Alaskan Grizzly

Does that mean I have to pay $100 if I "lose" ( which I won't)? The way I look at it it's a win/ win. Since I like Lovie he could do well and I'd be happy for him, at the expense of the bears. Or he could lose and the Bears will do well. But in the end a good cause (Walter Payton's foundation) gets a boost. It's all good. How does the British pound translate to the American dollar? Probably better exchange rate. Or do you guys use the Euro?

Now you see why I was confused? (10 vs 9) Man we're a mess...

See I told you I wouldn't remember come 10 years from now ... Let alone a month later.

As Jimmy Fallon would say: #loversquarrel#. Lolololololololol

I'm right there with you on the "weird" feeling. I commented on that very thing yesterday and it does feel very disconcerting. The wager was between MadLith and I that in 10 years (?) either Lovie (me) or Trestman (Mad) would have a better record (or something like that). And the loser would pay $50 towards the Walter Payton Cancer Society. I feel pretty confident.

I feel the sexual tension rising again. "LOL".

For the record I did indirectly address part of the problem of the D as being partial responsibility of Tucker. I'm not yet convinced that he's the answer. How do you explain the ability of offensive rookies like Long, Mills, Wilson (to an extent) and Jeffery (year previous) all being able to contribute right away where one in how many defensive rookies is able to do anything? Either Emery is better at evaluating offensive talent or his coordinators are . I know it's convenient (or popular) to blame Lovie and his crew for all what ills the team but in his time as HC he did manage to achieve a winning record. So far Trestman has produced .500. I know there's still plenty to go so I hold judgement on him (Treatman). Emery is the man putting the pieces in play and so far he seems to be doing a crap job in putting the defense together.

Fair enough. We shall see. I won't agree with him not being a "good fit" but for what the team needs in defense they can't afford a "luxury " like Smith. But wouldn't it be cool? P.S. I think you're spot on right about AJ being MegatroFitzJohnson like.

Or maybe Briggs? He's been known to be "vocal". On this overvalue comment in regards to Lovie... Would you like in on this friendly wager I have with Mad Lith? Lol!

1) your slot receiver doesn't usually stretch the field. He is the crossing pattern over the middle (in Smiths wheelhouse) or the extra safety valve after the RB. Buuuuttt... What's to say Trestman couldn't design a wrinkle in the offense specifically for a player like Smith? 2) the #3 thing makes no sense to me. Does that mean he's the third guy looked at every time Cutler goes to throw or is he third important in the receiving corps ? Wes Welker hAs had a pretty good career as of late being " the #3" guy. Who knows, maybe Smith is ok with the idea of coming to a team like Chicago despite BM and AJ already being there? Anyone asked him yet? 3)would he do one of those $1 million contracts? Probably not. But what is he going to need? Don't know, as before noones asked. Hell the most of the "#1 WRs" available in the FA are still unsigned. That could theoretically effect the overall cost of all receivers, let alone a guy like Smith. As far as Wilson, what's to say we dont put up a four receiver front in some formations? Wilson is young, could be a good way to slowly bring him up.

Just to give reference: stopped watching "True Detective". Something just odd about it for my liking. And Cutler being the most "prolific passer" in Bears history isn't saying much. (sorry couldn't think of my own odd reference).

And the Emery machine keeps churning....

The part about Emery having an inflated ego is based on how he has dealt with some of the "traditional" (and contributing) players on the team. Maybe it's my nostalgic grip but only time will prove me right or wrong. Cutler has proven nothing... Yet. He doesn't deserve the contract he got. But then neither did Romo. But considering there weren't any real legitimate QB starters available in FA, his contract was more a result of "bird in the hand" and not wanting to risk another team overreaching (yes overreaching) to steal him away. I hope the best for Jay but it's not rooted in confidence. McCown was (is) a solid backup... In Trestmans system. That is all I've ever thought.

Thanks Jason. That was kinda the angle I was approaching it from. I agree that the D may be damaged enough that even if they were able to bring in another significant FA it wouldn't be a of no help. To reflect how things have gotten the way they did as of recent; Emery has drafted McClellin, Frey, Hardin, Greene, Bostic, Washington. Re-signed DJ Williams (??) and so far released Urlacher and Peppers with Tillman soon behind. It appears the only thing helping Emery right now is Trestmans knack for offense. For him (Emery) to have any hope in fixing the D he needs to re-evaluate either his understanding of D or get a new coordinator that can point him in the right direction.

Of course. I agree with CTHustle that it is sad to see the D implode as quick as it did. Despite what you think, Peppers did have a few good plays left in him. I understand the money part of it, I do, but if he were paired with Houston on the other side whose to say he couldn't have been great again? Now we have Houston on one side and (TBD) on the other. The defensive scramble isn't as bad as some of you are making it out to be. The players that are still with the team, Tillman and Melton immediately come to mind, are still technically part of the team. Why are they not negotiating with them? Instead Emery's ego is getting in the way. To me safety and pass rush were of importance. He sort of addressed it in one regard but immediately subtracted it for a nullified gain. Speaking of "building now"; that is what they did on offense last year. Now what happens if Cutler stinks it up (highly probable) and the offense comes out and falls flat on its face? McCown probably won't be around to help. The D won't be able to pick up the slack. Who of Emery's defensive draft picks do you see coming out and taking the lead? So far most of them have been less than stellar.

I don't know much about numbers but I think he'd cost too much. I agree it would be nice to have a player of his caliber. Just not at his age, injury past and money

Will probably be available soon. Was thinking this earlier this week and heard someone mention it on NFL AM; what if Chicago were to look at him as a slot receiver?

Just as a side note; where it appears the Bears are plodding along in FA, Denver is setting up for another run (or two) to the Super Bowl. Added TJ Ward and Aquib Talib today and looking like Demarcus Ware will soon be joining Von Miller along the front seven... Yikes.

Have to agree with 4ever. Having Peppers on the team is better than not for the exact reAsons he mentioned. I feel a de-stabilizing "shift in the force" with Peppers and Urlacher gone and Tillman visiting TB. ... And they resigned DJ Williams....

So with Hester and his "one dimensional" contribution possibly leaving Chicago, maybe a player like Sproles could be the replacement? He's multi dimensional (to include returning kicks) and is familiar to OC Kromer. Not exactly the 'change of pace' back I think most envision, especially with Bush gone. But maybe a good option as third down back behind Forte(?)

Exactly. DJ hasn't done much of anything the last two years. And as you pointed out Briggs has been turd-like for the better part of the last years. He appears to want to reunite with his friends. Maybe since some appear to be heading to TB perhaps a trade could be engineered? As far as having D. Ware play LB in different schemes I think he's proven rather versatile these last few years since playing (hand in the dirt) DE vs his "traditional" OLB. And so what if it were 3-4 vs 4-3? Something tells me the team is going to show hybrid versions of 3-4 AND 4-3 schemes next year... Maybe at the same time(?). And he has great leadership qualities (from what I hear) which would prove ideal for players like Bostic, McClellin and Greene.

If he did play LB I would prefer him any day over DJ Williams. Suppose that's too late now.

Was just released. Would Chicago be able to use him? More importantly would he cost much? Ratliff and he reunited??

If should be noted that the fudge packers also are trying to get Houston. All the more reason to bring him to Chicago.

In just an initial peek at his stats I have to say he's not a bad prospect. Since joining the league 4 years ago he's progressively gotten better culminating with 56 tackles and 6 sacks last year. And he's 26 and he's probably cheaper. Could be a great pickup.