Alaskan Grizzly

Yeah, as you know I was pretty peeved for Lovie being let go. But then wasn't all that thrilled about Emery (I genuinely did not like him) and Trestman coming over. In fact, looking back I really hated having to explain to people when they asked: "who the heck is Trestman?" And then I had to explain it all. And now that Fox is here I feel the team has done good (not in a vindictive sense, just satisfied). By the by, my sister is a devout Broncos fan and says she is glad that both Del Rio and Fox are gone. Says they "couldn't make a quick decision to save their lives". Not sure what that means but she also hates Elway...so there is that.

For the record I'm right there with ya'. I'm actually pretty settled now that they have the hook set on him. From here I trust he and Pace will do good in getting things figured out. GO BULLS!!!

Question is, the tie. Is that Bronco Blue and Orange or Chicago Navy and Orange? I swear Chicago is going to become 'Denver East" at the rate we're going....which isn't a horrible thing.

Nah, he's taken two teams to the Super Bowl. Regardless, he didn't have Peyton during the run with Carolina. And I'd agree, to some extent Manning was somewhat responsible for the falloff this year and last. In fact the last two years with Denver are very similar to the last two years that Peyton played for the Colts (Loss in 2009 SB to NO and Loss in WC round in 2010). Granted his last year (2011) he actually didn't play at all. Charley Casserly made a comment this morning that I found interesting. He said that Fox is more a defensive minded coach and 'sorta got away from it these last few years in Denver'. So his thought was that this would be a perfect opportunity for him to put a stamp on Chicago's defense and get it back to the respectability it's known for.

All he needs are some aviator sunglasses and he's set. Concerning Fox, I'm thinking it was the combination of the recent sting and separation from Elway and the Broncs and the opportunity with a new GM here in Chicago. Time and again over the last week or so I've seen several analysts say that Fox is the perfect fit for a team like the Bears. In that they are sorta picking up the pieces (I wouldn't say rebuilding) and getting folks in the way of asst. coordinators that can make a turnaround. I get the impression that Fox is that type of guy, someone who is a good mentor for younger folks. Players like to play for him, coaches like to coach for him and maybe our new GM can learn a few things from him in respect to his experience.

Agreed. I think with maybe one more solid RB the offense is set. Despite what many say here I think the OL is actually not that bad off. They are good for at least one or two more years. I'd say maybe one more OLman from the draft. (Queue Jason's response here....)

Adam, FWIW your new Avatar is radical! I like!

With the Dave McGinnis debacle still fresh on most of our minds and the recent report that Kubiak may now interview for the Denver HC job (only a few days after telling Chicago no thanks) you can understand the apprehension.

True. I think there was something the effect that ownership and management (including coaches) were on different pages when it came to Manziel. Hence why the mess at the end of the year. Not really knowing much about K. Shannahan I would have to agree that he does produce. In both situations (previously at Washington and more recently at Cleveland) he definitely dealt with some high profile low production players in RGIII and Manziel.

So why the delay in announcing I wonder? It's not like the Bears or Broncos would be distracted in their preparations for the playoffs.

Being one of the louder Cutler naysayers, I'm ok with it too. Mostly because of the money he's owed AND there really is no one else out there with the potential 'ceiling' that he has. I don't really buy in on the "protection" that you mention but we can agree to disagree on that part. Cutler needs a lot of coaching still. Is Kyle Shanahan someone that could figure it out? Possibly. I actually don't think that Trestman couldn't figure it out its just that he had a lot of other things going on as HC that precluded him from concentrating on Jay.

Remember that Atlanta job is still looming large out there. Not that I've heard or seen anything about Fox even interviewing there. Just a thought....

I think given the circumstances yes it very nearly could be the worst. 'What if' it's true that the Seahawks D is more the result of Carroll's scheme than Quinn (haven't we already had enough of rookie NFL head coaches?). 'What if' he doesn't want to go to the Bears and by the time the Bears realize it Fox is gone too? Sure there is the distinct possibility that Fox isn't who they want but I have a hard time believing (or more accurately, accepting) the idea they are waiting. Pace is making some big choices and he can't afford to screw up.

Or something else that I really hope is not happening; the Bears are waiting for a chance to talk to Dan Quinn again before making.a final decision. That IMHO would be a huge error.

Isn't this the source earlier that said Ballard was a sure thing for GM job only to be duped?

This from Stinger earlier: "Ive also heard reports that Fox is already calling his OC and DC and will likely be Kyle Shanahan and Dennis Allen. for what its worth." I think there is speculation that he would bring in a young offensive mind like K. Shanny to offset his defensive tendancies. K. Shanny is known to use the zone blocking offense which is more in Cutler's wheelhouse and uses the run more often. Something that Fox is more in tune with. Buttt...then Oakland didn't hire Gage (or whatever his last name is) and there is a thought that should Fox be hired in Chicago he may try to bring him in instead. I suspect, if it true, Fox is trying to sweeten the deal with suggesting an heir to him should he leave after five super bowl runs (or however long his contract would be good for).

Annnnywayyy.... sorry to have led us down a rabbit hole. I'm interested now why they haven't announced a hiring yet(?) I kinda would like to get this chapter closed and move on to watching Bulls games.

Actually and kinda touching on what TD said, I truly think that Cutler is THAT bad at discerning defenses and cannot properly do progressions. The fact that 1) McCown and to some degree Clausen could effectively run it and 2) other teams are considering Trestman as OC; causes to me to believe that his offense is still viable. Now that I've posed the question, I still think going to more a zone blocking offense (ala Shannahan - Mike or Kyle) is the preferred route. Especially if Cutler stays on.

So, because I generally ask off the wall questions and LOVE the response they elicit especially from Stinger and Lucky Luciano; would it be inhumane to ask Trestman to come back as OC? I mean he's already getting a salary and the structure for his offense is there. If the right QB (Cutler) isn't getting it done then cut bait and use Clausen until either a draft selectee comes along or available FA or legit camp cut from another team. Just a thought....

Zone offense emphasizes more of shifting laterally in the passing game and pretty much plug and play any RB for success. From what I heard the big disagreement between Fox and Elway was Fox wanting to do more running later in the season. Given how limp noodled Manning was looking it made sense to go back to the run. With Forte passing his plateau soon it would be good to have him be able to share the load.

Not really knowing much about this kid, but my un-expert thought would be for him to pull Russell Wilson and try to find a school where he can start. He's showcased his abities so it's no secret now. Going to a lesser known school isn't an opportunity killer. Ask Joe Flacco.

AMEN!! Please no!!!

Did you miss the part of one of only "two NFL players to have three ints and three forced fumbles"? That's not compared to just rookies, that's ALL NFL players. Granted we won't ever forget Peanut but I'll be glad if Kyle can bridge the gap.

Despite a few here doubting Fullers ability, looks as though he did better than we thought. Gotta give him props for playing through the injuries. Chicago Bears Mobile: Fuller, O'Donnell named All-Rookie http://bit.ly/1wVvNQt

Well said Lemon. Excellent insight!