2015 CHICAGO BEARS Offseason Thread

[Madrox]

I see that the 2014 Season thread is basically dead, so instead of bumping that I thought it best to put last year to rest and talk about the now and future.


A lot has been going on, good and bad:


Some of the Good:

1) Regime change, Trestman/Kromer/Tucker out -* Kromer made his bed with his big mouf, which is tragic because that guy is a HELL of an O-line coach.* In the words of the great D. Chappelle:* "What else can we possibly say about Tucker's defense that hasn't already been said about Afghanistan?* Shit was bombed up and depleted.."

*

Believe it or not, I actually didn't think Trestman was the main problem.* I think we have a coach killer at QB that too many dudes think they can "fix".* Having said that, we now have ....:


2) Fox/Gase/Fangio in - ...a HR coaching staff with great Assistants.* We really lucked out with our timing (I never thought the McCaskey's would only give Trestman and Co. 2 years, no matter how bad things looked) and by other teams being idiots and letting some quality coaches walk.* These folks must think this winning shit is easy.* They about to learn though.

*
3) Conte gone - Good riddance to bad rubbish.* Hilarious that Lovie and TB signed him and now him and Wright are the starting S tandem there.*

*
4)* Additions of McPhee, Jenkins, McDonald, Foster, Rolle on Defense;* Royal on Offense - Like all these and itll be interesting to see what we do with our first 2 picks in the draft...I'm not sold on Pace yet, I feel like he still got the "just happy to be here" vibe going on.* So I'm eager to see what his first draft is like...


Some of the Bad:

1)* The jettison of B Marshall - Its gonna take a while for me to get over.* I don't think they (Pace and Fox) really gave the situation the best look, because if they would have they couldn't have come to the conclusion that BM is a problem player based on anything he's done on the field (or really off the field while with the team, either).* I don't get letting a player of his caliber go for peanuts, unless these assholes were really duped into believing that his wanting to do Inside the NFL on his off days = a lack of motivation and winning attitude.* And I don’t really care for anyone else's opinion in that locker room until they show as much passion for wins and losses as BMarsh did.

*

2)* Keeping Cutty - We can all agree they were dumb to pay him, but I think even dumber for keeping him.* After the powers that be did their "research", how do they not see that HE is the divisive personality that needed to be let go.* He brings the worst of both worlds:* Doesn’t instill moral with his play or personality.* Damn Jay, at least have one or the other, B!* The only way that the offense doesn’t turn into a shit show is if they go the Cowboys route and really, really, finally use Forte (and Carey?) 75% of the time and not give JC the opportunity to sink the ship.* Put that dude on the Romo Workout Plan.* Should be interesting...
*
I'm sure I left some shit out, but just wanted to get something up for the other folks on the board who are down and willing to cut something for this team * Next up:* Draft and Schedule Release....*

 

[shaddyvillethug]

2016 will be better

I think we shall see a purge tho

Iono

 

[Madrox]

2016 will be better

I think we shall see a purge tho

Iono

You're probably right.

@patrickfinley: Interesting that John Fox today said Alshon Jeffery was overweight at times last year.


@ianrappaport Jay Cutler met with #Bears personnel without his agent as deadline approached for guaranteed money in 2016. Team left convinced he’s the guy and are now considered fanboys

February meeting helped convince Bears on Jay Cutler


http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...y-meeting-helped-convince-bears-on-jay-cutler


The Chicago Bears are all in on Jay Cutler. They have no other choice.*


In the days leading up to the deadline for $10 million of quarterback's 2016 money becoming guaranteed, the Bears' brass met with Cutler sans the player's agent.*


NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that after the meeting the Bears left convinced Cutler was their starter. The team didn't talk about redoing the quarterback's contract, per Rapoport.


The meeting came after lukewarm comments about Cutler from coach John Fox and general manager Ryan Pace at the NFL Scouting Combine


During Wednesday's media session at the NFL Annual Meeting, Fox tried to talk up Cutler.*


"If you're looking at a depth chart before we can get anything going, I'd say he'd be first on the depth chart," Fox said, per Newsday.*


This isn't a new theory about Cutler. He possesses tools -- including a big arm -- that scouts love. It's why he keeps getting chances despite his wayward on-field performances.*


Fox also said Cutler has had success, "albeit not super-recent," per the Chicago Sun-Times.*


Well if that doesn't get Bears fans fired up, what will?*


Let's not fall into the offseason trap of writing gushing pieces about how it's finally the year that Cutler turns it around or how this is finally the coaching staff that will get through to the quarterback.*


The Bears brass might have left that meeting convinced he was their starter, but they also had zero alternatives and an unmovable contract that shades the situation.*

Until Cutler proves it on the field, we'll choose to believe that Fox and his team are making the best of a situation they'd rather not be in.

..these coaches just dont learn...Cutler is that hoe that these cats think they can get to stop hoein' if they just commit to that bitch

 

[Madrox]

This is a decent updated depth chart that includes the FA additions (except M Foster ar LB and McDonald at DT):

http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/depthchart/CHI

 

[TooTrilla]

get this shit outta here

 

[Madrox]

get this shit outta here

TT, my apologizes for not addressing the departure of AJ Hawk...don't be mad cuz you the only Pack fan man [emoji38]

 

[Madrox]

Moe news...

John Fox eliminating gimmicks, implementing changes for Bears


March 27, 2015, 1:45 pm


While coaches who’d worked with John Fox previously spoke glowingly and in detail about the way Fox has fashioned a quality personal culture wherever he’s been, Fox is implementing some specific changes that are part of what will be a new Bears overall fabric in 2015.


Some may appear minor, but the small details are always critical to success and Fox is addressing and installing his own “details.” In the process he is eliminating several elements of the Marc Trestman program that a number of veterans disliked and sometimes described as “gimmicks” intended to force players into supposed team-building internally.


Trestman scrambled locker assignments, switching from the normal grouping of players by position groups to a generally pattern-less arrangement. Jay Cutler, for instance, went from having a quarterback next to him to having Shea McClellin there. Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff wasn’t with the other defensive linemen; he was next to guard Kyle Long.


Trestman’s plan was an effort to have players get to know more of their teammates. Fox’s is to build on the natural closeness among players already working together in meetings and on the field.


That working-together is expected to carry over into the weight room under new strength-and-conditioning coach Jason George, who worked with Fox in Denver.


“[The program is] more team-oriented,” Fox said this week at the NFL owners meetings. “We have four strength coaches now. It’s done more in groups. Just philosophically a little bit different than some people are doing and when we’re excited about getting started.”


Fox also will do away with the Trestman system of different team captains every week, selected by Trestman and which made captains out of players who were new to the Bears for 2014. Fox is returning the system of players voting on their captains, picking five of six for the season. The sixth every week will be picked by Fox based on performance.


“You know that you’ve got decent leadership when there is a bunch of guys getting votes,” Fox said. “And then maybe the distance is not as big.”

http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/john-fox-eliminating-gimmicks-implementing-changes-bears*

Del Rio: 'Goose' expected to fashion high-quality Bears offense


PHOENIX – While Jack Del Rio was serving as defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos under then-coach John Fox, he had a chance to observe the work of offensive coordinator Adam Gase, now the Bears’ OC under Fox.


What he saw from the young (Gase turns 37 next week) coach he called “Goose” impressed him.


"Goose is a bright guy," Del Rio told CSNChicago.com. "He's got great work ethic. In our time together in Denver, we worked well together being able to give each other looks. He's creative. He's always thinking about the game and ways he can help move the football. I think he will do a good job.


"He's been around a lot of good coaches and he's learned a lot of good ball. I feel like he's a bright guy that communicates well. If you have good work ethic and you're able to articulate it, I think it leads to good design and good interaction with players that you're leading."

http://www.csnchicago.com/bears/del-rio-goose-expected-fashion-high-quality-bears-offense

John Fox supports Bears' signing of 'great teammate' Ray McDonald


By Dan Wiederer

Chicago Tribune

MARCH 25, 2015, 1:21 PM


PHOENIX -- A day after the Chicago Bears reached a controversial and heavily scrutinized one-y ear

contract agreement with defensive end Ray McDonald, coach John Fox became the team’s latest

spokesman to endorse the move and the thorough research that preceded it.


"It's not a snap decision by any stretch," Fox said Wednesday from the NFL owners meetings.

McDonald will join the Bears after a turbulent 2014 that culminated in his being released in December by

the San Francisco 49ers after multiple legal missteps.

Last August, McDonald was arrested in connection with a domestic dispute with his fiancé, an incident in

which legal documents indicate there was “visible injury ” to the woman. Charges never were filed in the

case.


In December, McDonald became the suspect in a sexual assault investigation in California. In that

incident, McDonald also hasn't been charged, but the case isn't fully closed.

Both Bears general manager Ryan Pace and team chairman George McCaskey explained on Tuesday the

organization’s decision to sign McDonald despite his recent off-the-field problems. McCaskey said he was

troubled by “the pattern” of McDonald’s issues but later opted to open the door for the defensive end’s

arrival in Chicago.


On Wednesday , Fox reiterated that the input from defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who coached

McDonald in San Francisco the past four seasons, was heavily influential in the Bears’ vetting process.

Fangio’s input on McDonald began shortly after his hiring in January .

Fox was asked what he heard from Fangio that registered most.


"Some of the issues that have occurred, quite frankly , shocked (Ray ’s) teammates and (Vic)," Fox said.

"The fact that he was a great teammate. (Fangio) felt he was one of the leaders on the (49ers') defense,

along with Justin Smith. Teammates thought very highly of him and you’re around your teammates a lot

in this business. And then the fact that he was a good, phy sical, tough football player."


Fox, like McCaskey and Pace, also made it clear that they have expressed their expectations to McDonald.

"I think Ray understands we have a standard and he’s going to need to meet that standard moving

forward," Fox said.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...-fox-ray-mcdonald-signing-20150325-story.html

 

[TruDat]

I feel a little better this season
than last season

I think our coaching staff is a little better
than the past 2 seasons of naive banter
of "being in a good place"
"great practices"

Alshon Jeffery gonna have to step up this year.
As for Cutler, meh? that ship has sailed
key thing is getting the defense to dominate.

I am glad Coach Fox is taking the initiative
on the strength and conditioning in the off-season
because with trestman and even a little bit under coach lovie
they were lackadaisical with pushing the idea of working out consistently
those soft practices didnt build their bodies tolerance
for recovery. So in the 1st 2 games of the season over a dozen bears
were already injured.

my major gripe is the BEARS coaches and players
develop lazy ass tendencies of weak practices and no adjusting gameplans
throughout the season
and it was evident on the field

I like the makeup of this coaching staff

GO BEARS

 

[Complex]

I only have a problem with Brandon being gone, but he is up there

 

[shaddyvillethug]

Wait till 2017 for real competitivness

 

[Chitownheadbusa]

The Bears just need to utilize Cutlers talents, instead of trying to transform him into Brady or a mobile QB like Cam.

I dont know how much we'll improve after a few months of moves, but i think we'll be much better than last year.

Im looking forward to the draft. I wonder if the Bears are gonna draft a defensive player, SURPRISE and draft a qb or trade the pick.

 

[Complex]

I'm not sure what to make of Jacquizz Rodgers. Change of pace back?

Now I see McShay has us getting a receiver.

 

[Madrox]

The Bears just need to utilize Cutlers talents, instead of trying to transform him into Brady or a mobile QB like Cam.

Nah what they truly need to do is handicap him. Every staff comes in and gives him too much power and credit based on his perceived talent (strong arm, practice all star, IQ when the pressures off). But in game, the dude looses it under pressure, throws the ball up for grabs too much, cant see the open man/predetermines where he's going w the ball, and IS NOT A WINNER. They need to put a yoke on him and run the hell out of ball..

I'm not sure what to make of Jacquizz Rodgers. Change of pace back?

Now I see McShay has us getting a receiver.

I dont mind the signing of a veteran back, but at the same time:

1. Id like to see them continue to develop Carey

2. Traditionally, we've, or at least past regimes, have sucked at spreading carries around the right way when we have 2 capable backs. Given their history, I'll give Fox/Gase the benefit of the doubt for now though.

...I don't think we can really lose w or first pick. Two much talent (be it on the DL, WR...wherever) and too many needs and wants for us to fall into a McClellin type surprise pick.

 

[shaddyvillethug]

A WR?

 

[Madrox]

A WR?

[emoji14]uke:

[emoji38]

 

[cnc]

I will miss Roberto Garza; came from a small school, held things down at Guard, even during years when the rest of the line was absolute trash (*cough* J'Marcus Webb *cough*); made the transition to Center when Olin Kruetz left town and did a fairly decent job; wish him nothing but the best.


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...l-release-roberto-garza-sign-will-montgomery/

Center Roberto Garza had a long run as a starter for the Bears, but it looks like it has come to an end after 10 years.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that the team has informed Garza that he’ll be released. The wait to find out who his replacement will be probably won’t be a long one. Biggs’s colleague Rich Campbell reports that the team plans to sign Will Montgomery in a swap of centers.

Montgomery played for Bears coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase in Denver last season and started the final nine games, including their playoff loss to the Colts, for the Broncos last year. Montgomery also started every game that the Redskins played between 2011 and 2013, so he brings plenty of experience with him to Chicago.

Garza will take plenty of it with him wherever he winds up once the transaction is processed. Garza has missed just 18 games since the Falcons made him a fourth-round pick of the 2001 draft, which is quite a durable record of service. His play hasn’t been as strong in recent years, however, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the 36-year-old’s next act happens off the playing field.

 

[Pworld297]

Garza was around a year too long, should of gotten rid of him last season but this is what they do. I have no hopes at all for the season, they should just blow this thing up like how the Cubs did. Cutler will be starting when the season comes around and we all know how that is going to go. They need every major position, that is how bad it is. I will be shocked if the bears go 8-8. They should just suck so they can get a top 5 pick.

 

[shaddyvillethug]

Trade the fort for Winston

Let lovie have cutler again

 

[Madrox]

Anyone watching the draft tonight?

If Williams, White, Cooper and Fowler are gone at 7, we need to trade down a few spots and get some more picks..

 

[TruDat]

i use to watch the nfl draft but that shit way too fucking long
speed this shit up

i got an app to let me know when DA BEARS are picking

 

[Complex]

Ya'll hear about Bennett? I'm wondering if that's just posturing, but they're saying the team is looking for a trade partner

 

[papi68]

Bears!

 

[Madrox]

Ya'll hear about Bennett? I'm wondering if that's just posturing, but they're saying the team is looking for a trade partner

We'll see, I hope cooler heads prevail though. We dont need to be losing any more offensive weapons..

Im satisfied with the K White pick. Ida liked Williams, but we got the best avail player and him Alshon and Royal should rek shop if/when Cutler isnt wiggin the fuck out.

I swear every year these analysts sound like they did zero research on our off season moves. Everyone knows the D needs to be way better,but at least do your job and acknowledge the additions we've already made via free agency

 

[Complex]

So how do you guys feel about our draft?

 

[Chitownheadbusa]

I give the Bears a B for the draft. They got close to the best available more times than not; looking more so to build for the future with 80% of their picks.

The first 3 picks made sense .....imho.
They also added a lot of speed on offense...which is what we needed.
Our offense is getting older and we lost pieces...we had to fill a few gaps...and we did that.

I know most wanted us to go 80% defense...but imho...they'll address some of the special team issues, etc in fa's.

This isnt a one year fix for us.....we'll have other drafts.....fa's signing etc for years to come. I like how the new front office is doing thing .....so far. I dont know if we'll be SB ready next year...but I truly believe that we'll be much better than we were last year.


BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Madrox]

I like our picks. Our defensive line depth is crazy right now..LB too, although quality is a concern. Off dome:

Ego Ferguson
Will Sutton
Jared Allen
Willie Young
J. Ratliff
Lamarr Houston
Goldman
Bass
Jenkins
Ray McDonald
Pernell McPhee
McClellin
Mason Foster
Sam Acho
Cornelius Washington
Bostic
Christian Jones

...can't wait to see how Fangio rotates all that.

I also like the fact we drafted a FS and the OL additions....wish we would've gotten a kick returner, but maybe Royal, or preferably Wilson can be that guy (I don't want Royal getting injured on a return)...

 

[Complex]

Yeah, I like our draft.

Even though we really didn't have a lot of picks we got good grades everywhere I saw.

We didn't necessarily go best available player, we went best available player at a position of need.

I wish we would have done something at linebacker, but that's about it

 

[chops]

Bears | Jeremiah Ratliff pleads guilty

Fri, 01 May 2015 09:21:46 -0700

Chicago Bears DT Jeremiah Ratliff pleaded guilty to a 2013 charge of driving while intoxicated Thursday, April 30, and was given a year of probation and fined $750. Ratliff must now submit to any field sobriety test requested by an officer during traffic stops. He has already completed a DWI education course, gone through substance-abuse evaluation and completed 20 hours of community service.

Comment () | Share: Tweet! Share on Facebook | Source: ESPN.com

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/team/11/nfl/chicago-bears#ixzz3ZEImH5w0

 

[chops]

this whole offseason.....

 

[TooTrilla]

TT, my apologizes for not addressing the departure of AJ Hawk...don't be mad cuz you the only Pack fan man [emoji38]

Didnt see this comment months ago when you replied.
U gotta be out your monkey ass mind if u think I gave a fuck about Aj hawk

 

[Madrox]

Didnt see this comment months ago when you replied.
U gotta be out your monkey ass mind if u think I gave a fuck about Aj hawk [emoji38]

[emoji38]

 

[TruDat]

this whole offseason.....

yeah this season is gonna be like that MAD TV comedy sketch
"LOWERED EXPECTATIONS"

only ballers on the offensive side is Forte and Bennett.
For some odd reason, I dont see Alshon playing no more than 6 games
this season because of injury.

as for the defense, meh

 

[shaddyvillethug]

We whooping ass week 1

 

[Madrox]

We whooping ass week 1

Now THATS the spirit [emoji38]

 

[doggish_098]

no worries Bears fans i will be creating the crying in the car thread 2015 version in a couple days for you