Alaskan Grizzly

Agreed on most counts. I'm really convinced that Briggs has nothing left to offer the team. As much as I disliked the loss of Urlacher at a similar point in his career, I'm totally good with Briggs going away. With Peanut, you're not only getting a guy who still plays well at the position, but other great qualities. Hell, he's about the only guy that was able to consistently stone Megatron. At Safety who knows how good he could be? Add in the fact that he has been genuine with the team as a person AND more importantly a leader, those attributes are priceless. Especially with such a young team on the defensive side going into a transition like they will be. Tillman is nearly a 'must resign' in my book.

AMEN BROTHER!!!

Right. I meant to comment on that very point. And why I don't think the Bears are in a "rebuilding" mode. Even if they don't keep Cutler and go to a 3-4 D.

Amazing how must of us were able to make the same conclusions and we weren't even in the locker room. I think it safe to say that neither Trestman nor Cutler are the definitions of leadership. Trestman is good at one thing (offense) and lacks the skill or ability to lead a group in the grander scheme. Jay is more a leader by example than a verbal leader. And when I say example I mean to say that he will sacrifice himself on the field to show that he's 'all in' on game day, but when it comes time to verbally discuss a strategy on the sidelines or bring folks together when they need to focus, Jay's not your man. In fact, and speaking to the vacuum that Feely referred to, that was one large reason both Trestman and Emery failed in keeping an outspoken leader (Urlacher) on the roster. Probably would have helped more in keeping the team together.

Should it be titled; "Tampergate"? (Thought you might appreciate that).

So if the deflated ball debacle wasn't enough, how about this? https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/the-other...502306-nfl.html Now I'm not at all a conspiracy theorist BUT isn't it possible this borders on "tampering"? Or am I totally misunderstanding the rule?

I think what is getting lost in all this is not so much how the game was affected. But rather that it even came up and when faced with the accusation, Brady did not truthfully answer (my opinion) about his involvement. I'm relatively confident that Belichick may not have as much liability. But am concerned that if a ball boy takes the fall, that is sad and a measure of the organization and the league. One thing that does bother me is the recent press conference where Robert Craft basically says everyone owes them an apology, especially Belichck and Brady, for this occurring. Like the investigation is over and pretty much challenges anyone to say otherwise. Talk about arrogance.

I never said I was the smartest guy in the room. (I assure you in not). But without going into too much 'science' that would be an interesting theory to follow up on. However with the recent revelation from within the NE organization AND a strong possibility of video evidence supporting that, anything more could be moot.

As Mad said, this is a very unfortunate incident and in the end no one wins. Even if the 'scandal' does not end up being more than one individuals agenda (not likely) the NFL at some point will add yet more regulations. And because of that these regualtions will continue to pile until the game isn't true to itself any longer. It almost has to. The other unfortunate parts to this is that this equipment manager will be put under intense scrutiny and depending on his/her ethical makeup may bear the brunt of the blame. The very fact that I suggest there is a conspiracy in just that aspect of this makes it messier than it had to be. Tom Brady will carry the burden of truth, whether he spills it or not. I'm fairly convinced that Belichick may actually not know a lot about the goings on this instant, but he too has been tarnished if only because of past practices. This is unfortunate all around and on so many levels.

Their reputation precedes them. They are not being tarnished because of this incident by itself. Ask your physicist friends why 11 and not 12 and why was there nothing made of the 12 the Colts had? Look, we all have opinions. Even doctors and scientists. A lot of the time they're wrong. I think it was said recently that just because you go to an Ivy League school doesn't make you the smartest in the room. If you graduate 100th of a 100 doctorate students, you're still a doctor. As it is, it appears nothing really will be done until after the Super Bowl. So I guess we'll have to sit back and enjoy the ride. Go Bears.

Pretty dumb article. The author obviously has an agenda and appears to be from the NE area (because most of the scientific sources are too). The author does nothing to discredit the 'what if' factor of the Colts footballs not showing proof of deflation other than to suggest a hypothetical scandal of his own: that the Colts must have over inflated them. Wow! Talk about a cub reporter.

I think it boils down to if this guy doesn't do anything by virtue of Cutler not doing better, then they're both gone. No impact at all to Fox nor Gace.

We agree for the most part. And unless you're talking about the folks that should be regulating the game, they did more than 'mess up'.

I used to follow NASCAR a lot when I was younger. If you're familar with how they operate even though there are about 4-5 manufacturers they all have to fall under specific measurements and specs. They measure, weigh and critique every aspect of the sport. Most specifically the cars . Every little bump or ding is analyzed because at 200 miles those little tweaks can make a whole heck of a lot of difference . Do they over do it sometimes ? Yes but why do they do that? To keep every one on an "equal" playing field. Since "Stock Car" is part of their title, they are compelled to keep it equal. And when they find one little cheat during their numerous inspections they generally come down hard on the team. Should they get to a point where they regulate the sport out of the game? No but they have to do something to keep it fair across the board. And consistently and gradually increase discipline them should they try to unfairly get the upper hand.

So the person answering the questions, what is his name? Is he "anonymous"? The article says that the NCAA takes deflating balls "very seriously" and when USC was caught they were fined etc. and this was allegedly by a "rogue equip. manager". (See scapegoat). And to say that "everyone does it" doesn't make it acceptable. Why would USC be fined if it was ok? Why does the NFL have rules in place for this very thing? Why the whole process for issuing a set number of balls to each team during a game only to have them returned right before the game for inspection? You think that's coincidence? It's clearly a rule violation. If USC was punished after their incident, NFL teams had to be out on notice that this was not ok. And I'll grant that should this have been an isolated incident for NE maybe, just maybe, I'd be willing to accept something lesser in discipline. But this is not their first offense. Who knows how many other times they got away with somthing(?).

Mike and Mike talked about this the other day. Sure, by itself it's wrong and maybe not a big deal. But ask yourself this; when they were caught 'cheating' previously were they the only team doing it then? And If not why weren't other teams caught and disciplined? Mike and Mike commented on how since their last Super Bowl win and the revelation of Videoga...er sorry, video cheating, they haven't won one. Now they are on the precipice of finally getting to the super bowl again and the chance to essentially clear their name then this scandal rears its head. They are very close to having all their championships with an asterisk next to them. If you are ok with this, you are on with what A-Rod did, what Lance Armstrong did, what Pete Rose did...etc

Bravo. Very well said AZ. And if there is some truth to Goddell in a form of cover up, he should be fired. He dodged a bullet with the Ray Rice incident. Set a bad tone with the dealing of Jim Irsay and now this. I understand that he works for the owners but what is starting to develop is something similar to how steroids blew up baseball. And this is on his watch.

Lucky, usually you make some questionable comments and although this seems rather harsh, I would have to totally agree with you. At the very least something in between with a lean to what you propose.

So let me pose the question to you and SCS. What if in the course of the investigation Brady is found to have not told the truth?

So I keep hearing and reading about the recent deflategate and the contest between NE and Indy. I know it's not Bears football stuff but am curious what your thoughts are? Especially with many here consider Belicheck one of the best ever. I'll say this; my money is Brady is being dishonest about something.

I agree that with Fox as coach and the current talent already on the team, we are not rebuilding. One thing that will 'make or break' my hope/trust in Fox is how he manages Cutler, should he be the one that is chosen as the starter. If in game one or two Jay goes out there and acts like 'good ol' Jay' and throws the requisite 2-3 INTs and pretty much plays like crap and he continues to play in weeks 3, 4, 5... then I'll be questioning the hire. But, with the track record of Fox I trust he'll make the right choice either at the outset or somewhere shortly thereafter. Truthfully though, I hope that this is the combo that Jay needs and it all works out. Nothing but a win/win in that instance.

Found another story about this (below). Appears he (Smith) is from the New Orleans staff. The article below says he's been there 5 years. Another place has him listed as a 10 year coaching vet. Also played line in college so there is that. And the other guy had the same title with Denver. See a trend developing with the coaching staff? http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1...9e-6ae1961cbb4a

I like what you did here. Not too bad. Are long snapper and Guard that much of a need though? I wonder if an RB might come available? Still wonder that T Richardson might be worth a shot or even, DeMarco Murray. I hear from friends that follow Dallas think they may not bring him back. Especially since both he and Bryant are due for contracts this year.

This is probably exactly what he was texting or tweeting about. Like something to the effect: 'Man, you remember when I was a complete idiot and acted like a toolbag back in the day?' 'Wow, times have changed.' I don't see him as the leader of dysfunction. From what it sounds, his rant in the locker room was appropriate. Especially if you consider how things have shaken out this year.

Johnny Manziel 2.0