adam

There was definitely something going on behind the scenes because taking a position lower than the one you're at that quick just doesn't pass the common sense test. He must have known this was going to happen and had the Charger's position ready to go. I just don't understand why he would go from a Coordinator to a LB Coach to make him a better candidate as a Head Coach. He will get 3-4 experience but thats about it. Head Coaches rarely come from the LB Coach ranks.

I don't think this will affect the Bears public image that much. Rivera wants to be a HC, and signing a long term deal with the Bears when he could be gone after every season puts the Bears in a tough spot. Just think, every single NFL coaching vacancy will bring interviews and uncertainty. Then Rivera can just bolt when he wants to and the Bears have to scramble and fill vacancies. This way they can make the moves to solidify the coaching staff for several years.

I don't know what the big deal is. Rivera was going to be gone one way or another within the next year. He was not going to be the Bears DC forever. He also was not going to sign any type of long term deal if he was looking to be a head coach. Norv would not hire Turner to be a DC. If you mean Rivera, I doubt it. Reports say he is looking at Ted Cottrell.

Here is a link to an ABC News article about them: http://abcnews.go.com/search?searchtext=su...mp;type=feature Video is on right. Direct link: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2850880 They make 250 of each teams t-shirt + hats, etc for the teams, then the NFL donates the losers shirts to some organization that gives them out in Africa. Hopefully we will see those t-shirts next year.

Good news, but this was pretty much a given. Now I hope they can work on some sort of extension for him. This also frees up one need for the draft. They could hold off on an LB until the later rounds and concentrate on the higher need areas (OL, DL, etc).

All teams have to worry about injuries, so just take that out of the equation.

Good news, glad to see him in for 3 more. Hopefully the other coaches will follow soon.

I would rather keep Briggs, even for more money. The knowledge of the system and working with your teammates is invaluable experience that cannot be underestimated.

If the 49ers gets pulled out of the hat for me, that will be fine. I can do up to two teams if needed.

yes+

Ultimately the pick will come down to who falls into their laps. I can see them going with OL, DL, LB, TE, S, CB, or WR with the first pick as long as it is the best available player. There is not really a huge need area. Just some areas that could use depth and youth. Also, some of these areas can be addressed in Free Agency. RB, QB, P, K, and C seem like the only positions that will not be drafted unless there is a huge value pick they cannot pass up.

Wow, only a 4th rounder? That would be a steal.

The problem is LB is a position that is always needed by some, and rarely do picks fall to the 30's unless they have a bad combine or something else affects there value.

Yep, actually Gabe Reid is the only RFA. Is was supposed to be URFA Starters, URFA subs, and RFA, but I didn't type in URFA subs. Fixed.

Yeah, no way the Bears take Thomas. He fits better with the Bengals. Sorry for beating ya, Posluszny would be a great pick at 31, if he is still on the board. It would just be weird having an all white LB corps. I guess they could call it the Oreo Double Stuff Defense.

Thanks for the update. They must be confused though, he's not an FA until 2011. R. Manning's contract: 2007: $1,065,000, 2008: $1,850,000, 2009: $4,750,000, 2010: $4,550,000, 2011: Free Agent. Here are the Bear's Free Agents: URFA Lance Briggs Ruben Brown Ian Scott Alfonso Boone Justin Gage Todd Johnson Cameron Worrell RFA Gabe Reid .....the white OLB from PSU is Paul Posluszny.

Yeah I think 12-4 is reasonable, and anywhere from 11-5 and 13-3 seems about the limits. I don't see them any worse than 11 wins, and 14 or more is really tough considering they may be resting in those final weeks again. Does anyone know when they actually release the schedule with dates? It will be interesting to see who is coming to Soldier Field in December.

Did anyone catch this?

I will do it and will pick multiple teams if needed. If I'm Detroit, I'll be picking a WR.

Rivera was been the first name mentioned to replace Schottenheimer, per John Clayton.

He played in only 6 games after an achilles injury and was owed a ton of cash so the new GM released him and a few others (Luke Petitgout).

I don't know if this was mentioned before but David Carr played two seasons with Bernard Berrian at Fresno State. Here are their numbers together and Berrian's numbers AC (after Carr): 2000 Carr 216-349, 2729 yds, 23 TD, 12 INT Berrian 43, 705 yds, 6 TD 2001 Carr 343-532, 4830 yds, 46 TD, 9 INT Berrian 85, 1364 yds, 13 TD 2002 Berrian 2, 54 yds, 1 TD 2003 Berrian 63, 668 yds, 4 TD 2001 was a monster year for Carr and Berrian. Carr led the nation in numerous statistical categories. Just FYI.

Yeah, they get the 2 picks and can pick up a FA to fill the hole at a cheaper price tag. Win, win, win.

Exactly. So even if we lose him, we can still get someone that is close to him in terms of performance at a reduced price. Also, Cato June's stock seemed to drop this year, so he may come cheaper than normal.

Actually I hope more LBs join the fray, that may lower the asking price for Briggs a little.