What Are the Bears' Odds of Getting QB Jay Cutler?

According to ESPN.com the Bears odds to get QB Jay Cutler in a trade with Denver are 5-1.


This is what ESPN.com's Bill Williamson had to say:

"Making such a deal may be out of character for general manager Jerry Angelo, but the Bears need a quarterback and two of their NFC North foes will be going after Cutler. They need to make a push. Chicago has the No. 18 pick."

There are three teams ahead of the Bears right now, the NY Jets (3-1), TB Bucs (3-1) and the Detroit Lions (4-1).

I know the Bears would love to have Jay Cutler throwing to Bears players like Devin Hester, Matt Forte, Earl Bennett and Greg Olsen, but i don't know if the Bears would be willing to give up a lot for a whiner like Cutler.

I have read many proposed deals that could work for both the Broncos and the Bears.

Here's the examples:

1) QB Kyle Orton, CB Nathan Vasher, the Bears' first round pick (18) and third round pick (84).

2) DT Marcus Harrison, CB Corey Graham and two first round picks.

3) MLB Brian Urlacher and the first round pick (18) could be enough.

They could also make a three-team trade.

I would love to see the Bears get Jay Cutler, let's just wait and see what happens.

Bears Awarded a 3rd Rounder and Two 7th Rounders

Today the Bears were handed a 3rd round pick (the 99th) and two seven rounders in this years NFL Draft.

The Bears' picks in the seventh round are as follows:

37th pick, 246 overall
42nd pick, 251 overall

Jerry Angelo has landed Alex Brown, Nate Vasher and Kyle Orton all in the third round not bad, considering Jerry Angelo's struggles as GM.

Compensatory picks are handed out each year to teams for their net loss in free agency.

The Bears lost Bernard Berrian (Minnesota), tight end John Gilmore (Tampa Bay) and special teamer Brendon Ayanbadejo (Baltimore) as unrestricted free agents a year ago. The team did not sign any UFA's, so they receive three draft picks.

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

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.

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.

Chicago Tribune: Q & A with Jerry Angelo

You have expressed your faith in Brian Urlacher. Why didn't he make more big plays?

Players change. It's hard to stay on top forever. But he's still a good player. He still is a real good leader. He still has a lot of value to our team. We're looking at the whole package

Can you envision a scenario in which Mike Brown would return?

I don't see that right now, given how it affects Danieal. Allocation of money comes into play, too, in what we want to do at other positions. There could be a case where we want Mike back, but we can't afford to do it given what we want to do in other areas.


Do you still consider Nathan Vasher a starter?

He really hasn't played in two years, so he needs to redefine himself, starting in the off-season. He has to earn a spot on our team. He has to show he can be a starter, somebody we can depend on. We rewarded a very good player. He earned a new contract. But since then he has had some injuries, and when he has played, his play hasn't been up to his standards, I'm sure, and certainly our standards.


Chicago Tribune writers ask these questions to GM Jerry Angelo

Vasher done for the year

The Bears placed Nathan Vasher on injured reserve Saturday with a broken right hand, ending the defensive back’s season.

He recorded only 29 tackles with one interception and three pass breakups.

He has 18 career interceptions, but only two in the last two seasons.

Nathan Vasher had surgery on his wrist earlier this season but re-aggravated the injury after sustaining the break against the Rams.

This is the second consecutive season Vasher has been placed on IR.

A partially torn groin muscle ended his 2007 season.

Corey Graham will take over Vasher's role in the starting lineup.

Trumaine McBride and Danieal Manning will be the other active corners looking for some playing time.

Bears Defense Sounds off on loss to Green Bay

Lance Briggs:

"Nothing was effective, we didn't do what we wanted to do, and they did. And that's why they beat our heads in the way they did."

"We didn't do anything right, it doesn't matter what adjustments you make because we didn't get it done in every facet of the game. It was a poor display of football. That's not the way we prepared. That's not Bear football. We have to get ourselves to who we are."

Corey Graham on giving up a TD to Greg Jennings:

"I was actually anticipating it to come inside a little bit," Graham said. "Maybe next time I'll be a little more inside."


Adewale Ogunleye:

"The thing I can't wait to do is watch the film and see, even after the game was a little bit out of hand, who gave up, we've got to get that straightened out. We've got to have guys on the field that are going to fight all the way to the end. And hopefully we'll see that we had all 22 guys fighting."


Brian Urlacher:

"I'm frustrated, but I don't think anyone gave up, if we gave up, I think I would be embarrassed, but I don't think anyone quit or didn't play hard. We just got beat, that's what it comes down to."


Alex Brown:

"I think we have a good defense, I think we have a good scheme and I believe Alex needs to put in some more work to get better, "That's what I believe." ...


Nathan Vasher:

"Our scheme is good, we just have to execute and make plays. Everybody in this locker room is staying tight. We just have to circle the wagons and believe in each other."


Mike Brown:

‘‘All I can tell you is obviously, our defense isn’t what it used to be, once everyone accepts that, and understands it, he said, everyone will be better off.

Vasher back at full practice

Cornebacks Nathan Vasher (wrist) and Charles Tillman (shoulder) and receiver Marty Booker (knee) had full participation in practice Thursday, one day after being limited.

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) returned to practice in a limited role after missing Wednesday's session.

Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer continues to be limited coming off right thumb surgery. He is not expected to play Sunday vs. Detroit.

Look for Nick Roach and Jamar Williams to get a lot of playing time this Sunday.

Punter Brad Maynard was also limited in Thursday's practice.

Bears' Hillenmeyer could miss Lions game with a hand injury

• A Chicago Bears Source says LB Hillenmeyer had surgery and CB Vasher is still day-to-day.

Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher remained sidelined Monday, nearly four weeks after surgery on his right wrist, and now strong-side linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is out with a hand injury.

Vasher sat out during a short workout at Halas Hall, as did Hillenmeyer, who had surgery last week on his thumb, a source close to the player said.

There is no timetable for his return, and he has not been ruled out for Sunday's game against Detroit.

Vasher how you doin?

''I'm doing good, still just going day-to-day, and hopefully by the end of the week I'll be able to see.''

Lovie Smith had this to say about Vasher's starting job:

''Each snap you're earning a job, you have to do something to say that you deserve to be out on the field. Nathan Vasher is a good player. A lot has been said about him and is he starting and all of this. Nate's one of our guys. He's going to help us win a lot of games around here.''

Vasher seems upset at reporters:

''Are you guys starting something?" "Oh, my gosh. It's the middle of the season. I don't know what you guys are talking about. You tell me. I'm always content with whatever my role is on the team. I just want the team to win.''

Since Hillenmeyer might not play, Nick Roach and Jamar Williams practiced with the first team and worked with coach Lloyd Lee worked for 20 minutes after practice.

Hey Brandon Lloyd you gonna play this weekend?

''I don't know. I'm not going to play unless I am 100 percent.''

Other important injury updates:

Nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) returned to practice after sitting out two weeks. Cornerback Charles Tillman (shoulders), wide receiver Marty Booker and defensive tackle Tommie Harris (left knee) sat out.

Bears not willing to give the game to the 0-7 Lions

What can Brown (AKA Mike Brown) do for you?

“They’ve been in pretty much every game, there’s been a couple of them where they weren’t in them, but everyone understands that this is a professional football league and honestly any team can beat any team on any given day. That’s just part of how the league is set up, so we’re going to be prepared to play them and we want to come out with a victory.”

The Bears insist that the Lions aren’t the same team they drubbed 34-7 at Ford Field on Oct. 5. Since that game, Detroit has new starters at quarterback (Dan Orlovsky for Jon Kitna), running back (Rudi Johnson for Kevin Smith) and wide receiver (Shaun McDonald for Roy Williams).

Lovie what did you have to say about the Lions?

“They are a much improved ballclub since we played them last, the Washington Redskins are a pretty good football team. Except for a few big plays, Detroit gave them everything they wanted [on Sunday].”

In the Bears' win in Detroit this season, Kyle Orton established career highs with 24 completions, 334 yards and a 121.4 passer rating while tossing two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Defensively, Chicago scored a touchdown on Charles Tillman’s 26-yard interception return, registered four sacks and held the Lions to 185 total yards, including just 67 in the first half.

The other Brown (Alex Brown) speaks:

“If we expect it to be like last time, we won’t win, we’ve got to understand that they’re going to be hungry to come in here and beat us. We’ve got to come ready to play.”

Nate The Great, what do you think?

“Every team we play has an opportunity to be good, we don’t really go by a team’s record. Detroit has played a lot of teams close but hasn’t been able to close it out.”

Thought for the Bears:

As 49ers Head Coach and former Chicago Bear Mike Singletary would say "we can't afford to give them the game, were not a charity."

Time to Bring your A Game

The Bears are preparing for their second of three straight home games and the second in a stretch of four of six contests against NFC North opponents. Chicago (4-3) is tied for first place atop the division with the Packers (4-3), who visit the undefeated Titans (7-0) on Sunday.

Coach Smith, any final thoughts?

“I think football really begins when you get to November, that’s when the separation really begins, and we want to be one of those teams that is contending in the end.”

Will Nathan Vasher Be Ready for the Lions Game?

Will Nathan Vasher be ready for the next game coach Smith?

“We don’t have to decide those things right now,” Smith said. “We have plenty of spots for a good football player. We would like four or five good cornerbacks who could play, for or five good safeties at every position. We would find a way to play them all.”

What did you have done Nathan?

“I just had to get medicine,” Vasher said. “My hand swelled up a little bit. That was basically it.”
When he will return and what his role will be remained unclear.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Vasher said. “I had a chance to run around a little bit today. I’m still day-to-day to see how everything works out for the next week or so.”

Who are the starters now Mr. Brown?

“Starters are starters for a reason,” safety Mike Brown said. “Obviously, they earned those positions, but at the same time, our two corners (Graham and Kevin Payne) played very well. Then, when you start going down to your last corner and then you’re asking Rashied Davis to get ready, that’s when you start worrying a little bit.”

Bears-Falcons: Atlanta Rips the Game from Chicago's Hearts

How do the Chicago Bears allow a catch like that? How do they allow Michael Jenkins to get out of bounds?

How do the Bears call a FB dive on a 3rd-and-1 with eight minutes to go?

How do they squib kick it with 11 seconds to go?

Those are the questions many Bears fans are asking right now after a 22-20 stunning loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

We all know what happened.

Jason Elam kicked a 48-yard field goal with one second remaining on the clock.

The playcalling was awful for most of the game.

Kyle Orton ran the offense to perfection in two important drives in the second half.

Jason McKie is not the answer on a 3rd-and-1, either give it to Forte or run a QB sneak.

Ron Turner should be ashamed of himself.

The squib kick was really dumb because if you simply kicked it to Norwood, that would have been the last play of the game and it was unlikely he would of taken it to the house.

Lovie and all the coaches are to blame for this loss.

Players of the Game

1) Corey Graham played a great game filling in for Nathan Vasher.

2) Kyle Orton ran the offense perfectly.

3) Rashied Davis's TD catch was unbelievable.

4) Devin Hester really is a wide receiver.


Disappointments of the Game:

1) Brian Urlacher was invisible the whole game.

2) Special Teams.

3) Marcus Hamilton on the last play of the game.


What Now?

The Bears better hope they get either Nathan Vasher or Charles Tillman back soon, because they were getting beat all day by Falcons QB Matt Ryan.

They have a must-win game against the Vikings at Soldier Field next week.


What Disappointed Me the Most

The Bears didn't record one sack today.

They allowed the Falcons to get down the field through the entire game.

They allowed Jerious Norwood to return it into their own territory at the end of the game and got lucky that Jason Elam missed a 38-yard field goal.


Good Stuff

They run defense allowed only 57 yards from RB Michael Turner.


Bad Stuff

The linebackers were almost invisible today, with an exception of Hunter Hillenmeyer.


Other Stuff
The Bears' receivers played very well today.

The Alex Brown fumble that was overturned in the first half was an iffy call, and the Tommie Harris recovered fumble was very confusing.

Tommie Harris had to hear a whistle for him to get rid of the ball, but I don't know.

The Bears' secondary is really banged up.

Daniel Manning, Trumaine McBride, and Peanut Tillman all left the game with injuries.

My uncle Tivo'd the game and told me that the referees didn't start the play clock until Matt Ryan threw the ball.

If this game were in Chicago, the Bears would have won, because the referees would have started the clock when the ball was snapped.


Quote of the day

DT Dusty Dvoraceck said, "We usually never allow so many third-down conversions to be successful. That is our specialty and we didn't perform today. We couldn't get off the field."


What Now, pt. two?

The Bears are now in a bad spot.

If the Packers win, they will be tied with the Vikings and Bears for first place.

Next week is a must-win before the bye week for the Bears.


Did You Know?

The Lions had a pass-interference penalty called on the them at the end of the game, which set up a game-winning field goal by the Vikings.

The referees gave the Vikings that game.


Where the Bears Should Be?

Fans and sportscasters came into this season expecting the Bears to not be very good this season.

They have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL.

I knew they would be a good team, and they know they should be 6-0.

Instead, they're 3-3, and they have lost three games by a combined eight points.

They need to learn how to finish games.

Corey Graham Impresses Bears Coaches

Cornerback Corey Graham led the defense with 10 tackles at Detroit, drawing praise from Smith.

He could be used as a nickelback for this team.

He might force the coaching staff to consider ways to keep him on the field even with Nathan Vasher expected back.

''There's always room for good football players to play,'' Smith said. ''We'll find a spot. We tell our entire team it's their job to prove that we need to play them, and we'll find a way to play them.''

The Bears always seem to draft good players in the late rounds of the draft.

Look at Mark Anderson (5th), Trumaine McBride (7th), Kellen Davis (7th) , Matt Forte (3rd) , Alex Brown (4th), Lance Briggs (3rd), Kyle Orton (4th) and Kevin Payne (5th).

That is pretty impressive.

.

Lloyd Out; Booker, Tillman, Vasher and Williams Questionable

Brandon Lloyd is officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions and Marty Booker, Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher and rookie T Chris Williams are all questionable.

Also, Tommie Harris is suspended by head coach Lovie Smith for the game because he showed up late to some of treatments for his knee.

Kyle Orton had this to say about playing without WR Brandon Lloyd:

“It’s tough because he’s really coming on strong, he made a couple really nice catches and ran some great routes last week.”

Devin Hester had this to say about playing without WR Brandon Lloyd:

We know Brandon Lloyd went down, he’s a key receiver, but he’s down this week. It’s just going to give the next guy an opportunity to make plays. With him being down, it’s time for somebody else to step up.”

Lovie Smith on Tommie Harris suspension:

“We’re not trying to send any messages, it’s pretty simple: You’ve got rules, you break rules and you get punished.”

Other News:

After being inactive for the first four games, Bennett could be in uniform Sunday at Ford Field.

“I’m very eager to get the opportunity to get out there and play and help us win a game,” said the third-round pick from Vanderbilt. “If opportunity knocks, I’m there.”

Starting cornerbacks Charles Tillman (shoulder) and Nate Vasher (wrist) were limited in practice Friday and listed as questionable on the injury report, but both said they expected to play against the Lions.

Booker (knee) was also limited and listed as questionable, while rookie left tackle Chris Williams practiced without restrictions and was listed as questionable.

The first-round draft pick has been making steady progress in his rehabilitation from back surgery.

“Chris Williams had another good day and he’s had a good week of practice,” said coach Lovie Smith. “That’s always good to get a player like that back into the mix.”

Bears Release Veteran Cornerback Ricky Manning Jr.

We all saw this coming.

Today veteran CB Ricky Manning Jr. was released by the Chicago Bears.

"Getting released was more emotional for my wife than me," Manning Jr said.

"She was a little upset that they said I was a part of the program, then they released me this late in the process when it could have been done a while ago. That would have made things easier for my family."

Manning Jr. signed with the Bears as a restricted free agent in 2006 off-season.

In two seasons with the Bears, Ricky Manning Jr. appeared in 31 games with 11 starts.

Manning Jr. had 106 tackles, three sacks and five interceptions in his time with the Bears.

Manning Jr. had no interceptions last season, while playing nickel-back with the Bears D.

All five interceptions made my him, came in the Super Bowl season.

Manning Jr. was a third round pick out of UCLA, by the Carolina Panthers.

He had 168 tackles and nine interceptions in his three seasons with Carolina.

Ricky skipped practice this morning, showing his displeasure towards the team.

He wants an opportunity to play as a starter, but with his stats from last year he might not have a chance.

Hopefully Manning Jr. will get a shot somewhere, he was very good in the Bears Super Bowl season.

Detroit, New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Cleveland have said to have interest in Manning Jr.

People look at this move like the Chris Harris trade last off-season, which was terrible, but the Bears have plenty of CB's.

They not only have Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman, but they have Corey Graham, who is looking good and Trumaine McBride, who started in place of Vasher last season, due to injury.

The Bears defense will be fine, remember they didn't blitz at all in the Niners game.

This is what coach Lovie Smith had to say about the performance “Well, it’s still a preseason game. Do you not feel the same way? It’s a preseason game. You don’t want to play that bad obviously, but we did. We know what we need to correct, and we’ll do it. Come the Indy game, you won’t see that defense, I’ll tell you.”

They don't want to give away any plays for the other teams in the league.

Ricky Manning Jr: Most Likely Chicago Bear to Be Traded

Do you think the Chicago Bears will trade Ricky Manning Jr?

Yes, it sure seems like he is the odd man out.

Ricky Manning Jr. signed with the Chicago Bears in 2006, he set a career high, and he tied for the team lead and tied for 10th in the NFL with five INTs

In the postseason he had a big INT against the Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Playoff.

Became first Bears defensive back since Jerry Azumah (12/30/01) to record 2 sacks in one game (12/17/06 vs. TB Bucs).

Last season, Ricky Manning Jr. played in every regular season game, but failed to record an interception. He was the starting nickel back for the whole season.

The Chicago Bears are looking to use former first round pick Danieal Manning at nickelback because of the emergence of Brandon McGowan and Mike Brown coming back.

Besides the obvious starters Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher, the Bears have two second year pros in Corey Graham and Trumaine McBride. Don't forget this years fifth round pick Zackary Bowman.

If they do move Ricky Manning Jr, it might work out like Chris Harris in last years training camp.

Chris Harris started 15 games with the Panthers last season, recorded one INT and eight forced fumbles.

All the Chicago Bears got in that trade was a fifth round pick.

I still am upset at that trade.

So, if they move Ricky Manning Jr. it could turn out the same as Chris Harris's last year in training camp.

It never hurts to have to many bodies and we all the know the Chicago Bears get alot of injuries.

It looks Ricky Manning Jr. who is signed through 2010, might get sent packing sooner than later.

Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher: Best Cornerback Tandem in the NFL Right Now?

I believe when Charles "Peanut" Tillman and Nathan Vasher are healthy, there’s not a better cornerback tandem in the NFL. They are simply the best

Their ability to create turnovers is the main reason i chose them. In 2005, Nathan Vasher had 8 Int's and Charles Tillman had 5 Int's tied for the NFC lead with 13 combined interceptions with Carolina’s Chris Gamble and Ken Lucas. I think losing Vasher last season was a big loss to the defense, because the games he did play in he made a huge impact. Also, Charles Tillman seems to try hard every single down. Since Vasher and Tillman have played together, which began in 2004. they have combined for 30 int's. WOW! Those are amazing stats.

I believe that Tillman is very underrated because of all the other great players on that defense. The only other top cornerback tandems that are almost as good as Tillman and Vasher are: Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer of the San Diego Chargers, Champ Bailey and Dre Bly of the Denver Broncos, and Al Harris and Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. You could even throw in new Eagle Asante Samuel and Sheldon Brown as a good cornerback tandem.

In the end, if both stay healthy they are the best corneback tandem in the league and I hope to see that next season when they get on the field.