Offseason Schedule

JANUARY

January 27: Senior Bowl, Mobile, AL

February 8: First day clubs can designate Franchise or Transition players.

February 10: AFC-NFC Pro Bowl in Honolulu, HI

February 12: Waiver system begins for 2007. Players with at least four previous pension-credited seasons whom clubs desire to terminate are not subject to the waiver system until after the trading deadline in October.

February 21: NFL Combine Timing and Testing Sessions at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN

February 22: Deadline for designation of Franchise/Transition players.
MARCH

March 1: Deadline for club to exercise options for 2007 on all players who have option clauses in their 2006 contracts. Expiration date of all player contracts due to expire after 2006 season. Deadline for clubs to submit Qualifying Offers to Restricted Free Agents whose contracts are expiring. Deadline for clubs to submit minimum salary offers to Exclusive Rights Free Agents (players with less than three years of free agency credit).

March 2: Free Agency period begins. Trading period begins for 2007

March 19: Clubs may begin voluntary off-season workout programs

March 25: NFL Owners Meeting at Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, AZ

APRIL

April 20: Deadline for signing and submission of Offer Sheets by Restricted Free Agents

April 27: Deadline for Old Clubs to match Offer Sheets submitted by Restricted Free Agents

April 28-29: NFL Draft in New York City, NY

JUNE

June 1: Deadline for old club to send tender to its unsigned Restricted Free Agents or to extend Qualifying Offer, whichever is greater, in order to retain rights. Also, deadline for old club to send tender to its unsigned Unrestricted Free Agents to retain rights if player is not signed by another club by July 22 or beginning of veteran training camp, whichever is earlier.

June 15: Deadline for Restricted Free Agent to accept Qualifying Offer (if higher than 110% of previous year’s salary).

June 24: NFL/NFLPA Rookie Symposium – PGA National Resort and Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

JULY

July 14: Any club designating a Franchise Player shall have until 4 pm EDT to sign the player to a multi-year contract or extension. After July 14 the player may sign only a one-year Player Contract with his Prior Club, and such Player Contract may not be extended until after the club’s last regular season game.

Mid-July: Training Camps open. Veteran players cannot be required to report earlier than 15 days prior to club’s first pre-season game or July 15, whichever is later. The July 15 date is not applicable to clubs playing five pre-season games.

July 22: Signing period ends at 4:00 pm EDT for Unrestricted Free Agents to whom June 1 tender was made by old club and for Transition Players and Franchise Players who

Superbowl Quote...

I read this and I just loved it and had to share:

Let's face it, the Colts are pretty sterile. The quarterback is a finely-calibrated, laser-throwing robot, the coach is rarely emotional and they play in a dome. They seem like they were designed in a lab. The Bears, on the other hand, look like they were designed in Upton Sinclair's meatpacking district. The Bears are rough and ready. Black and blue. Smash-mouth. They play at Soldier Field. It's man vs. machine. The machine is a 7-point favorite. But so was the steam-powered drill against John Henry.

Found here: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/6399350?MSNHPHCP>1=9012

- Slim Tim

Slim Tim's Super Thoughts...

Bring on the Honey Bears for the Super Bowl!
Let the Bears wear their Orange jerseys for the Super Bowl! (if not orange, how about the Navy jersey with navy pants...)
Devin Hester is one fast exciting dude!
Anyone going to Miami?
Isn't Good Rex just fantastic?
Were you as surpised as I was that the Bears are underdogs for the Super Bowl?

Super Bears.

So, I just opened up the blog to additional authors... It could get interesting.

Go Bears...

Slim Tim

Slim Tim Breaks down Film

Slim Tim Breaks down Film on Mark Anderson against Detroit Lions on 12/24/3006. Acutally, it is just some highlight clips of his best plays...

Bears Stuff

So, before the regular season comes to an end, I would like to offer some thoughts...

Mark Anderson has to find a way on the starting roster (update: I hear he might get some starting time)
John St. Clair might not be all that reliable of a backup
John Tait might be the most indispensable member of the playoff-bound Bears
Devin Hester is one fast exciting dude
Rex Grossman in the SuperBowl quarterback
Can the Bears choose to play in their Orange jerseys throughout the playoffs including the SuperBowl?
Is Philadelphia or New Orleans good enough to beat the Bears?
Isn't it great to not be talking about draft picks in December?
I would really like to see the Bears draft some offensive line talent (now that I have started thinking about the draft)
The best part about these Bears is that most of them have been drafted by the Bears and are "our own guys"
Lance Briggs and the two cornerbacks should be signed to long term deals.
I would like to see Cedric Benson get 30 carries in one game.
I was glad to hear that the Bears are giving Tank Johnson another chance, he appears to realize finally that he needs to change and only because of the "family" type of team that the Bears are do I feel like they are helping him out...

- Not so Slim Tim (Ate too much during the holidays)

Change of Schedule

So, the Bears are the "victim" of the NFL flexible schedule. I just wonder if it is because this may be Brett Favre's last game, or if it is because the Bears are America's team again?

Devin Hester - Rookie of the Year!!!

I just needed to share with you the coolest FAN SIGN that I have seen all year...

Devin Hester's record-breaking return for touchdown.

Bob Nelson's Football College Allstars

This is for my bro. I am just seeing if he is following the 'blog... For those of you familiar with this, this is the clip with Billy Bob Rubrick, Peppe Loueppe ("I kick the ball"), Appie Appiman (Cleveland University)...

Follow the Bears through the rankings...

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 4: The bad news is Rex Grossman's QB rating against the Vikings was 1.3. The good news is that was up from his 0.0 rating at the end of the third quarter

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: The quarterback play is awful, which has to be a concern heading to the playoffs. At some point, Rex Grossman has to make plays.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 6: Chicago -- Sunday's 23-13 victory over Minnesota wasn't pretty--but a win is a win, and Lovie Smith will take them any way they come. Rex Grossman had a passer rating of 1.3--0.0 after the first quarter--in the win, going a putrid 6-19 for 34 yards. The former Heisman Trophy candidate struggled again, tossing 3 interceptions. FOXSports.com's homepage headline on Monday afternoon said it all: "Just Gross, Man". Luckily for the Bears, there's no such thing as "style points" in the NFL. That said, the Bears defensive unit played a beautiful game. Despite giving up 307 yards of offense on Sunday, Chicago forced five turnovers, including four Brad Johnson interceptions. Coach Smith responded sternly to questions over a potential quarterback controversy, telling reporters after the game: "There's a difference between perception and reality. The reality is we're 10-2 right now. We just won the division with Rex at quarterback, so that's what I go on."

Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are at number 4More dysfunction. With boos still ringing through Soldier Field after their QB stunk it up against the Vikings, Lovie Smith faced a hostile press and gave his "perception vs. reality" speech ... you know how it goes, "the reality is that we're 10-2," and the rest of the accompanying nonsense. But in another area, offensive coordinator Ron Turner was calmly and professionally addressing the major problem on this team, Rex Grossman. "He's thinking too much," Turner said. "but seeing things that aren't there. You just have to react, and that's what I talked to him about. React. Go back to what you were doing early in the year; you were just playing football." What worries me about this scenario is an upcoming announcement from the head coach that from now on all assistants will be off limits to the press.

- Slim Tim

Stick with Rex.

As having previously written, I am firmly on the Rex side of the fence. I wanted Rex back last year because of what he can do and not what Kyle could not do. Rex is the better quarterback as he has shown the first few games this year. He has had a few bad games and in those games, he has looked bad. I like Rex's upside, I think he can work out his problems on the field and the special teams and defense can hold him up while he does just that. What other teams in the league can afford to let their quarterbacks struggle while learning and still win games? The Bears will be better in the long run for letting him work out his problems on the field, and he gives them the best chance to win in the playoffs and beyond this year.

- Slim Tim

Rex is the Superbowl Quarterback.

Rex is our superbowl quarterback. Rex is the best quarterback that the Bears have had on their team for quite some time. Not since Erik Kramer has a quarterback shown the skills that Rex has this year. As he is still growing as a QB, he needs to get better at making decisions. In my mind the way that he gets better is by playing through adversity. He is still the same QB that was lights out the first half of this season and he will get back to form. We now have four remaining games for him to work out the kinks to get ready for the playoffs.

I invite all comments.

Go Bears and Go REX!! - Slim Tim

Walter Payton - World's Greatest Video.

I especially love the run against Dallas where he start left, cuts around left, is almost tackled and then turns and continues all the way around to the left again.

- Slim Tim

(Non-Bears) Speaking of awesome returns...

This video was from the West Virginia vs. Pitt game 11/16/06. Pittsburgh Panthers PR Darrelle Revis returns a punt in spectacular fashion against West Virginia during the 2006 Backyard Brawl.

Watch for the following:

The fake throw across the field
The absolute de-cleating of two guys by one guy
The 360 degree move at the end of the run

Follow the Bears through the rankings...

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 10 beating of the Gints:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 2: Weird, didn't hear Plaxico Burress talking too much after the game. Now it seems pretty safe to say that the NFC's road to Super Bowl XLI will end up going through Chicago.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 2: They answered some of their critics from the Miami loss by beating the Giants in impressive fashion. Be careful with the Jets this week.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 4?: The Bears beat up the Giants in the rain Sunday night, knocking around New York in typical Chicago fashion. Defense and special teams led the way, as the offense did just enough to ensure a Bears win. The 2006 Bears are beginning to look more and more like the 2000 Ravens as the weeks go by — Brian Urlacher playing the Ray Lewis role; Rex Grossman as Trent Dilfer; Robbie Gould as Matt Stover; and "run-back guy" (Al Michaels' term, not mine) Devin Hester wearing the Jermaine Lewis hat. Can Desmond Clark play the Shannon Sharpe role? Well, I haven't seen Desmond Clark's work as a studio show analyst yet. If he can laugh uncontrollably at things that aren't that funny, well, then yes, yes he can.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 2 No, I wasn't all fluttery in my praise, mouthing such phrases as, "The road to the Super Bowl runs through Chicago," etc., after the crippled Giants stuck it to 'em in the early going Sunday night. They had the Bears on the run in every phase, but the lack of manpower killed 'em. It's like saying the Texans had the better of the early going at the Alamo. (They did, didn't they?)

- Slim Tim

Hester 108 yard return video

Vasher 108 yard return video

2006 First Half Season Highlight Video...

Searching for...2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Video...

I was asked to re-post this...but it is no longer available on video.google.com. If you or anyone you know has access to this, let me know and I will repost. For those who did not see this... it was an awesome compilation set to the song "Fix You" by Coldplay.

Here was my original post.

Awesome Video combination of song/picture collage. The lyrics to this song as set to Chicago Bears pictures is incredible. Go BEARS!

[From video.google.com]
2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Slideshow/Vid
JW
4 min 53 sec - Dec 23, 2005
www.villesports.com

Follow the Bears through the rankings

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 9 loss to the lowly Dolphins:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 3:
No doubt it's painful, but come on, it's a sprained big toe. Who knew you could even sprain your big toe? No way that keeps Brian Urlacher from playing this week.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 2: We'll call what happened a mulligan. The word is they got a little too full of themselves. That's how you lose games in this league.

Fox Sports NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 4: Did you hear that massive clunk shake the world at roughly 4 p.m. on Sunday? Yeah, that was the entire country -- including me -- jumping off the Bears bandwagon. The Dolphins ruined yet another flawless Bears season Sunday afternoon, winning at Soldier Field in convincing fashion. Suddenly, the Bears' accomplishments thus far look a bit less glamorous than they did a week ago. Their opponents this year? Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, Seattle, Buffalo, Arizona, and Miami. There may not be a playoff squad amongst that seven. Aside from Seattle, none of those teams are even above .500. Things don't get any easier for Chicago, either. The Giants, Jets and Patriots are up ahead.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 3!!! Damn double-crossers. I was going to call up Gary Fencik, the all-pro safetyman on the '85 Bears and do a player by player comparison, those against these. Then I was going to back it up even farther and compare the current team to the 1940 Monsters of the Midway. Still back ... the Sneakers Game, Nagurski and Grange and Beattie Feathers ... way, way back, the Decatur Staleys and Halas and the great battles with the Nesser Brothers. It was going to be an all-time orgy of comparing, one of the great memory lane pieces this Web site has ever seen. The Dolphins ruined all that.

- Slim Tim

Random Thoughts....

Rex Grossman is the unquestioned starter - regardless of what my brother says - Devin Hester is the one who should have been benched. I like the Bears who don't get any respect, the ones who play hungry, the Bears who play with a chip on their shoulder, the way the Bears are going to play this week as an underdog against the Gints. I feel that there will probably be more walking wounded on the Gints side of the field after this game. One last thought..... don't you wish the Bears could wear their Orange home jerseys for every darn game?




Speaking of jerseys, Slim Tim has some jersey number trivia for you from wikipedia:

NFL
A system of assignment of jersey numbers was initiated in American football's NFL in 1952[2]; it was updated and made more rigid in 1973[3]. Numbers are always worn on the front and back of a player's jersey, and so-called "TV numbers" are worn on the sleeve or shoulder. Many uniforms also feature numbers either on the front, back, or sides of the helmet (in pro football, these were most famously worn on the San Diego Chargers "powder-blue" uniforms). Players have often asked the NFL for an exception to the rule. In 2006, New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush who wanted to keep the number 5 he wore in college. His request was declined, and he was assigned number 25 by the team. [4]

Below is the numbering system established by the NFL, and in place since 1973[5]:

Numbers 1 to 19 are worn by quarterbacks, kickers, and punters.
Since 2004[6], Wide receivers are also allowed to wear numbers between 10 and 19 if they so choose, even if there's an 80-89 number available.
Numbers 20 to 49 are worn by running backs, tight ends (when an 80-89 number is unavailable), cornerbacks and safeties.
Numbers 50 to 59 are worn by linebackers and offensive linemen.
Numbers 60 to 79 are worn by members of both the offensive line (the tackles, guards and centers) and defensive line (the defensive ends, defensive tackles and nose guard).
Numbers 80 to 89 are worn by wide receivers and tight ends.
Numbers 90 to 99 are worn by linebackers and defensive linemen.
Numbers 0 and 00 are no longer used, though they were issued in the NFL before the number standardization in 1973. George Plimpton famously wore 0 during a brief stint at quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Jim Otto wore number "00" ("aught-oh") during most of his career with the Oakland Raiders.
It should be noted that this NFL numbering system is based on a player's primary position. Any player wearing any number may play at any position on the field at any time (though players wearing numbers 50-79 must let the referee know that they are playing out of position by reporting as an "ineligible number in an eligible position"). It is not uncommon for running backs to line up at wide receiver on certain plays, or to have a large lineman play at fullback or tight end in short yardage situations. Also, in preseason games, when teams have expanded rosters, players may wear numbers that are outside of the above rules. When the final 53-player roster is established, they are reissued numbers within the above guidelines.

This numbering system originated in football's past; under the original somewhat informal system, the backs were numbered 1-4, and the line 5-8. Quarterbacks (1-back) was given 10's, halfbacks (2-backs or 3-backs) in the 20's & 30's, fullbacks (4-backs) in the 40's, centers in the 50's, guards in the 60's, tackles in the 70's, and ends in the 80's.

Required reading:
NFL retired numbers
NFL Rules
Chicago Bears Team History

- Slim Tim - OUT!

Post - Miami Dolphins Loss...

Anyone who has said that they should have taken Rex out the game is crazy. You keep the best players out on the field. The ones that give you the best chance to win. That player is Rex Grossman. Ron Turner should have been pulled at halftime, he did not have the correct protections called to keep the defenders off of Rex. There should have been help over on the left side of the line because Jason Taylor was in the backfield with his hand on Rex way too many times. More rollouts, get him out of the pocket, more two back sets just for pass protection, sheesh - this game as much as the Carolina playoff game, has to go on Ron Turner's head and no one else. Except for Devin Hester and the moron who did not sit him after he muffed a punt return inside the 5 yard line.

And... the defense sure does not play the same without Mike Brown. The Dolphins knew this and they had an extra week with their bye week to plan for it.

- Slim Tim

Bears sign Kreutz to extension...

Nice going, Bears... signing Olin Kreutz to an extension. It shows commitment to the men who deserve it. I have been critical of Mr. Kreutz in the past, but he is a great player to have on our team!

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears through the rankings (after beating 49ers)

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 8 drubbing of the SF 49ers:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 1!: Trick: Illusion that they were what the Cardinals thought they were.

Treat: That they're 7-0 and the rest of their opponents have a combined record of 30-34.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: The schedule is soft, but they don't leave any doubts. They crush their soft opposition. They don't get a real test until two weeks from now against the Giants.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 1: If you were out for the first half of the 1 o'clock games on Sunday and just got to a TV in time for the halftime highlight shows on CBS and FOX — you saw some pretty standard stuff on the tickers scrolling below: New York beating Tampa Bay, the Bengals neck and neck with the Falcons, and the Ravens up on the Saints. And then you saw this: Chicago : 41, San Francisco : 0. Yes, 41-0. At the half. Chicago ’s officially ROLLING. Their quarterback situation is settled, their defense is looking like the Bears squad of ’85, and their special teams are arguably the best in the league. The only question lingering is over which current Bear will play the Richard Dent role in the “Super Bowl Shuffle” remix…which absolutely MUST be made.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 1!!!: Here's an interesting phenomenon. The keynote games played by the Colts and the Patriots have turned a spotlight on Chicago and its powder-puff schedule (they've faced no team that has fewer than three losses). But having watched the other good teams take their turn in the arena, the Bears' turn is coming. They're at the Giants on Nov. 12 and New England two weeks after that. Then we'll see, boy, we'll see. We'll see what? We'll see, just wait, we'll see. See what? WHAT! (Geez, talk about idiots.)

- Slim Tim

Is Slim Tim Wrong?

So, with the emergence of TE Desmond Clark for the second year in a row... Slim Tim is rethinking his demand for a drafted TE. Yes, Des Clark is having a fantastic year and Rex Grossman is finding him weekly. Sooooo, 8 weeks into the season, Slim Tim is wrong.

So, with the emergence of WR Bernard Berrien and Rashied Davis (and even Moose Muhammad), Slim Tim is also rethinking his demand to pick up a legitimate second WR off of the waiver wire. Yes, I claimed here that we should have picked up Charles Rogers - Detroit, Peter Warrick - Seattle, Jabar Gaffney - Houston, Rod Gardner - Green Bay, Tyrone Calico - Tennessee.

It's just so difficult to think that management finally got it right by saying that they like the guys that they have... because we have been told that in the past about offensive players and those players have not come through.

So, after 8 weeks of undefeated ball, Slim Tim will admit being wrong. There you have it... happy?

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears through the rankings (after week 7 bye)

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 7 bye:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 1!: Think the Bears will miss S Mike Brown? Last time he was out -- the four games before their playoff loss last year -- the Bears' defense allowed 50 more yards rushing per game.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: Maybe the week off got them back refocused after that horrible showing in Arizona. The schedule is still favorable for a few weeks.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 1: America’s still talking about the Bears' 20-point fourth quarter comeback win two weeks ago in Arizona. Some stats that are still lingering in football circles: Brian Urlacher — 19 tackles. Edgerrin James — 36 carries, 54 yards. The Bears — six turnovers in a win. Unbelievable stuff. How good is Chicago this year? The Bears are favored by more than 15 points against the 49ers this weekend. And no one’s blinking an eye. Now it's time for the real question — when are we getting a Super Bowl Shuffle remix? Will Rex Grossman don some shades and a headband? Does Lance Briggs play the Refrigerator Perry role? The nation needs this.



Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are still listed at number 1!!! "Nickelback Ricky Manning Jr. pleaded no contest to charges stemming from an altercation last spring, and I'm not really sure what that word means -- punching? yelling? spitting? cursing? And the Bears are hoping the league won't add a suspension to the court's earlier sentence of three years' probation and anger management classes. The Redhead says she has a perfect candidate for anger management, an overweight individual she happens to be staring at right now. "On second thought," she says, "it wouldn't work. You'd be bored, disruptive, disrespectful, disdainful."
- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears through rankings

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 5:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears strengthen hold at Number 1!: Think Don Shula and the '72 Dolphins are getting a little nervous? The Bears have yet to show any real flaws so far this season.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1: The Bears are the best team in the NFL right now. They have to move into the top spot. So even though the Colts are 5-0, it's the 5-0 Bears who ascend to No. 1 this week. How can they not be there? The Bears have outscored their opponents 156-36. They have four victories of more than 25 points.
That's domination.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 1: The No. 3 rated defense in the league, the No. 4 rated offense in the league, and a kicker who's currently 17 for 17 on field goals. Is it too early for Rex Grossman to break out a headband and sunglasses for a Super Bowl Shuffle re-mix?


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 1!!! The 36 points allowed in the first five games is the lowest team mark since the 1937 club's 31 points. Ah, how well I remember that team. I was just launching my career as a sportswriter at that time, and the names of those defensive stars of the Monsters of the Midway were on everyone's tongue -- Danny Fortmann and Jumbo Joe Stydahar and 270-pound George Musso, and the Bronk ... yes, Nagurski played a lot of defense in those days. Do you think that 69 years from now people will be saying, "Remember that great '06 team, with Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher, Alex Brown and Tommie Harris?"

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears - after week 4.

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

After Week 4:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 1!: Only the most cynical of fans would complain about Chicago's pantsing of Seattle in front of the nation. There's no denying that the Bears are the best team in the NFC right now and probably in the NFL.

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 2: They are the only unbeaten team in the NFC. With a soft schedule the rest of the way, they look like the team to beat for the No. 1 seed. Is that offense for real? It looks like it.

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 2: Rex Grossman-to-Bernard Berrian may be the most electrifying QB-WR combo in the league. All those two do is convert 60-yard touchdowns. Watching Grossman and Berrian connect is reminiscent of those old Jeff Blake-Darnay Scott bomb plays in the early '90s. Yes, that was just a Darnay Scott reference in 2006. Chicago’s D is unbreakable, and four weeks into the season, the Bears are far and away the class of the NFC.


Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 1!!! Shocking as Dr. Z does not drink Blue and Orange Kool-Aid: Is there anything about this team that I don't like, after watching the way they took the Seahawks apart? Not sure about their offensive line, but there are very few of them in the NFL that I do like. Can Rex Grossman bring his team back on the road with a minute and a half and no timeouts left? Not really sure. He came back OK against the Vikings. I'll say one thing for him: He can throw the deep ball with touch and accuracy, and not many other guys can do this. No, actually there are not many things I don't like.

- Slim Tim

Follow the Bears in the Rankings - Week 3...

To follow the Bears as they ascend the rankings:

Week 3:

ESPN's NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 6

CBS Sportsline NFL Power Ranking: Bears at Number 8

Fox Sports NFL Power Bears at Number 5

Dr. Z's Power Ranking: Bears are listed at number 6

- Slim Tim

Week 2 - Post Game thoughts...

Devin Hester is one fast exciting dude.... But sometime as a punt returner, you need to catch the ball and run forward to gain 10 yards. Teams will start noticing that you want to take it to the house everytime and will shut you down. As a Bears punt returner, field the ball cleanly and gain positive yardage. So far, Devin Hester has fielded every single ball that has come his way. And that is quite a few punts so far!!!

Rex Grossman is the man.

The Bears skill position players have topped the most added fantasy football players on Yahoo! Fantasy Football. Topping the list of most added fantasy players is Desmond Clark followed closely by Rex Grossman and John Gilmore.

Is Bernard Berrian finally the #2 Wide Receiver we have been hoping for? I don't see any reason to believe otherwise.

Can this offense continue to do the things we have been doing in December and January? I say yes... as in, Run the ball, throw a few deep balls, and let Rex utilize the newfound vertical passing game to the tight ends and wide receivers.

I hear that Daniel Manning will be starting alongside Mike Brown against the Vikings. Good for him and good for the powers that be who drafted him, I hope he continues doing well.

Kudos to the Offensive Line for keeping all defenders away from Rex Grossman. It seems as if they gave him all the time in the world to throw the ball. NICE WORK!

- Slim Tim

Thoughts after week 1.

Congrats to Moose M. he finally showed his stuff. Nice routes, nice catches, NICE GAME!

Ron Turner found out that he has a good pass catching TE in D. Clark and Rex got the ball to him.

Rex Grossman is 3-0 vs. Pack... He just has their number.

Speaking of Rex, what an excellent game! He just looked very confident out there.

Devin Hester is one fast, exciting dude.

It was nice to see two healthy starting RBs out there. T.J. looked very strong, no signs of injury.

Shutting out the Packers has a very nice feel to it, doesn't it? 233 games without getting shut out until today.

I know the Packers are a real bad team, but nontheless, we whooped them good!

- Slim Tim

The Bears should sign a veteran WR.

Now that the 53 man rosters have been established, here is the list of WR currently on the Bears roster:

Berrian, Bernard
Bradley, Mark
Currie, Airese
Davis, Rashied
Gage, Justin
Muhammad, Muhsin

Of the casualties due to the roster cuts, here is a short list of available receivers that I would give a chance to:

Charles Rogers - Detroit
Peter Warrick - Seattle
Jabar Gaffney - Houston
Rod Gardner - Green Bay
Tyrone Calico - Tennessee

And some others that might "bear" considering:

Quincy Morgan - Pittsburgh
Darious Watts - Denver
Kelly Campbell - Miami

- Slim Tim.

More random preseason thoughts...

This is Rex Grossman's team period.

Mark Anderson (75) should be retained. He looks to have real good instincts.

Ron Turner knows how to call the game properly, i.e. run the ball, run the ball, run the ball, run the ball and then throw to the TE. But when he elects to throw to the WR, they had better catch it.... he just needs to stick to his plan.

The defense is not as bad as they looked at Arizona.

Devin Hester is proving why he was picked and when he was picked.

The Bears still do not have a #2 Wide Receiver.

Sure is good to get Ian Scott back... #95 is very underapreciated.

- Slim Tim

Random thoughts after the first two preseason games

Howdy y'all...

* In the first game, of the first 16 plays, 12 were Rex Grossman pass attempts (is this supposed to be a running team?) and doesn't it seem like Ron Turner likes to pass, pass, pass to start every single darn game???





* Patrick Mannelly is one of the Bears 4 team captains that appear on the field during the coin toss. I am a person very divided on the use of Patrick Mannelly. On one hand, I don't remember a time when there was a bad snap... I mean the guy is a true master of his craft. On the other hand, the problem I have is the use of a roster position for a specialist that other teams do not slot a position for. That position could be used on the 53 person roster for an extra offensive lineman that doubles as a long snapper, or a kicker that just booms kickoffs through the uprights, or just use that roster slot for Devin Hester. In summation - Slim Tim is torn on this one...

* Devin Hester is one fast, exciting dude.

* The camera loves Dusty Dvoracek.

* We need to get healthy. Specifically we need Ian Scott, Tank Johnson and Mike Brown back to full health on defense.

* C. Benson is a little immature and he shows it on occasion. The story of him leaving early bores me. Ho-friggin-hum. The offensive line will block just as well for him as they block for T. Jones. I am glad that B. Urlacher and M. Brown did not take it easy on him in practice, Lord knows other defenses will not take it easy on him. Get healthy, practice hard, win games...

* The SD Chargers 11 penalties made the Bears game fairly easy to win.

* Olin Kreutz has not been called for one single snap infraction yet this preseason, but there are still two games...

* Rashied Davis wants the WR job.

* Devin Hester can hit opposing running backs pretty well.

* The Bears should sign Lance Briggs to a long term contract.

More to come, Go Bears!!! - Slim Tim

One team, believed to be the Chicago Bears, has offered a fourth- round draft pick in exchange for Lelie

Rocky Mountain News: Broncos & NFL: "One team, believed to be the Chicago Bears, has offered a fourth- round draft pick in exchange for Lelie. " Wow, exciting news... This would be an immediate upgrade at WR. Go Jerry, trade away your First round pick!!! YOU CAN'T PICK IN THE FIRST ROUND ANYWAY!!!!

- Slim Tim

All Time Least Favorite/Worst Chicago Bears.

Here's my list, where do these fit in your top ten least favorite/worst Chicago Bears?

Qasim Mitchell

Rashan Salaam

Curtis Enis

David Terrell

Michael Timpson

Cade McNown

Rick Mirer

Stan Thomas

Alonzo Spellman

Alonzo Mayes

Kaseem Sinceno


- Slim Tim.

Bears release OT Mitchell - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

Bears release OT Mitchell - NFL - Yahoo! Sports

I think this could be the best move the Bears have made in four years.

I quote from this very blog from 9/08/2005 "I feel that Qasim Mitchell is not good enough to wear an NFL uniform..."

- Slim Tim

Interesting Signings by the Bears.

So, what message are the Bears sending to Thomas Jones and Lance Briggs (or their collective agent Drew Rosenhaus) by signing their backups to long term contract extensions??? The Bears signed Adrian Peterson to a 3 year deal and Hunter Hillenmeyer to a 5 year deal.

I'm just saying...

- Slim Tim

Rashied Davis - WR?

In an interview, Rex Grossman is quoted as saying that Rashied Davis is the most improved of all players. Improved as Wide Receiver, though... Yes, he was drafted as a CB. So, now you are asking yourself why Jerry Azumah was never given the opportunity on offense. I know I asked the same question....

- Slim Tim

Pete Prisco, you are a moron.

The Bears are better than 20th in the league:

I have to say I was surprised when I was looking down the list of teams to not see the Bears in the top 10. But when I did not see the Bears until 20th, I could not believe it. The Bears are better than last year in two areas: QB and RB. The QB position improvement will take the Bears farther than they went last year. There is a healthy Rex Grossman, a very viable backup in Brian Griese and best of all their third string QB is Kyle Orton who won quite a few games for the Bear last year. Their RB position will be improved with a healthy Cedric Benson as well. When you factor in the Bears defense, and the fact that you just cannot score against them, you would have to conclude that they are a much better team than would be rated in the bottom half of the NFL. All that being said, I will say the same thing I told Dr. Z when he came out with his infamous preseason prediction (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/
nfl/specials/preview/2005/scout.report/) of the Bears at number 32 in the league last year. You are a moron. Go Bears.

Monday's Transactions (Day after Draft)

CHICAGO BEARS-- Agreed to terms with TE Tim Day, TE Cooper Wallace, G Nate Bunce, CB Dion Byrum, K Josh Huston, G Travis Leffew, OT Mark LeVoir, S Donnie McCleskey, G Tyler McMeans, WR Mark Philmore, RB P.J. Pope, S Dwayne Slay and P Joel Stelly.

WOO HOO!!! We finally got our Tight End!!!! Just like Jerry said we would!!!!

- Slim Tim

Bears Draft - Phoooey...

As the Draft is coming to a close... I am wondering if the bears had such a good offense (ranking in the top 5 in most offensive categories), then why did they decide to draft exclusively on the offensive side of the ball. They have a pro bowl Tight end in Desmond Clark, so why did they pick up Marcedes Lewis in the first round? It seems that with the wealth of talent in the Wide Receiver position, that they did not need to draft Derek Hagan with their second round pick.... I thought for sure that with their defense being as horrendous as it was last year, they should have concentrated exclusively on defensive draft picks... And then I woke up.

It seems to me that the draft should have played out something like this:

Round 1: Offense
Round 2: Offense
Round 4: Offense
Round 5: Offense
Round 6: Offense
Round 7: Offense

But that is not what we got, now is it... Man what a frustrating weekend. Every single pick was on defense. EVERY STINKING ONE SO FAR. And with only two remaining picks in rounds 6 and 7, I have no reason to think otherwise. Share your thoughts if you care...

- Slim Tim

Where are the Honey Bears?

This is just soooo wrong...

Where are the Honey Bears? The Bears are not the only team w/o cheerleaders...



NFL teams and cheerleaders

January 31, 2006

NFL teams that have cheerleaders or dance teams:

Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins.

NFL teams that don't have cheerleaders or dance teams:

Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers.

'If the Bears win the NFC North, I'll eat my laptop...

Charles Robinson vows to eat his laptop if the Bears win the NFC North, watch as he makes good (?) on his promise.

Doesn't seem right, seems he should have had his laptop ground up and mixed in a latte or something...

- Slim Tim

Chicago Bears Draft Needs.

We love our own guys. Guys that we draft, who sign before camp opens and who work hard once they get here. Let that be a lesson to new draftees: that is the formula for success. If you do those 3 basic things, you will always be beloved by Chicago Bears fans forever. I mean it, forever. Lately these type of guys have only been defensive players (save for O. Kreutz and R. Grossman). I would like that to change in this draft.

Examples of current Bears:
B. Urlacher
L. Briggs
M. Brown
P. Tillman (he's not as bad as he looked)
N. Vasher
T. Johnson
T. Harris
A. Brown
Basically the whole defense. Yes, Angelo knows how to draft defensive talent, we get it already. Now if he could only assess offensive talent just as well, let's put together our wish list...

In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select:
1. Leonard Pope, TE out of Georgia (Or any other big pass catching TE)
2. True Wide Receiver - Small, speedy with good hands (A. Randle El, S. Smith, E. Kennison type)
3. Big Run-Stuffing Safety (backup to M. Brown)
4. HammerHead of a fullback (L. Neal clone from San Diego)
5. Backup Offensive Guard. (No more Terrance Metcalf)

- Slim Tim

Miami shaping up coaching staff nicely...

Report: Dolphins to name Capers defensive coordinator - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: "Report: Dolphins to name Capers defensive coordinator"

So, I don't normally care about other coaching staffs but... With the signing of Dom Capers as Miami's defensive coordinator and Mike Mularkey as offensive coordinator, they are building one heck of a coaching staff. I'm just saying with the season that they had under new coach Nick Saban, look out for Miami next year. Not to mention that Terrell Owens was reported as heading to Miami's offense next year... I'm just saying... Look out.

- Slim Tim

Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton Part IV (Postseason Edition)

If Kyle Orton would have started the playoff game against Carolina, the Bears would have won.

Here is my support, it is very simple, if Kyle Orton would have started, then the Bears would have actually ran the ball, like they are set up to do. When the Bears run the ball, they control the clock, have a better offense, and would have kept the defense off of the field. Instead, they started Rex Grossman and passed the ball much more than they should have. That of course got them involved in a shootout, which the Bears are not setup to win - clearly. So, if Kyle would have started, they would have won.

There will be more postseason thoughts coming soon...

- Slim Tim

2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Slideshow/Vid

Awesome Video combination of song/picture collage. The lyrics to this song as set to Chicago Bears pictures is incredible. Go BEARS!

[From video.google.com]
2005 Chicago Bears Tribute Slideshow/Vid
JW
4 min 53 sec - Dec 23, 2005
www.villesports.com

Super Bowl Shuffle Video

Anyone need that Super Bowl Suffle Fix?

Who will Win, Bears or Panthers?

I would formally like to declare my guess for the upcoming Bears/Panthers playoff game outcome.

Slim Tim officially declares that he picks: Bears - 27, Panthers -14.

Feel free to publish your own guesses for this weekend's game here.

- Slim Tim.

If the Bears win the NFC North, I'll eat my laptop

Read and React: Last call - NFL - Yahoo! Sports: "If the Bears win the NFC North, I'll eat my laptop"

I love the predictions against the Bears that come true, since the Bears actually won the NFC North, the reporter goes on to answer lots of email regarding the very subject of eating his laptop.

- Slim Tim

Rex Grossman vs. Kyle Orton Part III

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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...

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.

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...

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

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

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

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

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.

Vote these 4 Bears to the Pro Bowl.

Vote these 4 Bears to the Pro Bowl based on the first half of the season:

Brian Urlacher
Lance Briggs
Thomas Jones
Olin Kreutz

Vote Here: http://www.nfl.com/probowl

- Slim Tim

Let's go BEARS!!!

Let's root on our FIRST PLACE Chicago BEARS!!!!

Go Bears!

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.

Bears week 5 MVB

Got to give it to Thomas Jones without question.

- Slim Tim

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

"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

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

Bears Week 2 MVB

Ian Scott - Nice play in week 2 lead to Bears win. Big INT to jump start the team.

- Slim Tim

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

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

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

The Football Database - New Favorite Website.

Slim Tim has found a new favorite website, check it out here:

The Football Database

- Slim Tim

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.