Alaskan Grizzly

I meant how was he rated despite only playing 9 games? What the heck are the rest of the OGs doing in the league? It appears he's trying for a money grab knowing he's very near the end of his career. Too rich for us. If they wanted to give him a $1-3 million no guarantee deal - maybe.

This was a solid signing plain and simple. I like that although he's older he's smart enough to make the transition and help many young players (and others learning new schemes) be where they need. Even if he's not on the field all season he's still a huge value signing because of his leadership ability. Although, and in comparing him to another ballyhooed senior player - Mathis, Rolle has at least started almost every season he's played. So durability with Rolle isn't really a question. One other intangible I think is that he could be paired with Mundy. Since they've got history together that could prove exceptionally more valuable. Mundy was easily one of the most underrated players on the team last year.

So how did he rate last year? Looks like he only managed to play 9 games last season. Why is that? Interestingly enough of his 12 years he's only managed 2 complete seasons (starting 16 games 2012 and 2013). And 2 more where he started 15. So of his whole career he hasn't started a full season for 50% of his career. Perhaps that's why he's still sitting around waiting for a contract? Wants too much money AND he's 33 AND he was hurt last year AND may have consistency issues?

Data is only as good as the intended point of its collection. If you simply don't agree with it then yes it is incorrect... In your eyes. But if I favor it then it's correct. It's perception... That's all. If you had some solid undeniable truth that what you say is true about Cutler being able to excel behind a "solid" Oline, then I'm all ready to see it. I would be willing to barter that you could put all your "1st round" all pro starting line in front of Cutler and somehow, someway hell screw up. Unless he pulls a Tony Romo ala 2014 and is asked to hand the ball off way more than pass... Then maybe...just maybe there's a chance. Which concerns me because I don't think we'll see Whites full potential, or probably AJs either, because of it.

And reading up on the backstory to Mathis leaving Philly didn't sound like it was Mathis wanting to leave. As it was more a conflict between Rosenhaus and Kelly. In fact this all came about shortly after Kelly was given the additional duties of personnel VP...or whatever he added on.

I know you weren't too keen on Acho before being that he came by way of Arizona but I feel like he's going to do better than advertised. I see him along the lines (influentially) as Rolle in the secondary. Although older has enough intelligence and experience to be a smart player for the role he needs to fill. In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see us lose SMC in favor of Acho (at least that would be my hope). Not sure how Houston is going to work out for us. I get this feeling he won't make the transition. And as big a fan of Willie Young's as I am I fear you may be right about him not being able to rebound from his injury. Man do I hope we're both wrong. Allen I think could contribute a lot more than some are giving him credit for. I think between last year's illness and the general disarray of the defense he wasn't really given a fair shake. I know he's in the twilight of his career but if Peppers can make the transition to a stand up LB (or whatever position he's playing in GB) and do well at it, I'm convinced Allen can do it. As far as Bass goes. I see him very similar to Willie Young in a lot of ways. Very similar builds and playing styles. I'm glad to see he's doing well since he's shown flashes of being a great player. A player I haven't heard a lot about is Foster. He's supposed to do well in this scheme and be a big pick up for us but so far...nothing. Which might be a moot point with the emergence Jones (knock on wood). And as far as that goes I'm totally fine with as I would much rather have Jones starting for us.

I think you could really only quantify it as truly "worthless pieces or nuggets of data" if it were untrue. Or came from Fox News. In answering your second question, maybe the answer is you ask...nee...demand your QB do less decision making (at least in this instance) and follow the script. Based on the 'nuggets' of data I found, he appears to actually do better if he DOESN'T hold onto the ball.

In looking at this I asked myself the question; 'how good is he when he has time to throw?' and found some info at ProFootballFocus.com The first stats are regarding his accuracy based on pressure. This is from last season. https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/...under-pressure/ In this you'll see Cutler was rated #5 of the top ten 'under pressure/accuracy' QBs. Interestingly enough he was rushed 30.9% of the time. Second less (of this group) only to Ben Rothlesburger at 27.3%. Allegedly, Cutler was rushed more last year than the previous due to injuries along the Oline. I might add that in 2014 his overall completion rate was 66.1% vs 63.1% the year prior. In this sample of information and in relation to being rushed he committed 5 INTs. Another question to ask in relation to the stats at the above link. How do you account for the rest of the turnovers for last year? Which totaled 18 INTs and 9 Fumbles. Did he have time and hold the ball too long or ??? That brings me to my next sliver of information. Again from PFF.com. https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/...-time-to-throw/ This was based on stats from 2012 (the last year with Lovie and assumedly one of his worse production years). On the first chart you'll see of the 33 QBs rated he was 13th with his 'time to throw' at 2.74 seconds (vs Tom Brady who had 2.49). Then in the next box you'll see he was rated #4 in "time to sack" or how long he had protection with 4.01 seconds. Compare that to Ben Rothlesberger (2.55 secs), Petyon Manning (2.5 secs) or Philip Rivers (2.43 secs). When compared to others who are able to get rid of the ball within 2.5 secs or faster, Cutler rates #11 where he is able to complete those passes 63.4% of the time and only sacked 2 times. Whereas when he's given the opportunity (or holds the ball) for longer than 2.5 seconds he's rated #23 with 54.2% in his completions and 27 sacks. So I guess the question really is, is he given enough time to make mistakes or show "flashes of greatness"?

One word to rebut all of what you wrote: Cutler.

...And the more I read the more I'm inclined to say 'pass'. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13059629...ard-evan-mathis At this point it looks like he could be along the lines of a character issue. The last thing the team needs is someone who is unhappy with his contract. If he's unhappy at the prospect of getting $5 mil this year and $6 mil next year (from the Eagles and holding out from OTA's) then what can the Bears offer him without using up all the reserve? A guy who's 33 and 'used to be good', I'll say...no.

Since you asked me in the other string about it I'll answer here. Admittedly I'm vacillating on this but still don't think I'm sold on paying for his services. I suppose that's the biggest reason. Similar to what Lemon said in we have players in development that we should concentrate on. You have veteran presence already in Bushrod, Slauson, Montgomery and now Long (and to some degree Ducasse). So we aren't lacking in experienced players along the line. And speaking on the Guard spot itself we technically have more depth in that either Montgomery or Grasu can play the position if I recall correctly. Lastly, why is it that Mathis is still available? He's been on the market now awhile, makes one ask. Is it the money, age or something else? Or the combination?

So maybe it's slow and I'm looking for something, anything Bears related. Saw this speculative report (below) about the Bears looking at FA Evan Mathis (I'm for the 'no thanks' category). But what caught my attention was that the Bears are $8.1 million BELOW the cap at this point. That is with something like 90 players currently on the roster right? Seems pretty incredible. Of course I k is there are a few that need contract upgrades but still, seems pretty impressive. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/footb...0623-story.html

I think I won last year so of course I'm interested. ?

Royal appears to play and perform similarly as Wes Welker, at least in the description. Hopefully he can stay healthy. I like what I hear and see otherwise. One person lost in the looming contract discussions is Jeffery. He's in the same boat as Forte (last year of contract) but even less a word than Forte. Fortunately not nearly as ass-ish as Martellus B.

If not him then maybe Christian Jones. Or even Mundy. Neither started all 16 games but had a lot of contribution. And this was all during the Trestman/Tucker regime. Imagine what will happen with a legitimate coaching staff running the show.

Is this the same discussion Mad Lith had in another thread or are these yet more additions?

Haha... you want to talk about a 'cannon fodder' article, here's one that was imbedded on your article: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/...ively/#comments At any rate, I see this (your article) as more a trying out. Probably no harm, no foul. Maybe one or both of these guys will have some impact, maybe not? I don't necessarily buy that this Thomas guy is the solution for 'up the middle' running. I had thought that was the job for Carey. It's interesting that Thomas was originally signed and released by Miami. But then re-signed by Miami after Knowshon Moreno (who they made a deal for last year) went down with an injury. Who was it Moreno played for previous to that? Fox. I trust Fox will find the right fit if he has to bring in every FA there is, so be it.

It's not like she's living in the rough part of town. Nor probably having to deal with the traffic or much public. She's more than likely living it up somewhere secluded from all that is "real". The question we should be asking is 'why say anything at all?'

I second this! Pair that with he and Forte are in similar situations (although Fortes contract ends this year) and Forte is able to make it. Makes it that much more "prickish". Bennets had what...one good year with the team AND fought with a teammate last year? What has Forte done for the team? Yeah, screw Martellus.

Don't get me wrong, my pity only goes so far. As a person I don't think Jay is all that bad a guy. His football skills leave something to be desired. But I get the feeling he's more a relatively down home small town type of guy. I mean wasn't he from Santa Claus Indiana and grew up a Bears fan? Then he married this ass clown and now, as you say, sleeping in the bed for which he made.

What a piece of work.... http://abc7chicago.com/entertainment/krist...ot-home/779491/

I'll admit I don't follow the OLinemen nearly as much as some do (Jason) but can't say his name rang a bell when I saw it. Nor could the fact that he's "been there done that" will gurantee any suitors either. (Just look at our own Brian Urlacher when he became a free agent or Lance Briggs - they too had multiple pro bowl appearances and pfft...nothing). I'd think if the Eagles were actively shopping him and for a trade and got nothing. And now the fact he's a free agent doesn't mean he will be snapped up for a multi-year deal. But given that he WAS good at his job at one time means I'd be good to see him at least try out for a spot on the Bears.

On the one hand does the question of whether Chip Kelly is losing his mind have validity? Whereas on the other one would ask 'who is this Mathis guy' and should we be interested in him? I have to admit since the article didn't say I had to look up elsewhere to find out he was an OG. So...that being said and he not finding any suitors in trade then I'd be ok if Pace wanted to give him a '1 year prove it deal'. Why not?

I'm actually excited to see Rolle and Mundy reunited this year in the backfield. I have the same anticipation this year as I did last year when they signed Willie Young. There was something mysterious about him that he was overlooked in his role with the Lions that when he came to Chicago he shined. So too with these guys. Where actually they had a pretty decent time together while with the Giants but not enough that other teams were clamoring for their combined services. I think this duo will even prove Terra Tor satisfied at the safety spots for next season. Or is that asking for too much?

Probably not(?). Man it's hard to tell this early. I'd like to think both Willie Young and Jon Bostic figure in the equation some how. And Houston? Looks like he might be lost in the shuffle? Not that I'm bad with it.... I do like the backfield. Something tells me Amos is going to work his way in at some point.