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!

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?