Alaskan Grizzly

What was it Einstein said about repeating something...?? And I've said, numerous times, that the team DID address OLman (TWO YEARS IN A ROW) with the first pick. Both have flopped. Do you try again for a third time and hope that he too isn't a flop? Doing it multiple years in a row...given the already proven track record proves nothing else except maybe insanity. I'm better with paying big money on a proven player (through FA) than I am on an unproven through draft, especially at OLman. Maybe, if as you would prefer, do it every year. But our team (or any other) can't afford to do that. Kind of like when Matt Millen was the GM for Detroit. He held the belief he needed the top WR each and every year. What has he got to show for it? Did good with Megatron, but he's (Millen) no longer there. *edit* And before I close, you have repeatedly asked why I keep using the LT position to measure the productivity of the whole (this case the Oline). But it was you that suggested I educate myself about the LT. So I did. "Third, please learn something about LTs in the NFL, and realize that the prize possessions go early. Most starting LT studs don't come from the 7th round. You'll then begin to see a correlation."

Talking about the team. The point being, that the belief in one OLman making the whole team better is flawed.

Ah, see you haven't read anything I'VE posted because not once in this string (about Klein) have I said he was a "first round pick". Please review my first two postings on this string and tell me otherwise. In fact, the one foolish thing I did was concede the 1st round pick to you...so you could get your stinking OLman. But I said it "tounge in cheek". And until recently did I not realize what kind of character I was dealing with. I have said, and will always say, that if you can find a VALUE pick at the skill position (QB, RB, WR, CB, LB) for the first round, do it. I don't have that same confidence at OLman. But to clarify, I DID NOT say that the Bears needed to pick QB at the first round...not yet. What I did suggest with a kid like Klein is to look at him in later rounds.

And Jason, despite your denying otherwise, some on this board have said that the QB IS the problem. We have a QB that has six(?) concussions and has poor mechanics despite. His TD/INT ratio isn't all that great. His win / loss record is decent but so was Orton's. I realize he may have gotten the short end of the stick because he's gone through three coordinators but still he is not elite, and probably won't. Remember, Aaron Rodgers has been sacked almost as many times as Cutler has and he has a Super Bowl ring. My post was only "stupid" because you disagree with it. Because it doesn't fall in line to your close minded belief that OL is the one and ONLY problem with the team. And for some reason you have this self image that you know so much more about football. I don't know where you get off but I have never really understood narcissists either so....there is that.

Some would say, TE (the team has picked #1 there before). Some would say FB (depending on the type of offense that will be run). Can't say that having Marshall and Jeffery is the COMPLETE solution for WR. How much longer does the team have Marshall? And how about Jeffery? Two injuries allready....something to think about. Then I've been told on defense that there are positions at LB and Safety that concern others. Where do you lay your importance? The team is built around defense and thusly around LB. Is it high enough priority to pick #1 or #2 for? Could be. I think McClellin could be the solution at LB...if done right. Jury is still out. Does the need at OT "necessity" outweigh these other picks? Not sure. Again, it would need to be fully evaluated.

With the loss of Rachal, maybe the time is now. I agree with this. And look for a reputable FA Tackle (?)

Oh how quaint. Aren't you just soooo cute? I think the point, which I know you both missed, is that of the top 11 that were first rounders, I was able to illustrate not all of them were successful. Baluga and Albert to name two. Then of the remaining 1st rounders; Monroe, Thomas and Whitworth it is still in the cards whether they were/are/will be successful. I mean really, we're talking Jaguars (remember the game where Chicago won 41-3 and got three sacks?), Browns (who?) and Bengals. How have these teams benefited from LT play?

An opportunity for the team to find a suitable FA and replace him.

You're a funny man Terra. With your record of sarcasm I'm not sure. But never say never...or Brian and Jason will be all over you.

I will concede that the OL needs fixing. As I will remind Jason and Brian I have never said otherwise. What I have said is I don't agree necessarily with making OL your priority (at #1 or even 2). My point being the Bears have done it twice in the last three years and are coming up fruitless. Now in free agency I'm all for spending on a PROVEN lineman. Worked with players like Tait and Ruben Brown. And in my opinion the team should have made more effort to keep Kreutz. That being said, Cutler is beginning to show that maybe he really isn't the franchise QB player we all thought he was. With numerous concussions to his resume now his career could be drawing close. The player I talked about to begin this post was not necessarily the "solution" at QB. I never said that either. I even lowered my expectations after his team lost their grip on #1 last week. But I'm still intrigued. At any rate the QB will need to be addressed, probably sooner than later. Before OL though? Don't know yet.

Ok Brian, since you and Jason apparently share similar tastes, I'll share with both of you. Maybe it'll give you something to discuss during your next slumber party. First, and the easist to counter, is that Cutler has reportedly had as many as six concussions. He has not gotten all of those while playing for the Bears. Why? Because he is AN OUT OF THE POCKET PASSER. He likes to scramble. In fact, in the hit last week when we got hurt where was he? OUT OF THE POCKET. Hell he was 5-7 yards in front of it. So contrary to your statement, the "OL is NOT the reason". Jason wanted me to "learn about LT's" since I apparently know nothing of them. I considered this thought and figured why not. Here's what I found. And keep in mind I focused on "1st round talent". First, in our own conference. Bryan Baluga (with GB) 1st round 2010 draft. Where does GB rate in the Run offense? 26th. And if I'm not mistaken, Rodgers has been one of the most sacked QBs in the league. How about Branden Albert of Kansas City? 1st round 2008. Where is the "HOF runner?" How about their passer? Matt Cassel? He is not only not liked by the fan base, he was cheered when he was recently injured. But what's more, his backup, Brady Quinn was just cleared to play after receiving his own consussion. And the sitution in Pittsburgh is eerily familiar, but with all the "star studded" linemen. Save their most recent 2011 #2 pick, Marcus Gilbert, because he is hurt. But some of the other linemen, to include Mike Adams (RD 2, 2012) and Max Starks (RD 3, 2004) haven't fared much better. Pitt line Not to mention Roethlesburger is out with multiple injuries due to being run over in a game recently. And how about those highly touted San Fran 49ers that Jason said ran over the Bears D last night? Where was their starting QB during the game? Sitting on the sideline with a concussion. In comes Colin Kaepernick and the rest is history. Was it because of the Oline play? Hmmm. In the article attached is a list of the "top 20 Offensive Tackles" currently in the NFL. Top OLmen Of the top 11, six were drafted in the first round. To include the aforementioned Bulaga and Albert. The top three (Stewart, Clabo and Peters) were all picked in the 4th round - Stewart or (in the case of the other two) not even drafted to begin with. So with odds outside of 50/50 I can't say with certainty that Offensive Tackle position is the one to take each and every time for the first round. At least not as much as you or Jason would like to convince me.

Actually as I was beginning my formulation of a response to Jason and his friend Brian I was thinking exactly this . Odd how they both have the same first name. By the by, thanks for the thought out response.

When I talk about "you doing it" I mean to say that if you had your way the team would draft oline every round. The problem is you think you're smarter than most everyone else. The point I'm making is if you were so football smart youd be coaching and not Lovie. I've disproved your theory that OL should be picked in the early rounds because the Bears have done it twice and failed once and are on the way to doing it again. Skill players should be picked in the early rounds. More value. And for the record, I amended my thought on this kid being picked in round 2-4 and would be ok with a late flyer for him. Come down off your high horse and mingle with us lowly common folk. We really aren't all that less educated than you.

Well had to ask. Things were slow.

Allright Jason enough of your pompous ass smarminess. You're so friggin smart, take over the team and lead them to the promised land.

Give me a friggin break!

Of course as fate would have it, the day I bring this up K-State loses its first place ranking. But even if Klein has a "weak arm" I think his passing accuracy should count for something. And the more read about him it looks as though (especially with yestrdays loss) he might be available in later rounds. And for the record, I never said I "don't want to improve the O-line" just that it's a wasted pick at 1 or 2. And last but not least, the team helped itself at LB with McClellin. And both Tillman and Jennings are doing fine this year. Other than Tillman getting long in tooth, Jennings is pretty young. Didn't the team already draft a CB this year? Think he's sitting on IR right now.

Ditka reminds me of a friend of mine. He (friend) is a mountain of a fellow and resembles an oxen. He's been hit in the head with a flying ceramic mug (no effects), accidently drank what looks like anti freeze (no results) and taken on an MMA type fighter and winning by simply lying on him. I joke that he's similar to the old school version of Terminator. I'm convinced he has a metallic frame and when something adverse happens to him he simply reboots the computer reroutes some circuitry and keeps going. Ditka is probably one of those models.

Yeah it is hard to get too enthused. Especially given he is currently a Heisman contender and quite frankly reminds me of Tebow. But given his gritty way and that he might be a thought for 2nd or 3rd round material, could be worth it. I'll leave the first round pick for OL to appease the likes of Jason. But since the teams pick will be somewhere in the 30s (of the first round) not sure what kind of "find" you'll get. What have I done? I may have opened up another mock draft discussion?!?! Stop me!!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-sat...480--ncaaf.html I know, I know, I decry the very idea of "mock drafts" but just finished reading the referenced Sports Illustrated article about the QB for the currently #1 ranked Wildcats. Base on it he seems he would be a fantastic pick for a town like Chicago. And "they" are expecting him not to go early on drafts... So why not? Please don't tell me "we need OL help".

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/be...aking-hand.html According to "sources". Tee hee

My source says the source of all this sorcery is sauced.

To be fair, in a few of the contests the Bears were far enought ahead that "hurry up" was not a necessity. Other games, for example against Houston, the situation may have not been optimal. With Campbell (not having a lot of first team reps), the weather, the score and utilizing a "vanilla" offensive approach. But I do agree overall that it (hurry up) needs to be an element of this team. It has been used this year with some success, so to say it never has would be incorrect as well. Just not enough. Should've known you "go there".

My how the tides have turned. When he was signed it was "thank God no more Hanie" etc, now it's "he's always been a check down" QB. So playing devils advocate, what's really wrong with doin what Campbell "allegedly" does? What's his turnover rate (normally?). Is he more the "game manager" style, ala Orton? The long ball in Chicago isn't really a staple and if it is it really only goes to Marshall (which Campbell did with success once last Sunday night) and occasionally to Hester. Outside of that throwing underneath (West Coast) is more "safe" in the conditions for Chicago. And players like Forte and Rodriguez(?) benefit from the catch and receive. What I think we'll see more of is are the passes to Forte for screens and short gain plays. And maybe the infamous bubble screen to the wideouts and who knows maybe more to the "H-back" or TE underneath? Why not, could play more to ball control offense rather than score big. Nothing wrong with that.

Or perhaps more reliable options for the quick pass? Like an H-back and/or TE configuration (that are actually able to catch)? Almost negates the stronger need of "better blocking" as the defenders now have a new wrinkle to defend.