What more can be said about Lovie and the rest of the coaching staff?  The ineptitude is nearly at Vinny Del Negro levels (shout out to suffering Bulls' fans).   The number of coaching mistakes in the Green Bay debacle are numerous.  The number of coaching mistakes on the season really gives me a headache.   Lovie Smith, even with the Super Bowl appearance, will probably join Wannstedt and Jauron as former Bear coaches who won't be missed and won't be beloved 1/10th as much as da Coach. 

Let's take this time to lash out at the Bears coaches and let them know how disappointed we are in their performances this year.  Which errors have been the most frustrating?  Which decisions have enraged you the most?

I know, it's a mixed quote.  Two of the best from Jim Mora and Allen Iverson.  But here the Bears are at 5-7.  Lovie wants to keep his job, so he's going to keep "plucking" that chicken (NSFW audio).  Until the Bears lose another game, he's going to do whatever he can to win.  A lot of people disagree with this, but Lovie's still the coach and that's what's going to happen.  The Bears must go 9-7 to have even a prayer at making the playoffs.  Just what is he up against?  What does the NFC playoff picture look like?

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Football Outsiders writer Doug Fararr breaks down what's going on with Jay Cutler, the offensive line, and Ron Turner.  He spoke with Greg Cosell from NFL Films and ESPN's State Farm NFL Matchup about Jay.  A sample from the article:

while I have no clue what's going on in his head, the tentative throws I'm seeing indicate a shell-shocked player in a situation that doesn't work for him at all.

HT to Hatchetm for the link

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If it was not already apparent that the Bears offense is less than awesome, this statistical analysis should remove all doubt.  I've compiled stats from NFL.com and footballoutsiders.com.  (FO has extensive write-ups and descriptions for what their stats mean and how to interpret them.)

First, let's look at the basics:

The Bears are ranked 23rd in total offense, 32nd in rushing offense, and 14th in passing offense.

Total yards do not tell the whole story though, since the Bears have been down a lot in games they are not running the ball and find themselves passing.  Yards per play and yards per attempt tell a similar story.

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The CBA negotiations have a lot to do with what can and can't happen in next year's free agency, but assuming the status quo, here is a breakdown of who will be available and a write-up on the top guys: LINK

A sample:

Jahri Evans, New Orleans Saints (26)
Jahri Evans is continuing to grade out as the team’s best run-blocking linemen week after week. The Saints have done a nice job of efficiently running the ball through the middle and on the right side of the line. His continual high level of play and positive, team-first attitude should translate to a high-end offensive guard contract at year’s end. Expect the Saints, who have nothing but positive things to say towards Evans, to richly reward him for his hard work and production.

The top guys won't really be available; they'll get franchised or will sign with their current teams.  But of the 2nd-tier guys, is there anyone who knows anything about them?  Who can the Bears' get?  Who should they target?

Our Offensive Line:

NAME............ base salary.........Signing bonus( unamortized)....Other bonus  ...TOTAL..           Contract. year

5. Beekman J      $460,000           $97,500                                      -0-                      $557,500           2010

16 Garza,R         $745,000           $583,000                                     -0-                      $1,328,000        2011

30. Kruetz O         $2,333,000       $3,000,000                                 -0-                      $5,333,000       2010

33. Loius Lance        $310.000          $10,0000                              -0-                      $420,000           2012

38 Omiyale,F           $620,000          $450,000                                $3,880,00         $4,950,000        2012

40. Pace. O              $1,350,000     $333,333                                 $3,650,000       $5,333,333        2011

45. Shaffer,K            $183,000          750,000                                  $1.,450,00         $2,383,000       2011

51. Williams C           $385,000           $100,000                            $1,391,250       $1,876,200        2011

Updated to include getting debacled by Cincy. Since my stats post on the O-line was so popular (19 comments!) /sarc, I'll do the same for our defense and d-line.

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I will attempt to do a little statistical analysis of the Bears running game so far to illustrate what we
are observing matches (or doesn't match) what the numbers/stats tell us.  Numbers don't tell the whole story, but they can certainly teach us a lot about how our beloved Bears are performing...or under-performing.

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1 have the 6th pick in my draft (10 teams).  Standard scoring league; 1 QB, 2RB, 2WR, 1TE, 1 Flex (RB,WR, or TE), 1DST, 1K

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Devin Hester's ability to become a legit #1 receiver has been and will continue to be debated until he proves it on the field this year.  He's being given every opportunity to become just that, see WCG post here.

He also has an elite QB throwing to him, and a revamped O-line.  John St. Clair gave up 9+ sacks last year...Pace only 2.  Link here.  Beekman (if he stays a starter) and Kreutz are good pass protectors.  Chris Williams is supposed to be, so in short, our much better QB should have good pass protection, so our passing game should and will improve.  What improvement will we see from Hester?  Conventional wisdom (whatever that is) says 3rd year receivers make a leap from mediocre/average to good or great.  I won't go into proving whether this is true or not, but lets look at Devin Hester compared to other WR's we all hope Hester becomes.

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