Alaskan Grizzly

I'd be good with this too.

Yeah then, no thanks. Probably too old and apparently too travelled anymore to play for the Bears. If we're going to go experienced or veteran like this I'd much rather hope Peanut would consider a move to Safety. I really think he could contribute there for another year or two better than he could at CB. I really hope Fox and Pace can talk him into it.

Brandon may not produce in the traditional #1 receiver role. But most everything else he does is #1, if they even exist anymore. The fact that he leads by example on the field, talks to the team AS A LEADER and encourages younger receivers to train with him in the offseason, defines him as a #1 in my book. In all reality if it were stats alone, Jeffery would be the #1 receiver and probably would have won the year before. But so far he doesn't exhibit those other traits, doesn't need to. Still learning from his mentor. And as far as BM running his mouth, I wonder how Steve Smith did for Baltimore despite all the jaw-jacking he does/did? Was he their "#1 receiver"?

Agreed!! I don't buy that he's a distraction especially in the locker room. What we heard about has to be taken into consideration with what was going on at the time. The morale was in the pits. Allegedly he argued with Robbie Gould? So what! Allegedly he questioned out loud the effectiveness of Jay Cutler? Again, and the problem with that is...? IF he were to question Jay AND demand he get the ball more, then I would be concerned We want leaders who are outspoken at the right time. To me, Brandon didn't air the dirty laundry for everyone to hear or see. He kept it 'in house'. The only issue I had with him last year was doing that HBO show during the week.

Indeed. If the opposite were true folks like Terra Tor would never be allowed here.. And I agree with you. Isn't he the one that once played for Washington? Or am I mixing up the Landry name?

You should know better than that. I think most everyone here are devout fans AND have an opinion about how things should/could be. Hence the name "TalkBears". Kind of the subject matter. It's good to bounce off ideas to those that might be more in the know. If you hear something to either refute the rumor or perpetuate it. Being from Alaska I can tell you that I don't get a lot of front line coverage to Chicago Bears football, let alone Chicago itself. I rely on those more closer to the action; like Connor Bear, Ashkum, Adam, Mongo etc that are nearer to Chicago than I and have more access to more media sources to research. Even you being in Florida have that capability. My friend Daventry is located in the UK and sometimes has better info than I. Go easy on the opinions offered here.

Was going to post the link but it was a quick blurb. It said the Jets are more than likely going to cut Percy Harvin and that the Bears and Raiders are already early suitors. I hope this is only speculative rumor. Can't see it working out well. He's the true definition of locker room distraction.

Kinda similar thinking here too. Where I'm hesitant in adding another rookie player to the LB ranks. I really think it'll be necessary to have a veteran player in the play calling (or at least leadership role - and not Briggs). I'd prefer someone like Houston. But dang I like this kids versatility. He's played safety and is an LB currently. Hmm that sounds familar. Speaking of veteran LBs, Sports Illustrated predicts that because they are going to a 3-4 the Bears will sign Brian Orakpo from WA. Didn't even know he was a FA candidate. That could be interesting although he's a little on the older side. SI also predicts the Bears will sign QB Matt Moore from Miami. What connection is there I wonder?

Which would be fine. However, he's only 20 lbs lighter (and the same height) as the "other" Brandon Marshall.

As much as I dislike mock drafts I would like to inject that I'm intrigued about Shaq Thompson (OLB - Washington). Bucky Brooks had him as the #1 pick for the Bears. Apparently he's extremely versatile. Not only played OLB and some Safety, he also has had a stint as RB. In the scouting report he's being advertised a potential 3rd RB on a team's roster. Talk about "Best Value". His comparative current NFL player? The "other" Brandon Marshall. Intriguing indeed. http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/d...diary/23189969/ Although I'm hesitant only because I still feel the D needs a proven veteran LB to make things work.

Did you mean last season or the season he and Jay played for the same HC / Offensive Coordiantor? And just for reference, Jays career pass completion percentage is a whopping 9% better than Josh's. And that's considering Josh's 49 career starts to Jays 119. But I digress. I don't care who the starting QB is as long as Fox/Gage trust him* *Edit: With the exception of Manziel or Winston....

I'll save you the anxiety. I pondered this when I saw the news of his release. I don't know how well he would mix with Gage and his offensive scheme. My guess is that it wouldn't be the same as it was with Trestman. To be honest if they think Josh should come back as a backup then fine but honestly I could care less. I suspect they're getting an idea of the player(s) they want at QB and Josh is probably not on the list. Unless he reunites with Trestman I feel McCowns 15 mins of fame are done. And for the record, where McCown lacks the talent of Jay he makes up for in football acumen. And no, he did not "benefit from playing against sucky defenses".

Unfortunately you're probably right mostly due to the players not being available. Houston more than likely will be Franchise Tagged if not re-signed long term as will McCourty. Suh will expect too much that the Bears may not even be in the market. They'll ptobably lose out to someone with more cap space. Besides I read he would rather play in Seattle. So heck with him. The Bears will probably have to go the economic route to fill some gaps via FA so chances are we'll see players signed that weren't even considered by us.

Of the three, I could see the Bears making a run for Houston (part 2). He's one of those veteran LB's that I mentioned the Bears really need and has been consistent most of his career. And someone that is on my personal wish list. I can't see the team try to hard for Gipson as he is an RFA when there is a player like McCourty still available for less hassle. Gipson is also coming off a PCL strain and MCL tear back in November. And why isn't Suh being considered? Since it appears most here are really wanting a run stuffing hole plugger? He'd be perfect.

And Adrian Peterson, and Ray Rice, and Greg Hardy, and Ray McDonald...etc I'm not sure how wondering if this guy could play for the Bears is not "dismissive"? And to address the other point; how does what he have to say about it make any difference? Maybe you missed the "15 charges" part? What do you want him to say; 'oops, my bad'? This guy needs to first get his mess of a criminal life cleaned up, probably his personal life and more than likely seek professional help before he ever should consider signing on with any team.

Very nice tribute. And it's always great to hear first hand perspectives of TRUE sports heroes. Thanks for sharing. Go Huskers!!!

Is Osweiller (sp?) available for consideration? With Gage and Fox on staff they already know the potential he has but I presume Elway would want a lot for him, especially if the Bears came snooping AND knowing Manning may retire at any time.

Ok with most of it except for Manziel. Like some have floated the possibility of somehow getting Winston for the Bears this would be as equally messy. No way. As far as the rest, if Pace and Fox think it prudent...I'm good with it.

How could he possibly not be guilty? A Grand Jury indicted him on charges of which the total was 15. 15 CHARGES! It's not like he was DUI or had an ounce of Mj on him. He was indicted on a number of felony charges one of which includes "cruelly killing his dog Taz" after tortuting him and not providing him food. Not to mention the idiocy with the alligator. This doesn't just speak criminal to me it says there are some mental issues. To even consider him for the Bears is beyond ludicrous. Especially in today's climate. All that does is send the message that it's ok to act like a barbarian. Abso freakin not!!!!

I thought I did name one, two and three LBs that I think potentially could start on the team this year. Bostic, Jones and Sharpton are all capable. They don't make me "groan" but I'm certainly intrigued. *Edit: I don't think it would be fair to judge our current roster by their coaching from the previous regime especially from the likes of Tucker. New DC Fangio was pretty successful with third round talent in SF (Bowman, Brooks and up and comer Borland). Im pretty sure he'll be able to squeeze some productivity out of our guys. It would still be nice if they could add a veteran talent in the mix who is familar with either Fangio or Fox' style of D.

I don't know that the team has horrible LBs available to them. Young yes but not total crap. For one they must have had seen something they liked in Lattimore since he was just resigned. But with Jones and Bostic I think there is big potential there. And you forgot Sharpton showed an awful lot of promise about mid-year. All is not lost In the LB ranks. Now as far as a veteran leader? Not Briggs but maybe a FA from elsewhere? There a few good ones out there. What abut the 'other Brandon Marshall'? He's apoetentual FA isn't he? And has been in Fox' system already.

One thing that I did pick up on was that Bennettt said Fox hadn't talked to him yet which does seem a little odd. Maybe because he's busy getting set up but thought they'd at least have some sort of introductory meeting.

I'm totally convinced that Fox can get the team, nearly in the condition it's in now personnel wise, to the playoffs. And whether Cutler plays or not to me is a non-factor.

They also kept Mike Groh as WR coach. Seems like a good keep.

First thing I noticed was the amazing restraint Bennett shows when Steven Smith starts his normal spouting off that he's notorious for. As he spoke I got the impression this image was flashing through Marty's mind: I think Bennett spoke well on the team's behalf. As a side note, I'm sure his brother is saying something to the fact of 'glad I didn't sign when you tried talking me into it' so I'm sure he's got that hanging over his head. I think to some extent he agreed that Jay could do better when it comes to leadership. I would even go as far as saying when he made the comment that he's asked Jay during the game about his will to win, that was an indication that he questions it. At any rate, Marty did the respectable thing and didn't sell out Jay. If he comes back as the QB next season the last thing you want is any question of dissension in the ranks. If Marty were to crack that open the reporters would glom all over that and make it worse and before you know it the team would become a total mess. Let Fox and the staff handle things internally and put your best face on when getting interviewed. Marty did that. I'll give him this, he is pretty funny and smarter than he gives himself credit for.