back. Johnny Knox was also impressive as well.

Once again, credit to the Mikes. Tice and Martz found a way to get it done. The final drive was brilliant. The Bears knew that Green Bay was having secondary trouble and went after it. Gotta love a coach that sees things. The offensive line gave Jay Cutler time for the most part when he needed it.

Two Chicago Bears were inactive…Tommie Harris and Devin Aromashodu. Not sure why Harris was inactive, but Aromashodu has been in the dog house since the first week. Glad to see some tough love from Lovie Smith and the Chicago Bears beginning to have high expectations and not just look at big contracts.

If you follow me on Twitter at bearshq, you know I wanted to kick the field goal instead of going for it in 4th down. My one issue with the coaches yesterday.

Finally, my prediction of a three point win came true. Now you will love this even more. Unless the wheels fall off, we’re looking at 5-0. New York and Carolina are two winnable games on the road. I only want to look ahead for two weeks, but our boys come home to Seattle and Washington. The schedule gets harder after the week eight bye, but it is now very possible the Bears will be 7-0.

Beating Green Bay makes the world a better place. Think any of those dbags will comment on this blog or are they back in hiding?

[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.