jason

For what it's worth, I think the guy you are talking about is Bennett. And in the Martz offense, the slot receiver also fills this role (Hester has the skills to be a perfect slot WR).

Without being too snarky, how many big boy WRs did New England have this year? Their passing game seemed to do pretty well. Mainly because their OL is nasty.

That was an excellent piece of journalism and commentary. Funny, because he does it better than any of the so-called experts on ESPN or elsewhere. Hard to refute as well.

None of this "big, fast, athletic WR" nonsense means anything if Cutler can't plant after three steps because he's being gang-banged by a pair of 300lb DTs. I'm still convinced there is nothing wrong with the WRs. They have great potential. But the inconsistencies of the OL don't allow for the offense to utilize all options and truly click. Give Cutler solid, consistent protection, and I think everyone will be talking about how good the Bears' WRs are. Of course, I am pretty sure I said the same thing last year at this time. And we STILL don't really know the full potential of any of the WRs...except maybe Bennett.

What else can be done? You can let him ride out the last year of his contract.

Then I have a problem with how Angelo prioritizes. Smith's extension is an afterthought at this point, regardless of how much many don't want to see it happen. But it surely isn't the first thing that needs to get done.

Yes. I agree wholeheartedly. Knox is partially or fully responsible for 5 or 6 interceptions this year in which he either quit on the route or didn't fight for it.

To me that's comical. Absolutely any first or second round OT should be able to come in and take the job away from either Omifail or Webb (easily the worst OT tandem in the NFL, and Omiyale might be the worst player in the NFL). If not, then the scouts and coaches involved in the draft choice should be fired immediately.

EXACTLY. As I pointed out already, you have supported it. MCL tear = problems with planting and athleticism. Period. What's more, the Rivers comparison is still BS. Rivers was gone when he hurt his knee. OUT.OF.THAT.GAME. He came back the next game and played. If the Bears had made the SB, I am pretty sure they would have given Cutler an awesome knee brace and some serious pain pills in order to compete.

I said it during the game. I dont' think they cheated the Bears, but the refs messed up twice on that play. First, it was an incompletion. Second, even after it was erroneously ruled an interception, Knox clearly touched the GB player on the way down. The ball should have been down deeper than it was.

Figures that the national media would blow anyone playing the Bears, and rip on the Bears players. Guys, I had an MCL tear just about a year ago. Of course, I had an ACL tear along with it. I was back in a little over 4 months running and what not. Keep in mind that I was incredibly driven, did the workouts, did the rehab. Also keep in mind that I did not have access to the multitude of advantages that Cutler sees on a daily basis. What I know is this: -With a torn MCL on the plant leg, it's pretty damn tough to do anything athletic. I'm sure his knee swelled up quite a bit post-game; I know mine did. I hurt mine snowboarding, and it sounded like a champagne bottle being uncorked. The shit is serious. I snowboarded down the rest of the mountain after my accident, and hobbled around in pain. But that was it; end of the day. And on top of all that...even to this day, it still feels different than it once did. It still clicks more than it once did, and every once in a while there is a sharp pain. I hope Cutler gets the apologies he deserves.

For what it's worth, that link is horseshit. Rivers played with the injury the game AFTER he injured it. But in the game he was injured, he left immediately after being injured, and, GASP!, walked off the field with a torn ACL!! How could he do that if it was torn!? He was out the entire fourth quarter and Billy Volek came in. Give the team a week to analyze the knee, time to evaluate risks and potential risks (can it be more torn than completely torn?), and he played. The only way to compare the two injuries is if the Bears were playing in the Super Bowl. Which is a moot point.

What reason is that? Bengals The Bengals were 4-12. Lost most of their games close, and played in a brutal division with Pitt, Balt, and the up-and-coming Browns. Owens: 72 catches, 983yds, 9 TDs...in 14 games. Ochocinco: 67 catches, 831yds, 4 TDs...in 14 games. The Bengals lost because Palmer threw 20 INTs, their turnover differential was one of the worst in the league, Benson had a mediocre year running the ball, and their defense was in the bottom half of the league. Moss He put up 5 TDs even though he was only used the first half of the year. Once he got to TN, and became part of the circus there, he didn't have a chance. When there is someone on your team who upstages Randy Moss on the field and in the media for a stretch of 8 games, then there are some serious problems.

Or should the Bears hold a press conference where numerous coaches, players, and analysts point out horrible he is BEFORE cutting him.

Not necessarily. I had a torn MCL and a partially torn ACL. I was back in action after four months.

Aside from the obvious first three things that need to be addressed - which are OL, OL, and OL - I'd like to see the following: 5] Sod replaced at Soldier Field. It costs the Bears numerous plays every year, numerous big plays. There have been far too many times the Bears' player has fallen down and the play hurt the Bears. 4] Draft a legit developmental QB. Either that, or pick up a solid vet QB. Someone like, oh, I don't know, Jeff Garcia, the guy I wanted very early in the year. 3] Target Logan Mankins as FA #1. 2] Target Vincent Jackson as FA #2. If that doesn't work out, try to get either TO or Randy Moss. 1] Go after Dick LeBeau. I know it's a pipe dream, but after hearing that his contract is up after this year, it'd be a dream come true. Call him assistant coach or whatever, but get him. Adding his pedigree would A] Improve the defense, B] Maximize the team's defensive speed, and C] Allow the Bears to eschew drafting a DT, because it would rejuvinate Tommie Harris' career

HELL NO. I can NEVER cheer for Green Bay.

I agree with this. Shades of the NYG game. Everyone was calling him out, but it came out later that he had a legit injury. I'd like to see this play out before making any concrete statements about his toughness. But I will say, in the past he has played pretty tough.

Guys...we can take solace in the fact that just a few plays decided this game. 1] Cutler missed Hester on two deep passes that could have easily provided anywhere from 6 to 14 points. 2] The packers punter put two or three punts perfectly on the sideline or near the goalline 3] The Hanie INT was a killer If any one of the above changes, the Bears could have easily won. Tough game to stomach because of the opponent, but the team played hard. The D played very hard. A couple costly plays, and ill-timed penalties, were the differences. On to the draft...

Well, Hanie tried...but I just don't think he has the tools. There is a reason why nobody outside of Chicago has heard of him, and why he was on the bench as a third stringer. Great effort by him though...should be enough for him to cement in his position as second string next year.

The packers' punter is having the game of his life. Killing my Hester buzz.

OMG. Please. C'mon football gods. Let this happen.

Hanieacs rejoice!?

Ballgame. Was it too much to hope that Hanie would deliver the win? Yes.

See ya, hypocrite.