madlithuanian

I agree... I think we really need to not pass on any picks in the first round. We want some seblance of reality... May I suggest a vote or something if the 24 period has expired? Or even a vote for someone who could take a GM's place after the 24 period?

Sounds good. Thanks for the clarification.

Maimi, I do hear you. In normal life that's what happens. But we all must realize this isn't real life. You will be bothered by this indefinitley, because it will never change.

Great points!

Good points... I really don't want that to happen. Urlacher is still better than Hester...at least right now. I want Urlacher a Bear for life. He's meant so much for this team and city. For years we had nothing...but in recent history, at least we've had Brian. I see it like Jordan in a way. He was severly undepaid all his career in Chicago... He finally got some loot his last season. Urlacher's somewhat the same. I will never buy that Irlacher is over-rated. What is is rating? Is he Butkus? No. Is he Singletary, no? No. He's Urlacher...and he's freakin' damn good.

I disagree. Selfishness was one of many on a laundry list on why Benson's a bum... It' wasn't the only thing. I'm happy to rib Urlacher over this, but it also is far more justifyable. Benson had no leg to stand on, whereas Urlacher's been the pinnacle of MLB's in this league for a multitude of years. Yeah, it's selfish, but capitalism is built on selfishness at least to some degree. It you'd like to stat a pure selfishness thread, we can do that. And just about everyone on the team can had a line item. But the thread on Benson was an overall one why he was a bum, and this one is a concern over Urlacher bringing his laundry out into the press. I love Urlacher. Unless he refuses to play for the Bears, I'm going to cut him slack for everything he's done for this team. I dislike Benson, and I won't cut him any slack until I see proof that he is not a bum. That's really the bottom line...at least for me.

Balta, we're going the full 7 rounds, correct?

I undertand your media point... I also full well realize the reality of how this league (and all other pro leagues for that matter) works. I don't really like it, but there's not much that can be done about it. I honestly try to seperate the business side from the field side. Right now, until he actually misses practice, I don't care in the least. The moment he misses a practice, I am now annoyed. Then from annoyance, it will grow...

I did. And this is a selfish move by Urlacher as well...but he's proven his mettle. Whereas Benson hasn't in the least. It stems down to what someone has proven... If you can back-up your talk (or hold out), then you have a leg to stand on. If you can't, then you have nothing to stand on. Am I thrilled? Not in the least. Am I worred, no. Am I OK with it. Yeah...so far. I think calmer heads will prevail when the time comes. To me, it's apples and oranges. It's not a good comparison.

I love Urlacher...but I don't get the impression he's a rocket scientist. Hillenmeyer's actually close to that... I think he's just doing the typical, I want my money or screw you guys, I'm going home "Cartman tantrum". I don't really have a problem with it. And maybe because it's done so often these days. I'd actually love to see Lance stick up for him like he did for Lance... But really in a nutshell, this will be ironed out. Urlacher's the face of the team.... What we fans want rarely matches what the team or players want to do...and unfortunaltey that includes winning sometimes.

Good deal!

Good points! I agree with you on penalties. It should be like any other play. If one is called, then the other team should be able to challenge it. Same if one isn't called. I like the new push out rule...more power to the D since they've been taking it away for the past 2 decades. I worry that the face mask will be called a 15 yarder more often now... But, we'll see how it plays out. I agree on the roughing too...but they won't do it because they are protecting the QB at all costs. Another one I think they need to skew is PI. It's just too much. I think any PI should just be a 15 yard 1st down penalty. Throwing a bomb hoping for PA is just kind of lame. Seems like far too much yardage is given for al ot ticky tack calls a lot of times. I also think holding is too much. I think it should be 5 yards instead of 10. I'd even be OK with a straight loss of down. I think I'll stop there!

Dammit! I knew it! I'd be content with that draft though. At least we wouldn't have passed on him!

Would you really be suprised regarding anything the Raiders do?

It's a slow time for news... Therefore some topics that normally wouldn't be on the radar, are.

http://deadspin.com/376333/matt-leinart-is...king-for-it-now This should provide some interesting locker room material...

Should we be scared that we're in complete agreement on this!?

Agreed. It is stupid. But it's not the first and only time there is huge inconsistency in US law...

Can I at least play a small Devil's advocate role...are you sure it was Lovie, and not Ron Rivera that did so? He sure has Mr. Willis playing like a beast... But, c'mon! I'ts Samurai Mike! Free pass!

Agreed on this too... If Lovie does tank it and is replaced, I really would like to see an offensive minded HC come in. Granted, assuming how Singletary would play out, I'd be OK with that for obvious reasons... But I'd really like to see someone withan offensive mind-set in here. It's just been lacking in this town for decades...

I hear ya... Regarding Grimm, I completely agree! I liked that he always had a top running game in place in PIT...and great OL play. I thought Lovie relied too much on turnovers. I think we're seeing that play out before our eyes... I really wanted to give Lovie a chance, and I still will. But he should be on watch for his job too.

I couldn't agree more! The coaching staff really leaves so much to be desired...and on really both sides of the ball. The only group that gets a pass is ST. Yeah, your point on them being set up for failure is spot on. Regardless with what we do with the line (draft, FA,etc...) it won't really be phenomenal. It kjind of goes full circle I suppose. And a no-good OL, means that Rex and Cedric will have to make more happen on their own, which I don't think they can. If anything, Rex has shown that he does poorly when asked to do more. I agree with you comments on this being a developmental year on O. I have a feeling Benson can contribute somewhere unless injury plagues him more. I really think Rex is done. Someone will take him as a back-up, but I just don't see him thriving in the NFL.

I think many people have called out the OL.... I recall Miller getting blasted constantly last year. Feel free to pine for Rex and Cedric all you want. Besides their spotty performances, their health issues are concerning. When that much starts stacking up agasint guys, it's time to move on I feel. I'll chow down on a plate of crow, but I do not think they are in the Bears' future after this season...if they even make it through the season.

I suppose many of us, including myself, are being overly harsh on Benson. He has shown signs during games as you mention. I do think it's like a lot of things. I hate mowing the lawn...and will do just about anything to avoid it. But once I'm out mowing it, I do a darn good job. I kind of see Benson like that. He really doesn't feel football until he's actually playing. Maybe not the greatest analogy...but it's Friday. I forgot about Dallas. I agree...it's coaching. I really wonder what the team would be like if Grimm got the gig over Smith?

Giving the source is the best policy... I always try to state where and also provide the link.