Alaskan Grizzly

Amen. And, no offense to your "field", but they (players and coaches) shouldn't have to talk to the media if they choose not to. What matters, as you said, is what the end product is during and after the game. Lovie would be better served to not have to talk. Not because he doesn't know or have anything to say, but because he owes us (the fans) no explanation.

Well based upon what I have heard recently, Urlacher has a sprained MCL. Similar injuries, I believe, as Cutler and Peppers. So as far the hypothetical of him "being lost last year"...unlikely. So what if one of the top three WR's are "sitting at 16 and not 20"? What if the 4th best is, or even the 5th? We're still talking top 5 WR prospects. What if all three top WRs go to their teams and get injured on day one and don't play for the first half of the season or the rest of the year? What if the moon WAS made of cheese? The beauty of watching and playing football is the uncertainty and spontaneity of it all. As Herm Edwards would say, "thats why we play the game". And as far as the year "not starting out happy" I beg to differ. Starting out 2012 at 1-0 is not bad.

I think it easy to wax hypothetical and take it either positive or negative with what "could have been" had Cutler not gotten hurt. But with the way things were trending, I think it safe to assume the Bears would've won most (maybe not all) of their remaining games. They were on a five game winning streak with signs of improvement each week. The line was blocking, most of the receivers were catching (even Williams) and the team was looking at playing a host of teams that did not match up in the AFC West. Unfortunately, and hindsight being 20/20, the team didn't adjust away from Hanie fast enough. What wouldve happened had McCown started a few weeks earlier? What if Orton signed? What if Cutler didn't get hurt? A lot of "what ifs". As expected a few would rather see the team dismantle and re-build entirely. I haven't seen that and still don't. Just a few tweaks here and there. Goodbye Angelo and Martz(?).

This talk of "draft position" before victory is ludicrous. The players want to play and win. They could care less about who's at the 16th or 20th position of the draft next year. Besides most of you are convinced (myself included) that Angelo would piss it away anyhow so how does it matter if it's #1 or #32? Gimme a friggin break! And Happy New Year.

My point exactly. So what if he wants to go back to coaching? Good luck Chuckie...wherever he may land.

2. I'd have to side with those that say he has been able to adjust. He was able to get the offense to focus more on the strengths (run) and short passes, rather than the long ball. However, he needs to be open minded to any and all ideas especially from Cutler and the actual players. if they are seeing something not work on the field, make IN GAME adjustments, not notes for trying to implement at a later time. And he needs to get back on the sideline, no more of this box observing. The team lost too many timeouts and had too many "delay of games" for him to be sitting on his duff with no direct conversation to Cutler and the O. 3. This is probably the single most important thing for the team to address, besides the OL. The defense is getting old but I feel the front seven is still very capable...and maybe so for another few years. The D needs capable man cover CB's (maybe Peanut can do it for another year or so or, like others have suggested, rotate to Safety). The secondary is getting exposed especially in the second level. One simple adjustment might be to go Nickel coverage dominant. I saw a lot of nice things from DJ Moore and Corey Graham when they were in. Pretty sure that Roach may not be able to cover the likes of Shiancoe, Pettigrew or Finley. Need speed, which both Moore and Graham have. Besides, Roach may have to move to Briggs' spot if he ends up going away....

I could be mistaken but I believe Bennett just re-upped recently for four years. And I think Williams is on a two-year deal...could be wrong.

And?????

I still like Barber. He is the true definition of Bears football (bruiser style). Although he did mess up in Denver, not sure that its enough for him to be cut. Conversely, neither is it reason to renew his contract just yet. (He is on a two year deal right?) I still think Bell is very similar to Forte in many aspects. They have similar builds and running styles (upright). Bell has the edge to quickness in the holes and more drive upon initial contact. Forte is more elusive with quick cuts and the ability to catch out of the backfield...of course he is a #1 RB too right? FWIW, I think the current depth is adequate. I wouldn't think the team should necessarily go out of its way to address it through the draft. If someone comes available via FA...maybe. If anything in the RB world needs addressing its Forte's contract. And with the production, where he is at in life, and his necessity to the team...I say long term.

Gotta agree. The team missed an opportunity in Plaxico for not considering him probably because of his "past". And, as was seen, he turned things around pretty well in New Jersey. Of course, as Chitown pointed out, if someone else were to come along of a higher caliber then forget it. But if Edwards were given A LOT of incentives to meet and looked as though he were heading in the right direction, why not? And to Williams' benefit, he showed some pretty good promise with McNown throwing to him. Granted he had quite a bit of short term negative history to overcome.

Sorry but they would be best "served" if they were to win and play like they deserve to and prepare to play Minnesota. To give up now is the losers way out. Never give up, never surrender. Merry Christmas.

Spoken like a true Cubbie fan.

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.