Alaskan Grizzly

Well for one none of us know who he was or wasnt contacted by so to assume that he wasn't would be wrong. I think it safe to say, and you somewhat alluded to it later in your post, that Urlachers pride probably got in the way of him signing with another team. We know because he was "insulted" by the offer the Bears originally gave him. And I would be willing to bet that he wanted to return to the Bears more than play anywhere else. But this, to include your earlier comments, is all scepticism. And similar to you I am glad he ultimately chose to retire rather than go elsewhere to "prove a point". I think one more year is what he was owed but not necessarily at the cost he wanted. Could have been a year deal laden with incentives but as before, what's done is done. (And for the addendum to the earlier record; I never said "MLBs", just LBs. MLB would be too narrow a focus).

So, just thinking aloud here, as I mentioned before he came from a respectable class of TEs that draft year (2006). With the likes of Vernon Davis, Marcedes Lewis, Tony Sheffler and Tony Fasano he (Pope) wasnt drafted until the third round. So should we really expect 1st round talent? When compared to someone like Onubun (former BBall) player I'd take Pope any day. Does he need to have the 4.3 speed (or whatever it was) as long as he proves to be worthwhile as an all around contributer? Comparing him to another TE on the roster, Maneri, I'd still choose Pope as he has more true TE attributes to add to the team. Who knows maybe Trestman will be able to work some "magic" with him?

Must be some upside to this. With a three year deal they must be planning on him sticking around. But from Princeton? Hmmm.

I seem to remember coveting Pope when he came out for the draft...can't remember why. He was in a class of a few other decent TEs then. But I'm glad he's (or will be) on the team.

For the record I never said "starting". Just LBs.

Stinger, as you may have missed I have "gotten over it" enough that I'm looking forward to the new year. I do so with strongly guarded optimism though. Trestman hasn't proven anything as of yet. Whether you like it or not Lovie had a winning record. His teams finished .500 or better in 6 of his 9 years as coach. Unfortunatley he wasn't so good at offense and had too many friends (that he thought he owed) where he couldn't look outside the bubble. That was his Waterloo. And just because Urlacher "hung around" doesnst necessrily mean he (Lovie) was holding onto "has been" players. Last year's Urlacher was probably better than half the LB's in the league.

Sorry. DP

Fair enough. And you're right, I've moved on. I hope the team does as good or better than 10-6. That's what they deserve. . And again you're right again, nothing left to prove but on the field.

I make it no secret my disdain for management letting Lovie go. And I'm still a little put off with the loss of Urlacher. But whats done is done. So who really cares why Emery fired Lovie? What we might ask oursleves is why did he hire Trestman? "So he's got "a football mind"? So did Turner, so did Martz. Neither worked. I hope, more for the sake of the Franchise, that Trestman (and Cutler) succeed. But if this turns out to be a debacle then Cutler needs to go. Then Trestman should be given one last shot and he too should go. (It almost goes without saying that Emery would be excused somewhere in there). Cutlers's already shown a resiliancy to the new era with his comments the other day. Is it true or just "Jay being Jay"?

I'm good.

I'll second the Hardin nomination. And still have this strong feeling that Anderson and Bostic will have some significant impact at LB. More so than does Williams.

That's mine. Haven't had a chance to get onto yahoo to re-join. If you would like to have noobs join you that's fine, let me know and I'll back out. Otherwise I'll do the sign up this weekend.

You guys make me feel as though I'm watching an episode of Big Bang Theory... Come on season opener.

I recognize this "discussion". You forget, the team did put a premium on OL in the past. They were known as Chris Williams and Gabe Carimi. The difference this time is those were graded at 1st round talent where the 1st round pick this year was not...not totally anyhow. For the sake of argument (I know how you strive for it) this year has yet to be proven. At least you qualified it with a 'maybe'. The offense should improve given the coaching philosophy but if it doesn't, what then? The D is going to need retooling if not next season soon thereafter. Cutlers contract ends this year and Marshall and Forte are passing their prime years. Let's hope at least Long plays up to his potential.

43?!?! Hell that ain't old! That's my age! Dang you ol so and so. SCS: I know you are a younger lad and I understand the frustration. There's been times I've been po'ed at just about all the posters on this board. Even Mad. And he's the biggest suck up there is here. The thing of it is that for one this is just a place to discuss our favorite team, whether it be of like or differing opinion. Once it doesnt get 'fun' anymore then it's time to stop and become a Packers fan. But seriously, don't let what some posters say here get too far under your skin. Just refute them with facts and overwhelm them with kindness. Except for Terra Tor... You're wasting your time there.

Ive always held a reservation that Cutler would hit 5,000 (or close) in a year at some point. Just wasn't sure when that would happen. Maybe, in a nod to Twig, next year(?)

Apparently not only that but you spiked it too! Ha! I figure with all the options; Marshall, Forte, M. Bennett and Jeffery not even Cutler could screw it up. That and he's in a contract year. He's got to prove himself.

I'm going out and saying close to 4,000 (3980-3990 range) yds and 30 TDs with about 16 TOs.

Congrats Hawks!!!

I disagree...just because its the thing to do in this thread. Prove me wrong.

Wasn't Bill Belichick trying to analyze videotape a few years ago?

Yep....what he said. The major change at this point is the team went away from a defensive minded coach to one that better understands offense. And Urlacher retired.

As much as Belichick is annoying, he knows how to handle the media. If they don't successfully drive him 'mad' then I see "Tebowmania" dying off. If anyone knows how to use Tebow it'll be Belichick. Which could prove dangerous for the rest of the league.

Disagree with the first part, agree with the second. I think if he was trying to "slap Lovie" he'd be retooling the Defense. What he's doing is what he was hired to do, "attempt" to build a respectable offense. I really don't see much in the way of large cajones especially given he's currently got 90 players on the roster? As the old adage suggests: "you throw enough crap at a wall eventually some of it will stick". And what I mean in that is with that many players available to you, you should be able to field a respectable team.

I know it's early and hamstrings aren't always a big deal but... There is some concern with injury bug for AJ, at least for me. If for nothing else to take note of. Maybe even better that Aromashadu is in the team. http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpos...amp;src=desktop