jason

I disagree with the notion that Webb was anything better than below average this year. Maybe on the verge of average, but not really. The metric they use is not explicitly broken down, but one can assume that Webb's score of -0.8 is 0.8 worse than average. And that does not "deserve" a spot on the OL. That's what Bears fans have become - ready to reward below average or average because we're so used to seeing complete garbage from the OL.

It's good to know you have all the inside knowledge on this case and are intimately involved with all parties. It's a wonder you didn't break the story first, and there's obviously no reason for Tuiasosopo to do the interview with Dr. Phil since you have it all figured out.

Agreed. Good extension.

Agreed. But I still believe he has world class speed in the open field. That's why I've been wanting to see Hester on longer developing routes like drag routes or double moves. Both, unfortunately, require ample amounts of time in the pocket...a luxury Jay Cutler has not had.

My favorite pick from this draft is probably Schwenke. He showed some skill in Mobile this past week. I don't think he'll be there in the 6th, but if he is, I could see him as the Bears center for years to come.

I just read a few pages of his twitter. I don't see it. Point us all to where he isn't a great guy with experience, graciousness, and professionalism.

Suppose instead of taking this to court, and continuing to exist in the spotlight, they want it to quietly go away? My experience with folks from that area (i.e. Pacific Islanders [PI] from varying sources) is that they are somewhat shy, reserved, forgiving, and thoughtful. Sure, they'll let you into their world because of graciousness, but there is a cultural connection and loyalty they share and fiercely protect. It's very likely Te'o's family just wants this to go away. It's also likely they don't want to drag another PI family through the mud over this.

Please refer to the previous analogy of sex. Just because you did it poorly the first two times doesn't mean you should stop.

DING! DING! DING!

I'd say D+ for the exact same reasons Mel gave, but an extra mark downward because the TE need was there, Rodriguez was drafted, but he was moved out of that role. I don't see that as a positive. I see that as sort of a wasted draft pick. A blocking FB/HB hybrid could have been drafted later or picked up in FA. Of course, it's still too early to tell. Alshon could make the jump in year 2 or 3. It wouldn't be uncommon. And maybe McClellin will benefit from a defensive change.

We do?! 2012 says: 2011 says: I don't think it's a guarantee the Bears have a top-10 defense if left alone.

I don't like that saying when applied to this defense. However, if you must... It may not be broken, but it's breaking. With all the early turnovers, this year was an aberration (almost 5 more points a game over the second half of the season). Include the last couple years for a better sample size. There is only so long that one of the fastest MLB's in NFL history can cover the deep middle. There is only so long the best ball-stripper in NFL history will be playing CB. There is only so long one of the best DEs in NFL history will be there to collapse the edge. If there ever was a time for a change (if the front office wants one), now is it. Waiting for it to become a major problem is not what the Bears should do.

I'm mixed on this. I like the attention to the OL, but disagree with who would eventually end up starting. You simply can't give up on Carimi already. That's crazy. And I'm also not keen on a TE in the 4th, particularly when the Rodriguez is a TE who was drafted in the 4th. I'd prefer to see LB in the 4th, Rodriguez playing TE, and Carimi in the OL starting lineup.

Dude. That's weak. The 9 defensive TDs are much less about the system ran and much more about the players in the system. I don't give a damn if you run a 2-6-3 or some random, oddball, pee-wee league formation on defense. You put Charles Tillman in that defense and you're going to get turnovers.

Maybe he doesn't care about the person, but is interested in someone not being rail-roaded without all the facts? That's my stance. I honestly don't care what happens to Teo, but I happen to think the whole angle of "disgusting human being" was incredibly premature and incorrect. ESPECIALLY when this thread was started.

Why not?! It's a matter of numbers, and you absolutely can blitz a LB every play. It's just a matter of scheming it and being deceptive.

Two different cases, but I agree with your sentiments. If his situation has changed so drastically from the first post until now (his side of it has improved), it could change a lot more.

I've always liked this idea. And I don't think Williams/Jenkins are necessary. I think Paea is stout enough to anchor the middle. Wooten, Melton, and Peppers can rotate at DE. The LB corp you listed sounds pretty good to me. Of course, a move to 3-4 mandates more attention to LBs.

I agree it's a risk. But you have to take risks to get big rewards. This year's crop of guys who will apparently be available is VERY uncommon. Normally it's more of a quick-fix situation where there is a short shelf-life and still a certain amount of risk. Having said all that, if the Bears don't make signing one of the big name LTs the absolute first priority, then it will be yet another ridiculous oversight.

It's a no brainer. You pick Warmack, Cutler has priapism from sheer happiness, you pick Garza's replacement in the 4th or 5th (great year for Centers - I think it was Schwartzstein who looked good yesterday), and you focus elsewhere (i.e. BPA) in the 2nd round. Of course, if I had my way and Barrett Jones fell to them in the 2nd, they pick OL again and finally solve the problem. Clady - Garza - Jones - Louis - Carimi (That's nasty. All offensive skill positions immediately upgraded.) Realistically, however... 1. Warmack 2. Ertz/Eifert, whoever falls (I wouldn't like the pick, but I know many would) 4. BPA @ LB or DE 5. BPA @ C 6. BPA 7. BPA That'd be a pretty great scenario.

I don't know if this is always true since there have been several rookies who have recently come into the league and performed very well from the opening game, but I understand your point.

Bolded part: Bingo. I was "good friends" with someone over the internet for ten years before finally meeting her, finding out she was a bitch, and leaving the country before my trip was actually supposed to finish (it's a long story). Internet BF/GF is not necessarily the same as BF/GF, especially in today's electronic age.

C'mon man. Your sarcasm meter is way broken.

Do you not realize that is how the majority of teams get their franchise LTs? I mean, how else can this picture be painted? It is very rare for a franchise LT to leave his team because they are such a rare commodity. That's why they're not in FA every year. Upside of a FA LT (who is not a franchise LT): Pretty good for a few years Downside of a FA LT (non-franchise): Wasted big contract, attention required every few years regardless of outcome Upside of RD1 LT: Franchise, decade-long bookend, problem fixed fairly permanently Downside of RD1 LT: Bust. Attention required every few years once draft pick is determined to be a bust

I saw the same things. I am hoping the former is just Emery not wanting to talk negatively about one of his players in public. I believe the latter to be flawed analysis, which is understandable because pretty much any analysis like this is going to be subjective.