Alaskan Grizzly

I think it safe to say that Davis has had his chances to show he DOESN'T belong out there, so why not bring in new blood? I like the proposal Mad Lith had in showing Adams as H-back and your idea of letting Rodriguez play strictly more TE.

The fact is that even one or twelve could leave you impaired for a life time should weigh heavily in anyone's mind. (more below) How many times did it take those testing nuclear bombs (and literally standing near ground zero) before they realized the long term effects were deadly? I would have been good as this being the closing remark. You are absolutely right, the players need to be looked after. Given how much money they are paid to do the job they do, you'd think the league would do better at after care. The problem is, when is too much? Like you addressed earlier there are "no hard facts" and rather than being a guinea pig I would advise the time is now. Why take the risk? Because the power of the almighty dollar. As far as "everyone retiring" for the fear of the unknown, that argument is hogwash. In that same line of thinking we wouldn't have any police officers, any fire fighters, race car drivers, airplane pilots....etc. Wherever people put themselves that is "out of the norm" and could cause their life to be altered significantly by their choice of career. I believe there is some way to prevent long term health concerns. I've been "concussed" a few times in life and once enough to be unconcious. Did it inhibit my health, memory or lifestyle? Probably. We're talking about a brain here, not a knee or elbow or a toe. In my opionion, the NFL should regulate when a player is to be force retired. One or two concussions? I would have to ask questions like what degree? How severe? Symptoms, long term or not? How many previously? And like you said before, keep tabs on afterwards. Post career care.

What about Kyle Adams? Isn't he supposed to be the current best "pass catching" TE the team has?

Personnally, I think Cutler should seriously consider retiring. Should this be his "6th concusssion" nothing positive (for him as an individual) can be gained long term for him to risk a 7th. But that's just me. I realize the drive players have to "make it to the mountain" but at what cost? Ask Junior Seau, Dave Duerson or Andre Waters. A little information on "concussions in the NFL". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concussions_i...erican_football

My oh my, henny penny the sky is falling. How bout everyone get a collective grip?

Its called "Family Medical Leave Act" (FMLA) of 1993. It doesn't "give" you time off, per se, but allows you time off if you need it to deal with what you describe. The employee would also need leave to draw from in order to actually "use" leave. In most places it would be your payroll/HR section that should be ultimately familar with how it works. Sorry, I digress.

Not to beat a dead horse but if the Bears pick 32nd (I like your way of thinking) the team is going to need to find out how to pay not only folks on a contract year. And after a Super Bowl win nonetheless, but Lovies new contract!!!!

Maybe, just maybe, after this year I could be ok with legitmizing (in my mind anyhow) a first round pick on an OT. However, after seeing it done twice in successive years (and in one case...failing) I'm hesitant. My opinion is those picks should be skill position players, if available. Of course people like Ryan Leaf, JMarcus Russel, Akili Smith and Andre Ware make my case that much more difficult.

I think Carimi being brought in to play RT was more because they had Webb (who started most of last year) and a previous 1st round pick in Williams for LT. Why put him there? That means you have two first round picks at the same position and only within a year of each other? Doesn't make much sense. I agree with B4ever34 that I can see Carimi becoming a Guard before long. He's not the bigger size he once was when he came to Chicago. As another poster pointed out to me in a reply, Carimi has shed some fat weight and put on muscle weight. He looks smaller and probably will be faster...ingredients for a Guard. Something that could become VERY useful for an "out of the pocket passer" like Cutler.

I've been pondering a possible job opportunity in the Memphis area. Might have to put this in the "Pro" side. Being that most Tennesseeans don't appear to be drinkers so there would be more for us who enjoy an occasional libation. Plus I'm a HUGE fan of BBQ.

First point, as the game started I remarked to my wife how "electrified" the team looked. They looked ready to play and were up. Most of the players looked happy and ready to get 'er done...and this was before the game started. I specifically remember thinking, as I watched Urlacher warm up, how much he really enjoys playing the game. More importantly, for Chicago. As far as the discussion earlier this week about him staying with the team until he retires, make it a priority. Sign him until he does retire. No ifs ands or buts. That being said, yes he did look slow on his pick six. I was laughing and thinking to myself, what is this slow motion? I was thinking "please whomever tackles him PLEASE go high" so to avoid messing with his knee. But he made it and man did he deserve it. Good job Brian! And yes the D is fun to watch. They are most definitely coming together. I know this was mentioned before and I still think the team needs to consider extending Lovie. Of course I realize its too early in the season for most to think that is realistic but my vote has been cast. As far as Tillman goes, there is no question he is playing outside of his skin crazy right now. And through it all, whats more impressive, is he is not a showboater. He does all these spectacular things and hardly ever mugs for the camera or does any type of "look at me" antic. It is a breath of fresh air. Reminds me much of Sweetness in his glory days. Plainly put, Tillman is the MAN...among men.

I think the next two games will determine how things progress for the Bears. With Houston, a very legit contender, they have the Defense and a strong Offense to give Chicago fits. The redeeming factor will be that the Bears are at home. The week following is against not as strong a team in SF. Sure, the defense is formidible but their offense leaves something to be desired. Alex Smith, like Cutler, is spotty. His reliable go to is Vernon Davis. Gore has been injured and their back up is inconsistent. The downside for the Bears, having to travel to SF for the game. After its all said and done, if the Bears come out of it 2-0, I'll not only be shocked but convinced the Bears can beat the Packers in their second meet. If they end up 1-1 or even (God forbid) 0-2 then the games for the rest of the season will matter and the Bears will be "in control of their own destiny". More importantly than all that though is that NOONE GETS HURT. Play tough and stay healthy fellas.

I too thought that Williams may have benefited from staying at LT. Regardless, I can't help but think there must have been a reason why he didn't. I know he had injury issues coming out of college. I don't necessarily agree that Tice "dicked" with Williams' playing time and chose his pet in Webb. I think, as I've said before, that Tice worked with what he had. I'm beginnig to have strong doubts about Carimi. You compare him this year to last, he looks physically different. Sure he's still tall but he looks smaller...weaker. Something is going on with him and I don't think he can hold up at Tackle much longer. Guard maybe? Now if you were in either Lovie's or Emery's shoes, I'm sure that the Bears would have one of the best OL's in the league. There would be across the board 1st rounders in each position and all would be bound for Canton. But the very arguement you make for Lovie's choosing top rated talent for the DL has only hurt the point you're trying to make. Where is the Bear's defense currently rated? And why? Because their DL is probably one of the best. Most due to the rotation they have and getting fresh players in for every few plays. *Edit* And there are four Defensive linemen (not two) for the type of Defense run in Chicago. There is no question the correlation to Peanut and Jennings' success this year is in large part due to the DL's ability to pressure the QB's. Thusly so is the improved play of the LB's and the Safeties. They are all inter-related. And interestingly enough, Lovie's forte (no pun intended) is Defense. Consistently thoroughout the years the Defense is what has made Chicago teams. Heck, even in '85 the Defense was better than the Offense. "Monster's of the Midway" did not come from the powerful offensive teams the Bears produced over the years.

My sentiements exactly. As most others that have posted so far, it looks to be a consensus. Another thing with Hester is that he is of some value still. Teams may still be willing to offer money or draft positions to have him on their team. The Bears should consider any and all trades at this point. Like Fudgeripple pointed out, having a player like Weems could be clue. With Dave Toub as ST coordinator I think having Weems pick up the KO and PR duties, most of us fans would probably not notice Hester leaving. His noteriety (should he make the HOF) will still be etched due to his time on the Bears. Like Ditka's (even though he played at Dallas too). And because of it, he (Hester) will always be a Bear, if not on the team.

You know what I find funny (maybe ironic) is that most here insist the root of the problem is the Oline. So JA drafts two Tackles in the first round and first Williams doesn't cut it then it appears so will (not) Carimi. Then everyone says "no, not those two" they shoulda picked so-and-so (insert another name). I still remember when Carimi was picked and how much elation there was with the pick. Yet now we find ourselves trying to make the best of it with him and Webb on the other side. As Brian(?) pointed out, instead Emery goes and secures other talent for skill positions (always a wise choice in my book) for cost. And didn't address the OL in hindsight as many had hoped. But he thought like some of us that our team could get by with what it had and went aggressively after players of more value. And now, as Cutler so eloquently put, "these f*#ing fans, I swear to God" are griping about players (Williams and Carimi) that at one time were touted by the "experts" to be what they really weren't: first round talent. Again, another proof of how pointless mock drafts and people like Mike Mayock are.

Booyah!!! I'm glad at least the fact the team is 6-1 is recognized. That, if for nothing else, says a lot. The game of "what ifs" is too hypothetical.

Couldn't agree more. I'm a big fan of "hurry up". Would really like to see it utilized more.

Now hold on a second, that pick that took place (in the Carolina game) was not Tices fault. Jay has to look at what is presented him and realize that if there are three or four players covering his receiver, that deep in the field, chancres are it ain't gonna end up in your receivers hands. Even the announcers showed the Bears were in max protect, with one wideout down field (Marshall) thus making the receiver options pretty limited. Jay was able to stand there long enough do the protection was there. Why didn't he instead look for an outlet or even attempt a run? Give me a break about Martz and how he was some sort of scapegoat for last year. His playcalling was bad. What had happened with him in Detroit and SF finally caught up with the Bears. The Air Coryell system won't work unless you are able to do protection. Everyone knows that Martz liked the multi step drop back. That won't work most times as it tend to put the QB behind the pocket. Jay needs to remember there are other receivers besides Marshall on the team. That was proven when Bennett started to get involved. Things opened up a lot more once he started to remember that.

I'll double this down. The Panthers got lucky too with that FG that bounced off the inside of the goal post and recovered their own fumble in the early part of the game for a TD. Sometimes luck is simply part of the game. And until the Bears play teams like the Packers (speaking of luck - against the Jags today), 9ers or Patriots... Not much can be said that would deter me from thinking the Bears are a good team.

So how do you explain the 4th quarter? I'll tell ya. Better playcalling and the fact that Jay figured out there were other WRs beside Marshall. And the good play on OL, especially Rachal and Louis.

Good as Gould!! B

Regardless. Just like the turf monster kept him from catching that TD pass. Punk!

Guy is a punk!!! OWNED!!!

This is why, like mock drafts, power rankings are a total and complete waste of time. Jay sucks under pressure (wait until they replay that little verbal tirade as he was leaving the field, should really be appreciated in Chicago) Yes there are other receivers other than Marshall in Chicago. Both tackles (one 1st rounder and one 7th rounder suck) The defense, as is usually the case, has to carry the load. Thank you Wright, Jennings, Urlacher, Briggs, Peppers, Tillman and Collins for coming to play today and keeping the team in the game. And a shout to Forte for being the only guy on Offense for even trying.