Alaskan Grizzly

I don't get how "fans" can ever think this way. No matter what.

Agreed. And for some odd reason I've been getting a 'vibe' that Hester will set the return for TD record tonight. If he does; "The Bears are who we thought they were"!

So, I understand that Tennessee is in a bad position these days but why would they specifically come out and say they are 'targeting Cutler'? I'm not sure why but I don't like it. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap200000029...ennessee-titans

Nice angle. And I'll agree. If the team comes and plays inspired tonight and they win, I predict they will make the playoffs. This is a big stage tonight . Not just for "survivor" status in the playoffs, but prime time (don't want to be embarrassed), Ditka's retirement, at home, BearFan 2000 and his dad will be there, and much more inspiration. Ditka even called out the team...maybe he'll be roaming the sidelines? This is it....win or done.

Lovie would be a logical choice especially being that he's from Texas. NFL Network speculated as much and threw in the idea of Cutler becoming the new QB if things broke down in Chicago.

I think one thing most can agree on is this. Trestmans system can apparently make decent QBs good and good QBs exceptional. Cutler was slowed by injuries but was progressing. Steve Young was right when he came out in defense of Trestman early on.

I'm with Mad on this...for the most part. Not sure that drafting high and trusting McCown to be the 'caretaker' of the position is the best angle. I would like to get a few more years out of Cutler, have McCown stay as the backup and draft a QB for that eventual lead role. If it is as good a class as many profess, surely a decent one could be had in later rounds? (like late 2 to late 3?). And another factor mentioned before (yes Mad it was you ... but I thought it too ) is that if we lose Cutler so could we lose Marshall. I don't think we could afford that right away.

Maybe factor in the injury issues too. That could weigh more than age. The stats that TD used to start this thread were compared to both Cutler and McCown this year. Who both had the benefit of playing with Marshall, Jeffery, Bennett and Forte.

First, I'm not sure I'd want my QB to take 'unnecessary' risks (which what you describe pretty much equates to). Secondly, did you not see the two TD passes to Alshon this last weekend? One for 80 yards and the second for 46? Granted there was some YAC there but not that much. The second pass was pretty much all air and near perfect placement for Alshon to do what he did. And this talk of 'conservative' play-calling sort of baffles me when in each of the last two weeks (at least) Alshon keeps setting new records in recieving yardage. when you're talking +200 yards a game, for one receiver, you're not talking conservative. The play calling has been conservative in the red zone yes. But if McCown was so 'noodle armed' wouldn't he be better suited for those short yardage passes? Instead Trestman has been trying repeatedly with Forte and Bush to only be blunted. I blame poor red zone management on that, not McCown's play. And for what its worth, for the last few years one of the biggest knocks on Jay is his inability to convert in the redzone. In fact somewhere I distinctly recall him being near the top in redzone turnovers. And McCown is 'falling off'? Really? 355 yards, 2 TD's and no turnovers is pretty good in my book.

Was just going to add an 'edit' when I saw your reply, so instead I'll just add it here. After seeing this article I saw it again in Bears.com and found that the way it was presented above was out of context. You are correct that what it appears to be is that he was simply outlining the negative side of franchising a player, especially QB, when there is such a high need to address other issues. Do you pay your 'franchise QB' for one year (at a high premium), hope that he takes a "hometown discount" for a multi-year deal or go with taking the money and running on stockpiling the D? Fair to say that I don't envy Emery to have to get to work once the season is over in the manner he needs. Now the fact that I allegedly "crush(ed)" him seems a little harsh but if my response was what you consider harsh, then "crush" it was.

This is a bad omen. I don't like that they are closing doors to possible ways of hashing out a contract. I think Emery would have been better served by saying something like 'all options are on the table (with Cutlers contract) and there are many issue to consider elsewhere (meaning defense)". Showing his hand this early puts both he and the Cutler camp in a corner. I question Emerys arrogance sometimes, as this is not the first time he's done this. Now, I understand why he did it..just don't agree with it.

Look at what you wrote. The difference between the two is that one is considered a 'Franchise QB' the other a backup. The fact that he has as nearly as good a record, in some cases better, as Jay speaks volumes. I never said that McCown should be the starter, just question the one we do have. If this experience makes Cutler better, then fantastic!! And for what it's worth I'm not sure why you're upset a backup QB is capable of making choices like this. Most teams would kill for a their starter to be able to do that.

Agreed. Especially when I see your stance on Lovie. That aside, Trestman made a good case for his choice. Looking at all the variables the 'safest' was to go with Gould, no matter the down. As Trestman pointed out the Vikings had just negated their own FG attempt with a penalty. With the way the Bears have been as of late, it was riskier to not try for the FG when he did. If anything I'll blame Trestman for the lack of discipline that has caused all the penalties these last few weeks. Not the missed FG.

I presume you're referring to the discussion that McCown may/may not had known about the possibility in having a free play. In which he haphazardly threw a pass that was intercepted. Although none of us can unequiviquoly say we don't know what McCown did/didn't know, we do know that thus far he hasn't made many mistakes. And this would be a rare occurence so the probability is that he made a mistake knowing it wouldn't matter. Case in point, right after he threw it he stayed on the field. Meaning he knew a penalty had been called and that it wasn't against his team.

Ok "bullshit" it is. It didn't work and our team lost. On to the next game.

We'll good for you then, you benefit from a rarity on Goulds behalf.

Oops sorry missed your comment. Absolutely right. And as much as it pains me Southside, couldn't agree with you more.

But....IF Gould HAD made it, then none of this would be a concern or discussed. We all know Gould is normally automatic from that distance...regardless the angle. Hindsight is indeed 20/20 my friends.

Not sure I agree completely. Although not sure why. Sure I've been a bit skeptical on Trestman but to solely blame him for this loss? McCown made a few errors of his own (this coming from one of his biggest fans). The attempted shovel pass that became a turnover resembled Cutler like choices, but that was momentum swinging. And the near interceptions early on were dodged bullets in their own right. The officiating was pretty sketchy at the latter half. The defense started out great then fell back to being very porous again. What would Lovie have done to the heavily depleted defense to keep them legit? I'll say it again, losing Urlacher is bigger than most here will admit. Pair that with the injuries and Lovie gone, the defense has fallen back a few years. So to blame all of this on Trestman might be a stretch, if only slight.

I for one think Wright will be the longer term solution. Just not sure who his pair will be; Tillman, Steltz or draft? It's games like this where I wish something could be worked out with Peppers.

Gotta say having Steltz in as spy on AP is paying big dividends. He's very disciplined. Like what I'm seein. And amped to see how Ratliff contributes.

I seem to recall in a few conversations I've heard and articles ive read I distinctly recall hearing that 'Tucker has experience in both the 4-3 and 3-4". Maybe means nothing.. Good point about Bass. He looks more like an OLB than DE. Could seem as a 'stand up' guy.

I've actually always been a fan of Terra's. He takes the jabs pretty well....despite his inflmmatory remarks. This place would be too boring if it wasn't for adversity. There is no doubt he is one that provides it. To be honest, I think he thrives in it. In fact, when I think of Terra I envision.... And in response to Mongo: I still think SMC has something to prove. He's not a 'wasted pick' despite Terra's insistence.

Right back at ya you crotchety old so and so. Whodda thought you'd be this sappy? I was actually going to post something like this but you beat me to it. You do have a soft side. For what its worth we are getting pretty much the same weather most of the US is 'complaining' about right now. Difference being is we're used to it. Neverteheless my hope is that if any of you have to travel in it you do so safely and get to wherever it is you're intending to be without delay. Travel safe and Happy Turkeyday!!!

Not a big fan of getting into draft predicitions, especially this early BUT I do like your thinking. The first major change (IMHO) is to convert to a 3-4 scheme. Need more middle range pass coverage and run support. That being said.... I'm good with letting Peppers go. Not sure his deal but think his shelf life is expired. Along the line I see Paea, Melton (yes he's still needed) and Wooton. Bass (maybe) for rotational purposes. What happened to Ratliff? Is he going to play this year? Ever ?? LB's: Bostic, Briggs (why not?), Greene and SMC. Williams needs to go. He's been out more than in for the last two years. Eject without predjudice. I would say keep Anderson if I could think of a good reason. Maybe he'd stay around as a back up? (Wish the team had kept Urlacher for one more year). and secondary: CB's Jennings (he's only one year removed from a Pro Bowl and leage leading 9 INTS) and just signed a new contract (didn't he?) and either Bowman or a high draft pick. On Safety I say Tillman and Wright. No doubt Conte needs to go and another poster suggested keeping one of the two current safeties, of them Wright has more upside. For backup and nickel or dime coverages I'm good with Frey and McManis sticking around. McManis has been pretty solid on ST's. Hayden needs to be jettisioned...the reason, see DJ Williams.