SB Nation User Blog: gillrowdy

Running game optimism

gillrowdy — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:49:04 -0000

There is this article http://chi.scout.com/2/764573.html that gives reason to be optimistic about the Bears running game, mostly because Cedric Benson is gone. While chemistry is important on a team, its still difficult for me to envision a much improved run game by the Bears in 2008. The other players may not have liked Benson as much as they will like Matt Forte, the "heir apparent" main RB, the blocking effort should be the same regardless. The Offensive Line will have a slightly different look, with Ruben Brown replaced by either backup Terrance Metcalf or Josh Beekman. Fred Miller(whose strength was supposed to be run-blocking) will be replaced by rookie Chris Williams, moving last years LT, John Tait, to RT this year. The main blocking TE duties may also be relegated to rookie, Kellen Davis, and a new mix of WRs dont exactly stand out as great blockers either.

So while the attitude may be a little better in the locker room, it could be argued that the blocking talent has gotten even worse. The aging John Tait will be counted on to psuh the defense back and open more holes this season, and he's not exactly the strong, heavy, mauler that teams rely on for a good run-blocking RT. Ruben Brown was once a Pro-Bowl Guard who could pull and open holes in the second level, but career backups(who couldn't win the starting job even while Brown was injured) will be expected to step up improve on that. While rookie Chris Williams was touted as an excellent finesse-blocking LT, it likely will take a year or two to master the run-blocking aspect for him.

That leaves 2nd roundpick Matt Forte, replacing former #4 overall pick Benson, as the only significant improvement in personnel. Benson was no slouch athletically when healthy, so Forte wont be that much faster or stronger. We must hope he is shiftier and has more heart(which wont be hard to imagine). Does anybody buy that the Bears would always run with Benson in the backfield and pass when Peterson lined up because that was all they were good for? I believe any predictability came from Ron Turner's play-calling, not the RB lined up in the backfield. Was Wolfe really not used because Benson was too valuable to take off the field, or because he may not have what it takes? Are any of you optimistic about the situation?

Does Cedric Simmons deserve any minutes?

gillrowdy — Sat, 31 May 2008 20:23:28 -0000

Cedric Simmons, the former #15 overall pick in 2006, is a 6'9" 235lb. PF and seems to be the forgotten man on the Bulls roster. He played in just 7 games last year for the Bulls after being included in the trade last February that brought Shannon Brown, Larry Hughes, and Drew Gooden from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Ben Wallace, Joe Smith, and Adrian Griffin(to Seattle). He is signed for one more year, with a team option after that. Having played so sparingly, its difficult to evaluate what kind of player he could be, or what value he would bring in a trade. I think most of us will agree that he hasn't lived up to the expectations of a #15 pick, and his trade value has fallen considerably.

Allow me to limit this discussion to the current roster and upcoming draft picks; as painful as that may be to some of you. Draft pick #1 would be Derrick Rose; and #39 would be the best player available, but plays most of the season overseas or in the D-League. Noah(20.7mins per game last season), Gooden(30.8 mpg), and Thomas(18mpg) obviously deserve the bulk of the minutes at the PF and C positions. Aaron Gray averaged 10 minutes in 61 games last season, and will probably average even more this season. Deng and Nocioni also have played PF, but I would suggest Simmons get more of that time this year to determine his impact and future with the Bulls, or improve his trade value to another team. IF Noah, Gooden, and Thomas all get 28mpg that only leaves12 mpg at PF and C positions. What are your thoughts as to minutes per game at PF and C, using this roster as a model? Would the Bulls be severely outplayed at these positions by nearly every other team? Would giving Cedric Simmons minutes cause the Bulls to miss the playoffs?

The Bears biggest need is a Right Tackle

gillrowdy — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:04:28 -0000

The Bears ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every rushing category as well as sacks allowed last year. They released the starting Right Tackle, Fred Miller, whose strength was considered to be as a run-blocker. John Tait, the starting Left Tackle is said to be versatile and could play either OT position. At his age, I am unsure if he still has the quickness to adequately protect the QBs blind(left) side against the opposing defenses best(usually) pass rushers. His best years in Kansas City came as the RT, but does he still have the strength to drive-block or the speed to get to the 2nd level?

John LeCLair is the only other OT on the roster; he even started a few games at Guard ahead of OG reserves Metcalf and Beekman. His strength would appear to be as a backup run-blocking RT/RG; but I have no way of verifying this, unless someone knows of a website that evaluates the pros: can anyone provide a link?

Assuming that LeClair is the backup RT and it would NOT be a good idea to backup a rookie with a rookie; it would be imperative the Bears draft a starting caliber RT. Obviously, the best chance to do this would be in Round1. Tait would have to suffice as the starting LT another year, and mentor a young draftpick in the difficult nuances of being a LT.

There is an excellent analysis of the Offensive Tackle prospects at: http://nfldraft.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1164&CID=768107