Grossman Speaks Up

Grossman talks about being a free agent:

``Basically what I told my agent [Eugene Parker], the ceiling is I want to compete to start and that is really what I want. But the floor is I want to have a good job. If that's being a backup, that's being a backup. I really want to compete to start. There are a few situations out there where I feel like they don't have a solidified starter and I'd love to get on one of those teams and I'm not sure if that's the case, but whatever happens I am going to be more motivated than I've ever been in my life to get back to the Super Bowl and be a starter and finish what I started in Chicago.''

Grossman said things began to turn on him in 2005 when he missed the majority of the season with a broken ankle. He said that is when the ``culture'' of fans following the Good Rex/Bad Rex phenomenon began.

"For whatever reason I was kind of a lightning rod for the media and the fans, it was kind of a topic of conversation for several years, Good Rex/Bad Rex and all this. It just seems like I was the focal point. The negative fans and the negative people tend to be louder than the people supporting you so I just kind of tried to ignore it as much as possible. But it kind of had a culture starting in '05.

"It was something I had to deal with. Some of my home games felt like away games. Every incompletion was booed. We had a practice that they booed me when they introduced me [at Soldier Field] to start the year which is not how you want to start the year but you know, it was something I had to deal with. They cheered good plays. Every little detail was magnified as far as my performance.''

Bleacherreport.com Accomplishment!

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Nathan Vasher Speaks Up

Nathan Vasher spoke about all the rumors floating around:

"I don't feel like I'm above the rumors or speculation, just like any other player this off-season, but I'm still here. Nobody has told me anything."

"Definitely I feel I am a starter, I've shown the talent. The proof is out there. I feel like people around the league know that. And I've never kept myself from feeling like that."


All quotes from chicagotribune.com

Bears tender offers to exclusive rights free agents Roach, Hamilton

The Bears have sent contract tenders to exclusive rights free agents Nick Roach (above) and Marcus Hamilton, NFL sources confirmed.

Roach started nine games at strong-side linebacker and finished with 40 tackles including a season-high eight in the final game at Houston.

Roach is expected to enter minicamp atop the depth chart at the position although he will be pushed by seven-year veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer, 28.

Hillenmeyer has made 56 career starts but fell out of favor.

Hamilton appeared in eight games last season, primarily on special teams, after the cornerback was claimed off waivers from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Bears picked up Nick Roach on waivers from the San Diego Chargers in 2007.

Entering his third season, Nick Roach will earn the minimum, $460,000.

The Bears' moves are ahead of Thursday's deadline to tender exclusive rights free agents.

(AP)

Report: Bears offer OT John St. Clair a Contract

Today the Bears made a contract offer to offensive tackle John St. Clair.

Financial terms discussed were not disclosed.

John St. Clair would like a five-year deal, I'm sure he would settle for the three-year deal the Bears are believed to have offered.


St. Clair had this to say today:

"It's great to have dialogue, I don't want to get into whether [the offer] was good or not good. I'll let my agent [Ben Dogra] handle the contract negotiations. He knows what I'm looking for. And he knows I want to be back."

"My agent knows what I should get, I'm just letting him handle it.

"You don't want to reach free agency. You want to stick with your team. But you have to do what's best your family. And wherever God wants me to be, that's where I'll be."


Lovie Smith talks about John St. Clair:

"John St. Clair was big for us even before John Tait retired. John played well for us throughout the year. He was consistent each week, we knew what we were gonna get from him. Of course we'd like for him to remain a member of our team."

all quotes from chicagotribune.com



This is a move the Bears had to make considering how thin they are at the offensive tackle position.

St. Clair was a solid player, starting all 16 games last season at left tackle.

If, St. Clair signs the contract, this makes him the starting right tackle and Chris Williams the starting left tackle heading into training camp, unless the Bears bring someone else in via free agency or the NFL Draft.

The Bears made the right move by only offering St. Clair a three year deal, he's already 32 years old and you don't know how much he has left in the tank.

Let's all hope John St. Clair resigns with the Bears.

Did You Know? 2/22/09

Today, Feburuary 22 marks many accomplishments in Chicago Bears history including:

06/24/1922 - AFPA changes name to NFL, Chicago Staleys become Chicago Bears

12/18/1932 - Chicago Bears beat the Portsmouth Spartans 9-0 in the 1st ever NFL playoff game

04/17/1933 - Chicago Bears won their 1st NFL Game beating NY Giants 23-21

12/21/1941 - Chicago bears won the NFL championship

above: this is a picture of the 1920 Chicago Staleys

Is Nathan Vasher's Future with the Bears Up in Smoke?

Is Nathan Vasher returning to the Bears next season?

Many think he has grossly underachieved since receiving a big contract two seasons ago.

It definitely appears that way.

Vasher has only played in 12 games in the last two seasons, recording 29 tackles and only two interceptions.


Jerry Angelo spoke about Vasher's future at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend:

"I don't know where he is now, I touched on that. He has to re-establish himself, he's competing to start. We talked about that, he's got to take his game to another level. I didn't see anything physically speaking that would tell me that he can't, but he's got to get it going. He's had some injuries that's kind of retarded some of the things maybe that we're used to seeing from him, but he hasn't been the guy that we've been accustomed to seeing and certainly not the guy that [we saw] when we gave him his contract extension. He needs to be a better player. He knows that. I feel strongly he's going to accept that challenge and we're going to see a much better Nathan Vasher.''

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com


What do I think?

I think you have to keep a guy that has talent in the mix.

You have many talented cornerbacks, including Corey Graham and Zack Bowman, who should provide depth behind Tillman and Vasher.

If, Vasher can stay healthy I think he can regain his form from 2006, but we'll just have to wait and see.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson both Heading to the Bears?

When the Cincinnati Bengals used the franchise tag on K Shayne Graham, TJ Housmandzadeh spoke about his future with the team:

Houshmandzadeh told ESPN's Bob Holtzman last week that there is a "90-something percent chance" he won't return to the Bengals.

Houshmandzadeh said he also thinks Chad Johnson's days in Cincinnati are over.


What are the chances of both of these elite wide receivers coming to the Bears?

The chances are pretty slim, but could you imagine Devin Hester, Chad Johnson, and TJ Houshmandzadeh all in a Bears uniform together.

That would be pretty sweet.

But, Housh wants a lot of dough this off season and you'd probably have to give up a 2nd and a 3rd draft pick to get Ocho Cinco from the Bengals.

If this did actually happen, the Bears would be one of the better offensive teams.

They could have Orton, Forte, Hester, Housh, Chad Johnson, Greg Olsen and Dez Clark all on the field at once.

I know every Bears fan would love this, but it would not only take a lot of money, but also a lot of decisions out of Jerry Angelo.

Angelo probably wouldn't make these moves considering what he said at this weekend's combine about the Bears receivers:

'I like what we have [at receiver], they need to continue to develop. But again, our play starts with our lines. I don't want to get so focused on the receiver position -- although, yes, we do need to look at the receiver position, as well. And that's why I say we can go a lot of ways on draft day. And that's the silver lining because it will allow us to create more options and allow us then to get the best players at those particular rounds.''

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Tank Johnson Returning to the Bears?

Is it possible that Tank Johnson could play for the Chicago Bears again?

I don't know.

It's defiantly a long shot.

The Bears drafted Johnson in the 2nd round of the 2004 NFL Draft.

In three years (2004-2006) with the Bears, Tank Johnson played in 46 games, recorded 63 tackles and nine sacks.

The Bears released him after he found himself in trouble with the law too often.

In two years (2007-2008) with the Cowboys, Tank played in only 24 games and recorded 33 tackles and 3 sacks.

The Bears could make this move, just because defensive tackles Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek have been disappointing the last couple of seasons.

The other defensive tackles on the Bears' roster are Anthony Adams, Marcus Harrison and Matt Toeaina.

This probably won't happen, but it's a possibility.

The Bears could probably get him cheap.

The teams that I see signing Tank Johnson would be the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, or the St. Louis Rams.

Bears won't get O.J. Atogwe?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported today that after contract talks failed to produce a deal, the St. Louis Rams designated safety O.J. Atogwe as their franchise player.

The safety franchise number for Atogwe is $6.342 million.

Atogwe has 17 interceptions in four seasons with the St. Louis Rams, five of those came last season.

Atogwe was considered the top safety in this years free agency class.

Bears fans you can cross this guy off your wish list.

Bears won't get Antonio Bryant?

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reported today that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to apply the franchise tag on receiver Antonio Bryant by Thursday’s 4:00 p.m. EST deadline.

Bryant will most likely sign the one-year offer of $9.488 million, which will make the money fully guaranteed.

Bears fans you can cross Bryant off your wish list.










Chris Simms Wants to Play for the Bears?

Chris Simms had a lot to say about the possibility of playing for the Bears:

"Jerry Angelo was very easy to talk to, he was always very respectful of my play in college, of my ability. And I have a great respect for him."

"Who wouldn't be interested or thinking about the Chicago Bears? For a guy like myself who has been around football a long time and loves tradition and all the stuff that comes with a great NFL franchise, the Bears are at the top of the list with the Green Bay Packers, the New York Giants, the Dallas Cowboys. They are right in that storied-franchise mix."

"Of course things are different with Rex out of the picture, we'll just see where this free agency takes me from here. I have a great deal of respect for Kyle Orton I thought he played tremendous last year. I've always been impressed with him as a player and as a person."


My Thoughts

Simms has played only 19 games through five seasons, completing 291 of 492 passes for 3,087 yards, with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He suffered a ruptured spleen in Tampa Bay's third game of the 2006 season and has played in just one regular-season game since.

I really don't see Chris Simms as an upgrade over Rex Grossman.

If they can't land Byron Leftwich or Kurt Warner, I say sign Rex Grossman for another year.

Rex is probably one of the better backups in the NFL.

Maybe with a better offensive line, he could really be a good QB, who knows?


Simms finished by saying this:

"Whoever brings me in, they're not going to just bring me in and say, 'OK, we signed you. You're the starter." I know the job isn't going to be just given to me.

"I just want to go somewhere where, at the very least, I'm the backup. And if I get a chance to compete [for starter], of course, who wouldn't relish that opportunity?"

all quotes from chicagotribune.com

Angelo speaks about the "potential" loss of John Tait

General Manager, Jerry Angelo had this to say about John Tait's "potential" retirement:


“John informed us a few weeks ago that he was considering retirement, he has been a great player and representative of our team since joining us in 2004. We would like to have him back for another season, but certainly respect his decision if he chooses to retire.”

“We will be prepared at the tackle position with or without John [Tait] on our roster."



all quotes from chicagobears.com

Report: Tillman Won't Move to Safety

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times said this in his Wait a secondary: Tillman to stay at CB:

"With all the talk of the Bears experimenting in the secondary, you can cross one possibility off the list.

Left cornerback Charles Tillman won't move to free safety in 2009. Tillman -- who former Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache said on draft day in 2003 would be a ''Pro Bowl safety'' if he ever moved from cornerback -- had been rumored to be changing positions."

What do I think?

I think this is the right move considering Tillman had reconstructive surgery on his right shoulder Jan. 15 and won't be cleared to participate in the three-day veteran mini-camp next month.

The other cornerbacks on the Bears roster are Nathan Vasher (played eight games last season, could be released), Corey Graham (started nine games last season, recording 91 tackles and one interception), Trumaine McBride (played in 16 games last season, recording 11 tackles and one interception), and Zackary Bowman (played in one game last season, recording one interception and a special teams touchdown before going on injured reserve).

It would be risky to move Tillman to safety because it might not be an easy transition.

The safeties on the roster are Kevin Payne (started all 16 games in 2008), Danieal Manning (played nickel back for most of the 2008 season), Craig Steltz (struggled as a rookie), Brandon McGowan and Cameron Worrell. McGowan and Worrell will both be free agents.

I don't know who will start at the safety positions next season, but what I do know is Charles "Peanut" Tillman won't be making the switch to safety this offseason.

A Final Goodbye to Safety Mike Brown

Mike Brown has been a great leader for the Bears in his nine seasons in the Windy City.

Brown started his career off with big after big game, but when he really struggled to stay healthy.

Brown only had six interceptions since Lovie Smith took over the head coaching job in 2005.

Brown played 15 games last season and I would love to see him back just for his veteran presence.

Brown brought so much to the defense.

He was great against the run, and decent against the pass the last couple seasons.

He was just hit with unfortunate injuries.

Maybe, no team will sign him and the Bears can scoop him up for cheap.

I doubt that will happen, but I would like to see him succeed wherever he goes.

I know he will be a good coach once he retires.


DT Tommie Harris had this to say about Mike Brown:

"Mike Brown is a special person, a special player, and a special friend, it's going to be different, seeing him leave, but I know he will be productive wherever he goes and with whatever he does. He will always be remembered in my book as one of the toughest guys to play this game."

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Bears to Lose John Tait?

John Tait, 34, is said to be done with football for good.

John Tait had this to say about his "potential retirement":

`You notice little things that didn't happen when you were younger, it just takes a little bit longer to recover from games. I think you have to do a lot more maintenance, just the upkeep, that's the biggest thing. If you would have asked me after my rookie year if I was going to play 10 years in the league, I would have told you were you were crazy. I'm just happy I am still going.''

John Tait's agent Ethan Lock declined to comment on his client's future.

John Tait signed a six-year, $33 million contract to come to the Bears from Kansas City in 2004 and has made 139 career starts.

John Tait is a veteran recipient of the Bears 2005 Brian Piccolo Award as voted by his teammates.

John Tait had a base salary of $4.8 million for this coming season with a salary-cap figure of $5.35 million.

What Now?

With John St. Clair set to become an unrestricted free agent Feb. 27, Tait's retirement would leave the Bears with only one tackle under contract: 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams, who didn't start a game as a rookie after undergoing disc surgery on his back early in preseason.

It's pretty big loss depth wise, but I think this is a good decision by Tait, you could tell he was slowing down.

Chris Williams on John Tait's "Potential Retirement"

Williams said this about tackle John Tait:

"The way he prepared, the way he took care of his body, on the field, he was a real patient player. And he knew a lot about everybody we played against."To tell you the truth, Tait retiring took me by surprise. I felt like he could have played a while longer. But everybody knows their own body and their own situation."

Chris Williams on the 2009 Season

With the news of tackle John Tait, Chris Williams will be a starter at LT, so he knows he better step up.

Chris Williams had this to say about his rookie season:

''I made some strides, how significant obviously we'll get a chance to see at some point, I'm definitely more comfortable, more confident and everything just going forward with the rest of my career here. I want to compete, but position battles happen in training camp. I missed training camp, I missed preseason. I'm quite a bit stronger. Even from the point before my surgery I'm probably stronger.''

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Season Recap: Part 3

Did You Know? 2/14/09

Charles "Peanut" Tillman has forced 15 fumbles in six NFL seasons.

His 13 forced fumbles since 2005 are the most among cornerbacks in the league (Nate Clements is second with nine) and tied for ninth overall.

Charles" Peanut" Tillman tied a career high with four forced fumbles in 2008, which tied him for second among NFL cornerbacks behind only the New York Jets’ Dwight Lowery, who had five.

Bye Bye Marty

Veteran WR Marty Booker was released yesterday by the Bears.

Booker, signed a two-year deal last off-season, to start his second stint with the Bears.

Last season, Booker caught only 14 passes for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Booker played in 13 games with five starts while struggling to stay healthy.

Booker was not the player, the Bears had in 2002, when he went to the Pro Bowl

In 2002, Booker caught 97 passes for 1189 and six touchdowns.

Booker probably dropped more passes, than he caught this season.

This is a good move by the Bears, not only do they get rid of a decrepit Booker, but they also free up some cap room.

Booker was a big disappointment to me, I thought he would take over Muhsin Muhammad's role, but he failed to do so.

Along with Booker the Bears released linebacker Gilbert Gardner, and practice squad linebacker Marcus Riley.

Did You Know? 2/12/09

As a team, the Bears had 35 pass plays of more than 20 yards and three of more than 40. Those figures ranked No. 26 and No. 29, respectively, in the NFL.

Mel Kiper on the Bears 09' Draft Needs

“Wide receiver, offensive line and obviously the quarterback situation has to be cleared up there moving forward,” Kiper said when asked what the Bears could potentially target at No. 18 in the first round. “But certainly wide receiver would be the one you have to look at, maybe Percy Harvin if he was there would be someone they have to consider. I just think their defense, which did not get it done in a lot of games, has to be looked at. Tyson Jackson from LSU, a defensive end, would seem to fit kind of the mold of the versatile defensive end they like. I would say Tyson Jackson if not maybe Percy Harvin.”

All quotes from ESPN.com

Brandon Lloyd: Wants To Come Back

I wouldn't mind Brandon Lloyd on the roster next season, he had some really nice catches.

Lloyd was unable to stay healthy for most of the season, but I can see him back because Ron Turner and him have connections from the University of Illinois.