Marshall and Cutler are almost certainly gone.

We are switching defenses.

If they can get anyone to take Forte, they will.


If there was tanking in the NFL, I would assume that was the plan. As it is, I really have no idea.


By draft day I fully expect us to have the worst roster in the NFL and a couple extra 4th and 5th round picks.


Y'all still onboard? I'm just totally confused, Fox seems a little long in the tooth to be rebuilding from absolute rock bottom, no?

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

Marshall gone to the Jets.


Seriously, the Bears are the fucking worst. I need a hot tub fucking time machine to go back and shoot Emery before he can fire Lovie Smith.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

Best receiver in franchise history gone for a 5th.

Best QB in franchise history about to get cut.

Top 3 Bears running back on block for peanuts.


Meanwhile, we have the leagues worst defense and a legitimately terrible offensive line.


I guess I understand why no Bears fans want to bother coming up in here.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

This whole "blow it up" tactic doesn't make sense.

Yes, blow up the defense. But why not give this offense one more shot under a structured offensive scheme (i.e. Cutler not throwing more than 25 times per game). Premature rebuilding if you ask me.

Rebuilding??


We now have glaring needs at

QB (Cutler is gonna be cut within a week)
Wide Receiver
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Linebacker
Cornerback
Safety


This is about to be the worst team in the NFL for a long time.


I don't get it. Why the hell did John Fox, at his age, come here to battle it out for the first pick in the draft for the next 4 years before he gets fired?

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

You are wrong on many fronts, but I will just say Cutler will not be cut. His contract proves he will not be cut. STOP. The only way Cutler is gone is through a trade (even with the contract the Emery gave Cutler it will be very hard for the Bears to trade him.) The Bears could have cut Marshall, which would have only saved them 4 mil. By trading him they save 4 mil. and get a 5th round pick. The Bears now have 32 mil. in cap space available. Six Mil. of that 32 is slotted for the rookie class.

For those wanting Cutler cut: that would destroy the #Bears cap flexibility. Best you can hope for is a trade. Cutting him would be dumb.

https://twitter.com/LaurenceWHolmes/status/573884990511017984


With as many problems as the Bears have on both sides of the ball, do you think next season if the Bears kept Marshall while Cutler is still the QB they are contending for a title?

It's obvious you have not been paying attention to Pace and Fox have been saying so far.

Pace: "We’ll be aggressive in our approach, but for the Bears, to have sustained success, we must build through the draft,” Pace said. “The recipe to winning Super Bowls is stringing successful drafts together again and again. We are not just collecting athletes, we are acquiring football players that fit the Chicago Bears. There will be a major emphasis on character, toughness, instincts and intelligence.”

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/durkin-bears-were-among-nfl-combine-winners/

Pace: “Those teams (Green Bay and Detroit) have a done a successful job of building their teams through the draft,” Pace said. “So that’s where we got to get to. We got to build our team strong through the draft to have sustained success. Honestly, I respect what Green Bay’s done. I respect what Ted Thompson’s done. I respect what Detroit’s done. They built through the draft, and they are sustaining success because of that.”

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/09/durkin-ryan-pace-is-empowered-to-enact-his-vision-for-bears/

^^^Sustained Success.

Pace told everyone from the very beginning what he wanted to do. Horrible drafting going back for the past decade is what put the Bears in this position. For example, horrible drafting is how Cade McNown, Rex Grossman, Chris Williams, Shea McClellin, and Marc Colombo ended up becoming Bears. The only way to deal with bad drafting is trade for better players (Cutler, Marshall) or by Drafting Better. By making those trades for Cutler and Marshall they gave up multiple draft picks, which then hamstrings them by not being able to draft. The Free Agent market is another way to deal with bad drafting. The thing about Free Agency is, typically, good teams don't let the good/great players make it to free agency. They sign the player before he can become a FA. Being a good/great team with "sustained success" is a great way to convince players to stay (along with boat loads of money).

Marshall's 3-yr. extention is only guaranteed through this upcoming season (2015-2016). Cutler's contract is only guaranteed for the next two seasons (2015-2017). That means both those guys would not be on this team when they are truly competitive with "sustained success". They are both on the wrong side of 30 that is not the ideal to keep them around for the "sustained success".

I'm not saying Marshall is a horrible player. The Bears could very well end up being burned by this move, but I think we as fans should allow Pace and Fox some room to operate. Pace and Fox don't deserve 100% absolute faith from the fans (skepticism should be applied) but give it some time.

During his time with the #Bears, Brandon Marshall was 4th in NFL in catches, 4th in TD catches, 5th in 100-yard games & 9th in rec. yards.

https://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/573879423398707200

In 3 years in Chicago, Brandon Marshall is tied for 5th in #Bears history in receiving TDs, 8th in receptions and 11th in receiving yards.

https://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/573879734179905537


Please stop with the hyperbole by trying to say that trading Marshall puts Pace and Fox on the Emery and Trestman level. That really devalues your points.

>You are wrong on many fronts, but I will just say Cutler will
>not be cut. His contract proves he will not be cut. STOP. The
>only way Cutler is gone is through a trade (even with the
>contract the Emery gave Cutler it will be very hard for the
>Bears to trade him.) The Bears could have cut Marshall, which
>would have only saved them 4 mil. By trading him they save 4
>mil. and get a 5th round pick. The Bears now have 32 mil. in
>cap space available. Six Mil. of that 32 is slotted for the
>rookie class.
>
>For those wanting Cutler cut: that would destroy the #Bears
>cap flexibility. Best you can hope for is a trade. Cutting him
>would be dumb.
>
>https://twitter.com/LaurenceWHolmes/status/573884990511017984
>
>
>With as many problems as the Bears have on both sides of the
>ball, do you think next season if the Bears kept Marshall
>while Cutler is still the QB they are contending for a title?
>
>It's obvious you have not been paying attention to Pace and
>Fox have been saying so far.
>
>Pace: "We’ll be aggressive in our approach, but for the
>Bears, to have sustained success, we must build through the
>draft,” Pace said. “The recipe to winning Super Bowls is
>stringing successful drafts together again and again. We are
>not just collecting athletes, we are acquiring football
>players that fit the Chicago Bears. There will be a major
>emphasis on character, toughness, instincts and
>intelligence.”
>
>http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/durkin-bears-were-among-nfl-combine-winners/
>
>Pace: “Those teams (Green Bay and Detroit) have a done a
>successful job of building their teams through the draft,”
>Pace said. “So that’s where we got to get to. We got to
>build our team strong through the draft to have sustained
>success. Honestly, I respect what Green Bay’s done. I
>respect what Ted Thompson’s done. I respect what Detroit’s
>done. They built through the draft, and they are sustaining
>success because of that.”
>
>http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/09/durkin-ryan-pace-is-empowered-to-enact-his-vision-for-bears/
>
>^^^Sustained Success.
>
>Pace told everyone from the very beginning what he wanted to
>do. Horrible drafting going back for the past decade is what
>put the Bears in this position. For example, horrible drafting
>is how Cade McNown, Rex Grossman, Chris Williams, Shea
>McClellin, and Marc Colombo ended up becoming Bears. The only
>way to deal with bad drafting is trade for better players
>(Cutler, Marshall) or by Drafting Better. By making those
>trades for Cutler and Marshall they gave up multiple draft
>picks, which then hamstrings them by not being able to draft.
>The Free Agent market is another way to deal with bad
>drafting. The thing about Free Agency is, typically, good
>teams don't let the good/great players make it to free agency.
>They sign the player before he can become a FA. Being a
>good/great team with "sustained success" is a great way to
>convince players to stay (along with boat loads of money).
>
>Marshall's 3-yr. extention is only guaranteed through this
>upcoming season (2015-2016). Cutler's contract is only
>guaranteed for the next two seasons (2015-2017). That means
>both those guys would not be on this team when they are truly
>competitive with "sustained success". They are both on the
>wrong side of 30 that is not the ideal to keep them around for
>the "sustained success".
>
>I'm not saying Marshall is a horrible player. The Bears could
>very well end up being burned by this move, but I think we as
>fans should allow Pace and Fox some room to operate. Pace and
>Fox don't deserve 100% absolute faith from the fans
>(skepticism should be applied) but give it some time.
>
>During his time with the #Bears, Brandon Marshall was 4th in
>NFL in catches, 4th in TD catches, 5th in 100-yard games & 9th
>in rec. yards.
>
>https://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/573879423398707200
>
>In 3 years in Chicago, Brandon Marshall is tied for 5th in
>#Bears history in receiving TDs, 8th in receptions and 11th in
>receiving yards.
>
>https://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/573879734179905537
>
>
>Please stop with the hyperbole by trying to say that trading
>Marshall puts Pace and Fox on the Emery and Trestman level.
>That really devalues your points.


Strong, sobering stuff.....Might be hard to swallow, but I agree in large part....

GOAT of his era......long live Prince.....God is alive....

I'm taking notes too, cause it's the same people saying this makes sense who were telling me Emery/Trestmans moves were making sense, etc, etc.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

>You are wrong on many fronts, but I will just say Cutler will
>not be cut. His contract proves he will not be cut. STOP.

I think he will be cut. They are trying to trade him and getting no takers. I could be wrong but that is where I am leaning. Teams have taken cap hits to get rid of guys before, it wouldn't be the first time.

The
>only way Cutler is gone is through a trade (even with the
>contract the Emery gave Cutler it will be very hard for the
>Bears to trade him.) The Bears could have cut Marshall, which
>would have only saved them 4 mil. By trading him they save 4
>mil. and get a 5th round pick. The Bears now have 32 mil. in
>cap space available. Six Mil. of that 32 is slotted for the
>rookie class.
>
>For those wanting Cutler cut: that would destroy the #Bears
>cap flexibility. Best you can hope for is a trade. Cutting him
>would be dumb.

I agree it would be dumb but so was trading Marshall for a 5th and switching to a 3-4 when the team already has a ton of issues and bad personnel for said 3-4.

I believe the best coaches mold their systems to the talents of their best players.

Others may believe differently, but I think my position is as defensible as any.


>
>https://twitter.com/LaurenceWHolmes/status/573884990511017984
>
>
>With as many problems as the Bears have on both sides of the
>ball, do you think next season if the Bears kept Marshall
>while Cutler is still the QB they are contending for a title?
>

A title? Next year? No, but that doesn't mean that instead we should be gunning to be the worst team in the league.

>It's obvious you have not been paying attention to Pace and
>Fox have been saying so far.

Oh but I have. We just may disagree in what we think of their thoughts and how we interpret their actions.

>
>Pace: "We’ll be aggressive in our approach, but for the
>Bears, to have sustained success, we must build through the
>draft,” Pace said. “The recipe to winning Super Bowls is
>stringing successful drafts together again and again. We are
>not just collecting athletes, we are acquiring football
>players that fit the Chicago Bears. There will be a major
>emphasis on character, toughness, instincts and
>intelligence.”
>
>http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/02/26/durkin-bears-were-among-nfl-combine-winners/
>
>Pace: “Those teams (Green Bay and Detroit) have a done a
>successful job of building their teams through the draft,”
>Pace said. “So that’s where we got to get to. We got to
>build our team strong through the draft to have sustained
>success. Honestly, I respect what Green Bay’s done. I
>respect what Ted Thompson’s done. I respect what Detroit’s
>done. They built through the draft, and they are sustaining
>success because of that.”

Of course you need to draft well. The Bears have drafted terribly for a long time. That said, drafting well need not be in OPPOSITION to retaining your top tier talent and/or getting value in return.

Green Bay has been building their 3-4 through the draft for, hmm, five years...and their defense is still widely acknowledged as the team's achilles heel. If the Bears win that NFCCG (which was totally plausible), who knows if Ted Thompson still has a job. Look at Green Bay's draft picks since that Super Bowl, they have whiffed defensively over and over.

Without Aaron Rodgers, who knows what their team would be.

Again, they are much better run than Bears but holding them up as the be-all, end-all doesn't quite work for me. We don't have Aaron Rodgers.

>
>http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/01/09/durkin-ryan-pace-is-empowered-to-enact-his-vision-for-bears/
>
>^^^Sustained Success.
>
>Pace told everyone from the very beginning what he wanted to
>do. Horrible drafting going back for the past decade is what
>put the Bears in this position. For example, horrible drafting
>is how Cade McNown, Rex Grossman, Chris Williams, Shea
>McClellin, and Marc Colombo ended up becoming Bears. The only
>way to deal with bad drafting is trade for better players
>(Cutler, Marshall) or by Drafting Better. By making those
>trades for Cutler and Marshall they gave up multiple draft
>picks, which then hamstrings them by not being able to draft.
>The Free Agent market is another way to deal with bad
>drafting. The thing about Free Agency is, typically, good
>teams don't let the good/great players make it to free agency.
>They sign the player before he can become a FA. Being a
>good/great team with "sustained success" is a great way to
>convince players to stay (along with boat loads of money).

Okay...nothing to really disagree with their except the premise that good players don't hit free agency. Perhaps you mean, like Julius Peppers last year? Who the much-lauded Ted Thompson picked up and is now retaining. While we jettisoned him to add Jared Allen who sucked.


>
>Marshall's 3-yr. extention is only guaranteed through this
>upcoming season (2015-2016). Cutler's contract is only
>guaranteed for the next two seasons (2015-2017). That means
>both those guys would not be on this team when they are truly
>competitive with "sustained success". They are both on the
>wrong side of 30 that is not the ideal to keep them around for
>the "sustained success".

Good luck achieving this sustained success with a roster that has been absolutely gutted, in advance of a scheme change on both sides of the ball.

>
>I'm not saying Marshall is a horrible player. The Bears could
>very well end up being burned by this move, but I think we as
>fans should allow Pace and Fox some room to operate. Pace and
>Fox don't deserve 100% absolute faith from the fans
>(skepticism should be applied) but give it some time.

Everything they have done so far has been pretty bad IMO. I said it was a bad move when we dumped Lovie and Urlacher and I was right (I think so anyway). I said the same shit about Emery and Trestman's moves this past offseason and I was right.

If I am wrong, as always, I will own it. But right now they are making moves I think are stupid. Who the fuck needs a 5th rounder? When was the last time the Bears did anything worthwhile with a 5th rounder?

>
>During his time with the #Bears, Brandon Marshall was 4th in
>NFL in catches, 4th in TD catches, 5th in 100-yard games & 9th
>in rec. yards.
>
>https://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/573879423398707200
>
>In 3 years in Chicago, Brandon Marshall is tied for 5th in
>#Bears history in receiving TDs, 8th in receptions and 11th in
>receiving yards.
>
>https://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/573879734179905537
>
>
>Please stop with the hyperbole by trying to say that trading
>Marshall puts Pace and Fox on the Emery and Trestman level.
>That really devalues your points.


This combined with the move to a 3-4 and putting Cutler and Forte on the block does put them on that level IMO. They are creating NEW holes on a team with plenty of them that are perenially unfilled.

You don't win in football by trying to become the worst team in the league. This isn't the NBA. Does anyone feel like the Jets are better off after bottoming out under Idzik last year? How about the Jags and Raiders?

Of all the people to get rid of on this team, MArshall makes the least sense.

Now we have a situation where we might end up drafting a WR or a 3-4 edge rusher (positions where we may have been fine if not for these moves) in the first two rounds while our giant glaring holes that are there year-in and year-out (offensive line, safety, interior linebacker, receiver depth, cornerback depth) go unaddressed.

I can't even remember the last time the Bears fielded a great offensive line anymore. It's been that fucking long. I'm not going to be surprised at all when we trot out the same stiffs as last year and then wonder why the offense keeps stalling.

I have football reasons for my opinions. You may disagree but I am not just pulling this out of my ass or some fandom of Brandon Marshall.

Starting over from scratch every 2-3 years is not the way to go IMO.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

>Okay...nothing to really disagree with their except the
>premise that good players don't hit free agency.

Which is why I wrote "Typically". Brady. Rodgers, and Urlacher are great players that teams build around and teams will do whatever they can that is within their power to not let that player slip through their fingers. Yes there are great players that do hit FA (Ndamukong Suh), I not saying that it doesn't happen.


Perhaps you
>mean, like Julius Peppers last year? Who the much-lauded Ted
>Thompson picked up and is now retaining. While we jettisoned
>him to add Jared Allen who sucked.


http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=8&topic_id=2397716&mesg_id=2397716&listing_type=search#2398040

^I have already pointed out previously as to why Emery cut Peppers. Peppers was not worth the 18 mil cap hit at that time. The Packers did not think so either which is why they signed him for less. Peppers had a great season last yr. but his on the field play the previous season pointed to a decline and it worked out great for the Packers. The got great play from someone on a deal that did not have an 18 mil cap hit. The Bears don't have a crystal ball and did not foresee Peppers having the kind of year that he had. It's football. It's a business. It's a gamble. It sucks. The Bears lost and that's the reality.

Now Pace and Fox need to fix it. They didn't break it, they just got here. Now it's on them to make it work. It remains to be seen if they can. It's just the beginning. More work needs to be done.

While we may not agree on the process, we both want the same thing. The Bears winning the Super Bowl. Not just one, but many Super Bowls.

>>Okay...nothing to really disagree with their except the
>>premise that good players don't hit free agency.
>
>Which is why I wrote "Typically". Brady. Rodgers, and Urlacher
>are great players that teams build around and teams will do
>whatever they can that is within their power to not let that
>player slip through their fingers. Yes there are great players
>that do hit FA (Ndamukong Suh), I not saying that it doesn't
>happen.
>
>
>Perhaps you
>>mean, like Julius Peppers last year? Who the much-lauded Ted
>>Thompson picked up and is now retaining. While we jettisoned
>>him to add Jared Allen who sucked.
>
>
>http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=8&topic_id=2397716&mesg_id=2397716&listing_type=search#2398040
>
>^I have already pointed out previously as to why Emery cut
>Peppers. Peppers was not worth the 18 mil cap hit at that
>time. The Packers did not think so either which is why they
>signed him for less. Peppers had a great season last yr. but
>his on the field play the previous season pointed to a decline
>and it worked out great for the Packers. The got great play
>from someone on a deal that did not have an 18 mil cap hit.
>The Bears don't have a crystal ball and did not foresee
>Peppers having the kind of year that he had. It's football.
>It's a business. It's a gamble. It sucks. The Bears lost and
>that's the reality.

Agreed, I just thought it was a bad gamble and they did indeed lose, badly.

>
>Now Pace and Fox need to fix it. They didn't break it, they
>just got here. Now it's on them to make it work. It remains to
>be seen if they can. It's just the beginning. More work needs
>to be done.
>

Agreed, I just find the moves they have made so far to be terrible, for reasons I have already articulated. I think this was a decent team (8-8ish) that drastically underachieved due to bad coaching, management and injuries snowballing into an epic freefall of a season. We were in the same place as teams like the Chargers last offseason, or the Eagles when they let Reid go. I didn't think it was necessary to then go scorched earth.

>While we may not agree on the process, we both want the same
>thing. The Bears winning the Super Bowl. Not just one, but
>many Super Bowls.
>
>

Agreed, I just don't have ANY type of positive feelings about this.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

>Marshall and Cutler are almost certainly gone.
>
>We are switching defenses.
>
>If they can get anyone to take Forte, they will.
>
>
>If there was tanking in the NFL, I would assume that was the
>plan. As it is, I really have no idea.
>
>
>By draft day I fully expect us to have the worst roster in the
>NFL and a couple extra 4th and 5th round picks.
>
>
>Y'all still onboard? I'm just totally confused, Fox seems a
>little long in the tooth to be rebuilding from absolute rock
>bottom, no?

Don't know about the Marshall trade, but overall it is what it is. The Bears r now in re-building mode. And I'd rather they do it all the way instead of some half-ass job....

GOAT of his era......long live Prince.....God is alive....

>>Marshall and Cutler are almost certainly gone.
>>
>>We are switching defenses.
>>
>>If they can get anyone to take Forte, they will.
>>
>>
>>If there was tanking in the NFL, I would assume that was the
>>plan. As it is, I really have no idea.
>>
>>
>>By draft day I fully expect us to have the worst roster in
>the
>>NFL and a couple extra 4th and 5th round picks.
>>
>>
>>Y'all still onboard? I'm just totally confused, Fox seems a
>>little long in the tooth to be rebuilding from absolute rock
>>bottom, no?
>
>Don't know about the Marshall trade, but overall it is what it
>is. The Bears r now in re-building mode. And I'd rather they
>do it all the way instead of some half-ass job....
>

Give me an example of a scorched earth rebuilding job that we should emulate. Honestly curious.

Give me a team that had some talent, underschieved, dumped a lot of their talent and completely switched up their defensive scheme and is now achieving sustained success.

Maybe I need to learn something.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

Cutler is not gonna be cut imo but if he is
I'm ok with it

I think cutler will be traded either on draft day or close to it

We just got one of the best DCs in the league
and john fox is a really good HC

This is gonna be a rebuild year
But there is always a Chance at landing solid pieces in the draft

Not to mention we still got FA

Either way I'm good w it

I mean we already are ducking awful in every facet of the game

Forte is next

>Cutler is not gonna be cut imo but if he is
>I'm ok with it
>
>I think cutler will be traded either on draft day or close to
>it
>
>We just got one of the best DCs in the league
>and john fox is a really good HC
>
>This is gonna be a rebuild year
>But there is always a Chance at landing solid pieces in the
>draft
>
>Not to mention we still got FA
>
>Either way I'm good w it
>
>I mean we already are ducking awful in every facet of the
>game
>
>Forte is next
>

Like the Jags, Browns and Rams, WE WILL SOON BE ON OUR WAY RIGHT?

How come the most successful teams rarely seem to have had to "blow it up"? Packers never "blew it up", neither did the Patriots, Seahawks or Giants, or even the sometimey teams like Cowboys or Falcons.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

>>Like the Jags, Browns and Rams, WE WILL SOON BE ON OUR WAY
>RIGHT?
>
>How come the most successful teams rarely seem to have had to
>"blow it up"? Packers never "blew it up", neither did the
>Patriots, Seahawks or Giants, or even the sometimey teams like
>Cowboys or Falcons.


Those teams drafted Franchise QBs. Packers drafted Rodgers, Patriots drafted Brady, Seahawks drafted Wilson, Giants drafted Manning. That allows them to focus on other parts of the team in the draft, in FA, or trades.

*Edit*

I think this gets back to the point of drafting well and sustained success.

>>>Like the Jags, Browns and Rams, WE WILL SOON BE ON OUR WAY
>>RIGHT?
>>
>>How come the most successful teams rarely seem to have had
>to
>>"blow it up"? Packers never "blew it up", neither did the
>>Patriots, Seahawks or Giants, or even the sometimey teams
>like
>>Cowboys or Falcons.
>
>
>Those teams drafted Franchise QBs. Packers drafted Rodgers,
>Patriots drafted Brady, Seahawks drafted Wilson, Giants
>drafted Manning. That allows them to focus on other parts of
>the team in the draft, in FA, or trades.

The Cowboys QB was being pilloried until last year when they actually called running plays, put together an oline and a defense. I dunno if Tony Romo is a "Franchise QB" in the sense of Rodgers.

Either way, until they got those players, they tried to bulid on what they had and move things around accordingly. Stay competitive.

Seahawks had just paid Matt Flynn a bunch of money when they lucked up on Wilson. But they were aiming to be competitive.

Broncos bounced from Orton to Tebow to Manning but never "blew it up", they recognized they had talent on the team, McDaniels had just totally mismanaged it.

Philly hasn't had a Franchise QB since McNabb but besides one down year, have been competitive and haven't "blown it up". Chip is doing his thing now, but he didn't come in the door and throw the baby out with the bathwater before their first practice.



I guess it's a question of what you think works. I hate this approach in the NFL, and I struggle to think of times it has not resulted in debacles and more firings and a cycle of losing.

I feel that you identify the talent you have and build around them, as you try to add more pieces and move others as needed.

Clearly Fox believes you clear out any vestiges of the previous regime and start from scratch.

We will see what happens but I'm not a fan of the idea that my team is creating more gaping holes in the roster in return for the luxury of fifth and sixth round picks, when the roster already had holes when they got here.

Look at the Titans. Wisenhunt takes over a team with serious offensive problems and some promising things on D, switches the defensive scheme, gets rid of guys who he doesnt dig and...voila, now they are just an awful team across the board with a bunch of mismatched pieces on defense and no offensive identity whatsoever.

Agree to disagree. But like I said, same people championing this are the ones who were singing Trestman's praises and were happy to be rid of Lovie and Urlacher etc.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/06/durkin-bears-salary-cap-outlook/

Bears’ Salary Cap Outlook
By Dan Durkin
March 6, 2015 10:05 AM

Editor’s note: This column has been updated per the news of Brandon Marshall’s trade to the New York Jets pending a physical. Numbers below reflect the cap situation if the trade is accepted.

(CBS) Ryan Pace enters his first offseason as an NFL general manager with a healthy salary cap situation.

The league set the salary cap limit at $143.28 million. Currently, the Bears have 52 players under contract totaling $107.454 million. The Bears have a carryover credit of $1.545 million (unused 2014 cap dollars), plus a league adjustment of $342,500. Thus, they currently have $31.3 million in free cap space.

Per the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), team accounting during the offseason is governed by the Rule of 51 – which requires teams to only account for the top 51 salaries on their roster. Consequently, the Bears will start the 2015 league year next Tuesday, March 10, with $32 million in free cap space.

Keep in mind, teams typically keep separate budgets for free agency and their draft classes, which is calculated by the rookie compensation pool. Projecting ahead, the Bears’ draft class will cost approximately $6 million in 2015 cap dollars, so realistically, the team has a $26 million budget for free agency.

Here’s an infographic of the Bears’ current cap situation (click to enlarge).

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/bears-2015-cap-infographic-updated1.png?w=420&h=239

Even with ample cap space to be active in free agency, the cap is a fluid situation.

Next Thursday (March 12) is a crucial date for quarterback Jay Cutler. Per the structure of his contract, Cutler’s 2015 salary of $15.5 million has already been guaranteed. If he’s still on the roster next Thursday, $10 million of his 2016 base salary becomes fully guaranteed.

However, the team does have a few options with Cutler.

If the Bears were to cut Cutler before Thursday, his remaining $19.5 million in guaranteed money ($15.5 million guaranteed salary for 2015 plus the remaining $4 million of his prorated bonus) becomes dead money on the 2015 cap. However, it would alleviate the team from having to pay the remaining $16 million of guaranteed money in 2016.

In that scenario, Cutler would certainly find work on the open market, and his contract contains offset language – a dollar-for-dollar credit to the previous team for any guaranteed money he receives from a new team. However, the Bears wouldn’t receive the cap relief from his offset language until 2016.

Trading Cutler is the best option for the Bears, as it would save the team $12.5 million in cap space. The team would be relieved of his $16.5 million 2015 cap hit, but the remaining $4 million of his prorated bonus would immediately accelerate.

The difficulty in trading Cutler is finding a team that would be willing to take on his hefty contract. Obviously, the NFL has a quarterback problem, but that’s a tough sell and a negotiation in which the Bears wouldn’t be bargaining from a position of strength.

Restructuring Cutler’s contract again — converting his base salary into a signing bonus, as they did last year before signing Jared Allen — could lower his cap hit and make him more appealing in a trade. However, the Bears wouldn’t get out from under any guaranteed money and in reality would just be creating more dead money.

Pending a physical, Brandon Marshall will be traded the New York Jets. By making this move, the Bears have created $3.95 million in cap space (which is accounted for in the total above) and will save $7.7 million in cash.

Marshall has a clause in his contract that guarantees $7.5 million of his 2015 salary by being on a team’s roster as of Thursday. Assuming he passes the physical, the Jets now assume the terms of that deal.

However, the move would create create $5.625 million in dead money on the Bears’ 2015 salary cap, but in the end, the numbers still work out in the Bears favor.

>http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/06/durkin-bears-salary-cap-outlook/
>
>Bears’ Salary Cap Outlook
>By Dan Durkin
>March 6, 2015 10:05 AM
>
>Editor’s note: This column has been updated per the news of
>Brandon Marshall’s trade to the New York Jets pending a
>physical. Numbers below reflect the cap situation if the trade
>is accepted.
>
>(CBS) Ryan Pace enters his first offseason as an NFL general
>manager with a healthy salary cap situation.
>
>The league set the salary cap limit at $143.28 million.
>Currently, the Bears have 52 players under contract totaling
>$107.454 million. The Bears have a carryover credit of $1.545
>million (unused 2014 cap dollars), plus a league adjustment of
>$342,500. Thus, they currently have $31.3 million in free cap
>space.
>
>Per the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), team
>accounting during the offseason is governed by the Rule of 51
>– which requires teams to only account for the top 51
>salaries on their roster. Consequently, the Bears will start
>the 2015 league year next Tuesday, March 10, with $32 million
>in free cap space.
>
>Keep in mind, teams typically keep separate budgets for free
>agency and their draft classes, which is calculated by the
>rookie compensation pool. Projecting ahead, the Bears’ draft
>class will cost approximately $6 million in 2015 cap dollars,
>so realistically, the team has a $26 million budget for free
>agency.
>
>Here’s an infographic of the Bears’ current cap situation
>(click to enlarge).
>
>https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/bears-2015-cap-infographic-updated1.png?w=420&h=239
>
>Even with ample cap space to be active in free agency, the cap
>is a fluid situation.
>
>Next Thursday (March 12) is a crucial date for quarterback Jay
>Cutler. Per the structure of his contract, Cutler’s 2015
>salary of $15.5 million has already been guaranteed. If he’s
>still on the roster next Thursday, $10 million of his 2016
>base salary becomes fully guaranteed.
>
>However, the team does have a few options with Cutler.
>
>If the Bears were to cut Cutler before Thursday, his remaining
>$19.5 million in guaranteed money ($15.5 million guaranteed
>salary for 2015 plus the remaining $4 million of his prorated
>bonus) becomes dead money on the 2015 cap. However, it would
>alleviate the team from having to pay the remaining $16
>million of guaranteed money in 2016.
>
>In that scenario, Cutler would certainly find work on the open
>market, and his contract contains offset language – a
>dollar-for-dollar credit to the previous team for any
>guaranteed money he receives from a new team. However, the
>Bears wouldn’t receive the cap relief from his offset
>language until 2016.
>
>Trading Cutler is the best option for the Bears, as it would
>save the team $12.5 million in cap space. The team would be
>relieved of his $16.5 million 2015 cap hit, but the remaining
>$4 million of his prorated bonus would immediately
>accelerate.
>
>The difficulty in trading Cutler is finding a team that would
>be willing to take on his hefty contract. Obviously, the NFL
>has a quarterback problem, but that’s a tough sell and a
>negotiation in which the Bears wouldn’t be bargaining from a
>position of strength.
>
>Restructuring Cutler’s contract again — converting his
>base salary into a signing bonus, as they did last year before
>signing Jared Allen — could lower his cap hit and make him
>more appealing in a trade. However, the Bears wouldn’t get
>out from under any guaranteed money and in reality would just
>be creating more dead money.
>
>Pending a physical, Brandon Marshall will be traded the New
>York Jets. By making this move, the Bears have created $3.95
>million in cap space (which is accounted for in the total
>above) and will save $7.7 million in cash.
>
>Marshall has a clause in his contract that guarantees $7.5
>million of his 2015 salary by being on a team’s roster as of
>Thursday. Assuming he passes the physical, the Jets now assume
>the terms of that deal.
>
>However, the move would create create $5.625 million in dead
>money on the Bears’ 2015 salary cap, but in the end, the
>numbers still work out in the Bears favor.
>
>

I recognize that cutting Cutler will be costly and trading him is nigh impossible but I just don't see how they are going to keep him onboard when it's so clear that they want him gone. From the jump it has been VERY clear to everyone that they would rather see Cutler leave.

I think, if it comes down to it, they will Chip Kelly him and KIM.

I think it will be an asinine move, but as we have ascertained, I haven't liked a single move this GM/HC combo has made so far...except maybe for keeping Zach Miller, if he can ever actually make it onto the field, he will help.

If they keep Cutler, god help him next year. The sword of damocles will be hanging weekly, the offense will be sans any type of weapons and the entire city will be booing him from the first day of preseason. When you know the fans, the media, your coaches and by then, some of your teammates all want you gone, it's pretty hard to be the starting QB of the team.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

Pernell MCPhee, a good player just signed. I guess he is gonna play linebacker though, and not the 5 tech spot so I dunno what is happening.

I don't like our main edge rusher being 280lbs and we seem to be collecting oversized 4-3 end type guys as our stand up linebackers. Houston, Allen, McPhee standing up sounds slow as hell to me.


Meanwhile still no 5 tech or nose tackle and a bunch of potentially good players who seem out of place in Sutton (last years 3rd rd pick), Ferguson (2nd), Young (last years edge pass rusher), Allen (last years big $ free agent).


I am glad that McPhee is a good player at least and should be in his prime but this defensive roster looks like a bunch of square pegs and round holes.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

Pernell McPhee wanted to play for Bears coach John Fox, was impressed with him and the Bears' plan for him as a pass rusher

https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/status/574923292592762880


Charted one series for McPhee (PS = point stance): SOLB 2PS, 0-tech 2PS, 1-tech 3PS, 3-tech 3PS, 9-tech 3PS, 9-tech 2PS. #Bears

https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/574967104954318848


McPhee's ability to line up in multiple alignments and techniques = scheme versatility. Moveable piece to create pre-snap deception. #Bears

https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/574967545628852224


McPhee gets skinny when shooting a gap by narrowing shoulders, gives blockers a smaller surface to strike. Burst to close in the backfield.

https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/575007797768765440


Best pass rush move is the chop, dip and rip. Plays with proper pad level to get underneath blockers. Can also setup blockers with his feet.

https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/575007964857266177


Willing run player who gets his eyes in backfield, but needs to protect his legs better. Must show better block recognition on screens.

https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/575008324770471936


Jared Allen led #Bears with 32.5 QB knockdowns/hurries last year (per STATS). Pernell McPhee was 14th in NFL with 38 QB knockdowns/hurries.

https://twitter.com/ZachZaidman/status/574947546201726976

Like I said, he is a good player. All those clips are interesting. I am just somewhat baffled as to why he is being listed primarily as a linebacker but hey!

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/10/durkins-free-agent-spotlight-olb-pernell-mcphee/

OLB Pernell McPhee
By Dan Durkin
March 10, 2015 12:53 PM

(CBS) In a division that features reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford, the need to pressure the quarterback is at a premium. Even though the Bears spent nearly $35 million last offseason to bolster their pass rush, that didn’t deter them from procuring another pass rusher as free agency gets underway — Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, who reportedly has agreed to a five-year deal worth $40 million, with $16 million guaranteed. It can become official later this afternoon.

Bears coach John Fox confirmed that the Bears would be a 3-4 on base downs (against regular personnel groupings) and utilize 3-4 terminology. But Fox also emphasized that designating what scheme you are is more of a focus for fans or media than it is for teams and coaches.

“Sometimes a lot is made – particularly on the outside – about the 3-4 and a 4-3,” Fox said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Generally, the spacings are very similar. Like all coaching of any defense, it’s really putting your players in the best position to have success.”

More often than not, teams tend to be multiple with their looks and run hybrid fronts, which is what Fox envisions his defense being in Chicago.

“Most people that even call themselves a 4-3 — we were one in Denver – they’re a hybrid of the 3-4,” Fox added. “When I started in this league in Pittsburgh, we were a 3-4 defense. The primary advantage of the 3-4 is you’re not locked in to which outside guy is rushing. I think that’s a tremendous advantage in today’s game.”

Creating pre-snap deception about which rushers you’re going to send tends to lead to post-snap disruptions. By varying alignments and personnel groupings on defense, it’s easier to scramble an offense’s protection count.

In order to successfully execute such a scheme, versatile pieces are needed along the defensive front. The Bears acquired exactly that in McPhee.

When speaking at the NFL Combine, general manager Ryan Pace defined the criteria he uses when looking for an outside linebacker.

“Pass rush is the first thing that comes to mind,” Pace said. “Edge speed. The ability to hit the quarterback. And then the ability to set the edge and get off a block.

“But pass rush is the No. 1 priority.”

McPhee’s tape shows all those traits, so let’s step inside the film room to take a closer look at some of the qualities and traits of the Bears’ newest pass rusher.

Scheme versatility

McPhee was used primarily as a pass rush specialist and deployed from a variety of techniques and alignments by Baltimore defensive coordinator Dean Pees. Certainly, his ability to transcend scheme was attractive to new Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and Fox. But it’s one thing to be able to fill different roles; it’s another thing entirely to excel in all of them, which McPhee did.

For example, the cutups below came from one single drive last season against the Carolina Panthers.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/1.png?w=420&h=346

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/2.png?w=420&h=349

McPhee used both one- and two-gap principles. He displays quick feet and change of direction to shoot a gap, but he also was stout at the point of attack to anchor against the run when two-gapping.

McPhee plays with a low pad-level when deployed inside from a three-point stance. When stalled on his interior pass rushes, he keeps his eyes in the backfield and get his arms up to disrupt passing lanes.

At times he overwhelmed centers and guards by setting them up with his feet to get them lunging and out over their toes, only to cross their face with a quick arm-over/swim move to press the pocket from the inside. He is able to “get skinny” inside by narrowing his shoulders to give blockers a smaller striking surface.

Pees allowed McPhee to freelance within the scheme and choose his rushing lane. He looks most comfortable when rushing from a two-point stance, where he can win both with his footwork and plant, redirect and burst back across a blocker’s face, as well as convert speed-to-power on a bull rush.

Active hands

McPhee pass rushes with a purpose and a plan. He’s an exceptional hand-fighter who shows a variety of moves — slap and go, chop/dip/rip and an aggressive arm-over/swim move.

On this interior rush below, McPhee knocks Panthers center Ryan Kalil off his anchor with a slap, then wins the A-gap inside. He forces the running back to step up in protection to force a double team and speed up Cam Newton’s decision-making, forcing an incomplete pass.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/slap-go.png?w=420&h=333

The next rush showcases McPhee’s ability to tie his footwork and hands together. In this rush, he sets up left tackle Byron Bell with an outside step to get him leaning, then quickly changes course inside to cut down his path to Newton.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/arm-over.png?w=420&h=323

One area McPhee can learn to learn to better use his hands is to protect his legs from low blocks in the run game. He can take himself out of plays by not breaking down at the point of attack and getting chopped.

Explosiveness/burst to close

McPhee’s an explosive athlete who quickly gets to full speed. Once he’s in the backfield, he zeros in on his target and shows burst to close and finish the play. He’s relentless in his rushes and consistently gets backfield penetration to press the pocket off the edge or collapse it from the inside.

Here’s a rush against the Colts where McPhee again wins the A-gap inside, creating a short path to Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. McPhee gets to Luck before he can evade laterally in the pocket to bring him down for a sack.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/burst-to-close.png?w=420&h=281

McPhee does come with question marks. He was part of a defensive line rotation in Baltimore, playing less than 50 percent of the team’s total snaps. However, with Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs on the roster, it’s easy to understand why McPhee wasn’t on the field more.

However, when McPhee was given opportunities, he was highly productive and disruptive. There’s a parallel between McPhee and Willie Young, whom the Bears signed last year. Young had been part of a rotation with the Lions but earned more snaps and became the Bears’ most disruptive pass rusher in 2014, netting a career-high 10 sacks.

Given McPhee’s usage as a pass rush specialist, opponents began to counter him by using his aggressiveness against him by running screens. Thus, his block recognition must improve. He has to read the setup of the blocker lined up in front of him and read his keys — helmet level and their footwork. When he’s given a free release, McPhee must learn to use his change-of-direction talents to follow the blocker to the play.

Fair or not, McPhee becomes the first embodiment of the new era at Halas Hall. He’s the first free agent acquisition by general manager Ryan Pace. Given the fact that the Bears were armed with ample cap space to make nearly any move on the open market, he’s the prototype of what Fox and Fangio are seeking.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-make-more-free-agent-moves-sign-antrel-rolle-and-eddie-royal-20150311-story.html

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/11/reports-bears-sign-wr-eddie-royal/

http://chicagofootball.com/2015/03/10/reports-chicago-bears-agree-to-terms-with-wr-eddie-royal/agu1g8t/

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/11/report-bears-sign-safety-antrel-rolle/

http://chicagofootball.com/2015/03/11/chicago-bears-sign-former-new-york-giants-safety-antrel-rolle/a7qib67/

Looks like you were right on Cutler.

Eddie Royal and Rolle are solid pieces. I don't see Royal as a starter though, and hopefully neither do the Bears management. Rolle is an immediate upgrade just considering who is there now.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

Conte and Melton reuniting in Tampa.

Always felt like Conte was unfairly scapegoated here, and Melton, I hope he is able to get back to his pre-injury levels with Lovie.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

>Always felt like Conte was unfairly scapegoated here

Conte was a poor tackler, was too often injured, and took very poor angles. His good games were few and far between. I'm not saying he is the worst to ever play, but don't act like the hate he received wasn't warranted.

This was one of the many lowlights of his career.

Sunday, December 29, 2013
Green Bay Packers 33 at Chicago Bears 28

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/12/30/24-hours-later-laurence-holmes-breaks-down-bears-packers-2/

“…I saw the safety was flat-footed, so I just threw my hands up and stayed on the move and Aaron (Rodgers) was able to find me.” – Randall Cobb on his 48-yard TD.

“It was Man Coverage.” – Marc Trestman on the same play

It reminded me of the Bears Superbowl loss to Indy. Ten of the guys were in one coverage and Danieal Manning was in another. Reggie Wayne scores. There was clearly a communication breakdown. Zack Bowman, Tim Jennings and Major Wright were playing “Man” while Conte released Cobb as if he was playing Zone and expecting someone to be behind him. What I can’t figure out is who he thought was behind him. Wright was lined up next to him and the Bears had seven guys on line of scrimmage.

If you watch the play again, Cobb puts his hands up 2-yards before he gets near Conte. He read Conte perfectly and found himself wide open. John Kuhn helped make that play. He came across the formation and put a cut block on Peppers that extended the play for Rodgers.

Conte was not the greatest and not the worst, he was just a decent player.

He was a finesse safety with good hands and some man cover skills who was always injured and struggled with open field tackling. That said, our front 7 was so overmatched the last couple years that he was frequently being asked to tackle galloping running backs who had made it to the second level untouched. It's not a lot of Free Safeties who are going to look good in those situations.

I'm not crying that he's gone at all, just giving a fair assessment.

And that play is a play I will never forget. But again, to put into context, we constantly had situations where- under Mel Tucker- the secondary was confused about the coverages they were playing and left someone wide open. Audibles called up front being called and not properly communicated to the rest of the team. It's hard to know who was actually to blame for it, but it became a regular occurence over the last couple years to see 3/4 of the secondary playing a cover two and one guy in man or cover 3 or vice versa. Really spoke to coaching more than anything.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/24/free-agent-breakdown-de-jarvis-jenkins/

Free Agent Breakdown: DE Jarvis Jenkins
By Dan Durkin
March 24, 2015 10:57 AM

What happened: ​The Bears have signed defensive end Jarvis Jenkins to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal, per a report from the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs.

How it affects the Bears’ salary cap: Prior to the move, the Bears had $14.9 million in free cap space. Jenkins has three credited seasons, which would make his salary for the 2015 season likely $660,000, which will end up being a $585,000 hit to the cap.

Player bio bits: ​​The 26-year old Jenkins was a second-round pick of Washington out of Clemson (41st overall) in the 2011 draft. He missed his rookie season after tearing his ACL in the preseason. He’s since appeared in 44 games, making 19 starts, playing both defensive end and nose tackle. Over his career, Jenkins has 75 tackles and two quarterback sacks.

How Jenkins fits the Bears’ system: ​​Prior to signing Jenkins, the Bears had very few players who fit the profile of a four/five-technique defensive end in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme. While Jenkins hasn’t lived up to his draft status, he fits the athletic profile Fangio seeks from his ends — long-armed and stout enough to hold the point against the run. If he makes the team, Jenkins would be a base (two-down) player.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/24/free-agent-breakdown-dl-ray-mcdonald/

Free Agent Breakdown: DL Ray McDonald
By Dan Durkin
March 24, 2015 1:45 PM

What happened: ​The Bears have signed defensive end Ray McDonald, per a report from ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

How it affects the Bears’ salary cap: Terms of the deal have yet to be released for McDonald. When Tuesday started, Chicago had about $14.9 million in cap space, then signed defensive end Jarvis Jenkins to a one-year veteran-minimum deal.

Player bio bits: ​​The 30-year old McDonald was a third-round pick (97th overall) by the 49ers out of Florida in the 2007 draft. An eight-year veteran, McDonald has appeared in 115 career games, with 68 starts. He became a full-time starter in 2011, which is the same year current Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio arrived in San Francisco. He’s been a productive starter who has accumulated 154 tackles, 19.5 sacks, five forced fumbles (one returned for a touchdown) and an interception in his career.

How McDonald fits the Bears’ system: ​​Earlier today, the Bears signed free agent defensive end Jarvis Jenkins to a one-year deal. Prior to the Jenkins and McDonald signings, the Bears were short on players who could man the four/five technique in Fangio’s scheme. With McDonald, they’ve added a durable and proven starter who has been highly productive as both a pass rusher and run stopper as a left end in a 30-front. He will be 31 at the start of the season, but his tape gives no indication that he’s slowing down on the field.

McDonald comes with off-field baggage, as he was cut by the 49ers late last season amid an ongoing sexual assault investigation.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/03/25/free-agent-breakdown-mason-foster/

Free Agent Breakdown: LB Mason Foster
By Dan Durkin
March 25, 2015 8:12 AM

What happened: ​The Bears signed inside linebacker Mason Foster to a one-year deal, they announced Wednesday afternoon.

How it affects the Bears’ salary cap: Terms of the deal have yet to be released for Foster. Prior to signing defensive ends Jarvis Jenkins and Ray McDonald on Tuesday, Chicago had about $14.9 million in cap space.

Player bio bits: ​​The 26-year old Foster is entering his fifth NFL season. The University of Washington product was selected in the third round of the 2011 draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s made 54 NFL starts, over which he’s compiled 243 tackles, six sacks, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and two forced fumbles.

How Foster fits the system: ​​Foster immediately goes to the top of the Bears’ depth chart at the Mike linebacker spot in their new 3-4 defense. In Vic Fangio’s scheme, the primary difference between the Mike (strong-side) and Jack (weak-side) inside linebackers is their responsibilities. The Mike is relied upon as more of a run defender, while the Jack has more pass coverage responsibilities.

Lovie Smith brought his Tampa-2 principles with him to Tampa Bay last season, which requires the Mike linebacker to carry receivers up the vertical seam, a role for which Foster was miscast. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Foster has scheme versatility but is well-suited inside in a 30-front, where he can utilize his read-and-react skills to aggressively attack the run downhill.

Hopefully, they ball out because they are working for that big contract next year. Then the Bears can decide which ones they want to re-sign.
The negative part is that if they all re-sign elsewhere then we have to find 3 more replacements.

Since most of the free agent signings have been on the defense, it make me think they are going to focus on offense in the draft. Maybe sign a WR or OT in RD1

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-bears-add-depth-jacquizz-rodgers-20150331-story.html

Bears add depth with RB Jacquizz Rodgers
By Brad Biggs
Chicago Tribune
March 31, 2015, 4:07 PM

The upcoming NFL draft is going to offer strong options at the running back position through at least the middle rounds but that isn’t stopping the Chicago Bears from adding some depth at the position.

The Bears announced Tuesday afternoon that former Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers has signed a one-year contract, the latest veteran addition by general manager Ryan Pace.

Rodgers, a fifth-round draft pick by the Falcons in 2011, is undersized and listed at 5-foot-6, 196 pounds. But he’s been a durable performer, missing only one game in four seasons, and has five career starts, four of them coming in 2013. Pace and the team’s director of player personnel Josh Lucas know Rodgers well from their time spent in the NFC South.

Rodgers has never excelled as a running back, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt on 305 career attempts. But the Falcons have had offensive line woes and Rodgers has been a productive receiver out of the backfield, averaging 39 receptions per season as a part-time player. The Falcons used Rodgers as a kickoff returner in 2012 and 2013.

The Bears have Ka’Deem Carey and Senorise Perry behind Matt Forte on the depth chart right now. Perry was heavily involved on special teams as a rookie last season while Carey had almost no involvement in that phase. Forte, who was on the field for 92 percent of the team’s offensive snaps in 2014, is entering the final year of his contract and will earn $8.2 million in 2015.

Rodgers is the 10th player to be signed from another team since free agency opened and the seventh to sign a one-year contract. It is expected Rodgers’ deal is for the minimum salary benefit.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-sam-acho-free-agent-linebacker-20150401-story.html

Bears sign former Cardinals linebacker Sam Acho
By Rich Campbell
Chicago Tribune
April 1, 2015, 8:31 PM

The Chicago Bears signed outside linebacker Sam Acho to a one-year contract Wednesday.

The four-year veteran is looking to recapture the eye-catching form he demonstrated with the Arizona Cardinals as a fourth-round rookie in 2011. He had seven sacks that year coming out of Texas, but he has totaled only six since.

He was a starter for most of his first two seasons with the Cardinals, but he suffered a season-ending broken left fibula on Sep. 22, 2013 and started only four games last season. The 6-foot-3, 257-pound linebacker is known more for his run-stopping ability. League statisticians credited him with 31 tackles in 2014.

Acho, 26, was a defensive end at Texas and made the transition to 3-4 outside linebacker, something several Bears players are doing as the team changes its base front from a 4-3. The Bears are stocking up on edge rushers with the idea that there’s no such thing as a surplus at that position.

The Bears made outside linebacker Pernell McPhee their top free-agent priority, signing him to a five-year, $38.8 million. They also plan to convert defensive ends Lamarr Houston, Jared Allen, Willie Young and David Bass to outside linebackers. And they are well-positioned to draft an elite prospect with the seventh-overall pick on April 30.

McManis sticking around: The Bears also announced a one-year deal for cornerback Sherrick McManis. The 27-year-old defensive back has been with the team since 2012 and has developed into a solid core special teams contributor. A native of Peoria, McManis has 38 special teams tackles in his three seasons with the Bears. He also provides added depth at cornerback.

Quizz and Acho are decent depth players. Not mad at it. Kinda wished they would have waited to see what draft has at RB but whatever, Quizz is a solid pass blocker, which we need. More than anything actually, I would like to see Carey get some real snaps on running downs. I thought he was a steal where Emery got him, then Trestman refused to utilize him at all (or call any running plays).


Who do you guys want to see the Bears draft?

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

That if mariotta is there we got to take him

I still stand by it
Him or randy Gregory will do


>
>Who do you guys want to see the Bears draft?

The only way I'd pick dude is for trade bait....

GOAT of his era......long live Prince.....God is alive....

I'm a big Mariota fan, watched almost every game he played in college...but I really hope he doesn't come to Chicago. It would be a terrible situation for him in all respects.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

>Quizz and Acho are decent depth players. Not mad at it. Kinda
>wished they would have waited to see what draft has at RB but
>whatever, Quizz is a solid pass blocker, which we need. More
>than anything actually, I would like to see Carey get some
>real snaps on running downs. I thought he was a steal where
>Emery got him, then Trestman refused to utilize him at all (or
>call any running plays).
>
>
>Who do you guys want to see the Bears draft?


Since we seem to to be beefing up on defense through free-agency maybe we need to look at getting a stud receiver....

GOAT of his era......long live Prince.....God is alive....

Garza gone, replaced by Montgomery from Denver.

Should improve the run blocking situation, although I wish we had gotten Wisnewski.

Hats off the Garza for being a Bear, hopefully he just retires.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/04/07/durkin-2015-bears-unofficial-depth-chart/

2015 Bears Unofficial Depth Chart
By Dan Durkin
April 7, 2015 3:12 PM

Note: This is an unofficial depth chart for the Bears, based on the players they currently have under contract. It’s current as of April 7.

(CBS) The Bears’ three-phase, nine-week voluntary workout programs start next Monday. Head coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace won’t get to see the players “on the grass” (an early Fox-ism) until Tuesday, April 28.

With 65 players under contract, this is my best attempt at assembling a depth chart ahead of voluntary workouts.

With Chicago shifting to a 3-4 base defense, predicting where some “tweener” players who are lower on the depth chart will end up along the defensive front was a challenge. Those details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Players like Lamarr Houston (ACL), Willie Young (Achilles) and Tim Jennings (knee) are recovering from surgeries, and their availability for offseason workouts has yet to be announced. Thus, these projections below are where players should eventually land on the team’s depth chart.

OFFENSE

1st Team 2nd Team 3rd Team 4th Team

QB Jay Cutler Jimmy Clausen David Fales

RB Matt Forte Ka’Deem Carey Jacquizz Rodgers Senorise Perry

WR Alshon Jeffery Josh Bellamy

WR Eddie Royal Rashad Lawrence

WR Marquess Wilson John Chiles

TE Martellus Bennett Dante Rosario Zach Miller Blake Annen/Jacob Maxwell

LT Jermon Bushrod Michael Ola Charles Leno Jr.

LG Matt Slauson Ryan Groy Connor Boffeli

C Will Montgomery

RG Kyle Long Vladimir Ducasse

RT Jordan Mills Michael Ola Jason Weaver



DEFENSE

1st Team 2nd Team 3rd Team

LE Ray McDonald Will Sutton Jamil Merrell

NT Jeremiah Ratliff Ego Ferguson Brandon Dunn

RE Jarvis Jenkins Cornelius Washington Austen Lane

OLB Pernell McPhee Jared Allen David Bass

Jack-ILB Jonathan Bostic Christian Jones Khaseem Greene

Mike-ILB Mason Foster Shea McClellin DeDe Lattimore/Jonathan Brown

OLB Lamarr Houston Willie Young Sam Acho

CB Tim Jennings Demontre Hurst Sherrick McManis/Terrance Mitchell

CB Kyle Fuller Alan Ball Al Louis-Jean

SS Ryan Mundy

FS Antrel Rolle Brock Vereen


SPECIAL TEAMS

1st Team 2nd Team

P Pat O’Donnell

FG Robbie Gould

KO Robbie Gould

LS Thomas Gafford

H Pat O’Donnell

KR Marc Mariani Jacquizz Rodgers

PR Marc Mariani Eddie Royal

defense isnt as bad as i thought but its bad

lol @ our sad ass recieving corp
damn thats pathetic

Have you guys seen the schedule?

How does a four win team end up with this schedule?



They will be 4-12 or 5-11. 6-10 would be an achievement.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

One week after the draft and all 6 draft picks are signed, along with 15 undrafted free agents.

Rookie minicamps coming up and there will be no holdouts for camp when it starts in late July.

definitely not in tank mode

Still wish they had signed La'el

D

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Waldorf and Statler Vol 4:CONAN IS OUT NOW!!!: http://waldorfandstatler.bandcamp.com

and don't forget to check "DVS 4 ALDERMAN"

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I thought they did a good job in the draft all things considered. The Langford pick is the iffiest, just because I think Carey is a really good back but I do like Landford's speed.

Really wish we had gotten an offensive tackle though.


Also really wish we had a schedule commesurate with a 4-12 team but what can you do.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

im happy with our draft

also like that we didnt try to win the Free agent super bowl again, even though we did sign some decent pieces (mcdonald, Rolle)

now its just time to see how it all works out

Bears seemed relatively as active in FA as ever to me.

McPhee, McDonald, Rolle, J. Rodgers, E. Royal

J. Allen, L. Houston, R. Mundy, W. Young



Seems comparable to me.


Tossing Marshall was dumb as was scheme switch, but like I said, I am happy with the draft and the FA pickups thus far.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

The NFL draft has come and gone, and the Chicago Bears now have a better idea of who their starters are going to be in 2015.

While the starters at positions like quarterback, running back and wide receiver appear to be set in stone, many other positions will be up for grabs during minicamps, training camp and the preseason.

"We'll all be competing, all fight for starting jobs," said general manager Ryan Pace after the draft, according to Arthur Arkush of ChicagoFootball.com.

Rookie minicamp begins Friday and runs through May 10, and the Bears will then hold organized team activities (OTAs) throughout the month of June before they have their mandatory full-team minicamp from June 16-18. The Bears will then be on break until training camp opens on July 29.

Between now and the end of the preseason, Chicago's coaching staff will be hard at work determining who will be in the starting lineup when the team takes on the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Week 1.

Here is our current projection of the Bears' starting lineup for the 2015 season:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2456016-envisioning-chicago-bears-starting-lineup-for-2015-season

___

it is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. - sherlock holmes

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/04/30/durkins-breakdown-wr-kevin-white/

Durkin’s Breakdown: WR Kevin White
By Dan Durkin
April 30, 2015 9:21 PM

CBS) — With a roster in need of talent on both sides of the ball, Ryan Pace spent his first pick as general manager of the Chicago Bears on offense, selecting West Virginia receiver Kevin White on Thursday night with the seventh overall pick of the NFL Draft.

Even prior to the Bears trading Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets, receiver was a big need for the team — more specifically, a receiver with speed who can take the top off of a defense, which is something White is more than capable of doing.

Of all the prospects in a deep receiver class, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound White possessed the best size-to-speed ratio. At the combine, he had the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.35) and the highest bench press (23). These measurables show up on film, as he can beat jams at the line with quickness or strength, then can turn short passes into “chunk” plays with his run-after-the-catch skills.

Last season, the Bears’ receiving corps was made up of similarly skilled athletes who won with leverage opposed to speed. They only had one touchdown reception of more than 40 yards, which illustrates their lack of deep speed. Consequently, with no concern of being beat over the top, defenses played split-safety looks and brought them closer to the line of scrimmage to suffocate underneath passing windows. White’s run-after-the catch abilities are desperately needed to diversify the Bears’ passing attack and force defenses to play more honestly with their safeties.

White runs angry and doesn’t avoid contact in the open field but also showcases vision to find creases in the secondary. He’s very difficult to bring down when he has the ball, which speaks to his power and balance. On deep routes, he has an extra gear to stack on top of defensive backs and create deep throwing windows. Given his physicality, he also willingly works in traffic and aggressively makes his way back to the football on contested throws and will win jump balls on 50/50 situations.

Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase’s offense heavily utilizes the wide receiver screen game. Under Dana Holgorsen at West Virginia, White was frequently targeted on shallow crosses, overs, bubble and tunnel screens — high-percentage throws that relied upon his ability to make defenders miss in the open field.

White will have to prove that he can run the full route tree at the NFL level and be able to adjust his routes to unfolding coverages. He primarily lined up outside on the right side of the field, so he will also need to learn how to operate from various sides of the formation as well as in different roles.

Physically, there’s no denying White’s ability to immediately transition to the NFL game and become the dynamic weapon the Bears were missing in their passing game. Given his measurables, productivity, age and being a late bloomer, he has the potential to evolve into a coverage-dictating split end.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/05/08/durkins-playbook-bears-kevin-white-just-the-fit-for-adam-gases-scheme/

Durkin’s Playbook: Bears’ Kevin White Just The Fit For Adam Gase’s Schemes
By Dan Durkin
May 8, 2015 11:31 AM

(CBS) Friday marks the first time the Bears’ rookie class will take the practice field as professionals. Outside of getting adjusted to the speed of the game, they’ll be learning new terminology and concepts. Coaches will start with base concepts to establish a foundation and build from there.

New offensive coordinator Adam Gase will get his first opportunity to work with the team’s first-round pick, wide receiver Kevin White. Surely, Gase is anxious to put White’s size and speed to proper use in his scheme. At West Virginia, White was heavily utilized on bubble and tunnel screens, as well as smoke and now routes (a Ryan Pace term), base concepts that are featured within Gase’s playbook.

Another base concept in Gase’s playbook are mesh and rub routes. At its core, the mesh route concept is a high-low crossing route combination designed to stretch the defense horizontally and create congestion in the middle of the field, typically picking a defender to create separation and get the ball in the hands of receivers running full speed in space.

Two receivers — each on opposite sides of the formation — are involved, with one being the high crosser and the other the low crosser. The low crosser is taught to target the inside shoulder of the high crosser to create the rub.

Typically, the play is most successful against man coverage. But it’s also effective against zone coverage, as underneath defenders carrying receivers crossing their zone can get caught up in the wash over the middle and be forced to change directions, putting them in a disadvantageous trail position. For the quarterback, this is a simple two-receiver read from the home position, typically with the running back in the flats as his checkdown.

Let’s step inside the film room to take a closer look at a rub route in action.

The route is best suited for a balanced 2-by-2, in which any two receivers can be tagged as part of the combination, or a 3-by-1 formation involving the backside split end, the position for which White has been tabbed.

Here’s a clip from the 2013 AFC Championship game against the Patriots in which the Broncos come out in a 3-by-1 set with Eric Decker lined up as the split end (No. 1) on the backside of a “trips open” formation. On the trips side of the formation, the Broncos line up with Demaryius Thomas (No. 1), Julius Thomas (No. 2) and Wes Welker (No. 3).

Welker is the high crosser, while Decker is the low crosser target on this play. The Patriots match up with nickel (five-defensive back) personnel in a 4-2-5 alignment in Cover-1 (man-free) coverage, with the free safety shaded to the passing strength and set to carry No. 2 (Julius Thomas) vertically.

Thomas and Thomas are used on clear-out routes, which are designed to draw coverage with them deep up the field and give Decker more room to operate in the void they vacated. Then they’ll eventually throw blocks for him to wall off defenders.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/durkin-1.png?w=420&h=234

The Patriots only rush four, so the running back runs a check release “jerk” route into the flat, which occupies the strong safety.

Welker creates the rub in the middle of the field, which effectively occupies three Patriots defenders and creates space for Decker to work the low portion of the crossing route.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/durkin-2.png?w=420&h=235

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/durkin-3.png?w=420&h=238

Once Decker clears the trash, all the defenders are left in a trail position, while Decker catches the pass at near full speed and is able to get to the perimeter and turn a short, high-percentage completion into a big play.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/durkin-4.png?w=420&h=221

Given White’s willingness to work over the middle of the field, his aggressive open-field running style and big-play speed, he’s a prototype target for this concept.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/05/01/durkins-breakdown-dt-eddie-goldman/

Durkin’s Breakdown: DT Eddie Goldman
By Dan Durkin
May 1, 2015 7:45 PM

(CBS) With several options available to them at the top of the second round, the Bears found a defensive line prospect to help anchor their new 30-front, selecting Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman on Friday night.

The Bears will be multiple in their fronts under coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, so Goldman’s versatility and ability to play multiple techniques along the defensive line is crucial. In his three years at Florida State, he played for three different defensive coordinators. Consequently, he played both inside and outside in their four-man fronts and also manned the nose in their three-man fronts.

Goldman’s biggest contributions came in the run game. He’s very stout and powerful at the point of attack. He shows the ability to anchor when two-gapping and has a powerful punch to strike and separate off the snap. He plays with vision to locate the ball-carrier and has lateral movement skills to pursue down the line of scrimmage on plays outside of his gap.

While still developing as a pass rusher, the 336-pound Goldman shows quickness off the snap and the ability to bend and play with low pads. He’s primarily a power rusher who uses swipes and slap-and-go moves to separate from blockers. He needs to evolve as a hand fighter and learn to get “skinny” by narrowing his shoulders as he shoots gaps.

Considering the amount of sub packages the Bears anticipate running — 60-plus percent, per general manager Ryan Pace — this fall, Goldman will need to prove he can consistently press the pocket on his rushes in order to become a three-down player.

Goldman was unable to workout at the NFL Scouting Combine due to an ankle injury. However, his Pro Day numbers — particularly speed and agility drills — were impressive. He clocked a 5.16 unofficial 40-yard dash and showed fluid change-of-direction skills.

As the Bears seek different athletic profiles and versatile skill sets for their new defensive front, Goldman’s an intriguing prospect with a nice combination of length, power and quickness.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/05/02/durkins-breakdown-rb-jeremy-langford/

Durkin’s Breakdown: RB Jeremy Langford
By Dan Durkin
May 2, 2015 12:21 PM

(CBS) With running back Matt Forte heading into the final year of his contract and Ka’Deem Carey being a holdover from the Phil Emery regime, the Bears selected Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford in the fourth round of the NFL draft (106th overall) on Saturday.

Langford arrived in East Lansing as a highly accomplished running back and strong safety recruit from John Glenn High School in Westland, Michigan. In his true freshman season in 2010, he redshirted. In 2011, he appeared in all 14 of the teams games, playing cornerback and special teams. In 2012, he continued to contribute on special teams but did see action at running back against Central Michigan.

In 2013, Langford was tried out at wide receiver during spring practices before returning to his natural position of running back. He then led the Spartans in rushing yards (1,422), carries (292), total touchdowns (19), rushing touchdowns (18), scoring (114 points) and all-purpose yards (1,579) in 14 games. In 2014, he finished with 1,522 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

In total, Langford played 28 games at tailback (27 starts) and finished with 2,967 rushing yards, 40 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. He finished his career with 16 straight 100-yard rushing games against Big Ten opponents and a school-record with 10 consecutive 100-yard rushing games.

Langford’s 4.42-second 40-yard time was the fastest among running backs, as were his 10-yard (1.5) and 20-yard (2.5) splits. While his timed speed doesn’t always show up on film, he’s a patient, one-cut runner ideally suited for a zone-based running scheme, which Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase runs.

At 6-foot, 208 pounds, Langford has a strong lower body and the ability to break tackles. He runs with vision and follows his blockers and will adjust the aiming point as needed. He doesn’t lose speed when making cuts laterally and presses the line of scrimmage when he sees daylight. He’s very effective around the goal line and in short-yardage situations.

Considering the Spartan coaching staff tried him at receiver, Langford is very effective in the screen game as well. He’s also willing and physical in blitz pickup on passing downs in which he’s part of the protection count.

Langford will be ideally suited in a rotation, which is something Bears coach John Fox has done throughout his career. Langford has a tendency to run a bit upright in the open field, which gives opponents a bigger striking surface. He also needs a few steps to get up to full speed. He should immediately step into the rotation at running back and will be a useful piece on special teams coverage units.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/05/02/durkins-breakdown-s-adrian-amos/

Durkin’s Breakdown: S Adrian Amos
By Dan Durkin
May 2, 2015 1:44 PM

(CBS) Prior to the draft, the Bears only had three safeties on their roster — Antrel Rolle, Ryan Mundy and Brock Vereen. That changed Saturday, when the team spent their fifth-round pick (142nd overall) on Penn State safety Adrian Amos.

Amos arrived in University Park as the Baltimore City Defensive Player of the Year as a safety at Calvert Hall College High School. As a true freshman in 2011, he appeared in every game at cornerback in sub packages and on special teams and made one start. He finished that season with 13 tackles, five passes defended and one interception.

In 2012, Amos made 12 starts at cornerback, finishing the season with 44 tackles, five passes defended and two interceptions, earning honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors. In 2013, he split time between cornerback and free safety, making all 12 starts and finishing with 50 tackles, five passes broken up, two-and-a-half sacks and one interception. In 2014, he moved to free safety full time, making 13 starts and finishing with 42 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions.

Physically, Amos checks all the boxes. He’s 6-foot and a solid 218 pounds and pushed 21 bench reps while running a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. He’s a true center field safety prospect who mans his zone and shows the range to get off his deep landmark and make plays at the hash marks. He has fluid feet and hips to pattern match and drive on throws in which he’s targeted. Opposing quarterbacks didn’t have much success when throwing at him or into his zone.

Despite his physical traits, Amos must improve in run support. His tackling fundamentals are flawed as he’s more of a grabber than a hitter in the open field. Thus, he could be a liability when called upon to drop into the box or on coverage rotations.

Given the spread offenses and pre-determined reads, scouting the safety position at the collegiate level has become a challenge. More often than not, NFL scouting departments are counted upon to project traits at the next level. Amos has the traits, but will they translate to a starter remains to be seen.

The safety position has been a sore spot for the Bears for the better part of the decade. The team has now spent 10 draft picks on the position since 2005, and has lined up 18 different starting combinations since the 2009 season. Rolle should help stabilize the position in the short term, but a long-term solution at the position is needed. Whether Amos can fill that is to be determined. However, he figures to be an immediate contributor on special teams.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CEHiYP9WoAAKyCD.jpg

#Bears announce the full list of 15 UDFA rookies they've agreed to terms with.

https://twitter.com/djdurkin/status/595005532554964995

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/06/04/durkins-playbook-vic-fangios-approach-to-containing-aaron-rodgers/

Vic Fangio’s Approach To Containing Aaron Rodgers
By Dan Durkin
June 4, 2015 12:51 PM

(CBS) In case you missed it, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers is good at football.

Since becoming the full-time starter in 2008, Rodgers has played against every team in the league and beaten all of them except the Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks.

Locally, Bears fans know Rodgers’ dominance all too well. In games he’s started and finished against Chicago, his record is a gaudy 12-2, and three of the eight highest-passer ratings of his career came in games against the Bears — 151.2, 145.8 and 142.7.

When you sift through Rodgers’ game logs, one fact stands out. From 2012 through 2014, he went 0-4 against the San Francisco 49ers — and new Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was calling the shots for the 49ers in each of those games.

Obviously, it takes a complete team effort to beat the Packers. In three of the four games, the 49ers won the time of possession and turnover battles and had fewer penalties. But Fangio’s game-planning also played a big role in the four-game sweep.

After reviewing each of the games in detail, one aspect stood out to me as being crucial to the 49ers’ defensive success — Fangio’s trust in stopping Green Bay’s run game without safety help.

That may sound like an insignificant detail, but it’s not.

By trusting his down linemen and linebackers alone — which means playing a seven-man box in base or a six-man box in nickel — Fangio was able to stay back in a two-deep safety shell to keep a top on the defense, which enabled him to mix and roll coverage to protect his nickel backs and linebackers, shrink downfield passing lanes, as well as tempt the Packers to run the ball from spread sets.

Let’s step inside the film room to take a closer look.

In this cutup, the Packers are in “11” personnel with Eddie Lacy in a gun right set, with a Y tight end (on the defense’s left) creating a four-man blocking surface to the offense’s right side.

The 49ers respond with nickel personnel in a 3-3-5 alignment with (from left to right) outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks in a three-point stance nine-technique, defensive tackles Ray McDonald and Justin Smith in two-techniques, outside linebacker Aldon Smith in a two-point stance wide five-technique, inside linebacker NaVarro Bowman as the “Jack” backer stacked in a 20-technique and Patrick Willis as the “Mike” backer on the bubble in a 50-technique, forming a six-man box.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/1.png?w=420&h=236

With the Packers set to run a gap scheme to the offense’s strength (the right side of the formation), this play comes down to McDonald’s ability to win the A-gap off the snap and force a double team from the center.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/2.png?w=420&h=235

By forcing the double team, the numbers shift to the 49ers’ advantage, as there are now three tacklers matched up against two blockers and a ball-carrier. The 49ers’ run integrity is strong, as Brooks sets the edge and owns the D-gap, while Bowman fits the B-gap and Willis the C-gap.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/3.png?w=420&h=236

Lacy has no lane to get on track and is dropped at the line of scrimmage.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/4.png?w=420&h=237

Plays like this were commonplace in each game. The Packers were held to 63 or fewer rushing yards in half of the games.

By being able to stop the run without having to drop a safety down into the box, Fangio and defensive backs coach Ed Donatell (also now with the Bears in the same capacity) could mix and match their coverages, showing some Cover-1, Cover-2, Cover-4 and Cover-6 looks as well as some mixed coverage schemes.

The 49ers’ mixed coverage consisted of press-man coverage by the outside and slot cornerbacks with the strong safety dropping down and joining the inside linebackers to form a a three-man underneath matchup zone, with a single-high safety lurking over the top.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/5.png?w=420&h=236

Such looks challenged the releases of Packers’ receivers off the snap, disrupting their timing enough to allow the four-man rush packages to get Rodgers off his launch point. Furthermore, the matchup zone underneath took away inside lanes and limited checkdown options by bracketing inside receivers Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, whom Green Bay is fond of deploying from the slot on option routes.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/6.png?w=420&h=236

But the 49ers’ most common and successful coverage choice against Rodgers was their two-man look, which is a two-deep shell with five underneath defenders manned up.

https://cbschicago.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/7.png?w=420&h=236

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The success of the 49ers’ two-man coverage calls was predicated on physical jams at the line of scrimmage by outside and slot cornerbacks followed by tight trail-man technique in the route, as well as the pass rush’s ability to get home with four rushers.

You can’t stop Rodgers. You can only hope to contain him by forcing him to throw into tighter windows down the field and decrease the percentages, which Fangio did.

Fangio’s presence alone doesn’t guarantee success against Rodgers for the Bears. In fact, it calls out what the Bears lack, which is stout run defenders along their defensive front who can hold up on their own without the need of safety help. Bears fans need to give Fangio and the front office time to accumulate more talent along the defensive line and the inside linebacking corps, then hope that he’ll be able to deploy similarly successful game plans against Rodgers in the coming seasons for Chicago.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-bears-sign-tracy-porter-20150608-story.html

Bears sign cornerback Tracy Porter
By Dan Wiederer
Chicago Tribune
June 8, 2015, 10:04 AM

The Bears added another veteran defensive back to their roster Monday, signing 28-year-old Tracy Porter to a one-year deal. Porter has played seven seasons for four teams and has familiarity with both Bears general manager Ryan Pace and coach John Fox, having played for the Saints from 2008-11 before joining the Broncos for the 2012 season.

Porter spent the last two seasons with the Raiders and Redskins, respectively, adding to a career resume that includes 60 starts, 288 tackles, 52 pass breakups and 10 interceptions. His career highlight came in Super Bowl XLIV when he had a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown off Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, lifting the Saints to a 31-17 win.

Whether Porter will seize this opportunity to earn a spot on the 53-man roster remains to be seen. But his experience should bolster the cornerback competition. The Bears had an open roster spot to fill after last month’s move to cut defensive end Ray McDonald.

Porter joins a cornerback group that includes certain starter Kyle Fuller and two-time Pro Bowler Tim Jennings. The depth chart, however, remains in flux with less proven players, including Al Louis-Jean and Sherrick McManis, competing for playing time and veteran Alan Ball, signed to a one-year deal in March, still working through injury issues.

The Bears will complete their third week of organized team activities this week before a mandatory three-day minicamp at Halas Hall on June 16-18.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/06/11/durkins-playbook-breaking-down-a-favorite-adam-gase-red-zone-scheme/

Breaking Down A Favorite Adam Gase Red Zone Scheme
By Dan Durkin
June 11, 2015 11:59 AM

(CBS) Over the past two seasons, no team has been more efficient at scoring touchdowns (68.11 percent) in the red zone than the Denver Broncos.

Clearly, having one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history in Peyton Manning throwing passes to an enviable group of receivers are essential variables in the equation — but so were the schemes. First-year Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase was calling the shots for Denver’s pass-first red zone philosophy over that time span.

Gase heavily utilized the screen game, X-iso routes and play-action to take advantage of the unique skill sets of his targets and get advantageous matchups or exploit overaggressive reads in a confined area. But at the heart of the Broncos’ red zone package was to divide the field in half and deploy two of Manning’s favorite reads on each side – quick-forming single reads on the front side (rub or smash routes) with a levels concept on the back side.

Manning’s as consistent with his reads and as decisive with his delivery as any quarterback in the league, and Gase schemed to take full advantage of these skills. The Broncos often looked to isolate a cornerback on a vertical high-low stretch (smash) or get a receiver free with rub action, to create a natural screen for inside receivers. If the defense held up on the front side, Manning quickly flipped his hips and eyes to the back side to work the levels.

The levels route deploys receivers on identical or mirrored routes (typically a dig or out) to stretch the defense horizontally. By varying the depth of the mirrored routes, an offense can also get a vertical stretch as well. This route combination works against both man (to gain leverage against a defender before breaking off the route) or zone (to settle in the zone in between the defenders) coverages.

In the red zone, there’s a limited amount of space for an offense to operate. As the Broncos worked the ball closer to the goal line, they typically relied upon horizontal stretches to create voids and throwing lanes.

Let’s step inside the film room and look at an example from the Broncos-Redskins game in 2013.

The Broncos come out in their preferred “11” personnel in an empty (no running back) three-by-two set. The Redskins responded with dime (six-defensive back) personnel in a 2-3-6 alignment and play 2-man coverage (two deep defenders over five underneath defenders manned up).

On the two-wide receiver side of the formation, the Broncos have Demaryius Thomas as the No. 1 with Wes Welker as the No. 2 on the front side set to run the rub route.

On the back side, they have Knowshon Moreno wide as the No. 1 receiver set to run a vertical clear out route, and Eric Decker as the No. 2 and Julius Thomas as the No. 3 set to run mirrored out routes.

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The rub route is effectively a pick play, like in basketball where a player screens a defender to free up the player who the offense is trying to get the ball to. Thomas sets the pick for Welker, creating the rub and springing Welker free to the sideline.

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Manning gets the look he wants and quickly delivers the ball to Welker, who’s sprung free with a clear path to the end zone for a touchdown.

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It’s easy to envision Gase deploying the same concepts in Chicago using Alshon Jeffery or Kevin White to set the rub for Eddie Royal, who developed into a reliable red zone target for the Chargers, finishing with 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons, 10 of which came inside the 20-yard line.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/06/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-defensive-line/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Defensive Line
By Dan Durkin
July 6, 2015 9:49 AM

(CBS) Whether a defensive line has three hands on the ground or four, the goals remain the same: re-establish the line of scrimmage behind where the ball was snapped against the run and collapse the pocket against the pass.

Most games are won and lost in the trenches, and defenses are typically still built from the front (line) to the back (secondary). These principles certainly aren’t lost on Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

”The three down linemen to me are the heart and soul of the defense,” Fangio said during the team’s rookie minicamp in May. “If they’re getting pushed around, it doesn’t matter what you’re in, we’re in trouble.”

In 2015, the Bears will be a hybrid front that operates from a 3-4 base. That configuration is a 180-degree departure from what they’ve drafted for and executed on the field for decades. Undoubtedly, short-term growing pains loom from both a technique and personnel standpoint along the defensive line.

Let’s take a look at how the Bears stack up on the defensive line.

Likely starters:
RE: Ego Ferguson (23, second year)
NT: Jeremiah Ratliff (33, 11th year)
LE: Jarvis Jenkins (27, fifth year)

Other competitors: Cornelius Washington (25, third year), Will Sutton (23, second year), Brandon Dunn (22, first year), Eddie Goldman (21, rookie), Olsen Pierre (22, rookie) and Terry Williams (23, rookie)

Key contributor: Jeremiah Ratliff

Ratliff missed time last season due to a concussion and knee injury, but when healthy, he was exceedingly the Bears’ best defensive player.

Ratliff’s a complete player. He’s stout at the point of attack to anchor against the run and pass rushes with both brute power and lateral agility inside to puncture the pocket.

Not only is Ratliff a physically imposing player, he’s a student of the game. He works with linebackers to set the defensive fronts and orchestrates the defensive line games (stunts and slants) pre-snap. He’s a former All-Pro nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme, so his presence and experience will be an asset to his teammates and coaches in the meeting rooms.

Ratliff’s versatility will allow him to be schemed both inside and out in base packages, as well as stay on the field in nickel situations to rush from two- and three-technique alignments.

Ratliff will be 34 at the start of the season but clearly has more gas left in the tank to be an impact player. He requires extra attention from blockers, which will create singles across the defensive line.

Potential breakout player: Ego Ferguson

As a rookie, Ferguson’s flash plays were limited, but the raw talents that made him a second-round pick — despite being only a one-year starter at LSU — were obvious. He plays with balance, power and fluid footwork, yet is unrefined with plenty of room to grow.

Ferguson was primarily deployed inside on the nose last season, but given his length and the current state of the roster, he will likely figure into the mix at defensive end as well. His re-dedication to conditioning and overall fitness in the offseason was evident, which will be a boon for him this fall.

Ferguson played in a 4-3 front at LSU but did man the nose at times when they played nickle 30-front sub packages. Thus, he’s learning on the job. But if he plays with consistent power at the point of attack when two-gapping and can stack blockers to keep linebackers clean, he will benefit a run defense that looks to be a problem area heading into the season.

Final thoughts: Only three players from this group have started a NFL game – Ratliff, Jenkins and Sutton. Accompanying that inexperience is a lack of blue-chip talent, making this group overall a weakness heading into the season.

In a best-case scenario, Ferguson takes the next step in his development and Goldman plays up to the potential that earned him a late first-round grade. The team invested high picks in both players, so the onus is now on them to play up to their athletic potential. Their emergence as dependable players would help Fangio develop a rotation with fresh legs late in games.

In a worst-case scenario, no player other than Ratliff becomes a difference-maker or requires extra attention from protection schemes. Consequently, Ratliff would be forced to play more snaps, which could wear him down late in games and late in the season, limiting his effectiveness. Teams would also be able to single up inside and slide their protection outside to where the pass rush threats exist in Fangio’s scheme.

This is a young, unsettled group, with mismatched pieces and skill sets. There are some developmental prospects on the roster, but as a whole, this group will likely struggle to stop the run and provide inconsistent pressure against the pass. Looking ahead, the defensive line projects to be a top priority heading into the 2016 season.

Position grade: C-minus.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/07/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-outside-linebacker/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Outside Linebacker
By Dan Durkin
July 7, 2015 11:58 AM

(CBS) In a pass-first NFC North that features Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Teddy Bridgewater, harassing the quarterback will be paramount to any success the Bears defense plans on having this fall.

One of the primary schematic advantages to running a 30-front — as the Bears will in 2015 — is offenses must account for all four of the linebackers potentially being a part of the rush package. In Vic Fangio’s scheme, the primary pass rushers are the outside linebackers.

General manager Ryan Pace inherited a roster built for a 40-front, so the challenge became discerning which players already on the roster transcended scheme and where the team needed to supplement in free agency. However, Pace is keenly aware of what the most important trait at the position is.

“Pass rush is the first thing that comes to mind,” Pace said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Edge speed. The ability to hit the quarterback. And then the ability to set the edge and get off a block.

“But pass rush is the No. 1 priority.”

The Bears’ collection of outside linebackers features players who’ve been successful at hunting down quarterbacks, mainly as hand-on-the-ground defensive ends. There’s enough available talent to pressure the quarterback, but how consistently? Furthermore, who among that group can be trusted to reliably drop into coverage when not a part of the rush?

Those are some the biggest questions facing the Bears’ group of outside linebackers heading into the season.

Likely starters:
ROLB: Pernell McPhee (26, fifth year)
LOLB: Lamarr Houston (28, sixth year)

Other competitors: Jared Allen (33, 12th year), Willie Young (29, sixth year), Sam Acho (26, fifth year), David Bass (24, third year) and Kyle Woestmann (23, rookie)

Key contributor: Pernell McPhee

McPhee flourished in a part-time role in Baltimore, playing in a rotation behind elite pass rushers like Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs. He finished with 7.5 sacks on just more than 500 defensive snaps in 2014. Will McPhee’s productivity increase with more snaps? Clearly, he’s a better player attacking downhill, but is he ready to play as a dropper? Time will tell.

Undoubtedly, McPhee possesses all the necessary traits to succeed. He has violent club and swat moves and rushes with proper length, leverage and relentlessness off the edge. He’s scheme versatile and was productive both inside and outside in Baltimore. However, he was most effective when rushing from his feet, where he can set blockers up with footwork, then convert that speed to power to dictate the engagement.

McPhee’s been brought up in the NFL under a complex, attacking hybrid defense, which is a boon for Fangio’s new installation in Chicago. Look for McPhee to start out on the right side as the team’s primary pass rusher and potentially kick inside to two- and three-techniques in nickel sub packages as Fangio gets creative with situational pass rushers like Allen and Young.

Potential breakout player: David Bass

Despite playing limited snaps over the past two seasons, Bass has a knack for making impact plays at crucial moments in games. If the new staff has truly wiped the slate clean with their evaluations and isn’t giving away snaps, he has a chance to earn playing time.

While Bass has never played in a 30-front, it may be the be best scheme for his physical traits, as he was more of a tweener defensive end in a 40-front. He’s athletic enough to play in space and open his hips to spot drop in pass coverage. He’s also explosive and long enough to win a single (one-on-one block) and bend the edge from the outside. He plays with excellent vision and instincts when stalled in his rush, getting his hands up to disrupt throwing lanes.

How many reps Bass gets remains to be seen, but if allowed an opportunity, he has the potential to earn a spot in the rotation on the left side.

Final thoughts: There’s clearly talent in this group, but how it all comes together remains to be seen.

Complicating matters is that two of the veteran competitors — Houston (knee) and Young (Achilles) — are recovering from serious leg injuries. Given the severity of his injury and the fact it happened in Week 16, Young’s availability at the beginning of the season is a question mark. Houston, on the other hand, will be nine months removed from his self-inflicted ACL tear when camp starts.

From a fundamental and assignment perspective, the biggest challenge for the entire group will be dropping into coverage.

Looking back at Fangio’s first year in San Francisco, he deployed rookie Aldon Smith almost exclusively from the right side as a rusher with no coverage responsibilities. He may be tempted to do the same with McPhee this fall. Houston, Acho and Bass should battle for the spot opposite McPhee.

The missing element for this team is a true speed rusher. McPhee’s more of a power and leverage rusher. However, if Houston is healthy and Allen adjusts to playing from a two-point stance and embraces playing a situational role, Fangio should be able to scheme pressure on a weekly basis.

Position grade: B.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/08/durkins-bears-2015-position-preview-inside-linebacker/

Bears 2015 Position Preview: Inside Linebacker
By Dan Durkin
July 8, 2015 11:19 AM

(CBS) After taking time to look under the hood at what made Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense so successful over the past four seasons in San Francisco, it became readily apparent that the inside linebackers were the engine of the defense. They were coordinators on the field who set the front, then were kept clean to read, react and be downhill enforcers against the run or relied upon as underneath zone and matchup pass defenders.

In Chicago, Fangio doesn’t have talents like Patrick Willis or NaVorro Bowman to work with. Rather, he’ll be working with the youngest position group on the Bears’ roster, none of whom have NFL experience in a 3-4 defense.

Last season, Bears linebackers endured a rash of injuries that forced nine different starting combinations onto the field. Such turnover led to inconsistent play, but it did afford valuable playing time for still-developing prospects.

This season, the competition will center around four players for two positions.

Likely starters:
Mike linebacker: Mason Foster (26, fifth year),
Jack linebacker: Christian Jones (24, second year)

Other competitors: Shea McClellin (25, fourth year), Jon Bostic (24, third year), DeDe Lattimore (24, second year), Jonathan Brown (23, first year), Jonathan Anderson (23, rookie) and John Timu (22, rookie)

Key contributor: Mason Foster

Entering just his fifth season, Foster already has 54 NFL starts under his belt. He’s commanded a huddle and set fronts since 2012. Orchestrating pre-snap alignments for 10 teammates, then processing your own pre- and post-snap keys are demanding-yet-valuable tasks for a young linebacker and an asset for Foster heading into camp.

In four NFL seasons in Tampa Bay, Foster went through a position change and three different schemes. He was a weak-side linebacker in college (Washington) who transitioned to the middle for the Bucs. Schematically, he went from Raheem Morris to Greg Schiano and most recently Lovie Smith.

Foster struggled to adapt to playing the Mike linebacker role in Smith’s Tampa-2 scheme last season. Frankly, it was a role for which he was miscast. His forte is reading and reacting downhill against the run, not turning his hips to carry receivers up the vertical seam and effectively becoming a third safety in a Tampa-2 shell. A dislocated shoulder caused him to miss six games, and his productivity took a dip.

Foster will be learning yet another new system under Fangio, but his skills, physicality and instincts are well-suited for an inside linebacker role in a 3-4.

Foster’s still an ascending player. Given his experience and age, surely he didn’t anticipate his second NFL contract — typically the most lucrative for players who came into the league under the current CBA — to be a one-year, minimum value, “prove-it” deal, yet that’s exactly what he’ll play under this season. Such deals serve as motivating factors for players, and Foster has a chance to parlay this season into longer-term security.

Potential breakout player: Christian Jones

When he came out of Florida State in 2014, I had Jones as the second-highest graded inside linebacker — trailing only Alabama’s C.J. Mosley — and a solid second-round prospect. However, character concerns and a failed drug test at the combine greased his slide right out of the draft. Every year, undrafted rookies play significant snaps, as Jones did last season.

Jones is highly athletic and possesses unteachable bend and flexibility for a man his size. There are several teachable moments from his rookie tape. However, there were also flash plays that show he physically belongs at the NFL level. It’s now just a matter of finding the right spot for him, so that his instincts and athleticism can take over.

Finding a position for Jones has been a challenge for coaches since college. He played middle, weak- and strong-side linebacker as well as rush end in both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes for the Seminoles.

As is the case with most linebackers, Jones is better playing toward the line of scrimmage rather than backing away from it, but he did show some fluidity in pass coverage last season. He needs more film study to recognize formation and alignment alerts, which will help slow the game slow down for him.

Of all the young defensive prospects on the roster, Jones has the highest athletic upside. With a strong preseason performance, he has a chance to earn a spot for years to come.

Final thoughts: This will be a compelling competition to monitor throughout the preseason. Foster, Bostic, McClellin and Jones are all promising young athletes, but can they become three-down, playmaking generals on the field that Fangio’s scheme requires?

The fact that the previous regime spent early selections on McClellin and Bostic is moot. This is a new staff and personnel department with no loyalties to the past. So playing time will be earned, not force fed.

With Foster and McClellin on one-year deals, both of are auditioning for not just the Bears but 31 other teams. Thus, they are literally incentivized to perform.

Bostic hasn’t been healthy enough to participate in offseason drills due to a lingering back injury. But his versatility was on display last season, playing all three linebacker spots and finishing second on the team in tackles.

Jones is the wild card of the bunch. He’s clearly the best athlete with the highest upside but is the least experienced. Can he pick up the scheme well enough to let his instincts take over during games?

Some of the major concerns for the group are pass coverage (an area none of them stand out in), commanding a huddle and playing the pre-snap chess match with opposing quarterbacks to keep the defense apprised of their proper alignment and assignment.

Position grade: C.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/13/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-cornerback/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Cornerback
By Dan Durkin
July 13, 2015 10:35 AM

(CBS) Over the past two seasons, the Bears’ once-proud defense has sunk to the bottom of the league.

In 2013, the run defense was a doormat for opposing running backs. Last season, it was the pass defense that presented sieve-like resistance. The Bears ranked 30th in both passing yards allowed (4,230) and yards per attempt (8.1) and 31st in touchdowns allowed (34) and opponent passer rating (101.7).

Granted, a successful pass defense requires rush and coverage units to work in tandem, but the Bears ranked 14th in the league in sacks with 39. Obviously, those average numbers can be improved upon, but talent, communication and schematic issues plagued the defensive backfield.

Once Charles Tillman’s triceps gave way (for the second straight season) in the third quarter of the team’s second game against San Francisco, the game of attrition started at cornerback, and the lack of NFL-ready depth at the position was exposed over the course of the season.

Heading into 2015, the Bears are counting on Kyle Fuller to take a big step in his development, and two veterans from a group of three – Tim Jennings, Alan Ball and Tracy Porter – to lock down outside and slot cornerback roles on a defense that projects to be in nickel nearly 60 percent of the time.

Likely starters:
Right cornerback: Kyle Fuller (23, second year)
Left cornerback: Tim Jennings (31, 10th year)

Other competitors: Alan Ball (30, eighth year), Tracy Porter (28, eighth year), Sherrick McManis (27, sixth year), Demontre Hurst (24, second year), Terrance Mitchell (23, second year), Al Louis-Jean (21, second year), Qumain Black (23, rookie), Bryce Callahan (23, rookie) and Jacoby Glenn (21, rookie)

Key contributor: Kyle Fuller

The original plan for Fuller’s rookie season was to have him work at left cornerback in nickel situations, sliding Jennings into the slot corner role. This made sense, as decision-making – such as formation and alignment keys — from the slot has to be made in a split second, and the player must be a strong and willing run defender. These traits are/were a strong match for Jennings.

However, once Tillman’s injury struck, Fuller was forced into a full-time role at right cornerback. He responded immediately, with two late interceptions against the 49ers that helped the Bears complete an improbable comeback victory. But over the course of the season, his play went on a steep decline.

Certainly, hand and hip injuries played a role in Fuller’s decline, but in a no-mercy league, he became the mark for opposing passing games. His jam at the line wasn’t effective, and he was frequently caught flat-footed in his backpedal, leaving him stationary when receivers came out of their breaks.

The skills and instincts are there for Fuller; he just needs to be more technique sound in-route and more aware of route combinations to pattern match and break on the ball.

Finding cornerstone pieces on the Bears’ roster is challenging, yet coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio see nothing but success in Fuller’s future.

When asked at the NFLScouting Combine about which players Fox saw as being bright spots on defense, Fuller was the first name he mentioned.

“Fuller is a guy — my evaluation is more from what he did in college, where we had him in the draft process than it is completely on Bear tape — but I’d say a young guy like that, a core guy, he was a first-round pick,” Fox said. “I think he has the right kind of tools to be a guy that can lean into that leader spot as he goes.”

In Fangio’s scheme, Fuller is going to be asked to play more press-man coverage on an island. In a division featuring Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, he must develop into a true cover-corner in order for Fangio’s mixed-coverage schemes to succeed.

Potential breakthrough player: Alan Ball

Ball’s contract (one year, $3 million) certainly looks like starter money. It’s a three-wide receiver league on offense, and it’s a three-cornerback league on defense. Physically, Ball fits the long-armed profile that general manager Ryan Pace has targeted in cornerbacks. Schematically, he possesses the press-man skills Fangio seeks.

Ball spent the beginning of his career playing out of position as a slot cornerback and safety. It took Gus Bradley’s arrival in Jacksonville to get him into his best position (outside) and technique (press-man). In 2013, Ball was a reliable cover corner for the Jaguars. His 2014 season was cut short by a biceps injury, from which he’s fully recovered heading into this season.

Ball has some technique issues he can clean up, specifically being better with his jam technique at the line. But he’s a natural knee-bender who can sink and fluidly flip his hips to stay with a receiver, and his length is an asset on contested passes.

Ball has an opportunity to play the role Fuller was slated for in 2014, meaning he could play outside corner in nickel situations and allow the team to slide Jennings inside.

Final thoughts: Pace brought in veterans Ball and Tracy Porter to bolster what was and is a position with a lack of quality young depth. Players like Demontre Hurst and Al Louis-Jean got playing time last season, but if you isolate them on film, neither should be considered anything more than core special teams players.

Jennings parlayed 13 interceptions and two Pro Bowl appearances over the course of the 2012 and 2013 seasons into a four-year, $22.4-million contract with $11.8 million guaranteed. Last season, he didn’t register a single interception. Considering he’s the ninth-highest paid player on the 2015 Bears payroll ($5.25 million), he must return to his opportunistic self in a scheme that should generate some rushed throws over the middle.

Fangio will play Cover-2 shells, particularly against Aaron Rodgers, but he does prefer to leave his corners isolated, which helps him be more creative with how he uses his safeties in coverage (both as a blitz replacement and isolation) and against the run.

But the bottom line for this patchwork group is if Fuller doesn’t take the next step in his development and is unable to match an opponent’s top threat each week, the entire unit will be compromised.

Position grade: C.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/14/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-safety/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Safety
By Dan Durkin
July 14, 2015 9:53 AM

(CBS) There’s been anything but safety in numbers when it comes to the last line of the Bears’ defense. Assuming free agent signee Antrel Rolle lines up across from Aaron Rodgers and the potent Packers offense in the Sept. 13 opener, that will be the Bears’ 19th different combination since 2009.

The wheel started spinning since Mike Brown’s departure in 2008 and has yet to come to a stop, despite the team using a selection on a safety in 10 of its last 11 draft classes.

This season, the onus falls on a pair of reunited veterans — Rolle and Ryan Mundy — to be a short-term stop gap as the new regime culls more competition to play a vital role in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme, one that demands a high football IQ and being assignment sound while granting freedom to make downhill plays in the run game and opportunistic undercuts in the passing game.

Likely starters:
Free safety: Antrel Rolle (32, 11th year)
Strong safety: Ryan Mundy (30, seventh year)

Other competitors: Sherrod Martin (30, fifth year), Malcolm Bronson (25, first year), Brock Vereen (22, second year), Adrian Amos (22, rookie) and Anthony Jefferson (23, rookie)

Key contributor: Antrel Rolle

Entering his 11th season, Rolle is on the down side of a successful NFL career. He entered the league as a highly coveted cornerback out of Miami, a position he played for the Arizona Cardinals for three seasons before moving to free safety in 2008.

The move to free safety was career-saving for Rolle. Early on at cornerback, he was susceptible to double moves, which led to him giving receivers more cushion and open throwing lanes for quarterbacks to drive the ball into. On the flip side, he was always a physical open-field tackler who never shied away from contact, which are ideal traits for a safety.

Since the position switch, Rolle’s missed only one start in seven seasons, has averaged 74 tackles, snared 19 interceptions, forced eight fumbles and made three Pro Bowl appearances. Last season, he took a step back in run support, but he has experience as the leader of the Giants’ secondary and locker room. Leadership qualities are desperately needed in the Bears’ locker room.

During his visit with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine, Rolle’s former head coach, Tom Coughlin, paid a high compliment to the then-pending free agent.

“I don’t think I was ever involved with a player that was more sincerely interested in how his team could improve,” Coughlin said. “I admire that very much in him as a young man and a leader.”

With the Bears, Rolle will orchestrate the back seven while patrolling center field to make plays on the ball over the deep middle of the field. His presence will be felt by opposing receivers, which is a welcomed change from the recent spate of Bears’ free safeties.

Potential breakthrough player: Adrian Amos

Like Rolle, Amos is a converted cornerback. He spent his first two seasons at Penn State playing on the outside, then transitioned to safety during the 2013 season and stayed there last year.

Amos’ past as a cornerback showed up on film. He has fluid feet and hips to pattern match but was best when driving downhill from his single-high landmark to make plays on the ball. He has free safety skills in a strong safety frame, which suits Fangio’s preference for interchangeability at the position.

Fangio’s known to play big nickel (three-safety) packages, depending on the opponent. The third safety must have coverage skills, so Amos also has an opportunity to earn playing time in that package.

Given the fact he was scouted and identified by the new regime, Amos has an advantage over Brock Vereen. Should something happen to one of the veteran starters, it’s not a stretch to assume Amos may be third in the rotation by the time the regular season arrives.

Also, Amos has a chance to make an immediate impact on special teams.

Final thoughts: Heading into this past offseason, safety was once again a pressing need. General manager Ryan Pace targeted Rolle in free agency, signed Malcolm Bronson the day of the draft after his performance at the team’s mini-camp, drafted Amos and recently signed Sherrod Martin.

Clearly, Pace is looking for a fresh crop of talent at the position, but after the top two (Rolle and Mundy), the group is unproven.

Mundy spent the majority of last season as a box defender lending a hand in run support and led the Bears in tackles. He’s a reliable tackler, smart, an excellent teammate, but he was exposed in coverage.

Injuries forced Vereen onto the field last season, but his performances were mixed at best. His coverage versatility allowed him to play over the slot in a pinch. But as a single-high safety, he played timid over the middle, bypassing chances to make impact collisions when presented, which is a bad sign for his future at the position.

If Rolle can maintain his ironman streak and Mundy (who played in a similar scheme while in Pittsburgh) can provide run support as a box or alley player, the safety position will be in better hands than it has been, but overall, this is an average group that quickly thins out.

Position grade: C-plus.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/15/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-wide-receiver/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Wide Receiver
By Dan Durkin
July 15, 2015 9:32 AM

(CBS) Amid the orchestrated chaos that takes place after the ball is snapped, football is a game of individual matchups.

Each offensive play has an opportunity to score points if it’s executed exactly as it’s drawn up on the board, but that’s a rare occurrence. The sheer speed of NFL defenses — particularly along the front — and changes to the rule book have encouraged teams to throw the ball.

Coaches are constantly seeking any schematic advantage they can get, and one recent transformation has changed the landscape of how offense is played — the switch from a two-running back base offense to a three-receiver base offense.

Teams realized that attempting to outrun teams to the perimeter with running backs can be a fool’s errand. However, when teams began subbing out a fullback for a wide receiver to challenge an opponent’s third defensive back, success followed. Thus, “11” personnel (one running back, one tight end, three receivers) is now the norm, and teams are able to run their entire playbook from it.

Looking at the Bears’ top three wide receivers generates some optimism about the offense’s potential this fall.

Likely starters:
Split end: Kevin White (22, rookie)
Flanker: Alshon Jeffery (25, fourth year)
Slot: Eddie Royal (29, eighth year)

Other competitors: Marquess Wilson (22, third year), Joshua Bellamy (26, first year), John Chiles (26, first year), Rashad Lawrence (23, first year), Cameron Meredith (22, rookie), Levi Norwood (23, rookie) and Ify Umodu (22, rookie)

Key contributor: Alshon Jeffery

Jeffery has established himself as a legitimate coverage-dictating receiver in the NFL. While not a burner, his long strides hide his deceptive speed, and he’s a proven target in every passing zone. He’s quick enough to take a smoke or “now” route and beat his man in short yardage, is physical and long enough to use his body to shield defenders from the ball on intermediate routes and can stack vertically on deep routes.

Entering a contract year, Jeffery is incentivized to perform. He’s led the team in receiving yards the past two seasons and has 17 touchdowns.

New Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase will find as many ways as possible to get the ball into Jeffery’s hands. Only the New Orleans Saints threw more passes than Gase’s Broncos the past few seasons, and Jeffery’s an ideal fit for several of Gase’s base schemes — levels, mesh, high-low and in the screen game.

Without Brandon Marshall’s presence any longer, Jeffery will deal with coverage being rolled his way more frequently. But he’s a leverage player and a hands catcher who works well in traffic and contested situations. The extra attention his way will open up opportunities for teammates, but he’ll still see a high volume of targets with which he will make impact plays.

Potential breakthrough player: Eddie Royal

It’s taken six seasons, but Royal is reunited with quarterback Jay Cutler. Royal’s rookie season with Cutler under center for the Broncos in 2008 was his most productive as a pro.

Royal may not be as twitchy as he was early on in his career, but he’s a more savvy route runner and plenty quick enough to win from the slot. Over the past three seasons in San Diego, he’s developed into a legitimate red zone threat.

The field shrinks vertically as offenses get closer to the goal line, which creates more opportunities on horizontal concepts — like rub routes — which suit Royal’s game perfectly. Of his 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons, 10 have come within the 20-yard line.

Gase will certainly find ways to isolate big targets like Jeffery, rookie Kevin White and tight end Martellus Bennett, but Royal will see a lot of meaningful targets in the Bears’ red zone and short-yardage packages.

Final thoughts: Considering where this group was after the Marshall trade and where it is now, general manager Ryan Pace deserves a lot of credit. He rid the team of a divisive force and also a redundant piece in Marshall. Last season, the weapons in the Bears’ passing arsenal all won with leverage and length. None of them could put stress over the top of a defense or win laterally on option routes from the slot, which invited defenses to play closer to the line and suffocate the intermediate passing zones.

Bringing in Royal and White has diversified the skill set within the group. They now have a legitimate slot receiver in Royal and a rare size-to-speed split end prospect in White.

Given the sheer volume and creativity Gase has shown within his screen game, White will have an immediate package of plays designed to minimize his reads and maximize his run-after-the-catch skills. In a loaded rookie receiver class, he has the highest ceiling. His biggest challenges will be learning the full route tree and making route adjustments based on how coverage unfolds after the snap.

Marquess Wilson’s collarbone injury last season affected his development. The potential has always been there for Wilson, who’s another size/speed prospect. He just hasn’t put it together on a consistent basis. The addition of White will reduce Wilson’s snaps with the first team, but he’s a solid No. 4 receiver and can be part of three-wide packages based on the game situation.

This is a strong group of targets for Cutler, all of whom he has familiarity with other than White. In total, the potential is there for this to become the best position group on the team.

Position grade: B-plus.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/16/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-running-back/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Running Back
By Dan Durkin
July 16, 2015 10:27 AM

(CBS) Wherever he’s been, Bears coach John Fox has deployed a running back-by-committee approach. Will he be able to do the same in Chicago?

Football’s a physically demanding sport, and running backs take the biggest beating on a weekly basis. The pounding inevitably takes its toll, which means decreased productivity.

The disposable nature of the position has led to it being devalued around the league. Paying big money to players with such acute occupational hazards can be bad business.

Thus, drafting running backs in the middle rounds has become a cheap, short-term labor source for teams. Recycling this approach every few seasons allows teams to spend money on more specialized positions.

However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Matt Forte is certainly one.

Will Forte’s ironman reliability and consistent productivity force Fox and Adam Gase to change their ways and go to a one-back attack? Or will another back emerge and earn weekly snaps?

Starter:
Matt Forte (29, eighth year)

Other competitors: Daniel Thomas (27, fourth year), Jacquizz Rodgers (25, fifth year), Senorise Perry (23, second year), Ka’Deem Carey (22, second year) and Jeremy Langford (23, rookie)

Key contributor: Matt Forte

Forte’s touches have increased every season since 2011. Last season, he touched the ball on 49 percent of the Bears’ offensive plays. In the process, he set an NFL record for receptions by a running back with 102 and eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the fifth time. He remains one of the league’s most complete backs.

Such staggering consistency and physical resilience speaks volumes about Forte’s in-season and offseason maintenance routines. He went into great and painful detail about the extensive measures he takes after a game to get his body right, including having his shifted joints re-set.

Heading into a contract year, Forte will turn 30 when the Bears prepare for the Redskins in Week 14. Clearly, the Bears more than maximized the return on the $13.8 million guaranteed investment they made on him back in 2012. He’s seeking more security, but the new regime is likely to let his contract situation play out.

Forte’s a great match for the outside-zone plays Gase likes to dial up in the run game and will be an asset in the screen game and on check-downs.

Potential breakthrough player: Jeremy Langford

Langford was a decorated running back in high school, yet he went through a few position changes before succeeding Steelers standout running back Le’Veon Bell at Michigan State. He earned playing time at cornerback and was used as a wide receiver before settling back in the offensive backfield.

At 6-foot, 208 pounds, Langford is physically similar to Forte, but he possesses an extra gear that no other running back on the current roster has. He runs patiently with vision, reading his blockers’ setup. It takes a few steps for him to get to full speed, but he doesn’t lose momentum on lateral cuts. When he presses the hole, he’s a one-cut, north-south runner with big-play ability.

Langford also has a nose for the end zone, scoring 40 touchdowns over the past two seasons. He runs with excellent contact balance through the first two levels of the defense and will shed arm tackles.

Given the speed element he brings to the mix, Langford’s a great fit for Gase’s outside-zone scheme and will make immediate contributions in the screen game. He should have a package of plays designed for him each week.

Final thoughts: Last season, the Broncos broke camp with four running backs on their final 53-man roster. The Bears kept five, while the Saints kept six.

Forte and Langford are roster locks, but who emerges from the logjam behind them should be a heated battle throughout camp.

Despite the Bears spending a fourth-round pick in 2014 on Ka’Deem Carey, that didn’t deter the team from drafting Langford. Carey was a volume runner in a spread offense at Arizona who didn’t make any splash plays in limited attempts last season. Despite his smaller frame, he’s a powerful and willing runner in between the tackles.

Free-agent signee Jacquizz Rodgers has found a niche as a third-down change-of-pace back, but he lacks breakaway speed. He’s been reliable in blitz pickup and has contributed on special teams in the past, but will that be enough for him to stick around?

Free-agent signee Daniel Thomas, a former second-round pick of the Dolphins, has the physical tools teams look for but has been a plodding, inconsistent runner with fumbling issues.

Senorice Perry surprisingly emerged as the team’s kickoff returner last season, but that was a short-lived experiment. He was indecisive and lacked the lateral quickness to keep that spot. Like Thomas, he has the frame to hold up on inside runs, but his lack of burst is an issue.

As good as Forte is on the one-cut zone runs and in the passing game, he leaves a bit to be desired in between the tackles. Thus, whichever player performs better in short-yardage situation in the Carey-Thomas-Perry competition may earn a roster spot.

Once again, Forte will be the centerpiece of the Bears’ running game and generate impact plays. How the new regime views him beyond this season will be a storyline to monitor.

With no proven backup on the roster, if something were to happen to Forte, the team would likely resort to a committee approach. But given the assembled talent behind him, it would be a steep drop-off in productivity.

Position grade: B.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/20/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-offensive-line/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Offensive Line
By Dan Durkin
July 20, 2015 12:02 PM

(CBS) In 2013, the Bears opened the season with four new starters along their offensive line. They went on to join the Eagles and Redskins as the only teams in the league to have the same five starters for all 16 games. Continuity is crucial for line play, as it lends itself to clear communication and understanding of specific blocking assignments.

Last season, the Bears started the year with the same five starters but didn’t end with them.

Injuries decimated the group, forcing them to use nine different starting combinations. The results were anything but positive, and the offense never found a rhythm.

The pass protection didn’t hold up with the front five alone, which forced the team to use six-man lines and check releases for the running back, limiting the number of eligible receivers out in routes. The unit went from the second-least false starts in 2013 (nine) to the second-most (27) in 2014, highlighting a lack of concentration and discipline.

This season, the group is guaranteed at least one new starter at center and perhaps another should the team decide to move Kyle Long to right tackle. How the offensive line solidifies — or doesn’t — during camp will be one of the most crucial story lines to follow.

Likely starters:
Left tackle: Jermon Bushrod (30, ninth year)
Left guard: Matt Slauson (29, seventh year)
Center: Will Montgomery (32, 10th year)
Right guard: Kyle Long (26, third year)
Right tackle: Jordan Mills (24, third year)

Other competitors: Vladimir Ducasse (27, sixth year), Michael Ola (27, second year), Jason Weaver (26, first year), Ryan Groy (24, second year), Charles Leno (23, second year), Conor Boffeli (23, first year), Tayo Fabuluje (23, rookie), Cameron Jefferson (23, rookie), Chad Hamilton (23, rookie), and Hroniss Grasu (23, rookie)

Key contributor: Kyle Long

Long has emerged as a true cornerstone piece for the Bears. He’s established himself as one of the league’s top young offensive lineman, which is incredible considering he’s still green as a football player.

Long’s been entrenched at right guard for two seasons. His his length, power and lateral agility have helped him win gaps in the run game and wall off inside pass rushers to allow the quarterback to climb up in the pocket as the edges collapse.

In Adam Gase’s offense, guards are heavily relied upon on pulls, traps, leads and in the screen game. Thus, the staff may put a premium on Long’s fluid feet and ability to glide to the second level and pave lanes for running backs. However, considering the best pass rushers in the NFC North are on the outside, his length and ability to mirror pass rushers may prompt a move to tackle.

Whichever direction the coaching staff elects to go with Long, they can’t go wrong. In the short term, they’ll consider their alternatives at both guard and tackle to determine where he will benefit the group most. But if the long-term goal is to move him outside, why wait?

Potential breakthrough player: Matt Slauson

Slauson was brought to Chicago on a one-year, “prove-it” deal in 2013, which he outperformed and parlayed it into a four-year extension. Last season, he injured his ankle in the season opener, which cost him three starts, then went on to tear his pectoral muscle in Week 8 and was lost for the season.

Slauson had offseason surgery to repair his pectoral and is a full go for training camp. His presence brings stability back to the line and provides some nastiness in the run game.

While not as nimble as Long, Slauson flows to the second level to seal an edge or create an alley. He’s powerful in confined spaces and rarely loses ground when anchored at the point of attack.

Final thoughts: Heading into camp, the Bears are one player short on the starting five and have paper-thin depth. With 89 players on the roster currently, it wouldn’t be surprising to see an offensive lineman signed before camp starts.

Jermon Bushrod will be the league’s ninth-highest paid left tackle, but will his performance match his pay grade? He’s stabilized what was a blind-side turnstile for years in Chicago, but he’s struggled with speed rushers. He’s trusted to play on an island without help but must find more consistency in his protection sets.

On the opposite side, Jordan Mills remains a weak link. His ability to start 16 games as a rookie overshadowed poor play, particularly in pass protection. His footwork was sloppy, his hand placement was erratic and he had multiple lapses in concentration. His struggles carried over into last season, as did the foot injury he suffered in the final game of the 2013 season (a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot), which cost him three starts.

If the Bears were to move Long outside, Mills might be a candidate to move inside, which aligns with my assessment of him heading into his rookie season.

At center, veteran Will Montgomery will battle rookie Hroniss Grasu. Given what’s required of a center on a play-by-play basis, it’s a tough position for rookies to come in and start immediately. Montgomery has the NFL experience, as well as an existing relationship with coach John Fox and offensive line coach Dave Magazu, whom he played for both in Carolina and Denver.

Grasu is clearly the future at the position. He’s an excellent leverage player with quick feet who was a four-year starter at Oregon. He’s accustomed to making line calls and checks in a complex, high-tempo offense, which will benefit him when he eventually takes over.
With Grasu a lock to make the roster and the team likely to carry only eight offensive linemen, that leaves a group of questionable reserves to battle for the remaining two spots.

Of the reserves, only Vladimir Ducasse has more than one year of NFL experience, a career that’s been a disappointment.

Michael Ola gained valuable experience last year, starting 11 games at four positions, all but center. Considering a team only dresses seven offensive linemen for games, Ola’s versatility is a boon, but he didn’t stand out in any role.

Ryan Groy made three starts at left guard at the end of the season but is an unproven prospect.

The Bears have one blue-chip player (Long), two above-average starters (Slauson and Bushrod), a likely stopgap at center (Montgomery) and one hole on the right side of the line. This unit will be well-coached, but their concerns are legitimate.

Position grade: B-minus.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/21/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-tight-end/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Tight End
By Dan Durkin
July 21, 2015 10:29 AM

(CBS) There’s a saying in the NFL that if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have one. What does it mean when a team has seven tight ends? You can make some deductions on your own, but the Bears will definitively answer that question over the next month.

In Martellus Bennett, the Bears have an upper-echelon performer who competes in both the run and pass game. As for the rest of the group? They — which is defined as Dante Rosario and Bear Pascoe — combined for 18 receptions and 119 yards last season.

Starter:
Martellus Bennett (28, eighth year)

Other competitors: Dante Rosario (30, ninth year), Zach Miller (30, sixth year), Bear Pascoe (29, seventh year), Blake Annen (24, second year), Chris Pantale (25, first year) and Brian Vogler (23, rookie)

Key contributor: Martellus Bennett

Bennett opted not to participate in the initial five weeks of the voluntary offseason program. Miraculously, he showed up once his boycott reached the point where he could’ve been fined $70,000 for skipping mandatory mini-camp in July.

I’ll never begrudge a professional athlete for trying to get more money, especially in the mercenary resource model that NFL owners and the NFLPA collectively bargained back in 2011. However, it’s rather unusual that Bennett’s already reached a point of financial unrest halfway through the deal he chose to sign back in 2013.

Without question, Bennett has outperformed his deal. His 90 receptions last season led all tight ends, yet peers like Marcedes Lewis and Jared Cook took home more money than Bennett did. In fact, Bennett’s season totals in receptions, yardage and touchdowns exceeded the totals of Lewis and Cook combined.

But as far as the Bears’ front office and the letter of the NFL law is concerned, Bennett is under a contract he must honor or be subjected to losing more of what he’s seeking — money.

The truth of the matter is that Bennett has an opportunity this season to strengthen his position at the negotiating table even more in Adam Gase’s offense. In Denver, Gase turned another former college basketball player — Julius Thomas — into the league’s highest-paid tight end.

Gase’s offense is a close study of what personnel groupings opposing defensive coordinators counter with and how they match up in certain formations. In the red zone, he frequently used Thomas as a split end to isolate him in coverage against shorter and smaller athletes. Thomas produced 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

With Brandon Marshall now a Jet, that’s one less mouth for quarterback Jay Cutler to feed in the red zone, which may cause an uptick in Bennett’s touchdown totals this season.

Final thoughts: The Bears are still seeking a true complimentary tight end. Not having one last season, combined with Dante Rosario (whom the team brought back on a one-year, veteran minimum deal) being forced to play out of position as the team’s fullback and move player, contributed to the overall dysfunction on offense.

The team made an effort to lure Virgil Green from the Broncos, but in the end, he chose to stay in Denver and sign a three-year, $8.4-million contract with $1.5 million guaranteed. Such figures show the Bears recognized the hole on their current roster to run some of the “heavy” and “jumbo” multiple-tight end sets that coach John Fox is fond of in the run game.

The Bears changed course and signed a series of one-year deals with block-first tight ends like Bear Pascoe and Chris Pantale. Pascoe caught two passes last season, and Pantale’s next catch in the NFL will be his first.

Zach Miller made a few flash plays in the preseason last year, catching two touchdown passes against the Eagles. But as has been the case throughout his career, he suffered a foot injury just a week later, which forced him to miss the season. Of the group, Miller is the only pass-catching threat, but can he stay on the field and be a factor in the run game when asked to block a six-technique?

For the third straight season, the tight end position is Bennett or bust. Bennett has established himself among the league’s best, but it’s a precipitous drop-off from him to the rest of the group. That’s especially problematic for an offense that heavily utilizes the tight end in both the running and passing game.

Position grade: C.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/22/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-quarterback/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Quarterback
By Dan Durkin
July 22, 2015 12:34 PM

(CBS) The NFL has a quarterback problem. Given the importance of the position, there simply aren’t enough quality players available to ensure each team has a starter with whom it can contend for a championship.

Teams without one are forced to either cast their lot in the draft on a prospect and cross their fingers that they picked the right one, or choose to (over)pay for their current starter knowing they won’t find better options on the open market.

In 2015, 16 quarterbacks carry an eight-figure salary cap charge. No other position has more than 10.

Chicago’s Jay Cutler is one of those eight-figure quarterbacks, but will he live up to the investment?

Starter:
Jay Cutler (32, 10th year)

Other competitors: Jimmy Clausen (27, sixth year), David Fales (24, first year) and Shane Carden (23, rookie)

Entering his 10th season, the conversation is no longer about Cutler’s talent or potential. It’s about results.

There has never been a doubt about Cutler’s physical gifts. He has every measurable trait scouts seek for the position; he’s simply been unable to put it all together on a consistent basis. Something seems to happen when the bullets fly, causing Cutler to revert to his default setting of trusting his arm instead of his reads and letting his mechanics go to waste.

This season, Cutler’s surrounded by arguably the best collection of receiving weapons he’s ever had and certainly the most established set of coaches he’s had since his Denver days.

Offensive coordinator Adam Gase has shown the ability to alter his scheme to the strengths of his available talent. Quarterbacks coach Dowell Loggains has known Cutler since his days at Vanderbilt, where he was an administrative assistant. Cutler has been lobbying to work with Loggains in Chicago for years and finally gets his chance this fall. However, recall if you will, Cutler also successfully lobbied for Jeremy Bates back in 2012, and that relationship lasted all of one season. It’s another common thread in Cutler’s NFL timeline.

Cutler’s best served in an offense centered around outside and stretch run plays, with a bootleg play-action game built upon it. Catching the defense overpursuing is a great way to find voids, but Cutler also sees the field better when he’s on the move. Such plays also simplify his reads by cutting the field in half.

Cutler will still be called upon to make five- and seven-step drops, stand patiently in the pocket to scan the entire field and deliver the ball on time. But Gase must make more of an effort to change Cutler’s launch point and move the pocket on waggles and rollouts than former coach Marc Trestman did the past two seasons.

The keys to success with Cutler will be taking some pressure off him — and the Bears defense — by making a more concerted effort to run the football, which has been a hallmark of John Fox, and making sure he’s getting the ball out in rhythm and not into harm’s way.

Given that the Bears have already paid Cutler $48 million of the $54 million they guaranteed him in January of 2014, this season could be his make-or-break year in Chicago.

If the Bears were to move on from Cutler after this season, there’s nothing in the pipeline to replace him.

Jimmy Clausen has been brought back for another season. He made a spite start in Week 16 last year against Detroit, proving why he can’t be viewed as anything more than a fringe backup.

David Fales was drafted by the previous regime, so he may have lost the benefit of the doubt in the offseason turnover. Like Clausen, his NFL apex is likely that of a spot starter.

Rookie Shane Carden went undrafted due to his size and questions about his arm strength. The numbers he put up in college were more of a byproduct of his receivers’ ability to run after the catch in East Carolina’s horizontal passing game. He will likely be a camp arm with a chance to stick on the practice squad.

Given the state of the defense, this team will only go as far as the offense — and more specifically Cutler — can take it. The talent is there to put up points, but can Cutler play within the system and not give opponents extra possessions as he frequently did last season?

Position grade: C-plus.

I feel like this team could be something down the road but I'm scared that a bad start (which is almost assured by the brutal first half of the schedule) could lead to a nosedive.

Given the media/fan hatred of Jay Cutler, when we start off 1-5 or 2-4, there is a real chance they will turn to Clausen.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

I am also curious as to the state of Willie Young and Lamarr Houston's rehab efforts. If they are healthy, I have higher hopes of either of them than I do of Jared Allen.


And I am also hoping we can snare some more depth on the d-line (end) and o-line (right tackle) before the season starts.

I'm from the lost black tribe of Israel, the Yos

http://coolehmag.com/frontEnd/

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/07/27/durkins-2015-bears-position-preview-special-teams/

2015 Bears Position Preview: Special Teams
By Dan Durkin
July 27, 2015 10:07 AM

(CBS) In 2014, the Bears special teams units were in fact league leaders — in penalties, with 28. It was a rather dubious-yet-unsurprising distinction considering the approach former general manager Phil Emery took.

Given Emery’s offseason roster retooling, the team was guaranteed five new starters at core special teams positions. But the preseason only settled a few positions — punter, holder and long snapper (who was brought in the week of the regular season opener). Emery used the bottom of the 53-man roster as a carousel for young players under the guise of personnel development and recouping late draft picks the team didn’t have in recent years.

The end result was a group of undrafted rookies becoming “core four” (punt/kickoff coverage and return units) players on a unit that ended the season ranked 26th in the league.

Blocking assignments were missed, which led to holding calls and blocked punts. Uncertainty about rules led to personal fouls and illegal touching calls. Putting their return game hopes on Chris Williams — who was cut coming out of camp — led to three different kickoff returners by Week 5 and a group that didn’t bring a kick past the 20-yard line until Week 7.

This season, the Bears special teams are a bit more settled, but question marks remain at long snapper and the returner jobs.

Likely starters:
Kicker: Robbie Gould (33, 11th year)
Punter/holder: Pat O’Donnell (24, second year)
Long snapper: Thomas Gafford (32, eighth year)
Kick/punt returner: Marc Mariani (28, sixth year)

Other competitors: LS Rick Lovato (22, rookie), PR Eddie Royal (29, eighth year) and KR Jacquizz Rodgers (25 fifth year).

Kicker Robbie Gould had a forgettable 2014 season. Over his career, Gould has established himself as one of the most reliable kickers in NFL history. Last season was his worst as a professional, finishing with career-lows in attempts (12, his previous low was 25) and field-goal percentage (75). A quad injury cost him four games at the end of the season.

The team brought in Jeremiah Detmer for competition, but he was released after the team’s June mini-camp. That’s a sign the team likes where Gould is at physically heading into the season. Gould is the league’s fifth-highest paid kicker ($3.6 million) and must return to his old form to help a team that’s going to need to score as many points as possible to in order to protect a leaky defense.

The Bears spent a 2014 sixth-round pick on punter Pat O’Donnell and pit him against Tress Way in training camp. The competition was close, but when you spend a draft pick on a punter, he has to make the team, which O’Donnell did. Way latched on with the Redskins and finished first in the league with a 47.5-yard average, while O’Donnell finished 28th with a 43.8-yard average.

O’Donnell had some strong games, and his directional punting improved throughout the season. His leg strength is obvious and held up once the weather went south late in the season, which is a good sign for his future.

At long snapper, the Bears will have a new face for the second straight year since Patrick Mannelly retired. Thomas Gafford has 105 games of NFL experience and clearly has the inside track on rookie Rick Lovato (Old Dominion).

The Bears brought in Marc Mariani before their Week 11 game against Tampa Bay. He stabilized the position and held it for the rest of the season. But will the new staff dedicate a roster spot to just a returner? Free agent signees Jacquizz Rodgers and Eddie Royal both have experience as kick and punt returners, respectively. Other challengers will get their chance throughout the preseason.

When teams switch to a 3-4 like the Bears have, they carry more linebackers on their roster. Linebackers typically make up core special teams players, so there’s a chance the Bears’ coverage units could improve this season. Special teams ace Sherrick McManis is also back for another season.

New special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers has spent the last five seasons in the same capacity on John Fox’s staffs in both Carolina and Denver. During his time with the Broncos, the team returned six kicks for touchdowns and twice ranked in the top 11 of Rick Gosselin’s comprehensive special teams rankings (10th in 2011 and 11th in 2012).