Alaskan Grizzly

I find if intriguing that Felix Jones is on the list who had some promise, although short-lived with Dallas. And now they (Dallas) just signed his former backfield companion from Arkansas Darren McFadden. They both did real well while at Arkansas, not so since. And an interesting find in Michael Sam being only one year removed from entering the NFL. He hadn't been able to find a home with the Rams (who drafted him in the 7th round last year) or Dallas. Could he potentially be a stand up OLB or better suited as a true DE in a 3-4?

Excellent points and exactly something I was thinking. I went one further and considered Borland maybe a trend for players to come? Those that get to the elite level, make their money in one or two years then retire because they were concerned of future health concerns? Can't say as I blame them. Wouldn't you? I know when its all said and done I'll have retired from two careers and won't equal anything some of these guys will make in one or two years. That being said a lot goes into this way of thinking. As a society we are much more informed (not smarter) than we were in the past. Discussions like 'heads up football' and 'concussion protocol' were not brought up in the past because, like some of you mentioned, the science wasn't there. The research hadn't been conducted nor the information shared at lightning speed like it is now with the Internet. I was literally knocked out a few times in life (football and otherwise) and wonder, like Mongo and you, where would I be now if I grew up playing video games and a relatively sheltered life instead of playing sports, throwing sticks and dirt clods and living life as a kid growing up? I remember when I went to boot camp in the late '80's we were treated more like the guys on "Full Metal Jacket" (the first half) than what I hear goes on nowadays. My dad drove a car 20-30 miles to the nearest hospital after breaking his back once when I was a kid, a friend of mine's dad used to get so many hernias (he was a logger/homesteader here in Alaska) that he would literally push it back in and go back to work. The generations are definitely 'softening' over the years. Sadly I'm softer than I was when I was younger but pale in comparison when measured to the generations before me. The other day and in relation to this story, I heard someone ask how this could eventually effect the NFL. Could it eventually put it out of business like we know it today? Had you asked me about 10-20 years ago I'd say absolutely not. Nowadays I'm not as sure.

Nah, he'll end up with Chip Kelley. Come to think of it I'm surprised that Chip hasn't made a deal for Kyle Long yet.

And FWIW, I think if Allen decides to do so he'd benefit from being more upright than down in a stance. Much like Peppers did in GB last year. With Allen's speed and length (and age) I think he'd find he would benefit from doing this.

Agreed. From what I'm hearing Cooper would be hard to pass on if available. Since Pace is a fan of BPA the best player may be what we see.

I meant Shaq Thompson. Not sure why I put Ferguson. - derp

All in all I will agree with you pretty much on point. And with regards to the bolded, Gase would be considered a miracle worker so yes he would deserve a shot at a HC job. Maybe he could take Jay with him?

Perhaps you missed that meme that someone sent out a few days ago that shows Cutler throwing down the previous plays on paper? Man was that funny!!! And just to put a spin on the 'intelligence' of Emery, he was the same one that didn't want to keep Urlacher around...and we saw how the defense crumbled shortly afterwards. Coincidence? Perhaps. Look, I have no major issue with his ability or not as a leader. I personally don't see it but as he would say "don't care". All I really want for him to do is produce on the field. He's had a good number of years to prove that he can "lead" on the field and so far has fallen short. I have no question in my mind he's smart enough to dissect the plays on the field and probably scrutinizes each play almost as well as Peyton does. Its when he's on the field and under pressure where he starts to stink it up. Maybe he'll be able to do better with Gase working with him. My question will be how will he act once he commits that first, second, third...turnover? Historically he's been a bit lackluster.

Can't say I don't like it. Cooper is pretty highly regarded. Still would like to have anohter young and Fast LB like Gregory or Beasley. Still hope somehow they can grab Ferguson someway.

You missed the QB comparison. Why is that? ?. Although you could say there are some similarities to Ossweiler and Jimmy right?

Ha ha ha... It's laughable you're right. Especially if you actually believe for a minute they wouldn't pull Cutler the first time he screws up. I'm convinced it will be sooner than later. And Clausen will be first in line, at least for now, to take control.

"Well I think I've seen maturity and growth". "So I've seen a guy that's matured. I watched his one start and a lot of preseason snaps he was involved in and I've seen him grow as a quarterback." and "Obviously, he was a guy that we felt good enough about re-signing, and I'm excited to watch his growth moving forward." All seem relatively positive to me. As I said before the fact that they resigned him AND made these comments before they committed to Cutler is telling. The 'commitment' itself seemed a bit impish but if for nothing else puts Cutler on notice. And yes you're right, the missing part is any glowing endorsement other than to say, we are going to continue with Cutler. I truly think there will be an actual competition when it comes to camp. And if necessary and they like what they see in Clausen, very well may decide to sit Cutler. Which is just fine.

So is it noteworthy that Coach Fox has openly commented on Clausen and both he and Pace committed to re-signing him before they would comment at all on keeping Cutler? I say perhaps. It's definitley worth speculations. http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpos...amp;src=desktop

Well despite it all, he was fired after a 10-6 season. And where have we gone since? Look I know you'd much rather bash Lovie as much as I do Cutler, but the fact of the matter is we've moved on. Well except for Cutler. But we're in a whole new era now going places we've never been (first veteran coach hired in decades, a 3-4 defense etc) let bygones be bygones.

He came to Chicago and said he'd do three things right off the bat. Beat Green Bay - check. Win the division - check. And win the Super Bowl - almost. He did all this, as Head Coach in a matter of three years and after taking over from Dick Jauron. Unfortunately he didn't win the Super Bowl. My hope is now that John Fox can not only do these things quicker but WIN the Super Bowl... A few times

No the comment wasnt the worst in the world. It's just that he said it at all. Wasn't necessary. Shows a lack of professionalism.

I would have preferred he keep his trap shut but apparently he is incapable. Would be nice to have our crap defense meet his great offense sometime in the near future. http://chicago.suntimes.com/bears-football...s-bears-defense

Yeah sheesh he was something else wasn't he? You forgot players like John Tait, Ruben Brown, Devin Hester, Matt Forte, Thomas Jones, Roberto Garza and *gulp* Jay Cutler were all "brought in" during Lovie's watch. (Ok maybe that last one was a poor example...)

Having Rolle on the team is an excellent add. Not only is he familiar with playing alongside Mundy but he brings a veteran and respectable presence to the back end of the defense. He also comes from a great family of DBs. Some may remember Samari (long of the Titans) and Lesser known Bryan and Myron (who himself is a Rhodes scholar). This might lessen the blow a bit should Peanut leave but perhaps encourage him to stay should he see that they are constructing a pretty good group on the defensive side. By the way, what's with these late hour signings in Chicago? I just saw the announcement pop up about 10 mins ago (it's nearly 9PM here) which would mean it's almost midnight in Chicago. Wasnt McPhees deal signed late too?

Well he was first traded to SF for a conditional draft pick a few years ago then released recently mostly due to his money. I haven't seen anything about him being a 'headcase' so I'm not sure where that is coming from. Unless you're referring to some of his on-field antics (some say TO like) early in his career. Nothing really all that corrosive, just annoying. Besides some of the alleged silliness, I think what we're seeing in SF is a combo of a rebuild and dysfunction in SF. Gore - gone, Willis - retired (early), Iuputi - gone, Crabtree - gone, Justin Smith - retiring (?)their fullback was recently arrested on DV charges despite the NFL's best efforts to curb that. Oh and Harbaugh flew the coop for college..again, leaving Jim Tomsula(who?) as the new HC. From all accounts he's a good down field threat. Not necessarily fleet of foot, but a good possession receiver. And the way things sound with Cutler being bridled back maybe he's just the type of player Chicago needs.

I'd say make a run for Drew Brees at this point but alas, not to be. *sigh*

That right there sums it all up. Absolutely hilarious .... and sad at the same time!!!

What I foresee happening is Cutler becoming a 'game manager' style of QB. An article I read recently was that of the last couple OC's Martz was the most successful with Cutler. Mostly due to his taking the audible away from him. At the time I didn't like the idea but since seeing the results of letting him do that think it better if he stayed with the game plan. As long as he's not expected to 'win the game' but instead doesn't lose the game, our team might have a chance at looking respectable.

CUTLER KOOLAID>>>> SCS

And his endorsement was not a rousing one. No matter how you read it. We all know why they have to go forward with him. Now the trick will be to make it work.