Mongo3451

With an estimated 20 mil of cap space and no-one to sign. What should JA do? (hindsight welcome)

I also like the face we are spliiting Olsen and Clark out. Not only does the defense have to think about how to guard the extra size outside, it could also place emmense pressure on the safeties to deal with Hester and Bennett underneath. I could also see Forte running all day on a seam route. Of course everything has it's pitfalls. By us going big on the outside, we are essentially shifting our speed to the middle of the field where the defense prefers them. In a nutshell, like any new wrinkle, we must make the defense pay a price before it can become plan altering for the opposition.

...Or "The Three Stooges" Man, that's pretty ugly when you put it on paper.

Nice tidbit! You know, if we can regain a steady pass rush from our front 4 this is a great tactic. One - it allows the CB's to engage the run more readily. Two - they can see more of the field. Three - It will allow the FS to play center field. In Mannings case that will be playing to his strength - speed. Lastly, the LB's will be free to do different alignments without removing the ability to play in front of the ball. (thus enhaceing our ability against the run and slant patterns. It all starts up front though. If we don't get pressure, the CB's will be in retreat mode once again or we'll give up some huge plays in the passing game. What I really look for to, if it all comes together, is unleashing D Manning from the nickel spot when the other team goes into max protect on 3rd and long situations. There's aways new hope with every season.

That article was really weak. It's title suggests that Cutler would be the focus of the content in it. It makes NO mention at all of how Cutler's specific set of skills will or could make the WR's better. I've read better from our board members. Have any of you thought of getting published?

I'm hoping he becomes a player that creates mismatches for the defense. Put him in motion, slot, H-back and wideout. If you leave Clark at the traditional spot and make Olsen 100% hybrid, you can have them both on the field a greater % of the time. I think they will keep 4 TE's. My thinking is that AP or Wolfe get the axe while keeping 6 WR's.

I have a hard time believing these moves weren't taught before now. Hopefully, Marinelli will teach it in a way that it becomes 2nd nature.

Oh, I don't know. Just venting frustration with Harrison's lack of work ethic and wondering how he wasn't motivated to do better. I do place some of that on the staff, given all the changes that were made.

He aprticipated in the off season program. I guess I'm just curious to see why this isn't monitored / noticed in June / early July??

Lovie's team, Lovie's D especially. He is squarely on the chopping block this season, if the D flops this season. I've disagreed with many personnel descisions he has made, but D Manning back to FS kills me. The guy is dumber than a fence post at the position. Lovie has a boner for speed and Manning brings a little extra Viagra. Hopefully Lovie can see past his lust. I really hope Lovie isn't right and that Manning is our best chance to succeed. Which means the Mike Brown exodus will haunt us all season. ...and that isn't saying much.

I think Chris McCallister is availible???

Sounds great! I might make the 200 mile trip for that. Let me know what size you are, so I can bring the right size Depends. Sorry, couldn't resist the old joke.

Agreed, Marshall is a stud. He reminds me a lot of Andre Johnson. (size, speed, hands) I do believe also, that if Hester had the same opportunities that he would have some really good numbers, as well. That being said, I really don't want to see Hester used in that way, as I don't want to see hin absorbing the punishment a 100 catch receiver endures. If he catches 70-80 balls a year and consistently provides nightmares for opposing DC's, I'm thrilled. Let our #2, TE's and RB's be the workhorses of our offense. Keep Hester fresh for the ridiculousness!

What we repeatedly see from our DL is that they wear down as the game goes on. I have been preaching about keeping them off the field for years now. (TOP) All might think that is easier said than done, but it has a lot to do with the scheme we run and most importantly the inability of the offense to produce sustained drives that control the clock. I was reading "Chalk Talk" yesterday and something Larry Mayer wrote reminded me of that. He gave the stats of points we gave up and our highest totals came in the 2nd and 4th quarter when the defense is tired. We all can remember watching the games last year and thinking, where the hell did the pass rush go!!!? This was mainly in the 2nd and 4th quarter. Maybe DFG can provide stats by quarter on the pressure our D applied. Anyway, yes depth is a huge issue as rotation will help to preserve the legs of our rushers. Scheme is another huge factor in that, we need to get the pressure with the front four, period. Our LB's suck at blitzing and are more effective playing in their traditional alignments. If we blitz, I'd rather see it from the DB's. Lastly, is the offense. If Cutler, Forte and company can provide 3 more 1st downs a game, we dominate the clock and keep the DL fresh. All the while, we are doing to them what they have been doing to us.(wearing their DL down) That is Bear football in December. IMO - the components are in place.

I like all your breakouts. I just don't think Olsen is sneaking up on anyone this year, as he is noted for being on the rise. Not sure about the duds. I only agree on Crabtree. The others may not have spectacular years, but I see them being productive. Tell me more about why Forte will be better then AP... I would love to be swayed, as I really hate picking AP.

I like your picks of Hester and Nicks. I have a feeling Palmer is going to help free up Benson, but I'm simply done with him. Palmer says Chris Henry is going to be a stud this year. I see Greg Olsen breaking, but don't think it will surpise too many people. I forget the rookie the Colts drafted to replace Addai, but he's worth a flyer. Beware T.O. Not because of T.O., it's a Buffalo thing.

I can't help you with TM, but I do think you can't go wrong with that game. It should prove to be a heck of a game. Don't worry, odds are it will mean something.

This may need moved to another part of the board, but... Who do you guys think will be fantasy breakout players this year and why? Hopefully, we can share enough to help each other in our leagues outside of this forum. I hate to say it but I have the 1st pick in my draft and can't find a reason NOT to pick AP. I can't stand pinning my hopes on a damn Vike. Gotta do it, as my league gives a 3 pt bonus for 100 yards rushing and receiving.

Not sure, that's why I'm not a huge stat guy. We all saw what we saw las year with our OL. IMO - the rankings from worst to best are St. Clair, Tait, Garza, Beekman and Kruetz. One thing I am excited about, is that Pace has said he is healthy for the 1st time in a few years. Not to say he's found Ponce DeLeon's summer villa, but he's not a geezer. My guess is the change of scenery changed/enhanced the off-season program for him.

Love the insight.

Actually you agree and disagree. You are agreeing that it is premature to annoint him as a franchise QB. But, are disagreeing with the assessment that he will flop. My main argument on giving out a 60 million contract is to look at the Anderson in Cleveland.(one year wonder) Cassell can be that as well. Heck, at least break the bank mid-season for the guy. As far as him flopping is concerned. Just got a feeling based on watching him play and the superior talent and coaching surrounding him. Taking an undefeated team and almost making the playoffs did not impress me much. I also think their division was a little over-rated last year.

Fact is all of those teams you mentioned had "good reliable" wide receivers. I would even argue that their #2's were better than our best. It's hard to gauge with Brady though, since he might hit 10 different guys a game, which is rare.

I agree.

I agree, a top QB is the most important factor in that everything else becomes better as a result. I still think that top QB's need good reliable wideouts, in order to be top QB's. We'll be hard pressed to find a top QB on this list that didn't have one or two.(some had three and four) Fact is, we have unknown's. Sure most are on the upside, which I like. But they are unproven, to say the least, especially since Cutler is new with them. Going to the next common denominator (D). We are also hopeful that our veteren unit can re-kindle some of the lustre they lost since the Superbowl. I like our chance to win the division this year and maybe get back to the big one. But our WR's, D and Cutler will have to be there with no drop off from Forte.

Do we have anyone that could be an emergency QB?