The epitome of mediocrity

[artbest]

The epitome of mediocrity

1. 6-6 record, 16th overall ranking on defense, 23rd overall ranking on offense. It doesn't get (much) more tepid than that. What's especially disturbing,however...

 

2. Is how the Bears appear to be regressing. The defense has been spotty at best all season. now the offense can't get out of its own way. Special teams, a former strength, have disappeared. "Super Bowl" contenders, when they lose tough games early in the season, from my recollection, don't get steadily worse as the season wears on. The Giants didn't "fade out" to close the 2007 season...at least that's not how I recall it. Speaking of fading out...

 

3. Kyle Orton. Yes, he's been injured. Yes, he arguably has the worst set of receivers in the NFL. Yes, having a journeyman stiff as your left tackle is starting to catch up with the Bears. Still, 11-29 with 3 interceptions in a HUGE game is definitely cause for concern. Does this mean he should be "benched?" While I would have benched him in the 4th quarter yesterday, for the remainder of the season, he's the Bears' QB. If he the meltdown we saw yesterday continues, then the Bears HAVE to consider other alternatives at the position. If he can recover and show the promise he displayed before his injury, then he's the Bear QB, IMHO, in 2009 "no questions asked." With that said, under NO circumstances should the Bears REMOTELY consider offering him an extension. Let him earn it - let him show that his early success this year wasn't a fluke. Let him show that he can dramatically improve his accuracy on deeper throws. Let him prove that the moron we saw at QB last night was a true anamoly. Of course...

 

4. Jerry Angelo did him absolutely no favors. A quality GM doesn't allow his team to go into an NFL regular season with Rashied Davis, Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and Mark Bradley as his wide receivers. He doesn't allow his team to go into a season with John St. Claire as his left tackle. YES, he found Matt Forte. He deserves kudos for that...but the offense remains sub-par. Regarding the defense, it's hard to tell if the problem is talent, coaching or a combination of both. Still, Jerry Angelo's lethargic off-season has left the Bears in a position where, conceivably, they could match last season's 7-9 mark. YES, it is theoretically possible for the Bears to "win out" and finish 10-6. It's also theoretically possible for Cedric Benson to lead the league in rushing in 2009. Still, Jerry Angelo isn't going ANYWHERE. Ted Phillips is "golden," IMHO, in the eyes of the McCaskey's. He has made the family, collectively, on-paper billionaires. He's got the President gig as long as he wants it. Jerry Angelo is his "football guy." He'll believe, IMHO, whatever pile of b.s. Angelo sells him. Jerry as safe as any GM in the NFL. Regarding the coaches...

 

5. Lovie's safe for AT LEAST another season after this - more likely TWO seasons after 2008. Few organizations outside of Dallas, Washington and MAYBE Miami would eat $15 million of guaranteed $$. IF the meltdown this season continues, I DO believe MAJOR coaching staff changes will be critical. Bob Babich, Ron Turner, Daryl Drake, Brick Hayley and Steve Wilks should be on the chopping block. IF, as many of us believe, Babich is merely Lovie's errand boy, then all the MORE reason to dump him. As we saw in St. Louis, Lovie is a system guy rather than a true defensive savant. The defenses in St. Louis, after an initial splash, slowly eroded. We're seeing the same thing in Chicago. Lovie Smith couldn't carry Steve Spagnolo's clipboard. The Giants are, IMHO, proof positive that a smaller, quicker defense can be VERY successful, PROVIDED you have the creativity, adapability and, of course, quality depth on your roster (notice how the Giants lost a HOF DE and a Pro Bowl DE and haven't missed a beat? Anyone hear them whining about injuries/losing players?). Lovie needs someone to challenge him - to take his philosophy and bring it up to current standards. Will he do it? IMHO, IF the Bears fall continues this year, he may have little choice. On-going job security and his reputation in the league will eventuall be hanging in the balance. Of course...

 

6. The Bears will beat Jacksonville in Chicago. The Jaguars are truly in disarray, with Jack Del Rio struggling mightily retain control of his locker room. They, not completely unlike the Rams, will be mailing it in next Sunday. All of this means that, if the Bears DO lose to the Jags, even the most doe-eyed of Angelo/Lovie apologists will have little choice but to mercilessly blast this team and organization. 2006 is the ultimate in "ancient history."

[Connorbear]

Great post - I couldnt agree with you more.

 

Peace

[BigDaddy]

The epitome of mediocrity

1. 6-6 record, 16th overall ranking on defense, 23rd overall ranking on offense. It doesn't get (much) more tepid than that. What's especially disturbing,however...

 

2. Is how the Bears appear to be regressing. The defense has been spotty at best all season. now the offense can't get out of its own way. Special teams, a former strength, have disappeared. "Super Bowl" contenders, when they lose tough games early in the season, from my recollection, don't get steadily worse as the season wears on. The Giants didn't "fade out" to close the 2007 season...at least that's not how I recall it. Speaking of fading out...

 

3. Kyle Orton. Yes, he's been injured. Yes, he arguably has the worst set of receivers in the NFL. Yes, having a journeyman stiff as your left tackle is starting to catch up with the Bears. Still, 11-29 with 3 interceptions in a HUGE game is definitely cause for concern. Does this mean he should be "benched?" While I would have benched him in the 4th quarter yesterday, for the remainder of the season, he's the Bears' QB. If he the meltdown we saw yesterday continues, then the Bears HAVE to consider other alternatives at the position. If he can recover and show the promise he displayed before his injury, then he's the Bear QB, IMHO, in 2009 "no questions asked." With that said, under NO circumstances should the Bears REMOTELY consider offering him an extension. Let him earn it - let him show that his early success this year wasn't a fluke. Let him show that he can dramatically improve his accuracy on deeper throws. Let him prove that the moron we saw at QB last night was a true anamoly. Of course...

 

4. Jerry Angelo did him absolutely no favors. A quality GM doesn't allow his team to go into an NFL regular season with Rashied Davis, Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and Mark Bradley as his wide receivers. He doesn't allow his team to go into a season with John St. Claire as his left tackle. YES, he found Matt Forte. He deserves kudos for that...but the offense remains sub-par. Regarding the defense, it's hard to tell if the problem is talent, coaching or a combination of both. Still, Jerry Angelo's lethargic off-season has left the Bears in a position where, conceivably, they could match last season's 7-9 mark. YES, it is theoretically possible for the Bears to "win out" and finish 10-6. It's also theoretically possible for Cedric Benson to lead the league in rushing in 2009. Still, Jerry Angelo isn't going ANYWHERE. Ted Phillips is "golden," IMHO, in the eyes of the McCaskey's. He has made the family, collectively, on-paper billionaires. He's got the President gig as long as he wants it. Jerry Angelo is his "football guy." He'll believe, IMHO, whatever pile of b.s. Angelo sells him. Jerry as safe as any GM in the NFL. Regarding the coaches...

 

5. Lovie's safe for AT LEAST another season after this - more likely TWO seasons after 2008. Few organizations outside of Dallas, Washington and MAYBE Miami would eat $15 million of guaranteed $$. IF the meltdown this season continues, I DO believe MAJOR coaching staff changes will be critical. Bob Babich, Ron Turner, Daryl Drake, Brick Hayley and Steve Wilks should be on the chopping block. IF, as many of us believe, Babich is merely Lovie's errand boy, then all the MORE reason to dump him. As we saw in St. Louis, Lovie is a system guy rather than a true defensive savant. The defenses in St. Louis, after an initial splash, slowly eroded. We're seeing the same thing in Chicago. Lovie Smith couldn't carry Steve Spagnolo's clipboard. The Giants are, IMHO, proof positive that a smaller, quicker defense can be VERY successful, PROVIDED you have the creativity, adapability and, of course, quality depth on your roster (notice how the Giants lost a HOF DE and a Pro Bowl DE and haven't missed a beat? Anyone hear them whining about injuries/losing players?). Lovie needs someone to challenge him - to take his philosophy and bring it up to current standards. Will he do it? IMHO, IF the Bears fall continues this year, he may have little choice. On-going job security and his reputation in the league will eventuall be hanging in the balance. Of course...

 

6. The Bears will beat Jacksonville in Chicago. The Jaguars are truly in disarray, with Jack Del Rio struggling mightily retain control of his locker room. They, not completely unlike the Rams, will be mailing it in next Sunday. All of this means that, if the Bears DO lose to the Jags, even the most doe-eyed of Angelo/Lovie apologists will have little choice but to mercilessly blast this team and organization. 2006 is the ultimate in "ancient history."

 

5. No way it happens. Let's face it not even the Mccaskeys are stupid enough to fire ALL these assistants and keep lovie. I doubt any changes are made and we'll be looking at 7-9 6-10 the next 2 years.

[artbest]

Bigdaddy - if we recall the changes Lovie has made over the years:

 

1. Dumping Terry Shea and Pete Hoener (O-line coach) after the 2004 season

2. Dumping Ron Rivera and Don Johnson after the 2006 season

 

Changing coaches isn't a foreign concept. IMHO, Lovie is all about Lovie - first, second and last. His ill-advised power play following the SB year is proof positive of this. Does Lovie want to risk his legacy, let alone his league-wide marketability, by retaining one of the league's worst coaching staff's?

[Pixote]

Bigdaddy - if we recall the changes Lovie has made over the years:

 

1. Dumping Terry Shea and Pete Hoener (O-line coach) after the 2004 season

2. Dumping Ron Rivera and Don Johnson after the 2006 season

 

Changing coaches isn't a foreign concept. IMHO, Lovie is all about Lovie - first, second and last. His ill-advised power play following the SB year is proof positive of this. Does Lovie want to risk his legacy, let alone his league-wide marketability, by retaining one of the league's worst coaching staff's?

 

I agree, Lovie will pull the switch on coaches who do not perform and I will be anxious to see if we get more changes in the upcoming off season. We have too much talent on this team for our defense to be playing like they are. I think changes need to be made on that side of the ball for sure.

 

On offense, I do not know if it matters much unless we get players to surround the cornerstone of our offense which is undoubtedly Forte. We need to solidify QB, WRs, and our OL or we will always be known for mediocre offensive play.

[madlithuanian]

Great read!

 

I agree with all your points!

 

Especially #3...Orton's got 4 games to make a statement.

 

The epitome of mediocrity

1. 6-6 record, 16th overall ranking on defense, 23rd overall ranking on offense. It doesn't get (much) more tepid than that. What's especially disturbing,however...

 

2. Is how the Bears appear to be regressing. The defense has been spotty at best all season. now the offense can't get out of its own way. Special teams, a former strength, have disappeared. "Super Bowl" contenders, when they lose tough games early in the season, from my recollection, don't get steadily worse as the season wears on. The Giants didn't "fade out" to close the 2007 season...at least that's not how I recall it. Speaking of fading out...

 

3. Kyle Orton. Yes, he's been injured. Yes, he arguably has the worst set of receivers in the NFL. Yes, having a journeyman stiff as your left tackle is starting to catch up with the Bears. Still, 11-29 with 3 interceptions in a HUGE game is definitely cause for concern. Does this mean he should be "benched?" While I would have benched him in the 4th quarter yesterday, for the remainder of the season, he's the Bears' QB. If he the meltdown we saw yesterday continues, then the Bears HAVE to consider other alternatives at the position. If he can recover and show the promise he displayed before his injury, then he's the Bear QB, IMHO, in 2009 "no questions asked." With that said, under NO circumstances should the Bears REMOTELY consider offering him an extension. Let him earn it - let him show that his early success this year wasn't a fluke. Let him show that he can dramatically improve his accuracy on deeper throws. Let him prove that the moron we saw at QB last night was a true anamoly. Of course...

 

4. Jerry Angelo did him absolutely no favors. A quality GM doesn't allow his team to go into an NFL regular season with Rashied Davis, Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and Mark Bradley as his wide receivers. He doesn't allow his team to go into a season with John St. Claire as his left tackle. YES, he found Matt Forte. He deserves kudos for that...but the offense remains sub-par. Regarding the defense, it's hard to tell if the problem is talent, coaching or a combination of both. Still, Jerry Angelo's lethargic off-season has left the Bears in a position where, conceivably, they could match last season's 7-9 mark. YES, it is theoretically possible for the Bears to "win out" and finish 10-6. It's also theoretically possible for Cedric Benson to lead the league in rushing in 2009. Still, Jerry Angelo isn't going ANYWHERE. Ted Phillips is "golden," IMHO, in the eyes of the McCaskey's. He has made the family, collectively, on-paper billionaires. He's got the President gig as long as he wants it. Jerry Angelo is his "football guy." He'll believe, IMHO, whatever pile of b.s. Angelo sells him. Jerry as safe as any GM in the NFL. Regarding the coaches...

 

5. Lovie's safe for AT LEAST another season after this - more likely TWO seasons after 2008. Few organizations outside of Dallas, Washington and MAYBE Miami would eat $15 million of guaranteed $$. IF the meltdown this season continues, I DO believe MAJOR coaching staff changes will be critical. Bob Babich, Ron Turner, Daryl Drake, Brick Hayley and Steve Wilks should be on the chopping block. IF, as many of us believe, Babich is merely Lovie's errand boy, then all the MORE reason to dump him. As we saw in St. Louis, Lovie is a system guy rather than a true defensive savant. The defenses in St. Louis, after an initial splash, slowly eroded. We're seeing the same thing in Chicago. Lovie Smith couldn't carry Steve Spagnolo's clipboard. The Giants are, IMHO, proof positive that a smaller, quicker defense can be VERY successful, PROVIDED you have the creativity, adapability and, of course, quality depth on your roster (notice how the Giants lost a HOF DE and a Pro Bowl DE and haven't missed a beat? Anyone hear them whining about injuries/losing players?). Lovie needs someone to challenge him - to take his philosophy and bring it up to current standards. Will he do it? IMHO, IF the Bears fall continues this year, he may have little choice. On-going job security and his reputation in the league will eventuall be hanging in the balance. Of course...

 

6. The Bears will beat Jacksonville in Chicago. The Jaguars are truly in disarray, with Jack Del Rio struggling mightily retain control of his locker room. They, not completely unlike the Rams, will be mailing it in next Sunday. All of this means that, if the Bears DO lose to the Jags, even the most doe-eyed of Angelo/Lovie apologists will have little choice but to mercilessly blast this team and organization. 2006 is the ultimate in "ancient history."

[jason]

The epitome of mediocrity

1. 6-6 record, 16th overall ranking on defense, 23rd overall ranking on offense. It doesn't get (much) more tepid than that. What's especially disturbing,however...

Agreed

2. Is how the Bears appear to be regressing. The defense has been spotty at best all season. now the offense can't get out of its own way. Special teams, a former strength, have disappeared. "Super Bowl" contenders, when they lose tough games early in the season, from my recollection, don't get steadily worse as the season wears on. The Giants didn't "fade out" to close the 2007 season...at least that's not how I recall it. Speaking of fading out...

Agreed. This is a perfect example of poor coaching.

3. Kyle Orton. Yes, he's been injured. Yes, he arguably has the worst set of receivers in the NFL. Yes, having a journeyman stiff as your left tackle is starting to catch up with the Bears. Still, 11-29 with 3 interceptions in a HUGE game is definitely cause for concern. Does this mean he should be "benched?" While I would have benched him in the 4th quarter yesterday, for the remainder of the season, he's the Bears' QB. If he the meltdown we saw yesterday continues, then the Bears HAVE to consider other alternatives at the position. If he can recover and show the promise he displayed before his injury, then he's the Bear QB, IMHO, in 2009 "no questions asked." With that said, under NO circumstances should the Bears REMOTELY consider offering him an extension. Let him earn it - let him show that his early success this year wasn't a fluke. Let him show that he can dramatically improve his accuracy on deeper throws. Let him prove that the moron we saw at QB last night was a true anamoly. Of course...

Agreed on just about everything. Orton is playing for his starting job, and his next contract right now. I don't know if the WRs are the worst set in the league. More on that in a second...

4. Jerry Angelo did him absolutely no favors. A quality GM doesn't allow his team to go into an NFL regular season with Rashied Davis, Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett and Mark Bradley as his wide receivers. He doesn't allow his team to go into a season with John St. Claire as his left tackle. YES, he found Matt Forte. He deserves kudos for that...but the offense remains sub-par. Regarding the defense, it's hard to tell if the problem is talent, coaching or a combination of both. Still, Jerry Angelo's lethargic off-season has left the Bears in a position where, conceivably, they could match last season's 7-9 mark. YES, it is theoretically possible for the Bears to "win out" and finish 10-6. It's also theoretically possible for Cedric Benson to lead the league in rushing in 2009. Still, Jerry Angelo isn't going ANYWHERE. Ted Phillips is "golden," IMHO, in the eyes of the McCaskey's. He has made the family, collectively, on-paper billionaires. He's got the President gig as long as he wants it. Jerry Angelo is his "football guy." He'll believe, IMHO, whatever pile of b.s. Angelo sells him. Jerry as safe as any GM in the NFL. Regarding the coaches...

It seems like they always seem to leave here and pick up quite well on other teams. This OC & OL combo makes playing QB incredibly difficult, and evaluating WRs impossible. The Bears have talent in the skill positions, and just about any other team in the league would be able to do much more with it. I agree on the rest.

5. Lovie's safe for AT LEAST another season after this - more likely TWO seasons after 2008. Few organizations outside of Dallas, Washington and MAYBE Miami would eat $15 million of guaranteed $$. IF the meltdown this season continues, I DO believe MAJOR coaching staff changes will be critical. Bob Babich, Ron Turner, Daryl Drake, Brick Hayley and Steve Wilks should be on the chopping block. IF, as many of us believe, Babich is merely Lovie's errand boy, then all the MORE reason to dump him. As we saw in St. Louis, Lovie is a system guy rather than a true defensive savant. The defenses in St. Louis, after an initial splash, slowly eroded. We're seeing the same thing in Chicago. Lovie Smith couldn't carry Steve Spagnolo's clipboard. The Giants are, IMHO, proof positive that a smaller, quicker defense can be VERY successful, PROVIDED you have the creativity, adapability and, of course, quality depth on your roster (notice how the Giants lost a HOF DE and a Pro Bowl DE and haven't missed a beat? Anyone hear them whining about injuries/losing players?). Lovie needs someone to challenge him - to take his philosophy and bring it up to current standards. Will he do it? IMHO, IF the Bears fall continues this year, he may have little choice. On-going job security and his reputation in the league will eventuall be hanging in the balance. Of course...

Absolutely. The biggest problem with this team is coaching. This cannot be intelligently denied.

6. The Bears will beat Jacksonville in Chicago. The Jaguars are truly in disarray, with Jack Del Rio struggling mightily retain control of his locker room. They, not completely unlike the Rams, will be mailing it in next Sunday. All of this means that, if the Bears DO lose to the Jags, even the most doe-eyed of Angelo/Lovie apologists will have little choice but to mercilessly blast this team and organization. 2006 is the ultimate in "ancient history."

I disagree. I think the Bears are going to get gashed by the Jacksonville running game. And the Jax run defense, with their version of the Vikings' big guys in the middle, will do an adequate job against the Turner's FB dive play. And the fanboys of this coaching staff will have nothing to defend.