Now that Rex G. has been named the starter, I have started thinking about the most recent game that was played. Since Kyle Orton started the game and Rex Grossman finished the game, I think that Rex Grossman should be credited with the win. If you apply the baseball analogy to the game, Kyle started but only pitched 4.5 innings and not the required 5 innings to get the win. In that case, since Rex took over in the middle of the 5th inning and the team won, Rex should get the win and Kyle a no decision. As I have always said, I LIKE Kyle Orton, with more experience he will do well and he will definitely get a chance to start again (as Rex will inevitably get injured again) but right now, this team needs Rex.
- Slim Tim.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Open Call to Moose Muhammad
I think with Rex as QB, Moose Muhammad needs to step up and keep up his end of the bargain. If for some reason Moose doesn't step up his game, maybe he needs to get a kick in the pants himself.
This is an open call to Muhsin Muhammad to step up now. From a previous Pro Bowler, we as Bears fans do not want to see any more dropped balls that my Momma can catch. You got your QB, now we want our WR. Signed - Slim Tim
This is an open call to Muhsin Muhammad to step up now. From a previous Pro Bowler, we as Bears fans do not want to see any more dropped balls that my Momma can catch. You got your QB, now we want our WR. Signed - Slim Tim
Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton Part II
As demonstrated by this weekend's performance against Atlanta, Rex Grossman proved why he deserves to be the starting quearterback of the Chicago Bears (as previously reported here at Slim Tim Speaks). Unless you were watching a different game, you too saw the offense run at a completely different tempo with Rex at QB. You too also heard the crowd go crazy when Rex came in. Lastly, he showed his quick release of the ball like I had mentioned. Last lastly he showed his quick decision making ability that I had indicated. Now that he has game experience in 2005, he makes the Bears as good as their record indicates that they are. With a healthy Rex Grossman, the Bears now stack up against any NFC opponent. Unfortunately, a healthy Rex is hard to find for very long. That being said, the Bears now have a proven number 2 quarterback in Kyle Orton. Let's put the over under on Rex Grossman's healthy games at 6. But, a healthy Rex Grossman, a healthy Rex Grossman, a healthy Rex Grossman (if I say it enough times, maybe it will come true: say it with me A HEALTHY REX GROSSMAN!!!!) where was I... a healthy Rex Grossman can make a real offense out of Ron Turner's system.
- Slim Tim
- Slim Tim
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Addition by subtraction Part II - Bears waive punt returner Wade
Bears waive punt returner Wade - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
I like the guy, but he lost way too many fumbles for a team that needs to win the turnover battle each and every game.
- Slim Tim
I like the guy, but he lost way too many fumbles for a team that needs to win the turnover battle each and every game.
- Slim Tim
Chicago Bears Media Only Website...
This is just for the readers of the Slim Tim Speaks loyal reader base.
The Chicago Bears have a media only website:
http://media.chicagobears.com/media/, the team's new media-only website. Using the UserName: media and Password: media, members of the media (and now you) will have access to a PDF version of nearly every document that is produced and disseminated by the Chicago Bears Media Relations department. Such documents include press releases, game books, daily news clips, rosters, statistics and etc. During the season the site will be the first place that media members will be able to access the weekly game release and injury report.
- Slim Tim
The Chicago Bears have a media only website:
http://media.chicagobears.com/media/, the team's new media-only website. Using the UserName: media and Password: media, members of the media (and now you) will have access to a PDF version of nearly every document that is produced and disseminated by the Chicago Bears Media Relations department. Such documents include press releases, game books, daily news clips, rosters, statistics and etc. During the season the site will be the first place that media members will be able to access the weekly game release and injury report.
- Slim Tim
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Follow the Bears in the rankings...
To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:
ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 7
CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 5
Fox Sports - Aaron Schatz NFL Power Ranking for Week 14: Bears at Number 11
Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 3!!!
Aikman Efficiency Rating: (not available at this time)
- Slim Tim
ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 7
CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 5
Fox Sports - Aaron Schatz NFL Power Ranking for Week 14: Bears at Number 11
Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 3!!!
Aikman Efficiency Rating: (not available at this time)
- Slim Tim
Monday, December 05, 2005
Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton.
I, Slim Tim, being of sound mind and body will now firmly plant my foot on the Rex Grossman side of the fence.
I have come to discover that there are no fence sitters when it comes to the Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton debate, either you are for one or you are for the other. There is no question that Bears fans ultimately want to win consistently now and in the future. The real question is who is that quarterback to lead them there?
I am not here to bash Kyle, especially because he is the quarterback of the team that has won 9 games thus far this season, but more to show my support for the Rex factor. Here is the support to back up my decision...
Rex Grossman delivers the ball much quicker than Kyle Orton delivers the ball. In the current Bears offense, the QB needs to make quick decisions. This means that Rex has made quicker decisions (from the games that I saw) and goes through his progressions quicker than Kyle. The evidence is there to support this in the week 13 game vs. Green Bay when Kyle several times held the ball too long.
Rex is a more mobile quarterback than Kyle Orton. Rex Grossman can run the ball well when needed. Although this is often when Rex gets hurt, it is good to know that if needed when rushed out of the pocket, Rex can run.
Those two factors are relatively intangible, now I will state for the record some hard numbers to back up my support:
Keep in mind that Kyle Orton has started 12 games to Rex Grossman's 6 games.
Passing Statistics:
QB Rating:
Rex Grossman: 71.1
Kyle Orton: 60.2
Career Completion PCT:
Rex: 54.5
Kyle: 53.4
Yards Per Average:
Rex: 6.69
Kyle: 5.15
Longest Pass Completion:
Rex: 59
Kyle: 54
Passes over 20 yards:
Rex: 15 (with half as many games)
Kyle: 19
Passes over 40 yards:
Rex: 2 (with half as many games)
Kyle: 2
TD to INT ratio:
Rex: 3/4
Kyle: 9/13
Rushing Statistics:
Rex: 14/47 1 TD
Kyle: 20/36 0 TD
Rex: 3.4 Avg Yards per carry
Kyle: 1.8 Avg Yards per carry
There you have it. I am no longer a fence sitter. I am on the Rex side of the fence for good. You read it here first on the 31st of August that if the Bears were winning in spite of Kyle Orton and not because of him, that fans would be calling for Rex's return. I don't want to say that I told you so, but I told you so... the Bears are winning and fans - including myself are calling for Rex to return. Rex's return might mean that timing between the QB position and Muhsin Muhammad might come to life. Rex's return could also mean a QB that does not rank in the bottom of the league week after week. Rex's return will bring balance to a team in dire need of a passing game to complement the running game, defense and special teams that are incredible. Knowing what it is like to be at a Bears game, I hope for the day when Bears fan stand on their feet all game long and not just when the defense is on the field. And lastly, I wish that a Bears player other than RB would be taken someday in the first round of a fantasy draft. That player is Rex Grossman.
- Slim Tim.
I have come to discover that there are no fence sitters when it comes to the Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton debate, either you are for one or you are for the other. There is no question that Bears fans ultimately want to win consistently now and in the future. The real question is who is that quarterback to lead them there?
I am not here to bash Kyle, especially because he is the quarterback of the team that has won 9 games thus far this season, but more to show my support for the Rex factor. Here is the support to back up my decision...
Rex Grossman delivers the ball much quicker than Kyle Orton delivers the ball. In the current Bears offense, the QB needs to make quick decisions. This means that Rex has made quicker decisions (from the games that I saw) and goes through his progressions quicker than Kyle. The evidence is there to support this in the week 13 game vs. Green Bay when Kyle several times held the ball too long.
Rex is a more mobile quarterback than Kyle Orton. Rex Grossman can run the ball well when needed. Although this is often when Rex gets hurt, it is good to know that if needed when rushed out of the pocket, Rex can run.
Those two factors are relatively intangible, now I will state for the record some hard numbers to back up my support:
Keep in mind that Kyle Orton has started 12 games to Rex Grossman's 6 games.
Passing Statistics:
QB Rating:
Rex Grossman: 71.1
Kyle Orton: 60.2
Career Completion PCT:
Rex: 54.5
Kyle: 53.4
Yards Per Average:
Rex: 6.69
Kyle: 5.15
Longest Pass Completion:
Rex: 59
Kyle: 54
Passes over 20 yards:
Rex: 15 (with half as many games)
Kyle: 19
Passes over 40 yards:
Rex: 2 (with half as many games)
Kyle: 2
TD to INT ratio:
Rex: 3/4
Kyle: 9/13
Rushing Statistics:
Rex: 14/47 1 TD
Kyle: 20/36 0 TD
Rex: 3.4 Avg Yards per carry
Kyle: 1.8 Avg Yards per carry
There you have it. I am no longer a fence sitter. I am on the Rex side of the fence for good. You read it here first on the 31st of August that if the Bears were winning in spite of Kyle Orton and not because of him, that fans would be calling for Rex's return. I don't want to say that I told you so, but I told you so... the Bears are winning and fans - including myself are calling for Rex to return. Rex's return might mean that timing between the QB position and Muhsin Muhammad might come to life. Rex's return could also mean a QB that does not rank in the bottom of the league week after week. Rex's return will bring balance to a team in dire need of a passing game to complement the running game, defense and special teams that are incredible. Knowing what it is like to be at a Bears game, I hope for the day when Bears fan stand on their feet all game long and not just when the defense is on the field. And lastly, I wish that a Bears player other than RB would be taken someday in the first round of a fantasy draft. That player is Rex Grossman.
- Slim Tim.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Rex Grossman: Set to Suit Up this Week - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Rex Grossman: Set to Suit Up this Week - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Here comes Rex. If Kyle keeps winning, Rex will have to continue to watch from the sidelines.
- Slim Tim
Here comes Rex. If Kyle keeps winning, Rex will have to continue to watch from the sidelines.
- Slim Tim
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Do the Chicago Bears have the third best defense in the last 10 years???
FOXSports.com - NFL- Aikman Efficiency Rankings for Week 10: "So far in 2005, the unit that has had the most dominating performance is the Chicago Bears defense."
By using the Aikman Efficiency Rating System, The Bears may have the third best defense in the last 10 years. Troy gives the Bear lots of print(?) space on his page. I LOVE IT!!!
BEARS FANS NEED TO READ THIS!
- Slim Tim
By using the Aikman Efficiency Rating System, The Bears may have the third best defense in the last 10 years. Troy gives the Bear lots of print(?) space on his page. I LOVE IT!!!
BEARS FANS NEED TO READ THIS!
- Slim Tim
These 6 teams have better records than the Bears.
These 6 teams have better records than the Bears.... and only these teams:
Indianapolis 9-0
Cincinnati 7-2
Pittsburgh 7-2
Denver 7-2
Carolina 7-2
Seattle 7-2
(I just wanted to get this in before the Bears play the Panthers... just in case)
- Slim Tim
Indianapolis 9-0
Cincinnati 7-2
Pittsburgh 7-2
Denver 7-2
Carolina 7-2
Seattle 7-2
(I just wanted to get this in before the Bears play the Panthers... just in case)
- Slim Tim
Keep up with Slim Tim Speaks...
Check out http://www.changenotes.com.
This free service monitors the web pages that interest you and notifies you by email when they change. You might like to monitor the web pages of your work or former work, clients, customers, industry groups, competitors, friends and family, hobby sites, school, clubs, and community sites, etc.
What you do is: enter your email address, they check out the site and when there are changes, they send you an email... IT WORKS and you will never miss any important information from Slim Tim Speaks.
- Slim Tim.
This free service monitors the web pages that interest you and notifies you by email when they change. You might like to monitor the web pages of your work or former work, clients, customers, industry groups, competitors, friends and family, hobby sites, school, clubs, and community sites, etc.
What you do is: enter your email address, they check out the site and when there are changes, they send you an email... IT WORKS and you will never miss any important information from Slim Tim Speaks.
- Slim Tim.
Dr. Z eats crow.
SI.com - Writers - Confederacy of dunces (cont.) - Thursday November 17, 2005 10:06AM: "the 6-3 record makes me look like an idiot"
I love it. Dr. Z (moron) admits he was wrong. I'll take it. If the Bears beat the Panthers (doubtful), I can't wait to hear what he will write - I CAN'T WAIT!!!
GO BEARS!!!
- Slim Tim
I love it. Dr. Z (moron) admits he was wrong. I'll take it. If the Bears beat the Panthers (doubtful), I can't wait to hear what he will write - I CAN'T WAIT!!!
GO BEARS!!!
- Slim Tim
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
The Bears ranked 12th at Yahoo Sports!!!
Seattle's best - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: "This team is competing for a home game, or possibly even a first-round bye"
... He goes on to say that... "Beating Carolina this week would go a long way in the quest." I have to agree, if the Bears beat Carolina, everyone will be paying attention to the Bears!!!! Read the whole story at http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news
- Slim Tim
... He goes on to say that... "Beating Carolina this week would go a long way in the quest." I have to agree, if the Bears beat Carolina, everyone will be paying attention to the Bears!!!! Read the whole story at http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news
- Slim Tim
Vote for the Bears...
NFL on Yahoo! Sports - News, Scores, Standings, Fantasy Games
Go to http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl, scroll to the bottom right and select the Bears as the best team in the NFC...
Go to http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl, scroll to the bottom right and select the Bears as the best team in the NFC...
The Bears ranked 13th at espn.com
ESPN.com - NFL - Power Rankings week 11: "the Bears, who moved to No. 13, their highest ranking of the season."
Keep them coming... I will cherish this for as long as I can. Hopefully the Bear can beat the Panthers to continue the good run so far... Read the whole story here...
- Slim Tim.
Keep them coming... I will cherish this for as long as I can. Hopefully the Bear can beat the Panthers to continue the good run so far... Read the whole story here...
- Slim Tim.
Bears ranked 12th at cbs.sportsline.com after week 10!!!
National Football League - CBS SportsLine.com: "The defense continues to play at a high level for this first-place team. "
I love it. I LOVE IT!!! Just seeing the Bears ranked higher in this list than the defending Superbowl Champs New England Patriots. Read the whole story here...
I love it. I LOVE IT!!! Just seeing the Bears ranked higher in this list than the defending Superbowl Champs New England Patriots. Read the whole story here...
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
A-Train signs with New Orleans...
Saints: A-Train signs on - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: "Anthony Thomas signed with the Saints on Monday"
As previously suggested here on Slim Tim Speaks, Anthony Thomas did sign with the New Orleans Saints. Anthony Thomas will do well, hopefully he will be given an opportunity to prove that he can still play. I wish him well.
- Slim Tim
As previously suggested here on Slim Tim Speaks, Anthony Thomas did sign with the New Orleans Saints. Anthony Thomas will do well, hopefully he will be given an opportunity to prove that he can still play. I wish him well.
- Slim Tim
Bears looking good right now.... - Week 9.
The following is the list of teams after week 9 that have worse records than the 1st place Chicago Bears:
San Diego: 5-4
New England: 4-4
Philadelphia: 4-4
St. Louis: 4-4
Buffalo: 3-5
Miami: 3-5
Cleveland: 3-5
Oakland: 3-5
Detroit: 3-5
Minnesota: 3-5
N.Y. Jets: 2-6
Baltimore: 2-6
Arizona: 2-6
San Francisco: 2-6
Tennessee: 2-7
New Orleans: 2-7
Houston: 1-7
Green Bay: 1-7
This list is teams which have better or the same records as the 1st place Chicago Bears:
Indianapolis: 8-0
Cincinnati: 7-2
Pittsburgh: 6-2
Denver: 6-2
N.Y. Giants: 6-2
Atlanta: 6-2
Carolina: 6-2
Seattle: 6-2
Jacksonville: 5-3
Kansas City: 5-3
Dallas: 5-3
Washington: 5-3
Tampa Bay: 5-3
I think the Bears are looking pretty good right now. They are healthier than they have been in three years and when Rex Grossman and Ruben Brown comes back (like I have said here for a while now), they will be an even stronger team.
- Slim Tim
San Diego: 5-4
New England: 4-4
Philadelphia: 4-4
St. Louis: 4-4
Buffalo: 3-5
Miami: 3-5
Cleveland: 3-5
Oakland: 3-5
Detroit: 3-5
Minnesota: 3-5
N.Y. Jets: 2-6
Baltimore: 2-6
Arizona: 2-6
San Francisco: 2-6
Tennessee: 2-7
New Orleans: 2-7
Houston: 1-7
Green Bay: 1-7
This list is teams which have better or the same records as the 1st place Chicago Bears:
Indianapolis: 8-0
Cincinnati: 7-2
Pittsburgh: 6-2
Denver: 6-2
N.Y. Giants: 6-2
Atlanta: 6-2
Carolina: 6-2
Seattle: 6-2
Jacksonville: 5-3
Kansas City: 5-3
Dallas: 5-3
Washington: 5-3
Tampa Bay: 5-3
I think the Bears are looking pretty good right now. They are healthier than they have been in three years and when Rex Grossman and Ruben Brown comes back (like I have said here for a while now), they will be an even stronger team.
- Slim Tim
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
FOXSports.com - NFL- Aikman Efficiency Ratings through Week 8
FOXSports.com - NFL- Aikman Efficiency Ratings through Week 8: "Chicago (97.5) remains atop this week's Aikman Efficiency Ratings "
Bears = Playoffs. Maybe even more according to Mike Brown.
Go Bears!
- Slim Tim
Bears = Playoffs. Maybe even more according to Mike Brown.
Go Bears!
- Slim Tim
Anthony Thomas: Released by Dallas - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Anthony Thomas: Released by Dallas - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: "Anthony Thomas: Released by Dallas"
Man, this guy is getting a raw deal. Fantastic person, class act. I hope someone gets him and lets him run, New Orleans might be a candidate for him with Deuce going down for the year. Also Green Bay or New England are possibilites.
- Slim Tim
Man, this guy is getting a raw deal. Fantastic person, class act. I hope someone gets him and lets him run, New Orleans might be a candidate for him with Deuce going down for the year. Also Green Bay or New England are possibilites.
- Slim Tim
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Moron Report - Dr. Z's Power Rankings...
SI.com - Writers - Week 9 NFL Power Rankings (cont.) - Tuesday November 1, 2005 6:20PM: "Chicago Bears (4-3)
I know there are all-pros or near all-pros on their defense. I have the Lions game on tape. Right now I'm working on my mid-season All-Pro check list. I promise you, Bear fans, I'm going to give this tape a very careful going over later in the week. Don't forget, I was the only one who picked Charles Tillman two years ago, when he was a rookie."
Just doing a check on Dr. Z to see where he currently has the first place Chicago Bears after beating the Detroit Lions again... He has them jumping one whole spot to just behind the Raiders (3-4) to 19th place. So, when the Bears win the Superbowl, how much crow will Dr. Z eat???
- Slim Tim.
I know there are all-pros or near all-pros on their defense. I have the Lions game on tape. Right now I'm working on my mid-season All-Pro check list. I promise you, Bear fans, I'm going to give this tape a very careful going over later in the week. Don't forget, I was the only one who picked Charles Tillman two years ago, when he was a rookie."
Just doing a check on Dr. Z to see where he currently has the first place Chicago Bears after beating the Detroit Lions again... He has them jumping one whole spot to just behind the Raiders (3-4) to 19th place. So, when the Bears win the Superbowl, how much crow will Dr. Z eat???
- Slim Tim.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Vote these 4 Bears to the Pro Bowl.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The Chicago Bears' defense remains atop the Aikman Ratings
FOXSports.com - NFL on FOX Insiders- Aikman Efficiency Ratings through Week 7: "The Chicago Bears' defense remains atop the Aikman Ratings "
Your 1st place Chicago Bears have the best defense in the NFL according to Aikman's efficiency rating.
And I quote..."The Chicago Bears' defense remains atop the Aikman Ratings so far this year and the big reason for their 100.9 rating, easily the best of any unit so far in 2005, is their astonishing performance in the red zone.
Opposing offenses have moved inside the Bears' 20-yard line 13 times in Chicago's first six games. Amazingly, they have managed just one TD in those 13 visits. Seven times they have not scored any points. All told, the 13 visits have produced just 22 of the maximum possible 91 points (24.2%).
In preparing the Aikman formula, we discovered no teams since 1995 that had allowed substantially less than 50% of the possible points, compared to a league average of around 65%.
As a result, the Bears' red-zone brilliance is yielding substantially more than the "maximum" number of points and propelling them well ahead of the rest of the league.
Which is not to say that strong red zone defense is all that the Bears are about. They are doing an outstanding job on third down and against the run and are well above the league average in all seven Aikman categories.
I know they have a rookie quarterback and have not demonstrated a prolific offense so far. However, if Chicago keeps playing defense like this they should make the playoffs and would be difficult to defeat in a playoff game.
Aikman Efficiency Ratings/Defense
1. 3. Chicago Bears 100.9
2. 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 94.6
3. 9. Detroit Lions 89.2
4. 7. Dallas Cowboys 85.8
5. 6. Indianapolis Colts 84.9
6. 19. Carolina Panthers 82.3
7. 8. Pittsburgh Steelers 81.2
8. 17. Cincinatti Bengals 80.8
9. 20. Philadelphia Eagles 80.1
10. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars 79.6
11. 2. Baltimore Ravens 77.7
12. 15. Arizona Cardinals 76.6
13. 12. New York Jets 76.4
14. 23. Atlanta Falcons 75.6
15. 27. Kansas City Chiefs 74.8
16. 10. Seattle Seahawks 74.7
17. 29. Cleveland Browns 74.2
18. 4. Washington Redskins 72.2
19. 18. Miami Dolphins 71.9
20. 31. New York Giants 71.8
21. 21. San Diego Chargers 71.8
22. 14. Green Bay Packers 71.7
23. 22. Denver Broncos 69.9
24. 13. Tennessee Titans 69.5
25. 16. Buffalo Bills 68.8
26. 25. Minnesota Vikings 68.5
27. 24. Oakland Raiders 67.8
28. 11. New Orleans Saints 66.8
29. 28. St. Louis Rams 65.3
30. 26. New England Patriots 56.2
31. 32. San Francisco 49ers 56.2
32. 30. Houston Texans 52.9
PLAYOFFS!!!!
- Slim Tim.
Your 1st place Chicago Bears have the best defense in the NFL according to Aikman's efficiency rating.
And I quote..."The Chicago Bears' defense remains atop the Aikman Ratings so far this year and the big reason for their 100.9 rating, easily the best of any unit so far in 2005, is their astonishing performance in the red zone.
Opposing offenses have moved inside the Bears' 20-yard line 13 times in Chicago's first six games. Amazingly, they have managed just one TD in those 13 visits. Seven times they have not scored any points. All told, the 13 visits have produced just 22 of the maximum possible 91 points (24.2%).
In preparing the Aikman formula, we discovered no teams since 1995 that had allowed substantially less than 50% of the possible points, compared to a league average of around 65%.
As a result, the Bears' red-zone brilliance is yielding substantially more than the "maximum" number of points and propelling them well ahead of the rest of the league.
Which is not to say that strong red zone defense is all that the Bears are about. They are doing an outstanding job on third down and against the run and are well above the league average in all seven Aikman categories.
I know they have a rookie quarterback and have not demonstrated a prolific offense so far. However, if Chicago keeps playing defense like this they should make the playoffs and would be difficult to defeat in a playoff game.
Aikman Efficiency Ratings/Defense
1. 3. Chicago Bears 100.9
2. 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 94.6
3. 9. Detroit Lions 89.2
4. 7. Dallas Cowboys 85.8
5. 6. Indianapolis Colts 84.9
6. 19. Carolina Panthers 82.3
7. 8. Pittsburgh Steelers 81.2
8. 17. Cincinatti Bengals 80.8
9. 20. Philadelphia Eagles 80.1
10. 5. Jacksonville Jaguars 79.6
11. 2. Baltimore Ravens 77.7
12. 15. Arizona Cardinals 76.6
13. 12. New York Jets 76.4
14. 23. Atlanta Falcons 75.6
15. 27. Kansas City Chiefs 74.8
16. 10. Seattle Seahawks 74.7
17. 29. Cleveland Browns 74.2
18. 4. Washington Redskins 72.2
19. 18. Miami Dolphins 71.9
20. 31. New York Giants 71.8
21. 21. San Diego Chargers 71.8
22. 14. Green Bay Packers 71.7
23. 22. Denver Broncos 69.9
24. 13. Tennessee Titans 69.5
25. 16. Buffalo Bills 68.8
26. 25. Minnesota Vikings 68.5
27. 24. Oakland Raiders 67.8
28. 11. New Orleans Saints 66.8
29. 28. St. Louis Rams 65.3
30. 26. New England Patriots 56.2
31. 32. San Francisco 49ers 56.2
32. 30. Houston Texans 52.9
PLAYOFFS!!!!
- Slim Tim.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Chicago Bears 1-3??? Dr. Z is a moron and continues to give the Bears no respect.
SI.com - Writers - Dr. Z's Power Rankings: Colts, Eagles stay near top by stressing defense - Wednesday October 5, 2005 12:11PM: "Chicago Bears (1-3)"
Chicago Bears 1-3??? Dr. Z is a moron and I will tell you why...
Dr. Z is a moron. On October 5th... he wrote that the 28th (yes 28th place) Chicago Bears were 1-3. It seems strange to me that I have to point out to this football "expert" that the Bears have only played 3 games and have won one of them putting them squarely atop the lowly NFC North. Everyone has an opinion, and he is paid to give his opinion (however outlandish it is), but I don't believe he is paid all of the money that he is and print incorrect information. THE BEARS ARE 1-2 not 1-3, and one might argue they should be 2-1. Is this football expert??? Isn't this the same moron who had the Bears as the worst team in the league before the season???
Dr. Z is a moron and continues to give the Bears no respect.
- Slim Tim
Chicago Bears 1-3??? Dr. Z is a moron and I will tell you why...
Dr. Z is a moron. On October 5th... he wrote that the 28th (yes 28th place) Chicago Bears were 1-3. It seems strange to me that I have to point out to this football "expert" that the Bears have only played 3 games and have won one of them putting them squarely atop the lowly NFC North. Everyone has an opinion, and he is paid to give his opinion (however outlandish it is), but I don't believe he is paid all of the money that he is and print incorrect information. THE BEARS ARE 1-2 not 1-3, and one might argue they should be 2-1. Is this football expert??? Isn't this the same moron who had the Bears as the worst team in the league before the season???
Dr. Z is a moron and continues to give the Bears no respect.
- Slim Tim
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
"To be a teacher ... or to play" - Vinny's Back!!! (Non-Bears News)
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Testaverde back, Pennington and Fiedler gone for Jets: "To be a teacher ... or to play"
I love football. I think it is great to hear this story about a fantastic player and person. I know it is a non-Bear, but still... He wants to do well for his team, in no matter what capacity they need him...
``I called Herm and said, `I am here in whatever capacity you need me,''' Testaverde said. ``To be a teacher ... or to play, to be a starter or a backup. I want to get this team back on track to where everybody expects it to be. Whatever that role is ... I feel in a good enough position to do that.''
- Slim Tim
I love football. I think it is great to hear this story about a fantastic player and person. I know it is a non-Bear, but still... He wants to do well for his team, in no matter what capacity they need him...
``I called Herm and said, `I am here in whatever capacity you need me,''' Testaverde said. ``To be a teacher ... or to play, to be a starter or a backup. I want to get this team back on track to where everybody expects it to be. Whatever that role is ... I feel in a good enough position to do that.''
- Slim Tim
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Bears Week 3 MVB.
I have to give it to someone... so it goes to Thomas Jones who ground out over 100 very tough yards.
- Slim Tim
- Slim Tim
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Bears Week 2 MVB
Ian Scott - Nice play in week 2 lead to Bears win. Big INT to jump start the team.
- Slim Tim
- Slim Tim
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Bears News - Chad Johnson Cuts Chatter for Bears
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Johnson Cuts Chatter for Bears: "...he was intimidated by the physical nature of the Chicago defense, he was uncharacteristically kind when it came to talking about the Bears."
This was Chad Johnson talking about the Bears. Normally he would be mouthing off and calling out players individually. Now when he calls their names, it is showing respect, not the reverse... An interesting read nonetheless.
- Slim Tim
This was Chad Johnson talking about the Bears. Normally he would be mouthing off and calling out players individually. Now when he calls their names, it is showing respect, not the reverse... An interesting read nonetheless.
- Slim Tim
Monday, September 19, 2005
Slim Tim's List of Favorite Non-Bears Current Players
* This list is subject to change *
Tiki Barber - love this guy's heart.
Byron Leftwich - Tough guy.
Brett Favre - Plays like a Bear.
Brandon Jacobs - Brings SIU to the national level every time he touches the ball.
Mike Alstott - Proud to be a Buccaneer, I can respect that.
Sean Alexander - Gets no respect for what he has done...
Dante Hall
Warrick Dunn
Michael Strahan - Always smiling.
Chris Hovan - Good motor, never stops.
Ed Reed - Just watch the guy play... you'll get it.
Dwight Freeney - fireplug
Mike Vrabel
-Slim Tim
Tiki Barber - love this guy's heart.
Byron Leftwich - Tough guy.
Brett Favre - Plays like a Bear.
Brandon Jacobs - Brings SIU to the national level every time he touches the ball.
Mike Alstott - Proud to be a Buccaneer, I can respect that.
Sean Alexander - Gets no respect for what he has done...
Dante Hall
Warrick Dunn
Michael Strahan - Always smiling.
Chris Hovan - Good motor, never stops.
Ed Reed - Just watch the guy play... you'll get it.
Dwight Freeney - fireplug
Mike Vrabel
-Slim Tim
Bears beat Detroit Soundly.
Offensively, I like what Ron Turner has done. No smoke and mirrors like Gary Crowton, no unnecessary movement before the snap like Terry Shea. This was straight forward, block your man, create holes, pound the ball football. Nice going Ron!!!
- Slim Tim
- Slim Tim
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Don't Despair Orton Fans...
Ryan Leaf won his first game,
Ryan Leaf won his second game as well
Peyton Manning lost his first game
Peyton Manning also lost his first 4 games.... and was only 3-13 his first season (13-3 his second season)
- Slim Tim.
Ryan Leaf won his second game as well
Peyton Manning lost his first game
Peyton Manning also lost his first 4 games.... and was only 3-13 his first season (13-3 his second season)
- Slim Tim.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Slim Tim's Top Ten List of Players the Bears can Ill Afford to Lose to Injury.
Injuries happen in the NFL every week. The Bears have gotten their fair share of injuries the past few years. This year, they have already lost their starting Quarterback for most, if not all, of the year. I have composed my list of the Bears that I feel cannot get injured. If these players get injured, it will have the most demoralizing effect on the team due to their leadership and general lack of depth behind them.
1. Olin Kreutz - anchors the O-Line. Losing him would definitely be the worst loss
2. Muhsin Muhammad - Big dropoff at WR after Moose
3. John Tait - Needs to have big year
4. Brian Urlacher - Has to be in every game
5. Thomas Jones - Benson is unproven and Peterson is good but not good enough
6. Peanut Tillman - Excellent cover corner and two rookies are backups
7. Kyle Orton - Although unproven, we can't lose another QB
8. Tommie Harris - Gets better each game
9. Lance Briggs - Poised to have ProBowl year
10. Mike Brown - New position needs him on the field every week
* Notable players I have left off of the list:
Adewale Oguleye or Alex Brown - Depth behind them is OK
Terrance Metcalf - Is he all that good to start with?
Mike Green - Todd Johnson is a player.
Hunter Hillenmeyer - Joe Odom is a good backup.
Desmond Clark - Hasn't distinguished himself as a "need to have" player yet.
- Slim Tim
1. Olin Kreutz - anchors the O-Line. Losing him would definitely be the worst loss
2. Muhsin Muhammad - Big dropoff at WR after Moose
3. John Tait - Needs to have big year
4. Brian Urlacher - Has to be in every game
5. Thomas Jones - Benson is unproven and Peterson is good but not good enough
6. Peanut Tillman - Excellent cover corner and two rookies are backups
7. Kyle Orton - Although unproven, we can't lose another QB
8. Tommie Harris - Gets better each game
9. Lance Briggs - Poised to have ProBowl year
10. Mike Brown - New position needs him on the field every week
* Notable players I have left off of the list:
Adewale Oguleye or Alex Brown - Depth behind them is OK
Terrance Metcalf - Is he all that good to start with?
Mike Green - Todd Johnson is a player.
Hunter Hillenmeyer - Joe Odom is a good backup.
Desmond Clark - Hasn't distinguished himself as a "need to have" player yet.
- Slim Tim
2005 Chicago Bears Roster Breakdown
I just wanted to add a little insight behind the players that make up the 53 members of the Chicago Bears Roster.
1. The positional breakdown is as follows:
DB 11
DL 8
OL 8
LB 6
WR 6
QB 4
RB 4
SP 3
TE 3
The things that jump off the chart are:
2. The 4 QBs that they are carrying - most teams only carry 3. I think that once Rex comes back, one of the QBs will be sent to the practice squad, at that point in time, it could be any of the QBs on the roster.
3. They opted to carry at least as many offensive linemen as defensive linemen. I feel that Qasim Mitchell is not good enough to wear an NFL uniform, so it is hard to count all of the Offensive Linemen. Thatwithstanding, depth on the Offensive Line will be critical this year to offset the injuries that are bound to happen.
4. Every time I look wih awe that they opt to carry 3 specialists on their team, i.e. Kicker, Punter AND Longsnapper, I think back to how many times in the years that Patrick Mannelly has been part of the team that they have had problems with long snaps and it makes sense. I am kinda torn, though only because that is a roster spot that could be used for a backup Offensive Lineman.
5. The Bears are carrying a lot of Defensive Backs. The 11 that make up the 53 man roster does not include Cameron Worrell and Anfonso Marshall, who are injured.
6. 7 Rookies make up the 53 man roster -
Bradley, Mark
Benson, Cedric
Orton, Kyle
Holly, Daven
Davis, Rashied
Harris, Chris
McGowan, Brandon
7. 11 members of the Chicago Bears are over 300 lbs.:
63 Garza, Roberto 300
91 Harris, Tommie 300
99 Johnson, Tank 300
74 Brown, Ruben 300
95 Scott, Ian 302
76 Tait, John 315
75 Colombo, Marc 317
70 Boone, Alfonso 318
60 Metcalf, Terrence 318
69 Miller, Fred 320
72 Mitchell, Qasim 355
8. The average weight of the 53 man roster is 240.25 lbs.
9. The average experience of the 53 man roster is 4.28 years.
10. The state representing the most hometowns of the Bears is Florida. 6 Players' hometowns are in Florida:
Blake,Jeff
Johnson,Todd
Scott,Ian
Peterson,Adrian
Brown,Alex
Clark,Desmond
That's all for now. I might add a little more once I have had time to think about the roster a little bit more.
- Slim Tim
1. The positional breakdown is as follows:
DB 11
DL 8
OL 8
LB 6
WR 6
QB 4
RB 4
SP 3
TE 3
The things that jump off the chart are:
2. The 4 QBs that they are carrying - most teams only carry 3. I think that once Rex comes back, one of the QBs will be sent to the practice squad, at that point in time, it could be any of the QBs on the roster.
3. They opted to carry at least as many offensive linemen as defensive linemen. I feel that Qasim Mitchell is not good enough to wear an NFL uniform, so it is hard to count all of the Offensive Linemen. Thatwithstanding, depth on the Offensive Line will be critical this year to offset the injuries that are bound to happen.
4. Every time I look wih awe that they opt to carry 3 specialists on their team, i.e. Kicker, Punter AND Longsnapper, I think back to how many times in the years that Patrick Mannelly has been part of the team that they have had problems with long snaps and it makes sense. I am kinda torn, though only because that is a roster spot that could be used for a backup Offensive Lineman.
5. The Bears are carrying a lot of Defensive Backs. The 11 that make up the 53 man roster does not include Cameron Worrell and Anfonso Marshall, who are injured.
6. 7 Rookies make up the 53 man roster -
Bradley, Mark
Benson, Cedric
Orton, Kyle
Holly, Daven
Davis, Rashied
Harris, Chris
McGowan, Brandon
7. 11 members of the Chicago Bears are over 300 lbs.:
63 Garza, Roberto 300
91 Harris, Tommie 300
99 Johnson, Tank 300
74 Brown, Ruben 300
95 Scott, Ian 302
76 Tait, John 315
75 Colombo, Marc 317
70 Boone, Alfonso 318
60 Metcalf, Terrence 318
69 Miller, Fred 320
72 Mitchell, Qasim 355
8. The average weight of the 53 man roster is 240.25 lbs.
9. The average experience of the 53 man roster is 4.28 years.
10. The state representing the most hometowns of the Bears is Florida. 6 Players' hometowns are in Florida:
Blake,Jeff
Johnson,Todd
Scott,Ian
Peterson,Adrian
Brown,Alex
Clark,Desmond
That's all for now. I might add a little more once I have had time to think about the roster a little bit more.
- Slim Tim
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Reason For Optimism Part 2
Sports Betting and Gambling Odds Online: "Chicago has the best defense in the division, if not the entire NFC."
I found this article from some gambling site... I love it! Positive Bear Love! Since there is not enough positive info out there for the beloved Bears, I thought I would share... and I quote "Chicago has the best defense in the division, if not the entire NFC."
- Slim Tim
I found this article from some gambling site... I love it! Positive Bear Love! Since there is not enough positive info out there for the beloved Bears, I thought I would share... and I quote "Chicago has the best defense in the division, if not the entire NFC."
- Slim Tim
Chicago Bears getting no respect...
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Patriots meet Moss as big favorites: "Chicago (plus 6) at Washington"
Firstly, DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer has the Redskins winning 11-4. What the heck kind of score is 11-4? Now, I could see the Bears getting two safeties... but to then not convert even one of those safeties into at least a field goal.... ALL GAME. Two safeties? I know their offense is not that great, but we have Jerry Azumah returning kickoffs... Man, 11-4 - no respect.
Secondly, there's the now infamous 32nd in the league pick by SI's Dr. Z. Again, no respect.
Lastly there is the Vegas odds, at 40/1... I might have to throw down some $$$ on that bet. - no respect.
This year, the Bear are going to have to prove people wrong and gain back some of that respect.
- Slim Tim.
Firstly, DAVE GOLDBERG, AP Football Writer has the Redskins winning 11-4. What the heck kind of score is 11-4? Now, I could see the Bears getting two safeties... but to then not convert even one of those safeties into at least a field goal.... ALL GAME. Two safeties? I know their offense is not that great, but we have Jerry Azumah returning kickoffs... Man, 11-4 - no respect.
Secondly, there's the now infamous 32nd in the league pick by SI's Dr. Z. Again, no respect.
Lastly there is the Vegas odds, at 40/1... I might have to throw down some $$$ on that bet. - no respect.
This year, the Bear are going to have to prove people wrong and gain back some of that respect.
- Slim Tim.
Denver Broncos - automatically overtake Chicago Bears at 32nd team in NFL...
According to the Rocky Mountain News, the Broncos are close to a deal with former first-round wide receiver David Terrell to take the roster spot left vacant by the retirement of Jerry Rice. Terrell was released by the Patriots last weekend.
Whoa, the Broncos must be seriously hurting, or seriously stupid.
- Slim Tim
UPDATE:
Denver signs wide receiver Terrell.
- Slim Tim
Whoa, the Broncos must be seriously hurting, or seriously stupid.
- Slim Tim
UPDATE:
Denver signs wide receiver Terrell.
- Slim Tim
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Slim Tim's 10 Ten List of Favorite Post-Superbowl Bears.
Here is the list of my personal favorite Post-Superbowl Bears. I ranked the top ten and then decided I still had some favorites I needed to mention so I listed them on down to number 30. (I had some time to ponder this message and this really isn't a list of the top performers, but just my favorite players - hard workers, good people)
1. Tom Waddle
2. Chris Zorich
3. Brian Urlacher
4. Neal Anderson
5. Anthony Thomas
6. Jim Flanigan
7. Trace Armstrong
8. Raymont Harris
9. Olin Kreutz
10. Jim Miller
11. Warrick Holdman
12. Maurice Douglass
13. Peanut Tillman
14. Glen Kozlowski
15. Alex Brown
16. Brad Muster
17. Wendell Davis
18. Jerry Azumah
19. Mark Carrier
20. Donnell Woolford
21. Jerry Fontenot
22. James Williams
23. Bobby Engram
24. Marty Booker
25. Roosevelt Colvin
26. Ted Washington
27. Dante Jones
28. Mike Brown
29. Tommie Harris
30. Cap Boso
- Slim Tim.
1. Tom Waddle
2. Chris Zorich
3. Brian Urlacher
4. Neal Anderson
5. Anthony Thomas
6. Jim Flanigan
7. Trace Armstrong
8. Raymont Harris
9. Olin Kreutz
10. Jim Miller
11. Warrick Holdman
12. Maurice Douglass
13. Peanut Tillman
14. Glen Kozlowski
15. Alex Brown
16. Brad Muster
17. Wendell Davis
18. Jerry Azumah
19. Mark Carrier
20. Donnell Woolford
21. Jerry Fontenot
22. James Williams
23. Bobby Engram
24. Marty Booker
25. Roosevelt Colvin
26. Ted Washington
27. Dante Jones
28. Mike Brown
29. Tommie Harris
30. Cap Boso
- Slim Tim.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Latest Superbowl Odds.
Team (Last updated August 30, 2005)
New England Patriots 2/1
Green Bay Packers 7/2
Philadelphia Eagles 5/1
Indianapolis Colts 6/1
Minnesota Vikings 7/1
Atlanta Falcons 8/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 11/1
Baltimore Ravens 12/1
San Diego Chargers 15/1
Dallas Cowboys 15/1
New York Jets 17/1
Kansas City Chiefs 17/1
Carolina Panthers 17/1
Jacksonville Jaguars 17/1
Denver Broncos 20/1
Buffalo Bills 20/1
Oakland Raiders 20/1
St. Louis Rams 22/1
Seattle Seahawks 25/1
Cincinatti Bengals 25/1
Washington Redskins 30/1
Detroit Lions 30/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40/1
New York Giants 40/1
Arizona Cardinals 40/1
Chicago Bears 40/1
Tennessee Titans 50/1
Houston Texans 60/1
New Orleans Saints 65/1
Miami Dolphins 70/1
Cleveland Browns 100/1
San Francisco 49ers 150/1
New England Patriots 2/1
Green Bay Packers 7/2
Philadelphia Eagles 5/1
Indianapolis Colts 6/1
Minnesota Vikings 7/1
Atlanta Falcons 8/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 11/1
Baltimore Ravens 12/1
San Diego Chargers 15/1
Dallas Cowboys 15/1
New York Jets 17/1
Kansas City Chiefs 17/1
Carolina Panthers 17/1
Jacksonville Jaguars 17/1
Denver Broncos 20/1
Buffalo Bills 20/1
Oakland Raiders 20/1
St. Louis Rams 22/1
Seattle Seahawks 25/1
Cincinatti Bengals 25/1
Washington Redskins 30/1
Detroit Lions 30/1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40/1
New York Giants 40/1
Arizona Cardinals 40/1
Chicago Bears 40/1
Tennessee Titans 50/1
Houston Texans 60/1
New Orleans Saints 65/1
Miami Dolphins 70/1
Cleveland Browns 100/1
San Francisco 49ers 150/1
Bears - 2004 starters without jobs...
Here a smattering of 2004 Chicago Bears starters now out of football...
David Terrell was just released by the NE Patriots... Who knew? I'll tell you... everyone who watched him play in Chicago knew, that's who...
Jonathan Quinn was released by the KC Chiefs. This of course is no big surprise at all.
Chad Hutchinson getting cut was not big surprise either.
- Slim Tim.
David Terrell was just released by the NE Patriots... Who knew? I'll tell you... everyone who watched him play in Chicago knew, that's who...
Jonathan Quinn was released by the KC Chiefs. This of course is no big surprise at all.
Chad Hutchinson getting cut was not big surprise either.
- Slim Tim.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Bears Fans: Firejerry.com is back online.
Calling all intelligent Bears Fans! If you truly follow the Bears and all of their moves and question some of the things that you read in the papers, take a look at firejerry.com. It is back online as of August 23rd, 2005. The website highlights all of the misteps that Jerry Angelo has taken since being with the Bears (and mentions some from before). The person running the site has put together a well thought out approach to how to intelligently evaluate the general manager position. If you truly care about the Bears, this site is for you.
I have included a quote from the firejerry.com website here:
...."For the past 3 years we have pointed out the complete and total incompetence of our fearful leader Jerry Angelo. Well... this year he did it to us again. Deja vu! The Grossman egg basket dropped and busted again. We are left without a veteran backup. Please return often because we will be making updates throughout the entire site! A new look with a renewed effort! We apologize for our lack of updates but we think this year may be our year!"....
- Slim Tim
I have included a quote from the firejerry.com website here:
...."For the past 3 years we have pointed out the complete and total incompetence of our fearful leader Jerry Angelo. Well... this year he did it to us again. Deja vu! The Grossman egg basket dropped and busted again. We are left without a veteran backup. Please return often because we will be making updates throughout the entire site! A new look with a renewed effort! We apologize for our lack of updates but we think this year may be our year!"....
- Slim Tim
Bears - don't forget about Rex.
I want to say that I am happy that Kyle Orton is the starting quarterback ahead of the other current quarterback options... That being said, I hear that Rex Grossman is planning on a Thanksgiving return. I think that the situation could present itself where the Bears family of fans at large might be hoping for Rex at that time. I hope that not to be the case at that point, because that would mean that the team would not be winning because of Kyle. Meaning, they are either losing, or winning in spite of Kyle at QB. If the Bears are losing games, or the offense is sputtering with Kyle when Rex is ready to come back, I can see a situation where fans will be calling for Rex.
I want what I always want, the best player on the field every week and open competition at every position no matter at what point in the season it is or how much money a player makes. That of course includes the Thomas Jones/Cedric Benson RB situation. That also means that when Jerry Azumah comes back from his neck surgery or when Rex returns from his unfortunate surgery, if they are the person to help the team win, put them in the game Lovie!
I'm out - Slim Tim.
I want what I always want, the best player on the field every week and open competition at every position no matter at what point in the season it is or how much money a player makes. That of course includes the Thomas Jones/Cedric Benson RB situation. That also means that when Jerry Azumah comes back from his neck surgery or when Rex returns from his unfortunate surgery, if they are the person to help the team win, put them in the game Lovie!
I'm out - Slim Tim.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Reason for optimism
Passing yards - QB in top 5 (Kyle Orton)
Rushing yards - 2RB in top 5 (Thomas Jones & Adrian Peterson)
Receiving yards - WR in top 5 (Mark Bradley)
I KNOW IT IS PRESEASON, BUT....
If the Bears put in Kyle Orton for good, and they continue to stay away from the injury bug, a .500 record is not out of the question. The new Bears brass is not as pigheaded and stubborn as the old Bears brass, so it is feasible that they will start Kyle Orton now.
- Slim Tim
Rushing yards - 2RB in top 5 (Thomas Jones & Adrian Peterson)
Receiving yards - WR in top 5 (Mark Bradley)
I KNOW IT IS PRESEASON, BUT....
If the Bears put in Kyle Orton for good, and they continue to stay away from the injury bug, a .500 record is not out of the question. The new Bears brass is not as pigheaded and stubborn as the old Bears brass, so it is feasible that they will start Kyle Orton now.
- Slim Tim
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Bears agree to terms with QB Blake
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Bears agree to terms with QB Blake
As previously reported here, Jeff Blake does indeed sign with the Bear. The only other veteran I would have liked to have seen more than Blake would have been Quincy Carter but because of some problems he has had, he may not have worked out here at all. So all in all, not a bad signing for the situation. If you remember all of the veterans who were walked through here before, though, this seems like a defeatist move. Jerry Angelo did not make the correct move on this one. We should already have Brad Johnson in camp right now. - Slim Tim
As previously reported here, Jeff Blake does indeed sign with the Bear. The only other veteran I would have liked to have seen more than Blake would have been Quincy Carter but because of some problems he has had, he may not have worked out here at all. So all in all, not a bad signing for the situation. If you remember all of the veterans who were walked through here before, though, this seems like a defeatist move. Jerry Angelo did not make the correct move on this one. We should already have Brad Johnson in camp right now. - Slim Tim
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Available QBs now that Rex Grossman is down...
Here's your list of unrestricted free agent QBs that are available now that Rex Grossman went down...
Quincy Carter UFA 4 6-2/213
Vinny Testaverde UFA 17 6-5/235
Jeff Blake UFA 12 6-0/210
Chris Chandler UFA 17 6-4.5/228
Shaun King UFA 6 6-0/225
Jeff George UFA 14 6-4/214
Kordell Stewart UFA 10 6-1/217
Doug Pederson UFA 12 6-3/220
Rick Mirer UFA 12 6-3/210
Jonathan Quinn UFA 5 6-6/240
Brock Huard UFA 6 6-5/232
I personally like Quincy Carter, Jeff Blake and Vinny Testaverde.
- Slim Tim
Quincy Carter UFA 4 6-2/213
Vinny Testaverde UFA 17 6-5/235
Jeff Blake UFA 12 6-0/210
Chris Chandler UFA 17 6-4.5/228
Shaun King UFA 6 6-0/225
Jeff George UFA 14 6-4/214
Kordell Stewart UFA 10 6-1/217
Doug Pederson UFA 12 6-3/220
Rick Mirer UFA 12 6-3/210
Jonathan Quinn UFA 5 6-6/240
Brock Huard UFA 6 6-5/232
I personally like Quincy Carter, Jeff Blake and Vinny Testaverde.
- Slim Tim
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Bradley spends some time with the first team
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Bears: Bradley spends some time with the first team
Well, I am truly surprised that he did as well as he did in a game. Even though it was preseason, he shined. Time will tell if he lives up to his high draft pick status. It apparently shows what happens when you sign your rookie contract early and get the business end of football out of the way first, then concentrate on real football. Cedric Benson and ALL OTHER FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE SHOULD TAKE NOTE!!! - Slim Tim.
Well, I am truly surprised that he did as well as he did in a game. Even though it was preseason, he shined. Time will tell if he lives up to his high draft pick status. It apparently shows what happens when you sign your rookie contract early and get the business end of football out of the way first, then concentrate on real football. Cedric Benson and ALL OTHER FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE SHOULD TAKE NOTE!!! - Slim Tim.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Cadillac signs, reports to training camp
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Cadillac signs, reports to training camp: "I stressed to my agent that I definitely wanted to be there on the first day, compete for a starting job and contribute to the team as soon as possible"
To me, this is a sign that we may have signed the wrong guy. Nothing endears a player to fans more than someone who is commited to getting to work and who works hard than a player like Cadillac Williams. I hope I am wrong, really wrong on this. - Slim Tim.
To me, this is a sign that we may have signed the wrong guy. Nothing endears a player to fans more than someone who is commited to getting to work and who works hard than a player like Cadillac Williams. I hope I am wrong, really wrong on this. - Slim Tim.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Bears sign rookie QB Orton to four-year contract
Chicago Bears: "Bears sign rookie QB Orton to four-year contract"
So, this has to be the best news so far this offseason. Kyle Orton needs to get in camp on time, while C. Benson can get there and excel purely based on talent. Congrats Bears!
- SlimTim
So, this has to be the best news so far this offseason. Kyle Orton needs to get in camp on time, while C. Benson can get there and excel purely based on talent. Congrats Bears!
- SlimTim
Monday, May 02, 2005
Cowboys sign Anthony Thomas
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Cowboys sign Thomas: "Cowboys sign Thomas"
Well, the A-Train found a new home. Maybe he will get a fair shake there... Good luck to you...
Well, the A-Train found a new home. Maybe he will get a fair shake there... Good luck to you...
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
2005 NFL Draft top 10 pick Projection.
Here is my projection for the top 10 picks in the upcoming draft.
1. San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Rodgers, QB, California
2. Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
3. Cleveland Browns
Alex Smith, QB, Utah
4. Chicago Bears
Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn
6. Tennessee Titans
Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami
7. Minnesota Vikings
Mike Williams, WR, USC
8. Arizona Cardinals
Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
9. Washington Redskins
Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
10. Detroit Lions
Derrick Johnson, LB, Texas
- Slim Tim.
1. San Francisco 49ers
Aaron Rodgers, QB, California
2. Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn
3. Cleveland Browns
Alex Smith, QB, Utah
4. Chicago Bears
Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carnell Williams, RB, Auburn
6. Tennessee Titans
Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami
7. Minnesota Vikings
Mike Williams, WR, USC
8. Arizona Cardinals
Cedric Benson, RB, Texas
9. Washington Redskins
Adam Jones, CB, West Virginia
10. Detroit Lions
Derrick Johnson, LB, Texas
- Slim Tim.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Chicago Bears - 2005 Schedule News and Notes
Chicago Bears: "SCHEDULE QUICK FACTS "
Regular Season
Date Opponent Time Network Score
September 11 @ Redskins Noon FOX
September 18 vs.Lions Noon FOX
September 25 vs.Bengals Noon CBS
October 9 @ Browns Noon FOX
October 16 vs.Vikings Noon FOX
October 23 vs.Ravens 3:15 p.m. CBS
October 30 @ Lions Noon FOX
November 6 @ Saints Noon FOX
November 13 vs.49ers Noon FOX
November 20 vs.Panthers Noon FOX
November 27 @ Buccaneers Noon FOX
December 4 vs.Packers Noon FOX
December 11 @ Steelers Noon FOX
December 18 vs.Falcons 7:30 p.m. ESPN
December 25 @ Packers 4:00 p.m. FOX
January 1 @ Vikings Noon FOX
All times listed are (CST) Central Standard Time
ROAD OPENER: The Bears open their 2005 season on the road for the third time in the last six seasons, but only the sixth time in the last 24 years, when they open in our nation's capital against the Washington Redskins on Sept. 11. Chicago is 1-4 in its last five road games to open a season, including three consecutive losses with the most recent loss being at San Francisco in 2003. The Bears last opened a season with a win on the road in 1970 with a 24-16 triumph over the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 19.
HOLIDAY ROAD SHOW: The Chicago Bears 2005 regular season schedule is highlighted by one holiday road trip each month of the season, totaling five. Beginning with their season-opening game at Washington on Patriot Day (Sept. 11), the Bears will spend every holiday weekend on the road this season by playing at Detroit the day before Halloween (Oct. 30), at Tampa Bay following Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), at Green Bay on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and at Minnesota on New Year's Day (Jan. 1). Chicago's nationally televised game against the Packers marks the first-ever appearance for the Bears on Christmas Day. Minnesota was the site of the Bears only other appearance on New Year's Day with Chicago beating the Vikings, 35-18, in an NFC First Round Playoff contest on Jan. 1, 1995.
HAIL TO THE CHIEF: The Bears kick off the 2005 season for the first time in franchise history at Washington. Chicago and the Redskins have met only once previously in a season opener with Washington winning, 38-28 on Sept. 15, 1968 at Wrigley Field.
DIVISION DELAY: Chicago will not play Green Bay in 2005 until Week 13, the latest the two long-time rivals have met for the first time in a season since playing for the first time in 1998 on Dec. 13. The Bears have played the Packers in the first half of each of the previous five seasons. The Bears will not play the Vikings until Week Six of the season this year, traveling to Minnesota on Oct. 16, making 2005 the first season this decade in which Chicago will not play Minnesota in one of the first three games of the season.
PUDDLE JUMPERS: Two years removed from traveling nearly 17,000 air miles, the most since the figure began being calculated in 1995, the Bears will average just 850 miles per road trip in 2005, lowest in the last 11 years. The 9,350 air miles amassed for the 11 road games in 2005 is the fewest since 2001 (9,314 miles) and the third-fewest since 1995. For the second consecutive year, the team's farthest trip will be to Tampa which at 2,024 miles accounts for 21.7 percent of the season's total travel.
HIGH NOON: For the third consecutive season, the Bears play 13 of their 16 games at Noon (Chicago Time) in 2005. Chicago's only appearance on primetime this season will be against Atlanta on Dec. 18 on ESPN's Sunday Night Football. The Bears had five game times other than Noon in 2002.
SUPER TRIP: For the second-straight year and tenth time in franchise history, the Bears play a road game at the site which hosts that season's Super Bowl. When Chicago plays at Detroit's Ford Field on Oct. 30 it will be the same venue that hosts Super Bowl XL on Feb. 5, 2006. The Bears are 4-5 overall at stadiums in the year that they host the Super Bowl, dating back to a 31-17 loss to the L.A. Rams at the L.A. Coliseum on Sept. 16, 1966 prior to Super Bowl I. Chicago has lost three straight games at Super Bowl sites since winning four in a row between 1983 to 1994. The Bears are scheduled to play Miami next year, hosts of Super Bowl XLI, but the game will be played in Chicago.
SALUTATIONS TO STEELERS: The Bears roll into the Steel City for the first time in the regular season since Sept. 13, 1998 when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 11. The Week 14 match-up is the first regular-season contest between the two storied franchises in seven seasons, the longest drought of any Bears opponent in the league. After playing the Steelers, the team with the distinction of being the NFL team that Chicago has gone the longest without facing falls to Buffalo who last played the Bears in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sept. 29, 2002. The two teams are slated to meet in 2006.
CLEVELAND ROCKS: From the beaches of Lake Michigan to the banks of Lake Erie, the Bears play at Cleveland in the regular season for the first time since Nov. 29, 1992. The Bears regular-season absence in the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the second longest among all NFL cities behind only Indianapolis (Nov. 17, 1991). The game against the Browns marks the 16th consecutive season in which the Bears play a regular-season game against a squad they also played in the preseason.
MISCELLANEOUS SCHEDULE NOTES
The Bears open the home portion of their schedule in Week 2 against Detroit, the second consecutive season in which the Lions are the first NFL team to travel to Chicago for a regular season game. Detroit defeated Chicago 20-16 on Sept. 12 in the 2004 season opener.
Chicago plays Baltimore for just the third time ever with the Ravens making just their second trip to Soldier Field, the last one being Dec. 20, 1998.
Cincinnati makes its first visit to Chicago since Nov. 8, 1992, a 31-28 Cincinnati win in overtime on Sunday night.
Chicago has three sets of consecutive home games in 2005 and two sets of consecutive road games.
The 2005 schedule will mark the second time in three years in which the Bears will open and close the season on the road with 2003 being the other occurrence. Chicago has opened and closed its season on the road just six times since 1970.
The last time the Bears concluded a season with consecutive games on the road was 2000. Chicago has not finished a regular season with a game at Minnesota since 1988 when the Bears lost 28-27 on Dec. 19.
Chicago appears on ESPN's Sunday Night Football for the second consecutive season while not appearing on ABC's Monday Night Football for the sixth time in eight years.
The Bears play three AFC North teams in a four-week stretch from Week 3-7 and play three NFC South teams in a four-week stretch from Week 8-11.
Regular Season
Date Opponent Time Network Score
September 11 @ Redskins Noon FOX
September 18 vs.Lions Noon FOX
September 25 vs.Bengals Noon CBS
October 9 @ Browns Noon FOX
October 16 vs.Vikings Noon FOX
October 23 vs.Ravens 3:15 p.m. CBS
October 30 @ Lions Noon FOX
November 6 @ Saints Noon FOX
November 13 vs.49ers Noon FOX
November 20 vs.Panthers Noon FOX
November 27 @ Buccaneers Noon FOX
December 4 vs.Packers Noon FOX
December 11 @ Steelers Noon FOX
December 18 vs.Falcons 7:30 p.m. ESPN
December 25 @ Packers 4:00 p.m. FOX
January 1 @ Vikings Noon FOX
All times listed are (CST) Central Standard Time
ROAD OPENER: The Bears open their 2005 season on the road for the third time in the last six seasons, but only the sixth time in the last 24 years, when they open in our nation's capital against the Washington Redskins on Sept. 11. Chicago is 1-4 in its last five road games to open a season, including three consecutive losses with the most recent loss being at San Francisco in 2003. The Bears last opened a season with a win on the road in 1970 with a 24-16 triumph over the New York Giants at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 19.
HOLIDAY ROAD SHOW: The Chicago Bears 2005 regular season schedule is highlighted by one holiday road trip each month of the season, totaling five. Beginning with their season-opening game at Washington on Patriot Day (Sept. 11), the Bears will spend every holiday weekend on the road this season by playing at Detroit the day before Halloween (Oct. 30), at Tampa Bay following Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), at Green Bay on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and at Minnesota on New Year's Day (Jan. 1). Chicago's nationally televised game against the Packers marks the first-ever appearance for the Bears on Christmas Day. Minnesota was the site of the Bears only other appearance on New Year's Day with Chicago beating the Vikings, 35-18, in an NFC First Round Playoff contest on Jan. 1, 1995.
HAIL TO THE CHIEF: The Bears kick off the 2005 season for the first time in franchise history at Washington. Chicago and the Redskins have met only once previously in a season opener with Washington winning, 38-28 on Sept. 15, 1968 at Wrigley Field.
DIVISION DELAY: Chicago will not play Green Bay in 2005 until Week 13, the latest the two long-time rivals have met for the first time in a season since playing for the first time in 1998 on Dec. 13. The Bears have played the Packers in the first half of each of the previous five seasons. The Bears will not play the Vikings until Week Six of the season this year, traveling to Minnesota on Oct. 16, making 2005 the first season this decade in which Chicago will not play Minnesota in one of the first three games of the season.
PUDDLE JUMPERS: Two years removed from traveling nearly 17,000 air miles, the most since the figure began being calculated in 1995, the Bears will average just 850 miles per road trip in 2005, lowest in the last 11 years. The 9,350 air miles amassed for the 11 road games in 2005 is the fewest since 2001 (9,314 miles) and the third-fewest since 1995. For the second consecutive year, the team's farthest trip will be to Tampa which at 2,024 miles accounts for 21.7 percent of the season's total travel.
HIGH NOON: For the third consecutive season, the Bears play 13 of their 16 games at Noon (Chicago Time) in 2005. Chicago's only appearance on primetime this season will be against Atlanta on Dec. 18 on ESPN's Sunday Night Football. The Bears had five game times other than Noon in 2002.
SUPER TRIP: For the second-straight year and tenth time in franchise history, the Bears play a road game at the site which hosts that season's Super Bowl. When Chicago plays at Detroit's Ford Field on Oct. 30 it will be the same venue that hosts Super Bowl XL on Feb. 5, 2006. The Bears are 4-5 overall at stadiums in the year that they host the Super Bowl, dating back to a 31-17 loss to the L.A. Rams at the L.A. Coliseum on Sept. 16, 1966 prior to Super Bowl I. Chicago has lost three straight games at Super Bowl sites since winning four in a row between 1983 to 1994. The Bears are scheduled to play Miami next year, hosts of Super Bowl XLI, but the game will be played in Chicago.
SALUTATIONS TO STEELERS: The Bears roll into the Steel City for the first time in the regular season since Sept. 13, 1998 when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 11. The Week 14 match-up is the first regular-season contest between the two storied franchises in seven seasons, the longest drought of any Bears opponent in the league. After playing the Steelers, the team with the distinction of being the NFL team that Chicago has gone the longest without facing falls to Buffalo who last played the Bears in Orchard Park, N.Y. on Sept. 29, 2002. The two teams are slated to meet in 2006.
CLEVELAND ROCKS: From the beaches of Lake Michigan to the banks of Lake Erie, the Bears play at Cleveland in the regular season for the first time since Nov. 29, 1992. The Bears regular-season absence in the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the second longest among all NFL cities behind only Indianapolis (Nov. 17, 1991). The game against the Browns marks the 16th consecutive season in which the Bears play a regular-season game against a squad they also played in the preseason.
MISCELLANEOUS SCHEDULE NOTES
The Bears open the home portion of their schedule in Week 2 against Detroit, the second consecutive season in which the Lions are the first NFL team to travel to Chicago for a regular season game. Detroit defeated Chicago 20-16 on Sept. 12 in the 2004 season opener.
Chicago plays Baltimore for just the third time ever with the Ravens making just their second trip to Soldier Field, the last one being Dec. 20, 1998.
Cincinnati makes its first visit to Chicago since Nov. 8, 1992, a 31-28 Cincinnati win in overtime on Sunday night.
Chicago has three sets of consecutive home games in 2005 and two sets of consecutive road games.
The 2005 schedule will mark the second time in three years in which the Bears will open and close the season on the road with 2003 being the other occurrence. Chicago has opened and closed its season on the road just six times since 1970.
The last time the Bears concluded a season with consecutive games on the road was 2000. Chicago has not finished a regular season with a game at Minnesota since 1988 when the Bears lost 28-27 on Dec. 19.
Chicago appears on ESPN's Sunday Night Football for the second consecutive season while not appearing on ABC's Monday Night Football for the sixth time in eight years.
The Bears play three AFC North teams in a four-week stretch from Week 3-7 and play three NFC South teams in a four-week stretch from Week 8-11.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Subtraction by Addition - Terrell to Land with Champs
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Terrell to Land with Champs: "Terrell to Land with Champs"
In an unheralded move today, the New England Patriots apparently are seriously considering signing David Terrell. In other somewhat similar news, the Patriots chance to win the Superbowl in '06 has dropped from 2-1 to 200-1. - Slim Tim
In an unheralded move today, the New England Patriots apparently are seriously considering signing David Terrell. In other somewhat similar news, the Patriots chance to win the Superbowl in '06 has dropped from 2-1 to 200-1. - Slim Tim
Monday, March 21, 2005
Rex Grossman: ACL Healed
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Rex Grossman: ACL Healed: "Grossman said if there was a game this week, he could play on his right knee,"
Well, I just hope that the Bears do not evaluate and release injury information to the public like the Chicago Cubs do... Oh Rex, you saviour of Bear fans everywhere, we hope ye are healed!!! - Slim Tim
Well, I just hope that the Bears do not evaluate and release injury information to the public like the Chicago Cubs do... Oh Rex, you saviour of Bear fans everywhere, we hope ye are healed!!! - Slim Tim
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Bears and the running back part 1...
NFL In the Trenches: James, Alexander on the block - CBS SportsLine.com: " The team has been tied to a trade rumor that involves James"
So, is there a trade rumor involving Thomas Jones and Edgerrin James? If so, this is the first mention of it I have seen... More to come on the RB situation... - Slim Tim
So, is there a trade rumor involving Thomas Jones and Edgerrin James? If so, this is the first mention of it I have seen... More to come on the RB situation... - Slim Tim
Bears should sign Brad Johnson
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Domino Effect: "a passer rating on 79.5, better than 14 NFL starters last season and also better than the four Bears"
Seems to me that if he *wants* to come to the Bears, he is as good an option for a backup as any other QB out there. I like him as a QB knowing if *and when* he needs to step up and play... and you know he will... that he will be able to perform as good if not better than any QB that we have had on our roster in a long time. - Slim Tim.
Seems to me that if he *wants* to come to the Bears, he is as good an option for a backup as any other QB out there. I like him as a QB knowing if *and when* he needs to step up and play... and you know he will... that he will be able to perform as good if not better than any QB that we have had on our roster in a long time. - Slim Tim.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Bears agree to five-year deal with Fred Miller
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Bears agree to five-year deal with Fred Miller: "the 32-year-old veteran who hasn't missed a start since 1998"
Fred Miller
Could we be so lucky??? A solid offensive lineman starter who hasn't missed a start in 7 years!!! That speaks volumes in my book. Nice signing!!! - Slim Tim
Fred Miller
Could we be so lucky??? A solid offensive lineman starter who hasn't missed a start in 7 years!!! That speaks volumes in my book. Nice signing!!! - Slim Tim
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Bears trade 4th pick down to...
So today I hear my thoughts of a few days ago echoed by a friend of mine who heard on the sports talk radio about the possibility of the Bears trading their 4th selection in this draft to Dallas for their two first round picks (11th and 20th). The radio guy says it may be a reality because Dallas is really interested in Mike Williams at the 4th spot. Since Dallas now has Drew Bledsoe and Julius Jones, the receiver would make a very interesting triple threat similar to that of Indianapolis... For me that would be tremendous, the Bears could then address their need at tight end and offensive tackle in the first round, they could even draft two offensive tackles with the two first round picks, that'd be OK with me... I even like the possibility of trading the high first round pick then to a team for their lower first round pick and their 3rd round pick (The Bears traded away their 3rd round pick this year along with #86 to Miami for Adewale Ogunleye). No matter what happens with the draft, I would like the Bears to stay away from any defensive player until the second day, that seems to be where we pick up a lot of defensive talent for a bargain. - Slim Tim
Monday, February 28, 2005
Bears release WR Terrell
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Bears release WR Terrell: "Two days after signing two-time Pro Bowl receiver Muhsin Muhammad, the Chicago Bears have released David Terrell. "
Wow, who saw that coming? As mentioned in previous posts, this writer firmly believes that Bears are better off without David Terrell. This move parallels the Cubs saying goodbye to Sammy Sosa a little. Sammy Sosa has accomplished something, though where David Terrell really has not lived up to his potential. I only mention the Sammy thing because it seems both teams let go of players so that they could provide addition by subtraction. - Slim Tim.
Wow, who saw that coming? As mentioned in previous posts, this writer firmly believes that Bears are better off without David Terrell. This move parallels the Cubs saying goodbye to Sammy Sosa a little. Sammy Sosa has accomplished something, though where David Terrell really has not lived up to his potential. I only mention the Sammy thing because it seems both teams let go of players so that they could provide addition by subtraction. - Slim Tim.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Draft Possibilities 02/26/2005 - Trade Down.
OK, now we have secured Moose Muhammad, the draft now has interesting possibilities. There are two teams who have two first round picks. The first team is Dallas with the 11th and 20th picks. The other team is San Diego with the 12th and 28th picks. If either of these teams would be willing to trade both of their picks to the Bear for their 4th overall, I would like to see them trade down. If this situation presents itself, the Bears could then use the 11th or 12th pick to select Heath Miller TE from Virginia. With the 20th or 28th pick they could then select an offensive lineman such as Jammal Brown, Khalif Barnes or Alex Barron. I love these perfect world scenarios... I wonder how it will play out. - Slim Tim
Muhammad reportedly agrees to terms
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Bears: Muhammad reportedly agrees to terms: "Bears: Muhammad reportedly agrees to terms"
Muhsin Muhammad
Yes, Yes!!! I love it. Moose immediately upgrades the receiver squad. We now have a legitimate number one receiver. I think this signing will also help draw a backup QB like Brad Johnson or Kurt Warner to the Bear. The signing of Moose now makes their 4th pick in the draft more interesting, does this mean that we still keep the pick to select a Wide Receiver? It seems that we could use that pick to select one of the Running Backs that will be on the board at that time. Either way, it seems to me that the Bear will address the Offensive Tackle position at the beginning of the second round now instead of trading down to select an OT. WOOOOO HOOOOO: Muhsin Muhammad!!!! - Slim Tim
Muhsin Muhammad
Yes, Yes!!! I love it. Moose immediately upgrades the receiver squad. We now have a legitimate number one receiver. I think this signing will also help draw a backup QB like Brad Johnson or Kurt Warner to the Bear. The signing of Moose now makes their 4th pick in the draft more interesting, does this mean that we still keep the pick to select a Wide Receiver? It seems that we could use that pick to select one of the Running Backs that will be on the board at that time. Either way, it seems to me that the Bear will address the Offensive Tackle position at the beginning of the second round now instead of trading down to select an OT. WOOOOO HOOOOO: Muhsin Muhammad!!!! - Slim Tim
Friday, February 25, 2005
Sign Jerry Rice.
As soon as is possible, sign Jerry Rice. Sign him and sign him now. Let him retire a Chicago Bear. An old Jerry Rice is still Jerry Rice. Wow, the Seahawks just released him, he is free to sign with whoever, why not the Chicago Bear??? - Slim Tim.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Monday, February 21, 2005
Bears vs. Saints 08/27/04 Picture
This picture is from the Bears vs. Saints preseason game on August 27th 2004. The Bear lost, but at least we had excellent seats for the game. That's me on the right and my brother-in-law on the left.
Derrick Mason a possiblility???
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Mason Could be the Go-To Wideout Bears Crave: "With only $2.5 million under the salary cap it will be difficult to lure Mason, who made a base salary of $3.3 million last season and would have made $3.2 million this year. "
Slim Tim Speaks: "Well, he isn't the local prospect like Justin McCariens was when we should have gotten him, but this free agent receiver deserves the best look of all the free agent receivers currently. He lead all receivers in 2004 with 96 catches and was second only to Tony Gonzalez for all players (Tony had 102 catches).
Rank Player Team Rec Yds Avg TDs Long
1 Tony Gonzalez KC 102 1258 12.3 7 32
2 Derrick Mason TEN 96 1168 12.2 7 37
3 Chad Johnson CIN 95 1274 13.4 9 53
4 Joe Horn NO 94 1399 14.9 11 57
5 Torry Holt STL 94 1372 14.6 10 75
At 31 years old, this player would really do well with our pool of young receivers." - Slim Tim.
Slim Tim Speaks: "Well, he isn't the local prospect like Justin McCariens was when we should have gotten him, but this free agent receiver deserves the best look of all the free agent receivers currently. He lead all receivers in 2004 with 96 catches and was second only to Tony Gonzalez for all players (Tony had 102 catches).
Rank Player Team Rec Yds Avg TDs Long
1 Tony Gonzalez KC 102 1258 12.3 7 32
2 Derrick Mason TEN 96 1168 12.2 7 37
3 Chad Johnson CIN 95 1274 13.4 9 53
4 Joe Horn NO 94 1399 14.9 11 57
5 Torry Holt STL 94 1372 14.6 10 75
At 31 years old, this player would really do well with our pool of young receivers." - Slim Tim.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Re: Bears Training Camp Concern
The following is the response I received less than 24 hours after my original letter written to the Chicago Bears:
Timothy,
From our Advertising and Events department:
The change in the format of ONU Appreciation Day was made for several reasons, but the primary reason was the health and safety of the players. The format for this summer has not been determined yet, but there will be changes made. As soon as the format is finalized, information can be found on ONU's Training Camp site. We truly appreciate your feedback.
Thanks for your support of the Chicago Bears.
Jacinta Williams
Chicago Bears, Fan Services Assistant
Nice to have such a timely response, I guess I was looking for more specifics. I will update as I find out more. - SlimTim
Timothy,
From our Advertising and Events department:
The change in the format of ONU Appreciation Day was made for several reasons, but the primary reason was the health and safety of the players. The format for this summer has not been determined yet, but there will be changes made. As soon as the format is finalized, information can be found on ONU's Training Camp site. We truly appreciate your feedback.
Thanks for your support of the Chicago Bears.
Jacinta Williams
Chicago Bears, Fan Services Assistant
Nice to have such a timely response, I guess I was looking for more specifics. I will update as I find out more. - SlimTim
Monday, February 14, 2005
Bears Training Camp Concern
** Copy of letter sent to fanservices@bears.nfl.com **
Hello,
Each year since the Bears moved to Bourbonnais my family and I have attended the Appreciation Day held at Olivet Nazarene University. The 2002 experience was incredible, we paid the extra money for the paid admission and got an up close seat to see the Bears practice. After practice, the spectators that participated in the Appreciation Day event got an opportunity to go to a special meet and greet session with the players. Although it was awkward to see all of the players having to stand and meet their fans directly after practice, it was a nice opportunity for the fans to get close to the Bears players and wish them well on the season. It afforded me a memorable opportunity to tell Brad Maynard how much he meant to the team the year before. The players signed autographs and shook hands with fans from behind a yellow roped off area for 45 minutes (I know that because of overhearing a conversation between Jim Miller and Chris Chandler while they were signing autographs).
The Appreciation Day was repeated in much the same manner in 2003 as fans were treated to the same meet and greet session after practice. In 2003 however, the players were comfortably seated in groups of two at folding tables while signing autographs and shaking hands. That year, I got to see the humanity of several players and I appreciated the interaction that I had the opportunity to witness between fans and the players. There was a young boy who was concerned he would not have time to wait in the line to get an autograph from Kordell Stewart while getting an autograph from Ted Washington. Ted Washington overheard this and took the page from the boy and handed it to Kordell for him to sign for the boy. In another memorable moment of interaction between the fans, the same Ted Washington laughed out loud as a fan lauded Adrian Peterson as he was going to go to the pro bowl after the upcoming season. I got to kid Chris Villarrial about how the media pointed him out as him being the strongest Bear player to which he said it was actually Rex Tucker who was the strongest player. I remember thinking that they should have had their numbers on the tables though as we hardly have the opportunity to see many of the players with their helmets off.
Last year, as we drove down the same hour drive with six of us in the minivan, we were pleased to park in a special section reserved for the fans who had pre-paid their admission. We piled out of the minivan decked out in Bears attire such as Enis, Urlacher, Payton and Waddle jerseys and entered through the special entrance reserved for VIPs. As we entered, we were given a scratch-off card for a chance to win an autograph by one of the players, unfortunately none of our group was a winner. We got to our seats in plenty of time and as the players came out we cheered, because they are our home team, the only team, the Chicago Bears. We stood and cheered when a long pass was caught and voiced disappointment when a pass was dropped. The bleacher seating afforded an excellent vantage point at which to view all of the activities going on.
I want to stress how impersonal the end of practice was compared to the past two years. The experience was drastically different and I am wondering why. If it will be the same as last year, I probably will not attend the Training Camp in 2005. Instead of the special meet and greet session that we had come to look forward to every year, there was an odd march of winners in a single file line. These lucky few were separated into groups of 10 winners separated by a ONU employee. These lucky winners were paraded out to the edge of the practice field and the players came over to the sideline, signed the piece of paper and turned and went to the locker room. Oh yes, they were given a t-shirt as well. One of these winners was a 11 year old boy, whose mother works with me, and had gone to the training camp on my recommendation based on the two previous years. Although he won and he received other autographs from the other players who hung around, it was definitely not at all like I had described to his mother. I am not bitter because I did not win the scratch-off game, but more disappointed for the boy who did not get his wish fulfilled to meet all of the players like he had expected.
As there was a coaching change from the 2003-2004 season to the 2004-2005 season, we were left to wonder if that was the reason for the change or was it some policy shift that Olivet Nazarene had for the Chicago Bears. More importantly, we were wondering what to expect for the upcoming training camp in 2005.
Thank you for your time,
A Concerned Bears Fan
- SlimTim
Downers Grove, IL
I found a picture that I took during the Appreciation Day on August 14th, 2004. This picture illustrates the winners of the contest being paraded along the sidelines to get their autograph.
Hello,
Each year since the Bears moved to Bourbonnais my family and I have attended the Appreciation Day held at Olivet Nazarene University. The 2002 experience was incredible, we paid the extra money for the paid admission and got an up close seat to see the Bears practice. After practice, the spectators that participated in the Appreciation Day event got an opportunity to go to a special meet and greet session with the players. Although it was awkward to see all of the players having to stand and meet their fans directly after practice, it was a nice opportunity for the fans to get close to the Bears players and wish them well on the season. It afforded me a memorable opportunity to tell Brad Maynard how much he meant to the team the year before. The players signed autographs and shook hands with fans from behind a yellow roped off area for 45 minutes (I know that because of overhearing a conversation between Jim Miller and Chris Chandler while they were signing autographs).
The Appreciation Day was repeated in much the same manner in 2003 as fans were treated to the same meet and greet session after practice. In 2003 however, the players were comfortably seated in groups of two at folding tables while signing autographs and shaking hands. That year, I got to see the humanity of several players and I appreciated the interaction that I had the opportunity to witness between fans and the players. There was a young boy who was concerned he would not have time to wait in the line to get an autograph from Kordell Stewart while getting an autograph from Ted Washington. Ted Washington overheard this and took the page from the boy and handed it to Kordell for him to sign for the boy. In another memorable moment of interaction between the fans, the same Ted Washington laughed out loud as a fan lauded Adrian Peterson as he was going to go to the pro bowl after the upcoming season. I got to kid Chris Villarrial about how the media pointed him out as him being the strongest Bear player to which he said it was actually Rex Tucker who was the strongest player. I remember thinking that they should have had their numbers on the tables though as we hardly have the opportunity to see many of the players with their helmets off.
Last year, as we drove down the same hour drive with six of us in the minivan, we were pleased to park in a special section reserved for the fans who had pre-paid their admission. We piled out of the minivan decked out in Bears attire such as Enis, Urlacher, Payton and Waddle jerseys and entered through the special entrance reserved for VIPs. As we entered, we were given a scratch-off card for a chance to win an autograph by one of the players, unfortunately none of our group was a winner. We got to our seats in plenty of time and as the players came out we cheered, because they are our home team, the only team, the Chicago Bears. We stood and cheered when a long pass was caught and voiced disappointment when a pass was dropped. The bleacher seating afforded an excellent vantage point at which to view all of the activities going on.
I want to stress how impersonal the end of practice was compared to the past two years. The experience was drastically different and I am wondering why. If it will be the same as last year, I probably will not attend the Training Camp in 2005. Instead of the special meet and greet session that we had come to look forward to every year, there was an odd march of winners in a single file line. These lucky few were separated into groups of 10 winners separated by a ONU employee. These lucky winners were paraded out to the edge of the practice field and the players came over to the sideline, signed the piece of paper and turned and went to the locker room. Oh yes, they were given a t-shirt as well. One of these winners was a 11 year old boy, whose mother works with me, and had gone to the training camp on my recommendation based on the two previous years. Although he won and he received other autographs from the other players who hung around, it was definitely not at all like I had described to his mother. I am not bitter because I did not win the scratch-off game, but more disappointed for the boy who did not get his wish fulfilled to meet all of the players like he had expected.
As there was a coaching change from the 2003-2004 season to the 2004-2005 season, we were left to wonder if that was the reason for the change or was it some policy shift that Olivet Nazarene had for the Chicago Bears. More importantly, we were wondering what to expect for the upcoming training camp in 2005.
Thank you for your time,
A Concerned Bears Fan
- SlimTim
Downers Grove, IL
I found a picture that I took during the Appreciation Day on August 14th, 2004. This picture illustrates the winners of the contest being paraded along the sidelines to get their autograph.
Sunday, February 06, 2005
2005 Free Agent Wide Receivers.
This is a list of 2005 Free Agent Wide Receivers.
Arizona Cardinals
Reggie Newhouse, WR
Contract Details: Newhouse was signed to the Cardinals practice squad on November 26, 2003. He was then added to the active squad on January 13, 2004.
Baltimore
Travis Taylor, WR
Contract Details: Taylor agreed to a five-year, $10.9 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens on August 1, 2000, according to the Associated Press.
Carolina Panthers
Karl Hankton, WR
Micah Ross, WR
Cincinnati Bengals
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR
Contract Details: Houshmandzadeh signed a one-year contract with the Bengals on April 14, 2004.
Freddie Milons, WR
Contract Details: Signed a three-year deal in June 2002.
Clifford Russell, WR
Contract Details: Russell signed a three-year contract in July 2002. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Cleveland Browns
Richard Alston, WR
Frisman Jackson, WR
Contract Details: Jackson signed a one-year deal with the Browns in September 2004.
C.J. Jones, WR
Contract Details: Jones was cut at the end of the 2004 preseason but then re-signed to the Browns' practice squad.
Andre King, WR
Contract Details: King, a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Browns in April 2004.
Dallas Cowboys
Tom Crowder, WR
Contract Details: The Cowboys signed Crowder off their practice squad on December 28, 2004. He will be a UFA after the season, but the Cowboys retain exclusive negotiating rights.
Detroit Lions
Tai Streets, WR
Contract Details: The Lions signed Streets to a one-year contract on March 10, 2004. The Detroit Free Press reports the deal to be worth $1.5 million, including a $750,000 signing bonus.
Reggie Swinton, WR
Contract Details: The Lions signed Swinton to a one-year contract on April 19, 2004.
Houston Texans
Corey Bradford, WR
Contract Details: In March of 2002, the Texans and Bradford agreed on a three-year deal.
Kendrick Starling, WR
Indianapolis Colts
Troy Walters, WR
Contract Details: Walters signed a two-year contract extension in January 2003.
Miami Dolphins
Sam Simmons, WR
Contract Details: Simmons signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins in July of 2002.
Terrence Wilkins, WR
Contract Details: Wilkins signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins on March 16, 2004. The Miami Herald reports the deal is worth $535,000.
New England Patriots
Troy Brown, WR
Contract Details: Brown reworked his contract with New England in July of 2002. He remains signed through the 2004 season.
New Orleans Saints
Talman Gardner, WR
Pittsburgh Steelers
Plaxico Burress, WR
San Francisco 49ers
Curtis Conway, WR
Contract Details: Conway signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on May 25, 2004. The contract is worth $760,000 and did not include a signing bonus, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Cedrick Wilson, WR
Contract Details: Wilson signed the restricted free agent tender on April 14, 2004. The one-year deal is presumably worth $628,000, although reports in the local papers did not list the amount.
Seattle Seahawks
Alex Bannister, WR
Contract Details: Bannister signed his one-year, $628,000 RFA tender in May of 2004, according to the Seattle Times.
St. Louis Rams
Mike Furrey, WR
Contract Details: Furrey signed a one-year contract extension with the Rams on January 26, 2003, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Dane Looker, WR
Contract Details: Looker signed the one-year RFA tender on May 6, 2004. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2004 season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tim Brown, WR
Contract Details: Brown signed with the Buccaneers on August 10, 2004. The length and financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Joey Galloway, WR
Contract Details: Galloway signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Buccaneers on March 19, 2004, according to the Associated Press.
Charles Lee, WR
Frank Murphy, WR
Edell Shepherd, WR
Tennessee Titans
Jason McAddley, WR
Contract Details: McAddley signed a three-year deal in June 2002, according to the Associated Press. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The receivers that interest me the most are: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Joey Galloway, Dane Looker, Corey Bradford, and Plaxico Burress... Comments? - Slim Tim.
Arizona Cardinals
Reggie Newhouse, WR
Contract Details: Newhouse was signed to the Cardinals practice squad on November 26, 2003. He was then added to the active squad on January 13, 2004.
Baltimore
Travis Taylor, WR
Contract Details: Taylor agreed to a five-year, $10.9 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens on August 1, 2000, according to the Associated Press.
Carolina Panthers
Karl Hankton, WR
Micah Ross, WR
Cincinnati Bengals
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR
Contract Details: Houshmandzadeh signed a one-year contract with the Bengals on April 14, 2004.
Freddie Milons, WR
Contract Details: Signed a three-year deal in June 2002.
Clifford Russell, WR
Contract Details: Russell signed a three-year contract in July 2002. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Cleveland Browns
Richard Alston, WR
Frisman Jackson, WR
Contract Details: Jackson signed a one-year deal with the Browns in September 2004.
C.J. Jones, WR
Contract Details: Jones was cut at the end of the 2004 preseason but then re-signed to the Browns' practice squad.
Andre King, WR
Contract Details: King, a restricted free agent, re-signed with the Browns in April 2004.
Dallas Cowboys
Tom Crowder, WR
Contract Details: The Cowboys signed Crowder off their practice squad on December 28, 2004. He will be a UFA after the season, but the Cowboys retain exclusive negotiating rights.
Detroit Lions
Tai Streets, WR
Contract Details: The Lions signed Streets to a one-year contract on March 10, 2004. The Detroit Free Press reports the deal to be worth $1.5 million, including a $750,000 signing bonus.
Reggie Swinton, WR
Contract Details: The Lions signed Swinton to a one-year contract on April 19, 2004.
Houston Texans
Corey Bradford, WR
Contract Details: In March of 2002, the Texans and Bradford agreed on a three-year deal.
Kendrick Starling, WR
Indianapolis Colts
Troy Walters, WR
Contract Details: Walters signed a two-year contract extension in January 2003.
Miami Dolphins
Sam Simmons, WR
Contract Details: Simmons signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins in July of 2002.
Terrence Wilkins, WR
Contract Details: Wilkins signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins on March 16, 2004. The Miami Herald reports the deal is worth $535,000.
New England Patriots
Troy Brown, WR
Contract Details: Brown reworked his contract with New England in July of 2002. He remains signed through the 2004 season.
New Orleans Saints
Talman Gardner, WR
Pittsburgh Steelers
Plaxico Burress, WR
San Francisco 49ers
Curtis Conway, WR
Contract Details: Conway signed a one-year deal with the 49ers on May 25, 2004. The contract is worth $760,000 and did not include a signing bonus, according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Cedrick Wilson, WR
Contract Details: Wilson signed the restricted free agent tender on April 14, 2004. The one-year deal is presumably worth $628,000, although reports in the local papers did not list the amount.
Seattle Seahawks
Alex Bannister, WR
Contract Details: Bannister signed his one-year, $628,000 RFA tender in May of 2004, according to the Seattle Times.
St. Louis Rams
Mike Furrey, WR
Contract Details: Furrey signed a one-year contract extension with the Rams on January 26, 2003, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Dane Looker, WR
Contract Details: Looker signed the one-year RFA tender on May 6, 2004. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2004 season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tim Brown, WR
Contract Details: Brown signed with the Buccaneers on August 10, 2004. The length and financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Joey Galloway, WR
Contract Details: Galloway signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Buccaneers on March 19, 2004, according to the Associated Press.
Charles Lee, WR
Frank Murphy, WR
Edell Shepherd, WR
Tennessee Titans
Jason McAddley, WR
Contract Details: McAddley signed a three-year deal in June 2002, according to the Associated Press. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The receivers that interest me the most are: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Joey Galloway, Dane Looker, Corey Bradford, and Plaxico Burress... Comments? - Slim Tim.
Bears '05 Offseason Options.
Bears '05 offseason needs: OT, WR, TE, QB.
1. Stand pat, build offense through draft: use fourth pick on premiere WR.
2. Trade down and select offensive lineman Alex Barron, Jammal Brown, or Khalif Barnes later in first round. Use additional picks based on need.
3. Sign Walter Jones from Seattle on March 2nd, draft Wide Receiver through draft.
4. Trade first round pick for premiere Wide receiver such as Ron Gardner, Reggie Wayne, Donte' Stallworth, or Randy Moss on March 2nd and pick up other needs through later rounds of draft.
I invite your comments on the subject to add your comments, click the comments link. - Slim Tim
1. Stand pat, build offense through draft: use fourth pick on premiere WR.
2. Trade down and select offensive lineman Alex Barron, Jammal Brown, or Khalif Barnes later in first round. Use additional picks based on need.
3. Sign Walter Jones from Seattle on March 2nd, draft Wide Receiver through draft.
4. Trade first round pick for premiere Wide receiver such as Ron Gardner, Reggie Wayne, Donte' Stallworth, or Randy Moss on March 2nd and pick up other needs through later rounds of draft.
I invite your comments on the subject to add your comments, click the comments link. - Slim Tim
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Bears '05 Draft Projection
From a sampling of 58 mock drafts currently on the internet, the Bears have been projected to take the following players:
Mike Williams, WR USC: 32 drafts
Braylon Edwards, WR UM: 22 drafts
Ronnie Brown, RB AUB: 2 drafts
Cedric Benson, RB TEX: 1 draft
Alex Barron, OT FSU: 1 draft
The overwhelming majority of mock drafts have the Bears currently taking either Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards. Currently 32 drafts have the Bears taking Mike Williams from USC. I will update this as more and more mock drafts come out.
- Slim Tim.
Mike Williams, WR USC: 32 drafts
Braylon Edwards, WR UM: 22 drafts
Ronnie Brown, RB AUB: 2 drafts
Cedric Benson, RB TEX: 1 draft
Alex Barron, OT FSU: 1 draft
The overwhelming majority of mock drafts have the Bears currently taking either Mike Williams or Braylon Edwards. Currently 32 drafts have the Bears taking Mike Williams from USC. I will update this as more and more mock drafts come out.
- Slim Tim.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
NFL - Free-Agent Terms
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Free-Agent Terms
I read this just now and thought it was pretty interesting and thought I would share:
NFL FREE AGENCY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: What are the categories of free agency?
A: Players are either "restricted," "unrestricted" or "exclusive rights" free agents. Within the categories are also "transition" and "franchise" players.
Q: What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?
A: Players become restricted free agents when they complete three accrued seasons and their contract expires. Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons with an expired contract.
Q: What constitutes an "accrued season?"
A: Six or more regular-season games on a club’s active/inactive, reserved-injured or "physically unable to perform" lists.
Q: Other than accrued seasons, what determines a restricted free agent?
A: He has received a "qualifying" offer (a salary level predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club. He can negotiate with any club through April 15. Then, because of the qualifying offer, his rights revert exclusively to his old club on April 15. Prior to April 16, if the restricted free agent accepts an offer sheet from a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because it has the "right of first refusal." If the old club does not match the offer, it can possibly receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer.
Q: What determines an unrestricted free agent?
A: A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired. He is free to sign with any club, with no compensation owed to his old club, through June 15. On June 16, his rights revert to his old club if it made a "tender" offer (110 percent of last year’s salary) to him by June 1. His old club then has until the 10th week of the season (November 10) to sign him. If he does not sign by the 10th week, he must sit out the season. If no tender is offered by June 1, the player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.
Q: What determines a transition player?
A: His club must offer a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of last season at the player’s position or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. A transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no compensation.
Q: What determines a franchise player?
A: A club can designate one franchise player in any given year. The salary level offer by a player’s old club determines what type of franchise player he is. An "exclusive" franchise player -- not free to sign with another club -- is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. If the player is not offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries of last season at his position, he becomes a "non-exclusive" franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. His old club can match a new club’s offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if it decides not to match.
Q: Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designations on a player? If so, can it then use them on other players?
A: A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designations and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent either immediately or when his contract expires. The club cannot name a new transition player (two allowed in 1993, one in 1994 and one in the final year of the CBA). It can name a new franchise player the next year. A club can, though, designate a transition player in lieu of a franchise player at any time. Only one franchise and transition player can be on a club’s roster.
Q: What determines each team’s salary cap? Is it always in effect?
A: The salary cap is the absolute maximum each club may spend on player salaries in a capped year. For 2005, that amounts to 65.5 percent of leaguewide "Defined Gross Revenues" (divided by 32 teams from 2004) made up of preseason, regular-season and postseason gate receipts and radio and television rights. The cap is in effect 365 days a year. From February 24 to the day before the season begins, a club’s top 51 salaried players count towards the cap, plus pro-rated signing bonuses, incentives, etc., but not base salaries of other players on the roster up to 80. Thereafter, not all salaries on a club’s roster count toward the cap. The maximum salary cap for 2005 is expected to be near $85 million per club.
- Slim Tim.
I read this just now and thought it was pretty interesting and thought I would share:
NFL FREE AGENCY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: What are the categories of free agency?
A: Players are either "restricted," "unrestricted" or "exclusive rights" free agents. Within the categories are also "transition" and "franchise" players.
Q: What is the difference between a restricted free agent and an unrestricted free agent?
A: Players become restricted free agents when they complete three accrued seasons and their contract expires. Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons with an expired contract.
Q: What constitutes an "accrued season?"
A: Six or more regular-season games on a club’s active/inactive, reserved-injured or "physically unable to perform" lists.
Q: Other than accrued seasons, what determines a restricted free agent?
A: He has received a "qualifying" offer (a salary level predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players) from his old club. He can negotiate with any club through April 15. Then, because of the qualifying offer, his rights revert exclusively to his old club on April 15. Prior to April 16, if the restricted free agent accepts an offer sheet from a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because it has the "right of first refusal." If the old club does not match the offer, it can possibly receive draft-choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer.
Q: What determines an unrestricted free agent?
A: A player with four or more accrued seasons whose contract has expired. He is free to sign with any club, with no compensation owed to his old club, through June 15. On June 16, his rights revert to his old club if it made a "tender" offer (110 percent of last year’s salary) to him by June 1. His old club then has until the 10th week of the season (November 10) to sign him. If he does not sign by the 10th week, he must sit out the season. If no tender is offered by June 1, the player can be signed by any club at any time throughout the season.
Q: What determines a transition player?
A: His club must offer a minimum of the average of the top 10 salaries of last season at the player’s position or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. A transition player designation gives the club a first-refusal right to match within seven days an offer sheet given to the player by another club after his contract expires. If the club matches, it retains the player. If it does not match, it receives no compensation.
Q: What determines a franchise player?
A: A club can designate one franchise player in any given year. The salary level offer by a player’s old club determines what type of franchise player he is. An "exclusive" franchise player -- not free to sign with another club -- is offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. If the player is not offered a minimum of the average of the top five salaries of last season at his position, he becomes a "non-exclusive" franchise player and can negotiate with other clubs. His old club can match a new club’s offer, or receive two first-round draft choices if it decides not to match.
Q: Can a club decide to withdraw its franchise or transition designations on a player? If so, can it then use them on other players?
A: A club can withdraw its franchise or transition designations and the player then automatically becomes an unrestricted free agent either immediately or when his contract expires. The club cannot name a new transition player (two allowed in 1993, one in 1994 and one in the final year of the CBA). It can name a new franchise player the next year. A club can, though, designate a transition player in lieu of a franchise player at any time. Only one franchise and transition player can be on a club’s roster.
Q: What determines each team’s salary cap? Is it always in effect?
A: The salary cap is the absolute maximum each club may spend on player salaries in a capped year. For 2005, that amounts to 65.5 percent of leaguewide "Defined Gross Revenues" (divided by 32 teams from 2004) made up of preseason, regular-season and postseason gate receipts and radio and television rights. The cap is in effect 365 days a year. From February 24 to the day before the season begins, a club’s top 51 salaried players count towards the cap, plus pro-rated signing bonuses, incentives, etc., but not base salaries of other players on the roster up to 80. Thereafter, not all salaries on a club’s roster count toward the cap. The maximum salary cap for 2005 is expected to be near $85 million per club.
- Slim Tim.
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Bears/NFL 2005 Offseason Schedule
Yahoo! Sports - NFL - Bears/NFL 2005 Offseason Schedule: "A look at the major events happening in the world of the NFL and the Bears during the offseason"
2005 OFFSEASON SCHEDULE
Feb. 6 Super Bowl
Super Bowl XXXIX, Jacksonville, Fla. (FOX).
Feb. 13 Pro Bowl
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii (ESPN)
Feb. 11 NFL Europe Allocation
NFL Europe League NFL Allocated Player Draft.
Feb. 23-March 1 Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, Ind.
Coaches, scouts and other personnel evaluators analyze NFL prospects.
Feb. 22 Franchise and Transition Player Designation Date
Deadline for clubs to designate franchise and transition players.Clubs that execute a multi-year contract with their franchise players will not be deemed to have used their franchise designation for 2005.
Feb. 25 NFL Europe Camps
NFL Europe League training camps open, Tampa, Fla.
March 1 Minimum Salary Offer
Deadline for clubs to make minimum salary offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights for players with fewer than three years of free agency credit whose contracts have expired.
Contracts Expire
Expiration date of all player contracts due to expire in 2005.
Qualifying Offer Deadline
Deadline for submission of qualifying offers to restricted free agents whose contracts have expired and to whom they desire to retain a right of first refusal.
March 2 Free-Agent Signings
Veteran free-agency signing period begins.
Trading Period
Trading period begins.
March 20-23 NFL Annual Meeting
NFL owners meeting in Maui, Hawaii.
Late March/
Early April NFL Schedule Announced
Full NFL and Bears schedule announced shortly after owners meeting. Exact date TBD.
April 2 NFL Europe Begins
NFL Europe League's opening weekend.
April 15 RFA Signing Deadline
Signing period ends for restricted free agents.
April 22 First-Refusal Deadline
Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.
April 23-24 NFL Draft
Annual player selection meeting, New York.
April 29-May 1 Bears Minicamp
Tentative dates for the first official minicamp for Bears. Closed to the public.
May 25-26 Spring Meeting
NFL spring meeting, Jacksonville, Fla.
June 1 Qualifying Offers
Deadline for old club to send tender to its unsigned restricted free agents or extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.
Tenders to UFAs
Deadline for old club to send tender to its unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for the rest of the season if player is not signed by another club by July 22.
June 4 NFL Europe Ends
NFL Europe League's last weekend of the regular season.
June 11 World Bowl
World Bowl XIII, LTU Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany.
June 15 Qualifying Offer Withdrawls
Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous year's salary.
July 22 Tendered UFA Signing Ends
Signing period ends at 4 p.m. ET for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender.
Some dates tenative and subject to change.
- Slim Tim
2005 OFFSEASON SCHEDULE
Feb. 6 Super Bowl
Super Bowl XXXIX, Jacksonville, Fla. (FOX).
Feb. 13 Pro Bowl
AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii (ESPN)
Feb. 11 NFL Europe Allocation
NFL Europe League NFL Allocated Player Draft.
Feb. 23-March 1 Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, Ind.
Coaches, scouts and other personnel evaluators analyze NFL prospects.
Feb. 22 Franchise and Transition Player Designation Date
Deadline for clubs to designate franchise and transition players.Clubs that execute a multi-year contract with their franchise players will not be deemed to have used their franchise designation for 2005.
Feb. 25 NFL Europe Camps
NFL Europe League training camps open, Tampa, Fla.
March 1 Minimum Salary Offer
Deadline for clubs to make minimum salary offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights for players with fewer than three years of free agency credit whose contracts have expired.
Contracts Expire
Expiration date of all player contracts due to expire in 2005.
Qualifying Offer Deadline
Deadline for submission of qualifying offers to restricted free agents whose contracts have expired and to whom they desire to retain a right of first refusal.
March 2 Free-Agent Signings
Veteran free-agency signing period begins.
Trading Period
Trading period begins.
March 20-23 NFL Annual Meeting
NFL owners meeting in Maui, Hawaii.
Late March/
Early April NFL Schedule Announced
Full NFL and Bears schedule announced shortly after owners meeting. Exact date TBD.
April 2 NFL Europe Begins
NFL Europe League's opening weekend.
April 15 RFA Signing Deadline
Signing period ends for restricted free agents.
April 22 First-Refusal Deadline
Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.
April 23-24 NFL Draft
Annual player selection meeting, New York.
April 29-May 1 Bears Minicamp
Tentative dates for the first official minicamp for Bears. Closed to the public.
May 25-26 Spring Meeting
NFL spring meeting, Jacksonville, Fla.
June 1 Qualifying Offers
Deadline for old club to send tender to its unsigned restricted free agents or extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights.
Tenders to UFAs
Deadline for old club to send tender to its unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for the rest of the season if player is not signed by another club by July 22.
June 4 NFL Europe Ends
NFL Europe League's last weekend of the regular season.
June 11 World Bowl
World Bowl XIII, LTU Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany.
June 15 Qualifying Offer Withdrawls
Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous year's salary.
July 22 Tendered UFA Signing Ends
Signing period ends at 4 p.m. ET for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender.
Some dates tenative and subject to change.
- Slim Tim
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Important NFL Dates coming up 2005
Feb 23 - Mar. 1, 2005
NFL Combine, Indianapolis, Indiana
1-Mar-04
Expiration date of contracts due to expire in 2005
2-Mar-05
Free agency and trading period begins
Mar. 20-Mar. 23, 2005
NFL Annual Meeting, Maui, Hawaii
15-Apr-05
Restricted free agent offers deadline
April 23-24, 2005
2004 NFL Draft, New York City, New York
- Slim Tim
NFL Combine, Indianapolis, Indiana
1-Mar-04
Expiration date of contracts due to expire in 2005
2-Mar-05
Free agency and trading period begins
Mar. 20-Mar. 23, 2005
NFL Annual Meeting, Maui, Hawaii
15-Apr-05
Restricted free agent offers deadline
April 23-24, 2005
2004 NFL Draft, New York City, New York
- Slim Tim
ESPN.com - NFL - Redskins permit WR Gardner to seek trade
ESPN.com - NFL - Redskins permit WR Gardner to seek trade: "The agent for Rod Gardner confirmed to ESPN.com on Saturday that the Washington Redskins have granted him permission to seek a trade for the veteran wide receiver."
The Bear could go after this free agent wide receiver... - Slim Tim.
The Bear could go after this free agent wide receiver... - Slim Tim.
Bears could trade first round pick for Reggie Wayne
2005 NFL Mock Draft by hailRedskins.com, Akkhorus: "projected trade with Chicago: Chicago gets #29 pick & Reggie Wayne--Indianapolis gets the #4 & the #39 & a conditional pick in 06"
Wow, Reggie Wayne, this is the first scenario for the '05 draft that has the Bear trading with Indy for their wide receiver.. Interesting. - Slim Tim.
Wow, Reggie Wayne, this is the first scenario for the '05 draft that has the Bear trading with Indy for their wide receiver.. Interesting. - Slim Tim.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Bears' Terrell cuffed for being late to court
Bears' Terrell cuffed for being late to court: "He is scheduled to earn a base salary of $925,000 next season."
This just proves that the having of money does not a smart person make... He just does not get it... There is a reason that the only news surrounding this dope is bad news... How much bigger of a sign do we need to know that this is not the future of what the bears franchise should be? Sink Anthony Thomas, but hang on to this guy??? ANTHONY THOMAS saved a person from a car that was burning and went home without saying, "Look at ME" to anyone. The only reason it was made public was when he mentioned it in passing to David Terrell, who did the only good thing I have seem him do, which is bring attention to Anthony Thomas for doing the good deed. Bottom Line is that this guy does not embody what the Bears are, and should go home, or to another team - I don't care, I just don't want him here anymore... - Slim Tim.
This just proves that the having of money does not a smart person make... He just does not get it... There is a reason that the only news surrounding this dope is bad news... How much bigger of a sign do we need to know that this is not the future of what the bears franchise should be? Sink Anthony Thomas, but hang on to this guy??? ANTHONY THOMAS saved a person from a car that was burning and went home without saying, "Look at ME" to anyone. The only reason it was made public was when he mentioned it in passing to David Terrell, who did the only good thing I have seem him do, which is bring attention to Anthony Thomas for doing the good deed. Bottom Line is that this guy does not embody what the Bears are, and should go home, or to another team - I don't care, I just don't want him here anymore... - Slim Tim.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Bears: Arrest warrant issued for Terrell
Yahoo! Sports: "An arrest warrant has been issued for Bears' wide receiver David Terrell"
Is anyone else sick of these stories??? Does it not seem like this is the only type of news connected to this guy???
Is anyone else sick of these stories??? Does it not seem like this is the only type of news connected to this guy???
D�Brickashaw Ferguson - 2005 NFL Draft Prospects
D�Brickashaw Ferguson - 2005 NFL Draft Prospects: "took the starting left tackle job in camp as a true freshman, and never let it go during his career at Virginia."
OOOOOOOh, I wish this guy would come out this year in the draft. He would be a very welcome first pick for the Bears. Exactly what we need, a slam dunk for Angelo, no questions asked, if this guy declares, he is our guy.... - Slim Tim.
OOOOOOOh, I wish this guy would come out this year in the draft. He would be a very welcome first pick for the Bears. Exactly what we need, a slam dunk for Angelo, no questions asked, if this guy declares, he is our guy.... - Slim Tim.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Turner returns as Bears offensive coordinator
Chicago Bears: "Turner returns as Bears offensive coordinator"
Well, it's official.... Ron Turner is our guy. Good!
- Slim Tim
Well, it's official.... Ron Turner is our guy. Good!
- Slim Tim
Friday, January 07, 2005
Ron Turner should be next Offensive Coordinator of Da Bears
ChicagoSports.com - Bears hoping to complete pass: "'Ron's was a true version of the West Coast offense, a pro-style, I-set with three-wide-receiver sets, normal stuff,' Waddle said. "
Waddle goes on to say "He wasn't gimmicky with a lot of four- and five-receiver sets. It was not groundbreaking but solid. I don't think you have to reinvent the wheel to be successful." My view, if he is good enough for Tommy Waddle, he is good enough for me. I like the no-nonsense approach. Too many times I saw people moving on the offense for no good reason this year. Changing formations multiple times, switching up right before the snap, and what did we get out of it? Many, many penalties. Never before do I remember there being so many uncovered LOT's care of WR's not doing their due dilligence to get up to the line of scrimmage. And do not get me started on the false start penalties... WOW. So, hopefully Ron Turner is our guy... - Slim Tim.
Waddle goes on to say "He wasn't gimmicky with a lot of four- and five-receiver sets. It was not groundbreaking but solid. I don't think you have to reinvent the wheel to be successful." My view, if he is good enough for Tommy Waddle, he is good enough for me. I like the no-nonsense approach. Too many times I saw people moving on the offense for no good reason this year. Changing formations multiple times, switching up right before the snap, and what did we get out of it? Many, many penalties. Never before do I remember there being so many uncovered LOT's care of WR's not doing their due dilligence to get up to the line of scrimmage. And do not get me started on the false start penalties... WOW. So, hopefully Ron Turner is our guy... - Slim Tim.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Norm Chow - Bio
Player Bio: Norm Chow :: Football: "was named the 2002 NCAA Division I-A Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly"
Norm Chow, regarded as one of the premier offensive coordinators in college football, is in his fourth year at USC. He joined the Trojan staff in January of 2001 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; beginning in 2002, he just handled the offensive coordinator duties.
In 2003, quarterback Matt Leinart was an All-American first teamer and was the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (he finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting) while setting Pac-10 season records for touchdown passes (38) and consecutive passes without an interception (212). He also had the highest passing efficiency rating (164.5) of any USC quarterback in history. USC was fifth nationally in passing efficiency and scoring offense, and the Trojans set Pac-10 season records with 534 points and by scoring 40-plus points in 7 consecutive games. Following the season, Chow served as the grand marshal of the 2004 Golden Dragon Parade celebrating the Chinese New Year in Los Angeles' Chinatown.
Chow won the 2002 Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach. He also was named the 2002 NCAA Division I-A Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly. In 2002, quarterback Carson Palmer won the Heisman Trophy and Unitas Award en route to becoming the Pac-10's career leader in passing yards and total offense (he was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NFL draft), while USC led the Pac-10 in total offense and scoring offense.
USC played in the 2001 Las Vegas Bowl, 2003 Orange Bowl and 2004 Rose Bowl.
He spent the 2000 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at North Carolina State, where he helped the Wolfpack to an 8-4 season and a victory in the Micronpc.com Bowl. The NCSU passing offense was ranked 15th nationally (292.6). His quarterback, Philip Rivers, was a Freshman All-American who completed 53.7% (237-of-441) of his passes for 3,054 yards with 25 touchdowns and was 12th nationally in total offense (269.9).
Before that, the 58-year-old Chow spent the previous 27 years (1973-99) at BYU. At various times, he was the Cougars' assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, co-offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, receivers coach, recruiting coordinator and graduate assistant (1973 and 1974).
He coached 6 of the NCAA's top 16 career passing efficiency leaders and was involved with squads that hold 11 of the top 30 single season passing yardage totals in NCAA history. He coached in 22 bowls at BYU and was on the staff of the Cougars' 1984 national championship team. BYU went 244-91-3 during his time in Provo.
He was named the National Assistant Coach of the Year in 1999 by the American Football Foundation and in 1993 by Athlon. He was the 1996 Division I Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Quarterly. In 1996, he was a finalist for the Broyles Award.
Among the Cougar players he coached were a number of future NFL stars, including quarterbacks Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson, Gifford Nielsen, Ty Detmer and Robbie Bosco, plus tight end Todd Christensen. Detmer won the 1990 Heisman Trophy and was a Davey O'Brien Trophy winner (twice), as were Young and McMahon.
Chow began his coaching career as the head coach at Waialua (Hi.) High for 3 seasons (1970-72) before going to BYU.
He was a 2-year starter and 3-year letterman at offensive guard for Utah (1965-67). In 1967, he earned All-Western Athletic Conference first team and All-American honorable mention honors. He was selected to Utah's All-Century Team.
He then played briefly with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League in 1968 before a knee injury ended his playing career.
He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Utah in 1968, his master's in special education from Utah in 1970 and his doctorate in educational psychology from BYU in 1979.
He prepped at Punahou High in Honolulu, Hi., starring in football, basketball and baseball.
He was born on May 3, 1946. He and his wife, Diane, have 3 sons–Carter, 28, Cameron, 22, and Chandler, 17–and a daughter, Maile, 26.
CHOW SNAPSHOT
BIRTHDAY: May 3, 1946
FAMILY: Wife, Diane; Sons, Carter, 28, Cameron, 22, and Chandler, 17; Daughter, Maile, 26
HIGH SCHOOL: Punahou HS, Honolulu, Hi.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, physical education, Utah, 1968; Master's degree, health, physical education and recreation/special education, Utah, 1970; Doctorate degree, educational psychology, BYU, 1979
PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Punahou HS, Honolulu, Hi.; Utah, offensive guard, 1965-67; Saskatchewan Roughriders, offensive line, 1968
COACHING EXPERIENCE: 34 years
YEAR TEAM POSITION BOWL
2003 USC Offensive Coordinator Rose
2002 USC Offensive Coordinator Orange
2001 USC Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Las Vegas
2000 North Carolina State Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Micronpc.com
1999 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Motor City
1998 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Liberty
1997 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks --
1996 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Cotton
1995 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks --
1994 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Copper
1993 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Holiday
1992 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Aloha
1991 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Holiday
1990 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Holiday
1989 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Holiday
1988 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Freedom
1987 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks All-American
1986 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Freedom
1985 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Florida Citrus
1984 BYU Co-Off. Coord./Q'backs/Wide Rec. Holiday
1983 BYU Co-Off. Coord./Q'backs/Wide Rec. Holiday
1982 BYU Co-Off. Coord./Q'backs/Wide Rec. Holiday
1981 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1980 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1979 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1978 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1977 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. --
1976 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Tangerine
1975 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. --
1974 BYU Graduate Assistant Fiesta
1973 BYU Graduate Assistant --
1972 Waialua HS Head Coach --
1971 Waialua HS Head Coach --
1970 Waialua HS Head Coach --
- Slim Tim
Norm Chow, regarded as one of the premier offensive coordinators in college football, is in his fourth year at USC. He joined the Trojan staff in January of 2001 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; beginning in 2002, he just handled the offensive coordinator duties.
In 2003, quarterback Matt Leinart was an All-American first teamer and was the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (he finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting) while setting Pac-10 season records for touchdown passes (38) and consecutive passes without an interception (212). He also had the highest passing efficiency rating (164.5) of any USC quarterback in history. USC was fifth nationally in passing efficiency and scoring offense, and the Trojans set Pac-10 season records with 534 points and by scoring 40-plus points in 7 consecutive games. Following the season, Chow served as the grand marshal of the 2004 Golden Dragon Parade celebrating the Chinese New Year in Los Angeles' Chinatown.
Chow won the 2002 Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant coach. He also was named the 2002 NCAA Division I-A Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly. In 2002, quarterback Carson Palmer won the Heisman Trophy and Unitas Award en route to becoming the Pac-10's career leader in passing yards and total offense (he was the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NFL draft), while USC led the Pac-10 in total offense and scoring offense.
USC played in the 2001 Las Vegas Bowl, 2003 Orange Bowl and 2004 Rose Bowl.
He spent the 2000 season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at North Carolina State, where he helped the Wolfpack to an 8-4 season and a victory in the Micronpc.com Bowl. The NCSU passing offense was ranked 15th nationally (292.6). His quarterback, Philip Rivers, was a Freshman All-American who completed 53.7% (237-of-441) of his passes for 3,054 yards with 25 touchdowns and was 12th nationally in total offense (269.9).
Before that, the 58-year-old Chow spent the previous 27 years (1973-99) at BYU. At various times, he was the Cougars' assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, co-offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, receivers coach, recruiting coordinator and graduate assistant (1973 and 1974).
He coached 6 of the NCAA's top 16 career passing efficiency leaders and was involved with squads that hold 11 of the top 30 single season passing yardage totals in NCAA history. He coached in 22 bowls at BYU and was on the staff of the Cougars' 1984 national championship team. BYU went 244-91-3 during his time in Provo.
He was named the National Assistant Coach of the Year in 1999 by the American Football Foundation and in 1993 by Athlon. He was the 1996 Division I Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Quarterly. In 1996, he was a finalist for the Broyles Award.
Among the Cougar players he coached were a number of future NFL stars, including quarterbacks Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson, Gifford Nielsen, Ty Detmer and Robbie Bosco, plus tight end Todd Christensen. Detmer won the 1990 Heisman Trophy and was a Davey O'Brien Trophy winner (twice), as were Young and McMahon.
Chow began his coaching career as the head coach at Waialua (Hi.) High for 3 seasons (1970-72) before going to BYU.
He was a 2-year starter and 3-year letterman at offensive guard for Utah (1965-67). In 1967, he earned All-Western Athletic Conference first team and All-American honorable mention honors. He was selected to Utah's All-Century Team.
He then played briefly with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League in 1968 before a knee injury ended his playing career.
He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Utah in 1968, his master's in special education from Utah in 1970 and his doctorate in educational psychology from BYU in 1979.
He prepped at Punahou High in Honolulu, Hi., starring in football, basketball and baseball.
He was born on May 3, 1946. He and his wife, Diane, have 3 sons–Carter, 28, Cameron, 22, and Chandler, 17–and a daughter, Maile, 26.
CHOW SNAPSHOT
BIRTHDAY: May 3, 1946
FAMILY: Wife, Diane; Sons, Carter, 28, Cameron, 22, and Chandler, 17; Daughter, Maile, 26
HIGH SCHOOL: Punahou HS, Honolulu, Hi.
EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, physical education, Utah, 1968; Master's degree, health, physical education and recreation/special education, Utah, 1970; Doctorate degree, educational psychology, BYU, 1979
PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Punahou HS, Honolulu, Hi.; Utah, offensive guard, 1965-67; Saskatchewan Roughriders, offensive line, 1968
COACHING EXPERIENCE: 34 years
YEAR TEAM POSITION BOWL
2003 USC Offensive Coordinator Rose
2002 USC Offensive Coordinator Orange
2001 USC Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Las Vegas
2000 North Carolina State Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Micronpc.com
1999 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Motor City
1998 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Liberty
1997 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks --
1996 BYU Asst. HC/Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Cotton
1995 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks --
1994 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Copper
1993 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Holiday
1992 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Aloha
1991 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Holiday
1990 BYU Asst. HC/Co-Off. Coord./Quarterbacks Holiday
1989 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Holiday
1988 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Freedom
1987 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks All-American
1986 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Freedom
1985 BYU Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Florida Citrus
1984 BYU Co-Off. Coord./Q'backs/Wide Rec. Holiday
1983 BYU Co-Off. Coord./Q'backs/Wide Rec. Holiday
1982 BYU Co-Off. Coord./Q'backs/Wide Rec. Holiday
1981 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1980 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1979 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1978 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Holiday
1977 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. --
1976 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. Tangerine
1975 BYU Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coord. --
1974 BYU Graduate Assistant Fiesta
1973 BYU Graduate Assistant --
1972 Waialua HS Head Coach --
1971 Waialua HS Head Coach --
1970 Waialua HS Head Coach --
- Slim Tim
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Scott Linehan - Bio
The Minnesota Vikings - Coach Detail - Scott Linehan: "The Vikings offense has set numerous records in Linehan's short reign and has dramatically increased its scoring punch"
Scott Linehan returns to the Vikings in 2004 for his third season as offensive coordinator and his 16th season of coaching. The 2003 Vikings became the first unit in franchise history to boast the #1 offense in the NFL following a #2 rank in his NFL debut in 2002. The Vikings offense has set numerous records in Linehan's short reign and has dramatically increased its scoring punch. The 2001 Vikings scored 290 points while the team has exploded for 390 and 416 points respectively under Linehan, an increase from 18.1 points per game before his arrival to 26.0 last season. The Vikings offensive output has improved from 33 TDs in 2001 to 47 in 2003 and yards per game has jumped from 324.1 to 393.4 over that span.
Emphasizing an even run-pass mix in his two seasons with the Vikings, the team has posted two of the top three single-season rushing totals in team history, running for 2,507 yards in 2002 to lead the NFL and ranking 4th in 2003 with 2,343 yards on the ground. In 2003 the Vikings threw 32 TD passes compared to 19 in 2002 and increased time of possession from 31:30 per game to 32:52 along with increasing the team passer rating from 76.1 to 99.0 in that one-year span.
Along with the #1 ranking in the NFL, the Vikings finished the 2003 season with 416 points, the 2nd-highest total in franchise history behind the NFL-record 556 points scored in 1998. The '03 Vikings also set team marks for most net yards (6,294) and average yards per game (393.4). The Vikings 51 TDs on the season ranked 2nd behind the 64 scored in 1998 and Vikings QBs completed passes at a 64.0% clip, topping the old team record of 63.0% set in 1975. Under Linehan's balanced attack in 2003 the Vikings had 4 players top the 400-yard rushing mark for the season and had three different backs break the 100-yard mark, Michael Bennett (1), Onterrio Smith (2) and Moe Williams (1). The Vikings passing game continued to excel under Linehan with Randy Moss posting a career-highs in catches (111) and receiving yards (1,632) and tieing his career-best 17 TDs along while earning his 5th berth in the Pro Bowl in his 6 seasons. Moss became the 1st player in NFL history to post 1,000+ receiving yards in each of his first 6 seasons in the League and set new NFL records for catches (525) and yards (8,375) in the first 6 seasons. Linehan added the QB coaching duties midway through the 2002 season and in 2003 tutored Daunte Culpepper full-time. The 4th-year starter responded with a season that earned his second starting spot in the Pro Bowl. Culpepper also set a new team record by completing 65.0% of his passes, completing 60% of his passes in 10 games and posting the 3rd-highest passer rating in team history at 96.4. Linehan also prepped backup QB Gus Frerotte to step in for an injured Culpepper and go 2-0 as a starter. In his 1st start as a Viking vs. San Francisco (9/28), Frerotte set a Vikings record with a 157.2 passer rating and throw 4 TDs without an INT. Rookie RB Onterrio Smith, a 4th-round draft choice, earned consensus all-rookie honors and ranked 2nd in the NFL for rookie rushing. Smith tied the Vikings rookie record with 5 rushing TDs on the season, set the top rookie rushing marks in a game with 148 yards at Chicago (12/14) and 146 vs. Kansas City (12/20) and set a team record by rushing for 3 TDs vs. Kansas City.
Linehan directed a Viking offense that led the league in several categories and produced several team records in 2002. The Vikings rushed for a team record 2,507 yards on the season, breaking the previous mark of 2,279 set in 1965, and also set a team record with 26 rushing TDs. Under Linehan's guidance the team finished second in the NFL in total yards per game (387.0) and led the league in rushing yards (2,507), rushing yards per game (156.7), and rushing yards per attempt (5.3). Minnesota also set a new team record for first downs in a season with 350, topping the old mark of 343 set in 1981. In Linehan's first year in the NFL, several Vikings set individual marks. Second-year RB Michael Bennett ran for 1,296 yards, which was the 2nd-best single season performance in team history, and was named to his first Pro Bowl. Moss led the NFC with a career-high 106 catches for 1,347 yards and became the first player in NFL history to top the 1,000-yard receiving mark in each of his first five seasons. Moss was also named to his fourth Pro Bowl. Culpepper set team records for rushing yards by a quarterback with 609, breaking his own mark of 470 in 2000, and rushing TDs by a QB with 10, breaking his mark of 7 in 2000. RB Moe Williams set a new Vikings' record by rushing for a TD in 7 consecutive games, breaking Bill Brown's record of 6 set in 1968. Williams' 11 TDs on the season moved him into a tie for 3rd in Vikings' single-season history, matching Brown's total in 1968 and trailing the 13 that Chuck Foreman scored in 1975 and 1976 and Terry Allen totaled in 1993.
Although 2002 marked Linehan's first season coaching in the NFL, he had experience working with NFL-caliber quarterbacks before coming to Minnesota. Five of his proteges, Louisville's Chris Redman and Dave Ragone, Washington's Brock Huard and Marques Tuiasosopo, and Idaho's Doug Nussmeier, went on to be drafted by NFL teams.
Linehan spent the three seasons prior to joining the Vikings at the University of Louisville as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. During his tenure there, the Cardinals went to three straight bowl games, became the first team to win consecutive Conference USA championships (2000 & 2001), and had a Louisville quarterback named as the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in each season (Dave Ragone - 2000 & 2001; Chris Redman - 1999).
In his first season with the Cardinals, Linehan helped Redman attain the NCAA career record for passes attempted (1679) and completed (1031). Redman also finished third all-time in career passing yards with 12,541 and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 1999. Ragone would benefit from Linehan's coaching in 2000 and 2001 as he passed for more than 2600 yards and 23 touchdowns both seasons.
Louisville posted three of the top six passing seasons in school history under Linehan's direction and had three of the top four single-season receiving marks. In his three years at Louisville, the Cardinals produced school records for wins in a season with 11 in 2001, and for wins in a two (20) and three-year (27) span. Linehan led Louisville to a 28-10 victory over BYU in the 2001 Liberty Bowl that helped propel the Cardinals to a top 20 finish in both polls to end the season.
Linehan was a member of John L. Smith's coaching staff during his three years at Louisville. He was reunited with Smith at Louisville in 1999 after serving on Smith's coaching staff during two tenures at Idaho (1989-90 & 1992-93). Linehan's ties to Smith go back to his playing days at Idaho where he lettered as a quarterback while Smith was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
Prior to his tenure at Louisville, Linehan coached at the University of Washington from 1994-98. He was the Huskies offensive coordinator his final three seasons and had additional duties as quarterbacks coach in 1998 and receivers coach from 1994-97. Brock Huard joined the list of quarterbacks that Linehan has developed as he set career records at Washington for passing yards (5,742) and touchdown passes (91). During Linehan's five seasons with the Huskies the team advanced to four bowl games.
Linehan broke into the coaching ranks as an assistant at his alma mater, Idaho, in 1989. From 1989-90 he worked as receivers coach and from 1992-93 he served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Linehan tutored standout quarterback Doug Nussmeier during his second stint with the Vandals and helped Nussmeier earn several accolades between 1992-93. Nussmeier was the recipient of the 1993 Walter Payton Award, which recognizes the NCAA Division I-AA Player of the Year, and was a unanimous Division I-AA All-American as a senior after throwing for a career-high 33 TDs and just five interceptions. He was named Big Sky Player of the Year in 1992 by leading the conference in passing and total offense. Under Linehan, Nussmeier established career records at Idaho for passing yards (10,824), total offense (12,027) and touchdown passes (91).
In his two seasons as offensive coordinator, Linehan helped guide the Vandals to a 20-6 record. Idaho led the nation in scoring (47.5 points per game) and total offense (532 yards per game) in 1993. Linehan spent the 1991 season as the quarterbacks coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas before returning to his alma mater in 1992.
Linehan played quarterback at Idaho from 1982-86, guiding the Dennis Erickson-coached Vandals to a Big Sky Conference championship in 1985 and Division I-AA playoff appearances in 1984, '85 and '86. He finished his playing career with a 32-16 record as a starter and was 547-of-947 passing for 7018 yards. Linehan signed as a rookie free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1987 before a shoulder injury ended his playing career. During his career at Idaho, Linehan was teammates with current University of Minnesota head basketball coach Dan Monson.
Born in Sunnyside, WA, (9/17/63), Linehan is married to the former Kristen Browitt. They are the parents of three sons - Matthew (11/13/94), Michael (9/24/96), and Marcus (8/22/00).
Information of past play experience:
Idaho 1982-86.
Coaching Information:
Idaho 1988-90, Nevada-Las Vegas 1991, Idaho 1992-93, Washington 1994-98, Louisville 1999-2001, Minnesota Vikings 2002-present.
- Slim Tim
Scott Linehan returns to the Vikings in 2004 for his third season as offensive coordinator and his 16th season of coaching. The 2003 Vikings became the first unit in franchise history to boast the #1 offense in the NFL following a #2 rank in his NFL debut in 2002. The Vikings offense has set numerous records in Linehan's short reign and has dramatically increased its scoring punch. The 2001 Vikings scored 290 points while the team has exploded for 390 and 416 points respectively under Linehan, an increase from 18.1 points per game before his arrival to 26.0 last season. The Vikings offensive output has improved from 33 TDs in 2001 to 47 in 2003 and yards per game has jumped from 324.1 to 393.4 over that span.
Emphasizing an even run-pass mix in his two seasons with the Vikings, the team has posted two of the top three single-season rushing totals in team history, running for 2,507 yards in 2002 to lead the NFL and ranking 4th in 2003 with 2,343 yards on the ground. In 2003 the Vikings threw 32 TD passes compared to 19 in 2002 and increased time of possession from 31:30 per game to 32:52 along with increasing the team passer rating from 76.1 to 99.0 in that one-year span.
Along with the #1 ranking in the NFL, the Vikings finished the 2003 season with 416 points, the 2nd-highest total in franchise history behind the NFL-record 556 points scored in 1998. The '03 Vikings also set team marks for most net yards (6,294) and average yards per game (393.4). The Vikings 51 TDs on the season ranked 2nd behind the 64 scored in 1998 and Vikings QBs completed passes at a 64.0% clip, topping the old team record of 63.0% set in 1975. Under Linehan's balanced attack in 2003 the Vikings had 4 players top the 400-yard rushing mark for the season and had three different backs break the 100-yard mark, Michael Bennett (1), Onterrio Smith (2) and Moe Williams (1). The Vikings passing game continued to excel under Linehan with Randy Moss posting a career-highs in catches (111) and receiving yards (1,632) and tieing his career-best 17 TDs along while earning his 5th berth in the Pro Bowl in his 6 seasons. Moss became the 1st player in NFL history to post 1,000+ receiving yards in each of his first 6 seasons in the League and set new NFL records for catches (525) and yards (8,375) in the first 6 seasons. Linehan added the QB coaching duties midway through the 2002 season and in 2003 tutored Daunte Culpepper full-time. The 4th-year starter responded with a season that earned his second starting spot in the Pro Bowl. Culpepper also set a new team record by completing 65.0% of his passes, completing 60% of his passes in 10 games and posting the 3rd-highest passer rating in team history at 96.4. Linehan also prepped backup QB Gus Frerotte to step in for an injured Culpepper and go 2-0 as a starter. In his 1st start as a Viking vs. San Francisco (9/28), Frerotte set a Vikings record with a 157.2 passer rating and throw 4 TDs without an INT. Rookie RB Onterrio Smith, a 4th-round draft choice, earned consensus all-rookie honors and ranked 2nd in the NFL for rookie rushing. Smith tied the Vikings rookie record with 5 rushing TDs on the season, set the top rookie rushing marks in a game with 148 yards at Chicago (12/14) and 146 vs. Kansas City (12/20) and set a team record by rushing for 3 TDs vs. Kansas City.
Linehan directed a Viking offense that led the league in several categories and produced several team records in 2002. The Vikings rushed for a team record 2,507 yards on the season, breaking the previous mark of 2,279 set in 1965, and also set a team record with 26 rushing TDs. Under Linehan's guidance the team finished second in the NFL in total yards per game (387.0) and led the league in rushing yards (2,507), rushing yards per game (156.7), and rushing yards per attempt (5.3). Minnesota also set a new team record for first downs in a season with 350, topping the old mark of 343 set in 1981. In Linehan's first year in the NFL, several Vikings set individual marks. Second-year RB Michael Bennett ran for 1,296 yards, which was the 2nd-best single season performance in team history, and was named to his first Pro Bowl. Moss led the NFC with a career-high 106 catches for 1,347 yards and became the first player in NFL history to top the 1,000-yard receiving mark in each of his first five seasons. Moss was also named to his fourth Pro Bowl. Culpepper set team records for rushing yards by a quarterback with 609, breaking his own mark of 470 in 2000, and rushing TDs by a QB with 10, breaking his mark of 7 in 2000. RB Moe Williams set a new Vikings' record by rushing for a TD in 7 consecutive games, breaking Bill Brown's record of 6 set in 1968. Williams' 11 TDs on the season moved him into a tie for 3rd in Vikings' single-season history, matching Brown's total in 1968 and trailing the 13 that Chuck Foreman scored in 1975 and 1976 and Terry Allen totaled in 1993.
Although 2002 marked Linehan's first season coaching in the NFL, he had experience working with NFL-caliber quarterbacks before coming to Minnesota. Five of his proteges, Louisville's Chris Redman and Dave Ragone, Washington's Brock Huard and Marques Tuiasosopo, and Idaho's Doug Nussmeier, went on to be drafted by NFL teams.
Linehan spent the three seasons prior to joining the Vikings at the University of Louisville as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. During his tenure there, the Cardinals went to three straight bowl games, became the first team to win consecutive Conference USA championships (2000 & 2001), and had a Louisville quarterback named as the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year in each season (Dave Ragone - 2000 & 2001; Chris Redman - 1999).
In his first season with the Cardinals, Linehan helped Redman attain the NCAA career record for passes attempted (1679) and completed (1031). Redman also finished third all-time in career passing yards with 12,541 and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 1999. Ragone would benefit from Linehan's coaching in 2000 and 2001 as he passed for more than 2600 yards and 23 touchdowns both seasons.
Louisville posted three of the top six passing seasons in school history under Linehan's direction and had three of the top four single-season receiving marks. In his three years at Louisville, the Cardinals produced school records for wins in a season with 11 in 2001, and for wins in a two (20) and three-year (27) span. Linehan led Louisville to a 28-10 victory over BYU in the 2001 Liberty Bowl that helped propel the Cardinals to a top 20 finish in both polls to end the season.
Linehan was a member of John L. Smith's coaching staff during his three years at Louisville. He was reunited with Smith at Louisville in 1999 after serving on Smith's coaching staff during two tenures at Idaho (1989-90 & 1992-93). Linehan's ties to Smith go back to his playing days at Idaho where he lettered as a quarterback while Smith was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
Prior to his tenure at Louisville, Linehan coached at the University of Washington from 1994-98. He was the Huskies offensive coordinator his final three seasons and had additional duties as quarterbacks coach in 1998 and receivers coach from 1994-97. Brock Huard joined the list of quarterbacks that Linehan has developed as he set career records at Washington for passing yards (5,742) and touchdown passes (91). During Linehan's five seasons with the Huskies the team advanced to four bowl games.
Linehan broke into the coaching ranks as an assistant at his alma mater, Idaho, in 1989. From 1989-90 he worked as receivers coach and from 1992-93 he served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Linehan tutored standout quarterback Doug Nussmeier during his second stint with the Vandals and helped Nussmeier earn several accolades between 1992-93. Nussmeier was the recipient of the 1993 Walter Payton Award, which recognizes the NCAA Division I-AA Player of the Year, and was a unanimous Division I-AA All-American as a senior after throwing for a career-high 33 TDs and just five interceptions. He was named Big Sky Player of the Year in 1992 by leading the conference in passing and total offense. Under Linehan, Nussmeier established career records at Idaho for passing yards (10,824), total offense (12,027) and touchdown passes (91).
In his two seasons as offensive coordinator, Linehan helped guide the Vandals to a 20-6 record. Idaho led the nation in scoring (47.5 points per game) and total offense (532 yards per game) in 1993. Linehan spent the 1991 season as the quarterbacks coach at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas before returning to his alma mater in 1992.
Linehan played quarterback at Idaho from 1982-86, guiding the Dennis Erickson-coached Vandals to a Big Sky Conference championship in 1985 and Division I-AA playoff appearances in 1984, '85 and '86. He finished his playing career with a 32-16 record as a starter and was 547-of-947 passing for 7018 yards. Linehan signed as a rookie free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1987 before a shoulder injury ended his playing career. During his career at Idaho, Linehan was teammates with current University of Minnesota head basketball coach Dan Monson.
Born in Sunnyside, WA, (9/17/63), Linehan is married to the former Kristen Browitt. They are the parents of three sons - Matthew (11/13/94), Michael (9/24/96), and Marcus (8/22/00).
Information of past play experience:
Idaho 1982-86.
Coaching Information:
Idaho 1988-90, Nevada-Las Vegas 1991, Idaho 1992-93, Washington 1994-98, Louisville 1999-2001, Minnesota Vikings 2002-present.
- Slim Tim
Alex Wood - Bio
Arizona Cardinals - Alex Wood - Offensive Coordinator: "Last year, Wood�s tutelage of the Bengals� wide receivers was instrumental in the club�s resurgence to compete for a playoff spot through the final weekend of the season."
As the Cardinals’ first-year offensive coordinator, Alex Wood brings 26 years of coaching experience to the Valley, including five at the professional level with the Minnesota Vikings (1999–2002) and Cincinnati Bengals (2003).
Last year, Wood’s tutelage of the Bengals’ wide receivers was instrumental in the club’s resurgence to compete for a playoff spot through the final weekend of the season. Under his guidance, Chad Johnson led the AFC with 1,355 receiving yards on 90 receptions, and the Bengals were the only AFC team to place two receivers among the top 10 in the conference (Johnson, 90 receptions, first; Peter Warrick, 79 receptions, sixth). Johnson was selected a Pro Bowl starter.
Prior to joining the Bengals, Wood served as quarterbacks coach for the Vikings where he developed Daunte Culpepper into one of the NFL’s bright young stars. A first-round draft choice in 1999 (selected after Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, and Akili Smith), Culpepper became the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2000, led the NFC with 33 touchdown passes, set a team quarterback rushing record for yards (470) and touchdowns (7) as Minnesota advanced to the conference title game, and was named a starter in the Pro Bowl. Culpepper also finished second in the NFC in passing yards (3,937) and third in passer rating (98.0). After missing the end of the ’01 season due to injury, Culpepper returned in 2002 to rank second in the NFC in passing yards (3,853) and third in yards-per-attempt (7.02) as Minnesota finished second in the NFL in net offense and ninth in passing.
A college running back and special teams player at Iowa from 1975–77, Wood began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1978, then served on staff at Kent State (1979–80) as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach. Wood changed gears and moved to the defensive side of the ball as defensive backs coach at Southern Illinois (1981) and as defensive coordiantor at Southern University (1982–84) before returning to the offense as wide receivers coach at Wyoming (1985–86).
After two seasons overseeing the tight ends at Washington State (1987–88), Wood handled the running backs at Miami-Florida (1989–92), followed by two years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Wake Forest (1993–94). A four-year stint as head coach at James Madison (1995–98) followed, and in his first season he led the school to an 8–4 record and postseason berth. Overall, his four-year record was 23–22. While running backs coach at Miami under head coach Dennis Erickson, Wood helped the Hurricanes earn national championships in 1989 and 1991.
Born March 14, 1955 in Massilon, Ohio where he was a prep running back and wrestler at Washington High School. Wood and his wife, Rosa have three children—Jerrel, Alex, and Natalie.
Coaching Breakdown
1978 University of Iowa Graduate Assistant
1979–80 Kent State University Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers
1981 Southern Illinois University Defensive Backs
1982–84 Southern University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
1985–86 University of Wyoming Wide Receivers
1987–88 Washington State University Tight Ends
1989–92 University of Miami Running Backs
1993–94 Wake Forest University Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
1995–98 James Madison University Head Coach
1999–2002 Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks
2003 Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receivers
2004 Arizona Cardinals Offensive Coordinator
- Slim Tim
As the Cardinals’ first-year offensive coordinator, Alex Wood brings 26 years of coaching experience to the Valley, including five at the professional level with the Minnesota Vikings (1999–2002) and Cincinnati Bengals (2003).
Last year, Wood’s tutelage of the Bengals’ wide receivers was instrumental in the club’s resurgence to compete for a playoff spot through the final weekend of the season. Under his guidance, Chad Johnson led the AFC with 1,355 receiving yards on 90 receptions, and the Bengals were the only AFC team to place two receivers among the top 10 in the conference (Johnson, 90 receptions, first; Peter Warrick, 79 receptions, sixth). Johnson was selected a Pro Bowl starter.
Prior to joining the Bengals, Wood served as quarterbacks coach for the Vikings where he developed Daunte Culpepper into one of the NFL’s bright young stars. A first-round draft choice in 1999 (selected after Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, and Akili Smith), Culpepper became the Vikings’ starting quarterback in 2000, led the NFC with 33 touchdown passes, set a team quarterback rushing record for yards (470) and touchdowns (7) as Minnesota advanced to the conference title game, and was named a starter in the Pro Bowl. Culpepper also finished second in the NFC in passing yards (3,937) and third in passer rating (98.0). After missing the end of the ’01 season due to injury, Culpepper returned in 2002 to rank second in the NFC in passing yards (3,853) and third in yards-per-attempt (7.02) as Minnesota finished second in the NFL in net offense and ninth in passing.
A college running back and special teams player at Iowa from 1975–77, Wood began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1978, then served on staff at Kent State (1979–80) as quarterbacks and wide receivers coach. Wood changed gears and moved to the defensive side of the ball as defensive backs coach at Southern Illinois (1981) and as defensive coordiantor at Southern University (1982–84) before returning to the offense as wide receivers coach at Wyoming (1985–86).
After two seasons overseeing the tight ends at Washington State (1987–88), Wood handled the running backs at Miami-Florida (1989–92), followed by two years as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Wake Forest (1993–94). A four-year stint as head coach at James Madison (1995–98) followed, and in his first season he led the school to an 8–4 record and postseason berth. Overall, his four-year record was 23–22. While running backs coach at Miami under head coach Dennis Erickson, Wood helped the Hurricanes earn national championships in 1989 and 1991.
Born March 14, 1955 in Massilon, Ohio where he was a prep running back and wrestler at Washington High School. Wood and his wife, Rosa have three children—Jerrel, Alex, and Natalie.
Coaching Breakdown
1978 University of Iowa Graduate Assistant
1979–80 Kent State University Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers
1981 Southern Illinois University Defensive Backs
1982–84 Southern University Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs
1985–86 University of Wyoming Wide Receivers
1987–88 Washington State University Tight Ends
1989–92 University of Miami Running Backs
1993–94 Wake Forest University Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
1995–98 James Madison University Head Coach
1999–2002 Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks
2003 Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receivers
2004 Arizona Cardinals Offensive Coordinator
- Slim Tim
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