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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Bears Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: BarnabyWilde on Feb 21^st, 2008, 9:53am)

Title: Bears Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Feb 21^st, 2008, 9:53am

Bears cut "Moose", 2 others:

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080218-muhsin-muhammad-bears,1,3999052.story

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Feb 21^st, 2008, 9:28pm

The question for the Bears is:

Who is going to be their starting QB? Do they stick with Grossman? Go with Pennington? Throw Todd Collins in the mix? Or do they make a mega deal to get McNabb? I personally have no idea what the hell they are going to do. (I would bet they do not know either)

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Tony_O on Feb 23^rd, 2008, 8:31pm

The Bears say yes to REX........

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3260592&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Tony_O on Feb 24^th, 2008, 3:39pm

The Bears keep TE Clark...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3262495

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Tony_O on Feb 26^th, 2008, 11:26am

Looks like the same old scrubs at QB again.....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/wires/02/25/2020.ap.fbn.bears.orton.0345/index.html

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Feb 26^th, 2008, 11:38am

on 02/26/08 at 11:26:48, Tony_O wrote:

Looks like the same old scrubs at QB again.....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/wires/02/25/2020.ap.fbn.bears.orton.0345/index.html

I guess the Bears did not like the free agents available at the QB position. This leads me to believe the Bears are going to have a QB in their hands from the draft no later than the end of the second round!!!!

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Tony_O on Mar 2^nd, 2008, 8:24pm

The Bears keep LB Briggs after all....

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/wires/03/02/2020.ap.fbn.bears.briggs.0692/index.html

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by cwhams on Apr 27^th, 2008, 7:29pm

Matt Forte draft pick to replace Cedric Benson in the back field as starter...look for it early on as opposed to later.

The Bears also made some other picks that say they are going to throw the pill more this year and think they can do it with the QB situation they currently have.

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Apr 28^th, 2008, 12:19am

First, let me preface... I understand the "messenger" aspect of your post, C-Dub, and I am NOT looking to "blame the messenger", so to speak. I actually basically agree with your take. I do, however, believe that the Forte pick is more to push Benson while providing a potentially viable backup rather than how you state it. Though, of course, Forte's mere presence validates your position to some degree. BUT, ultimately, it is ALL conjecture at this point.

What I simply want to say at this extremely early stage, though, is, in line with what Steve Young's sentiments essentially were during the draft, that, if THIS...

on 04/27/08 at 19:29:47, cwhams wrote:

... (both aspects) is the plan, it is, at best, perplexing, [smiley=uh.gif] at worst, downright STU-PID!!! [smiley=dunce.gif]

[Again, I want to emphasize that I am talking about the Bears' perceived plans here, NOT the (C-Dub's) assertion that it is their plan. There is a fundamental, albeit very fine, distinction there. C-Dub very well may be right. ... However, it would be tendentious of me not to admit that I didn't see this post (as regards Benson/Forte) coming from C-Dub. I was just waiting for it, in fact. On the other hand, to be fair, C-Dub probably could predict my response too. [smiley=whistle.gif]

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by cwhams on Apr 28^th, 2008, 8:57pm

;D Stegman, you are absolutely correct sir! I did make the post, in part, jest, sincere, part to get a rise out of perhaps you, but mostly for discussion.

Forte is a very good blocking back, a pretty darn good runner, actually similar to what Benson was suppose to be and he will at a minimum push Benson. I should add that Forte does not have the reputation of having good hands out of the back field for a catch.

Couple that with no pick at QB, though value was present on several occassions, and some quality picks at OT, i.e. Chris Williams, Chester Adams, and Kirk Barton...looks like we are building an ability to protect the passer...add Earl Bennet at WR (also tall Marcus Monk)...the Bears actually think they are going to be able to throw the pill down field!

I won't go into it now, but they did a good job on the defensive side of the draft as well. I think the Bears had a great draft!!!

That is if you believe they can get the job done at QB or can get a free agent or something. [smiley=alcoholic.gif]

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 4^th, 2008, 5:51pm

Chalk one up for Forte... Currently atop "The REAL Feed": [smiley=alcoholic.gif] ... [smiley=sailin.gif]

Chicago RB Benson arrested on intoxicated boating charge (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/wires/05/04/2020.ap.fbn.bears.benson.arrested.3rd.ld.writethru.0549/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (04.05.2008 17:25)

This behavior... perhaps a reaction to the Forte pick... :-/ Could Benson be going into the proverbial tank?

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 5^th, 2008, 11:49am

Here's a good read on Forte from the Sun-Times:

Forte is the 'total package'
MATT FORTE gives the Bears three-down back they've missed
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/930027,CST-SPT-forte04.article

Benson blew his last chance. Forte is a character guy with through the tackles size, speed, and a good work ethic.

Forte starts on day one on a team that wants to pound it up the middle.

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 5^th, 2008, 4:18pm

[offtopic]It's funny... You know whose career Cedric Benson's is starting to resemble more and more... Thomas Jones circa Arizona (and Tampa Bay). [smiley=hellyeafunny.gif][/offtopic]

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by cwhams on May 5^th, 2008, 9:51pm

I'm happy about the Bears draft, but far from convinced we have a super bowl run type of team. Forte is big and strong, but the relatively slow at 4.63 in the 40.

Until the Bears prove they can throw the ball consistently for say 235 yards and a TD or two every game...they will have trouble with the run game as well.

Believe it or not, I would actually cut Benson a little slack on the boating thing...I've hoisted a few on the water a time or tow myself. [smiley=alcoholic.gif] Not that I'm condoning the incident mind you.

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 10^th, 2008, 4:32am

Well, here is the latest word on the Benson situation... from "The REAL Feed":

Report: Benson hires prominent Austin attorney (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3388183&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines)
ESPN: NFL (09.05.2008 11:34)
Bears running back Cedric Benson has hired a prominent defense attorney to help him fight charges of drunken boating and resisting arrest in Texas.

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 10^th, 2008, 8:47pm

On Benson, follow the money (the first quote is to set up the second quote):

Benson won't be cut, yet (http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3389271&searchName=clayton_john&campaign=rsssrch&source=john+clayton&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d3389271%26searchName%3dclayton_john%26campaign%3drsssrch%26source%3djohn%2bclayton)
ESPN
With the Bears saying nothing over the past couple of days, it's now clear they will bring halfback Cedric Benson to training camp and let him compete against second-round choice Matt Forte for a starting job. Internally, according to sources, the Bears aren't rendering an opinion on his recent boating incident and will let him work out his legal troubles in court. Benson will be judged on how he bounces back from a broken leg.

Bears Expected to Keep Benson in Camp (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NFL&hl=116145&rwr=1)
Rotoworld
ESPN's John Clayton writes that "it is now clear" Cedric Benson will go to training camp with the Bears.
Because of the cap hit, it would hurt the Bears to cut him. They may secretly hope Benson's recovery from a broken ankle goes slowly so they can stash him on injured reserve. As for his pending court case, the Bears will let the legal system play itself out. Benson will be paid his $820,000 this season.

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Callie on May 12^th, 2008, 8:15pm

5-year extension with Bears makes Robbie Gould NFL's highest-paid kicker

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080512-robbie-gould-chicago-bears,1,860141.story

The Bears made Gould the highest-paid kicker in the NFL Monday by signing him to a five-year, $15.5 million extension through 2013. Gould's agent, Brian Mackler, said that it's the "richest deal for a kicker in NFL history."

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Jun 7^th, 2008, 5:07pm

on 05/10/08 at 04:32:44, StegRock wrote:

It looks like Benson may want to keep that attorney on retainer....

Benson was arrested last night for Drunk Driving. (on land this time) What an idiot!

From the article, even his attorney acknowledges he is in trouble:

Quote:

Cedric Benson's rocky tenure with the Chicago Bears got murkier Saturday after the running back's arrest on drunken-driving charges in Austin, his second arrest in just more than a month.

Bears officials said they would treat the matter seriously. Benson's attorney said the former Texas star had had a few drinks with dinner but didn't think he was intoxicated and cooperated with police.

Still, attorney Sam Bassett acknowledged, "He's probably in trouble with his team for breaking curfew and having anything to drink under the circumstances."

Authorities said Benson was arrested early Saturday after he failed a field sobriety test. The former first-round draft pick was charged with driving while intoxicated and released on bond.

It makes FORTE all the more appealing.....

Here is a link to the Dallas morning news article:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D915CPKO0.html

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by cwhams on Jun 9^th, 2008, 7:11pm

:( Good by Cedric and hello Matt Forte'!!!! :'( Benson has been released like a lead Tank.)

This may well make Forte the best rookie pick-up at the RB position in the entire draft...even better than Kevin Smith at Detroit. I know McFadden looks good at Oakland, but there is still trouble at QB out there and Fargas may have something to say about the number of carries McFadden will brandish.

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Philly on Jun 9^th, 2008, 7:34pm

Here's a link: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d808becc1&template=with-video&confirm=true

So, does this mean that Matt Forte automatically becomes the #1 bellcow there, or will "the other" AP be grabbing some of the glory?

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 9^th, 2008, 7:40pm

on 06/09/08 at 19:34:30, Philly wrote:

So, does this mean that Matt Forte automatically becomes the #1 bellcow there, or will "the other" AP be grabbing some of the glory?

I think Adrian Peterson has proven himself to be nothing more than a solid backup. I don't know who the guy will be, but I am sure it won't be Peterson. I do not think they will just, de facto, go with Forte. I think they will sniff around the free-agent market and even see what kind of trade options can be drummed up. I hope the best for Forte, though. How can you not root for a (post-Katrina) Tulane guy?

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Jun 9^th, 2008, 8:40pm

LaMont Jordan COME ON DOWN!! Oops, up. It's North.

Jordan did fine behind an O-line even worse than Chicago's is till Jordan got injured. If Jordan gets injured in CHI, Forte will be ready to take over. Jordan is getting traded (Oakland won't even let him practice with the team, but they want something for him). Oakland does NOT want Jordan to go to Denver, so they'll let him go to the NFC for a price even cheap enough for the tight wad Bears. ;D

I'm betting the deal may well have been done before Benson was officially sent packing.

Edit: For anyone hanging on to Jordan on spec because they think the Bears will take him, I should add that the Tundra and cold weather Norse games won't be kind to Jordan's back spasms. He may not be a full season fantasy back. Just sayin', but I still think he's the perfect power back for the Bears - and that's what the Bears do. They won't take Henry, one problem child for another? They want a team player, and Jordan is that. I guess the only other guys who MIGHT be able to start the season the way they play RB are Alexander (old) or Kevin Jones (when can he start?).

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by Callie on Jul 15^th, 2008, 2:19pm

Kevin Jones has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Adam Schefter. He'll sign this afternoon.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=2659&line=118041&spln=1

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by T-Rave on Jul 15^th, 2008, 2:43pm

I LIKE this move. Not just because I have Kevin Jones on my GBRFL team, but because the guy can play. What're the odds he's getting a majority of the touches by Week 8?

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by DirkDiggler on Jul 15^th, 2008, 7:01pm

on 07/15/08 at 14:43:54, T-Rave wrote:

I LIKE this move. Not just because I have Kevin Jones on my GBRFL team, but because the guy can play. What're the odds he's getting a majority of the touches by Week 8?

This makes the Bears running back situation very scarey!!! [smiley=scared.gif] Fantasy wise, who knows what the hell is going to happen there. Forte was starting to look like a steal, now, he will be in the dreaded RBBC. T-Rave may be right, maybe Kevin Jones will be the man, his competition is only Matt Forte.

If you are a Bears fan, you have to be happy with this signing. Kevin Jones has a lot of upside. Now if the Bears just add a QB and WR, they may actually be decent.

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jul 23^rd, 2008, 6:21am

I don't even know how fantasy-relevant this even is,... but here it is... off "The REAL Feed":

Smith not showing QB favoritism (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/wires/07/22/2020.ap.fbn.bears.camp.1st.ld.writethru.0823/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (22.07.2008 20:43)

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 13^th, 2008, 9:19pm

Another QB in the mix...??? [smiley=idontknow.gif] From "The REAL Feed":

Bears backup QB Hanie maintains perspective (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/wires/08/12/2020.ap.fbn.bears.quarterbacks.0793/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (12.08.2008 20:43)

Worth keeping an eye on??? How can't he be on this team???

Title: Re: Bears Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Aug 18^th, 2008, 10:02pm

Orton gets the knod... according to "The REAL Feed":

Bears select Kyle Orton opening day starter (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/wires/08/18/2020.ap.fbn.bears.orton.1st.ld.writethru.0845/index.html)
SI.com: NFL (18.08.2008 19:12)