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!

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!