Alaskan Grizzly

I think if there is ANY hope in getting into the playoffs...which there is that ever so slight possibility, then the team should go with McCown. Given that he has veteran ability and from what I understand, some knowledge of Martz' system. If things go sour with no hope for improvement...by the time the 2nd half rolls around then go with Enderle and definitely let him start for the last game.

You know whats going to stink is IF (big IF) McCown were to win...or even play really well, I may not be as optimistic about some of the choices the staff has made as of late. Don't get me wrong, I would love nothing more than a win...I'm just sayin. Happy Holidays everyone.

If I had to guess, they may have been waiting to see if the surgery he DID have would be sufficient for him to return before the season was over. Or that it would 'do the trick'. Now that the season is winding down they probably have come to realize it (surgery) wasn't enough and decided to go for the long term solution.

In all reality it'll be a team more like the "Mean Machine".

Whether or not this was going on when Hurd was signed by the Bears, this information would probably not be shared with an employer (in this case the Bears) especially given the magnitude and confidential nature. You can probably imagine how damaging to the case it would be if the the investigation was divulged, to anyone outside the "know" before its completion?

Gotta go the optimist route here too. Bears are due for an "accidental" win. (mostly in spite of themselves at this point). I'll say 14-3 or 14-7. Just enough and a win nonetheless. Something to make the Green Bay game that much more interesting especially with the possibility of Cutler playing. Here's to still hoping for that 6th seed.

I have to agree with Mad Lith's analysis if for no other reason getting those players, especially the younger ones, the experience of playoff game experience so when next year does roll around they are that much more prepared. As I'm not big on rushing Cutler back before he's ready, something tells me he's going to try and make it a go by Christmas Day. And if for nothing else I want to see if the eerie coincidences I've been noting play out. By the by, Christmas Day is a good Chicago sports day. The Bears/Packers tilt as well as the Bulls season opener against the Lakers. Happy Holidays.

This coming from a place that gave up Cutler for Neckbeard. I would ask these guys and speaking of Orton, where is he these days? And how about that "wunderkid" McDaniels? Hows he working out? All that math and hypothesis to prove what Barber already knew? That he screwed up. Plain and simple.

I think you may be onto something. However I do have to say there is something that needs to be done...quicker...if Martz is given another chance. Especially considering. as I recently heard on the radio, Cutler has yet to finish the season healthy since Martz took over OC duties. I don't like the trend of him (Martz) occasionally forgetting the tweaks he needs to put into the game to get Cutler the time and results we are all looking for. Nor do I like that it seems to take a fair part of the season to get the Offense on track and after Martz has been "talked to" or taken the blame, which he has done twice this year. As far as consistency goes, I would think it better for Cutler to stay with Martz. Especially with how he had started to gain momentum. I would be curious to hear what Cutler's candid remarks would be about this Offense. Does he like it or does he hate it? That is ultimately who it matters to. With regard to the "Air Coryell" remark, that is what Martz is a disciple of. However Martz' version of late is the watered down version of what he had before in St Louis. Which is good. The one thing I would like to see more of is quicker play calling (takes too long to get to Jay) and the option to audibilize. Jay has a pretty good grasp of game speed and reading opposing "D"s that he should be able to adjust away from something he sees isn't going to work.

Given his relative success in Arizona and his recent availability would/ should that be an interest of the Bears? I am hoping Martz will go at this point and I'm not sure what the plan is with Tice. But if the team wants Tice to stay as OC and Martz to go then never mind. I will say I'm not a fan of Haley's, just thinking out loud.

I tell ya, again the similarities to last year... In reverse. Didnt GB come to Chicago late last year, win in Chicago and because the Bears didn't play them tough (or rested) the Pack was able to get into the playoffs as the last seed? Again, eerie coincidence. At this point I say try either McCown (surely he's got some idea on the offense by now) or give Enderle a try. I'm beginning to think that Hanie won't pan out... Actually I'm past that point now. But if the Bears can get a win on Seattle then see how Cutler is doing. I hear he is throwing now. I would not encourage him playing if both the Bears lose this week and the docs advise against it. And as far as after the season, id say make a play for Orton as #2. Pretty sure he wants to come back and we know he'd be good in his role. Would make for a more solidified depth chart at QB.

I am kinda perplexed by this philosophy that the team doesn't do what it can to "fill it's needs". And in no way shape or form am I endorsing Angelo but perhaps am asking more in the Devil's Advocate tone. What more does the team need to do in order to advance the Offense? Looking over a few of the skill set positions, the Bears actually have done pretty well. QB - check, RB - check and if I'm not mistaken a WR worth his weight to be a #1 just signed on for a four year deal (Bennett). Along the OL, the team did address it in the first round and unfortunatly he got hurt. They brought along a solid multi faceted player in Spencer from Seattle and found a diamond in the rough in Louis. Can they use better and reliable recievers, of course they can. Could they use solid play and higher ranked OLmen...who couldn't? But to suggest the Offense has been COMPLETELY ignored is foolhardy. I am not sure that Martz is the fit the Bears need. Could Tice be the answer? Possibly. I see him being more along the lines of a West Coast, audible allowing type caller. More blue collar than high flying and bling.

Intriguing. Some pretty good points and based on what I saw, I'd have to say Hanie is the root of alot of problems right now. He doesn't really have any excuse, especially given his level of experience. After all he's being paid to be ready for times like this and hasn't been able to produce. Time to try Enderle. Really, how much worse could it be? As far as Mccown, I hear he's having problems picking up the O. As much as I'm not big on the idea Id say swap McCown out for McNabb and let's see what he can do. Maybe water down Martz scheme, like he did for Hanie. It resembled more a West Coast style anyhow. Donovan should be able to pick that up pretty quick. I have to say I like the idea of Kyle coming back next year as a back up. We know he's proven himself. Good vid.

As in a similar post, think Forte should just simmer until the end of the season. If the Bears make the playoffs then maybe (big IF and big MAYBE) he could make an appearance. Just think if both he and Jay were to return... After ample rest, what could be made of the playoffs? Problem being the team has to first make it to the playoffs. For either of these two to start again beforehand would be foolhardy.

Favre = Herpes A virus that won't go away

I have to think that in the best interest of the team and even more so for Forte he should just park it for the rest of the year. If (and the if gets bigger each Sunday) the team makes it in the playoffs then maybe they could reassess his return.

I'm probably more the optimist than are some here and I am not liking what I am seeing in Hanie. I forgave him for last week thinking it was just a fluke, but after yesterday I was thinking the positives from last years Championship game were the flukes. And like the duck to bullet throw ratio yesterday, the negatives outweighed the positives. I saw one drive that looked promising and Roy Williams screwed that one up. Maybe Martz was onto something when he tried motivating Hanie early on in the season. Maybe his like in Enderle is worth checking out? Or will the team give a call to McNabb? This week will be telling in the team's faith in Hanie. And the only reason the Bears are still in "the hunt" for a playoff spot is because of Atlanta and Detroit losses. Will it be enough?

I've said it once or twice but Corey Graham needs to be on D full time...somehow.

I'm ready to see some Enderle. And for the record don't think that McNabb would be any better...at any point this season.

Interesting RB situation. Forte has been slowing down as of late, and Barber has been improving. Now Forte is out and Barber is #1....and will probably perform well.

Wow, Lovie's on a roll with challenges!!!

I tell ya, the more the season goes on the more parallels I see between this years Bears to last years Packers. Problem being and only real big difference is the Bears need to win.

Uh oh...Forte down.

Hindsight being 20/20, probably should've given the ball to Marion on the 4th and short.

I can already see the changes. Going for more of the "West Coast" quick dumps. Good adjustments on Martz' part. Hopefully Hanie will be able to calm down a bit an get the balls to the receivers.