Saturday, August 30, 2008

The Final 53?

Chicago has finished their preseason and the final 53 is in. Some disappointments and some questions still abound. Here are my thoughts:

Caleb Hanie is IN!!!! Our young QB who has looked like the best option we've had in my 33 years as a fan made the final roster. Hanie is the future of this team whether it's 2009 or 2010. Congrats to the undrafted rookie who has rejuvenated Chicago fans hope for what we've been missing: a true NFL quarterback with all of the skills needed to lead this team to our next championship!

Mark Bradley survives at the expense of Brandon Rideua. Bradly had better catch 50 passes this season for at least 3 TD's before I even begin to believe in this choice. Rideau will catch on somewhere else as each year he's become better and better. Good luck Brandon.

Last year's 2nd and 3rd round picks (Bazuin and Okwo) were sent packing. Good call on cutting them but WHAT THE FUCK were they drafted for in the first place? Both were reaches and now both are colossal busts as far as Chicago is concerned.

We have a shaky offensive line and only two backups: career journeyman Metcalf and newcomer Barton. Barton looks like he can play but Metcalf has NEVER been the answer no matter what the question is. Chicago will have to make a play on another offensive lineman with Chris Williams taking up a roster spot. This could hurt Hanie or - with hope - Bradley.

Toeaina makes the final 53 man squad and for good reason. This kid outplayed everyone when given the chance last season and with Harris and Dvoracek's injury history he provides a solid backup and - in a pinch - starter.

Wolfe survives and too be honest I do not see how. AP is the most versatile RB on the Bears (and one of my favorites) but Wolfe is actually the 3rd best option in the return game and does not contribute anywhere else except scat back. He's another one that should not get too comfortable unless he can show some of his collegiate form but he's looking more and more like a poor man's Reggie Bush.

We'll start the season with Payne at safety and I have no idea why he's better than McGowan. McGowan was everywhere on the field every time he was out there and Payne did not impress me. For now, I'll write this off as being an uninformed fan.

McBride was an absolute surprise last season as a 7th-rounder who contributed and came out as a future starter ... this preseason he looks lost. I am hoping he can revert to form but if not ... see the above comments on guys who could be on the outside looking in.

Orton takes over the starting spot as I predicted. Now, let's see if he can lead this offense. I like what I've seen thus far.

How long will it be before KJ overtakes Forte for the starting RB job? I absolutely loved Jones coming out of Va Tech and Forte looks strong but Jones is a game breaker. Hopefully we can have a nice mix of the two this year but I think - if healthy - Jones will relegate Forte to the backup role.

I have recently thrown my hat into the ring for GM of Chicago. I will run with Creighton (see the suntimes and trib message boards) on the platform of AT LEAST WE'RE NOT JERRY FUCKING ANGELO!!! ... I like our chances!

Friday, August 22, 2008

Game Notes: Preseason Week 3

No tackling again on the first drive but Bears clamp down enough to force a field goal. We continue to make RB look All-Pro even unknowns.

Ugly reverse to Manning ends up paying off as he bolts down the field and damn near takes it back for a score.

Nice TD pass from Orton to Davis as he split three defenders and placed the ball perfectly.

The second drive starts much like the same with bad defense and watching RBs catch passes and rush for big yards.

Tough break for Tillman on a pass interference in the end zone. Tillman needed to get his head around but the ball was thrown badly and it leads to a 1st and goal from the 1.

Tillman makes up for it on 2nd and goal and blows up Frank Gore for no gain.

Dvoracek looks good in the goal line blowing up one play and then sacking O'Sullivan on 3rd and goal to force a field goal.

Danieal Manning has returned two kickoffs 70+ yards now. He's no Hester but there's something to be said for Dave Toub.

Vernon Davis bobbles a 50-yarder from O'Sullivan and it's called a completion. Going to review now but once again the announcers completely miss it but the Bears throw the flag. Late bobble it stands.

Next play O'Sullivan rolls out and hits an uncontested Hill for 37 yards in the endzone. Guess we should have maybe thought about keeping this guy, huh?

The San Francisco running and passing game are torching the Bears defense up and down the field. This is pathetic.

Garret Wolfe continues to make the case why he should be cut with a short kickoff return and a fumble that is recovered by San Fran at the Bears' 16 yard line.

O'Sullivan has thoroughly dominated the Bears so much, they are letting Alex Smith into the game with almost the entire 2nd auarter to go. In a dress rehearsal for the regular season, O'Sullivan has torn apart the Chicago defense with a nice balance of big play runs and even bigger passes. Smith's entrance into the game is a staggering indictment of how bad this Bear defense is and has been.

Smith takes over and the Bear defense continues to be unbearable - for Bear fans. 3rd and Goal and it's another holding penalty in the endzone for Tillman which looks ticky-tack but it's his second. San Fran punches it in on the next play.

San Fran has over 200 yards with over 11 minutes left in the 2nd quarter. Anyone worried yet?

Wolfe still can't make it passed the 20 but at least he holds on to the ball.

Huge play - 55 yars - from Orton to Bradley on busted coverage but BRadley still caught form behind.

4th and 1 and Matt Forte has nothing but running room and tries to drag guys with im into the end zone. Good run and excellent burst by the rookie.

Followed with a TD to Olsen that is called back by an illegal formation by Olsen. 1st and goal from the 7 now.

Screen to Devin Hester went nowhere with no one blocking and Hester trying whatever he could to create a hole.

A second TD from Orton to Davis. Fellas mark your fantasy leagues. The word around camp was Davis was taking it to the next level. This may be a glimpse into the future.

Hester fields the ball going into the end zone then tries to run it out. Hester, you are great, but don't try that shit again please!!!

Davis continues to make big plays grabbing a 23-yarder. Hats off to Orton for stepping up in pressure and finding is new favorite toy!

Orton hits Davis in the endzone and Davis drops it. OK, great job Rashied, we'll give you a pass on that one just don't make a habit of it. Game tied 20-20 on Gould FG.

Alex Smith hits Jason Hill for 31 yards. Hill looks like a super star in this half, beating Tillman. Not a good game for Charles but he gets a pass as well.

Izzy Idonije blocks the kick to end the half. Izzy who's kicked ass at every position he's played may be a backup but he's probably the best utility player in the NFL. What a stud!

Manning with another good return.

Kevin Jones first carry and what knee injury? Jones scampers - breaking tackles - for a loooong run!

Another good series for Orton that was stopped by a drop from McKie but he gets a pass. The 3rd down and 9 play is swatted at the line by a nice athletic play by San Fran's DE. Gould though misses the 48-yarder and it's still 20-20.

More and more missed tackles as the game rolls on. Alex Smith is moving the ball despite less than pin-point passing.

A TD by Alex Smith to Dominique Zeigler against the #1 defense of Chicago. 27 points in the first 36.5 minutes of the game by a San Fran offense that has more questions than ours. Yay defense.

Grossman in with the 1st string against the 2nd string San Fran Defense. The 49ers bring the pressure straight up the middle and make it look like a reverse situation.

Brandon Lloyd makes himself known with a nice punt block showing he can play two phases of the game.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Jerry Angelo Raises the Bar

1 2008 1 14 Chris Williams T CHI 0 0 0 Vanderbilt
2 2007 1 31 Greg Olsen TE CHI 2007 2007 0 0 0 14 39 391 2 Miami (FL)
3 2005 1 4 Cedric Benson RB CHI 2005 2007 0 0 1 35 420 1593 10 26 180 0 Texas
4 2004 1 14 Tommie Harris DT CHI 2004 2007 0 3 4 60 19.5 Oklahoma
5 2003 1 14 Michael Haynes DE CHI 2003 2005 0 0 0 42 1 5.5 Penn State
6 2003 1 22 Rex Grossman QB CHI 2003 2007 0 0 2 32 489 900 5907 31 33 52 76 1 1 -4 0 Florida
7 2002 1 29 Marc Colombo T CHI 2002 2007 0 0 2 55 Boston College
8 2001 1 8 David Terrell WR CHI 2001 2005 0 0 1 54 4 14 0 128 1602 9 Michigan

I mean for a GM who's seen more busts than Joe Francis, Jerry Angelo has really outdone himself. I mean, David Terrell(2001, 8th overall) was so bad he never started for anyone but Chicago and is out of the league. At least Terrell caught on with another team before being bounced from the league after a 4-year career in Chicago.

Then there was that double blockbuster of 2003 when Jerry boldly traded back to take Michael Haynes (14th overall) and Rex Grossman (22nd overall). Haynes managed to make it three years with Chicago, started 4 games, and was then bounced out of the league. Grossman, luckily for him, is with Chicago, the team that will keep you around indefinitely if you're a 1st-rounder and they can keep finding excuses for your lack of development.

Then of course, let us not forget Cedric "Two yards and a cloud of Bust" Benson (4th overall, 2005). Angelo sold this bag of shit as a "high character guy" and a "workhorse type back." After Benson proved both of which were false, he still was given the job as the starter despite showing neither talent nor desire. Thomas Jones was traded for a sack of magic beans after carrying the offense in the 2006 Superbowl run. Much like many oter first rounders of Angelo, Benson is enjoying his life with his millions and no NFL job.

But this season. THIS SEASON. Angelo raised even his bar. With everyone else in the NFL moving Chris Williams down their board because of injury concerns, Jerry Angelo used his 14th overall pick on Williams. Of course, Williams has already rewarded Chicago by making it through HALF A PRACTICE before needing surgery for that same back issue others were warned about.

Think about it. Michael Haynes actually needed 3 years to prove he was a bust and leave the NFL for good, never playing a meaningful down for any team except the Chicago Bears. But Chris Williams? He could actually set the record for being the biggest bust in Bear history by making it through only half a practice in his NFL history. His $9 million in garaunteed money, Williams could end up his career with a job that paid him about $1.5 million per minute he practiced!

Even Matt Millen has to tip his hat to such a colossal fuckup! Al Davis is green with envy (and possibly his lack of soul). Jerry Angelo you worthless bag of shit, please do everyone a favor and resign this position that you have spectacularly showed you cannot handle. Eat a bag of dicks you fucking hack!

Preaseason Game #1: Notes

I meant to post these the day after the game, but a flooded basement and the headaches that come with it got in the way. Here's my stream of consciousness as I watched the first game of the preseason:

Brandon McGowan is a stud ... 3rd down and long play McGowan separated receiver from ball but no one caught it. The missed call lead to the opening drive touchdown.

Trumain McBride looks absolutely terrible. I mean FUCKING terrible. He has regressed badly since last season.

Matt Forte looks ok ... Definite upgrade the way he hits the hole and sheds people. He also doesn't fall down after 2 yards so Jerry Angelo will probably try and trade him soon.

Grossman is Grossman ... Orton is safe but never going to be an all-star.

The d-line was consistently beat off the line in that first drive ... They recovered later but only showed some flashes. Including Mark Anderson putting good pressure on the QB in at least two occassions.

Rookie Marcus(?) Harrison looked good, but will he be consistent? And will he behave off the field?

Big fucking surprise, we wasted a pick on Chris Williams and his disc injury (more to follow in an article later) ... Rashard Mendenhall anyone?

Garret Wolfe made a statement that he belongs in the NFL ... He's got many detractors but you cannot dismiss his big play ability even though he's a gadget player.

Return guys were unimpressive .. no one can match Hester ,... Wolfe was drafted with that idea so let's use him when we're keeping Devin Hester safe.

Mike Hass once again showed why fans are clamoring for him making another great catch on a tough throw ... He later makes an uncharacteristic drop.

Hanie showed some feet when the play breaks down ... A mobile QB with good pocket awareness in Chicago is as rare as a good M. Night Shyamalan film.

PJ Pope continues to be a preseason rockstar ... why not give him a chance?

Rookie QB Caleb Hanie shows off some touch and some arm with a pass to fellow rookie Kellen Davis and follows up with a gun to to Brandon Rideau for the TD.

Rookie Zack Bowman with a good hit on kickoff return submarining the Chiefs returner.

3rd and short with a QB Hanie who is on fire and Bears run a FB ... Is that the coaches desperate effort to not add Hanie to the QB competition?