SB Nation User Blog: topdoggkyle

Are the WRs making Cutler look good? And other tangential Bears insight

topdoggkyle — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:25:19 -0000

It is now three games into the season, and I've got a lot on my mind. Wide receivers, draft picks, glaring needs, Jerry Angelo, etc. If you want to read some tangent-filled Bears insight, or you've just read every Bears article known to man and you just want to read one more, then follow me inside....

Following the offseason acquisition of stud quarterback Jay Cutler, cynical fans and media-type alike blasted the Bears for not acquiring an established wide receiver. As the typical argument went, "Sure Cutler has a cannon, but who is he going to throw to? He’s going to miss Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal."

Yet all along, the Bears organization has stood pat. GM Jerry Angelo has repeatedly been quoted as saying the "quarterback makes the receiver".

As this article suggests, it’s the wide receivers making Cutler look good.

Of course, that’s an exaggeration—Cutler has a pocket presence and poise that has enabled him to make touchdowns out of what would have been sacks of former QB Kyle Orton—but it gets the point across. In fact, David Haugh argues that "the Bears' most valuable position group has been the receivers. The second-most valuable has been the opponents' kickers." It’s hard to argue with him.

Even before the blockbuster Cutler trade, fans were begging the Bears to draft a wide receiver in the first round. Of those first round picks, only Percy Harvin and Kenny Britt have more receiving yards than our fifth round pick Johnny Knox. Those stats don’t tell the true story as only Knox and Harvin have had any significant rookie impact.

Second year receiver Earl Bennett is quietly emerging as Cutler’s go to guy. While he had failed to find the end zone thus far (disregarding the 2-point conversion reception), Bennett has connected with Cutler virtually everywhere else. Only Mario Manningham and DeSean Jackson have more yards for a second-year receiver.

Olsen, Bennett, Williams, Forte, Knox… When did Jerry Angelo become such an offensive talent evaluator?

Barring a significant drop in production, the Bears have seemingly answered the receiver question. Good. So, what’s our most pressing need now?

If you ask me, it is the same position I would have addressed in last years draft—and I’m not talking about Wide Receiver.

The Offensive Line!

It’s true that the line has more depth (and maybe talent) than it has had in years. The problem is that that isn’t saying much. Right-tackle Chris Williams looks solid and should eventually replace aging Orlando Pace on the left side (perhaps as early as next year). But a look down the rest of the line and you can’t help but see an aging group. I don’t think it is out of the question to pick up an offensive lineman with each of our first two picks next year. Can you imagine this offense with a bruising, dominant line?

Sure, we still need to address the secondary, but the fact that Al Afalava has emerged as a stud muffin and a half (and he can tackle… hear that Peanut?) eases this inquiring mind a bit.

The defensive line could always use more talent. But then again, Jarron Gilbert could emerge as our future star. Could is the key word. Of course, seeing how D-line coach Rod Marinelli has transformed the "rush men" makes me optimistic.

Trying to get back on track here, there is one thing that we should all take away from this season thus far: the Bears are resilient. We didn’t have that last year. We blew fourth-quarter leads, we couldn’t come from behind to save our life. Not this year.

Even the abomination that was our first game against the Packers illustrates this. We came from behind to give us a fourth quarter lead… that we blew. But we got the ball back… and we blew that too. But it was waaaaaay closer than it should have been. And we’ve improved since then, which seems to be the ongoing trend. Can we continue to improve our way to a division title?

We have failed as Bears fans

topdoggkyle — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:59:14 -0000

The Rookie of the Week was announced yesterday, but our boy Johnny Knox did not win. Instead, Jets QB Mark Sanchez won for the second straight week, despite posting paltry numbers (Sanchez completed 14 of 22 passes for 163 yards and one touchdown). Since no rookie last week obviously stood out from the rest, I I think it was a great chance for Knox to earn some recognition that would put him in legitimate contention for the Rookie of the Year award.

Worse yet, the website doesn't mention what percentage of the vote each candidate received, so we have no idea if Knox made it a battle. Here's to hoping he has a monster week against the Seahawks, and can make the list again. Then maybe we can vote him in next time.

Oh, and I hope Sanchez throws 4 picks.

Is there any way WCG can bump the "Help Vote for Johnny Knox!!!" post everyday for the rest of the...

topdoggkyle — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:50:18 -0000

Is there any way WCG can bump the "Help Vote for Johnny Knox!!!" post everyday for the rest of the week?

topdoggkyle

Shanahan wanted Brandon Marshall gone

topdoggkyle — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:05:59 -0000

The problems between Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall and new head coach Josh McDaniels has been well documented. But, if it were up to Mike Shananhan, Marshall wouldn't even be a Bronco today.

According to this article, Shanahan thought Marshall was a burden to the team, despite his election to the Pro Bowl.

Sources said Shanahan had grown weary with Marshall off the field and felt he was unreliable on the field

Furthermore,

Shanahan, a source said, thought Marshall had cost the Broncos more victories with poor route running, dropped passes and tepid run-blocking efforts. The coach also anticipated some contract problems, a source said.

I never liked the idea of Marshall coming to to the Bears. I cited that his bad atitude would negatively impact the Bears' locker room. This news certainly confirms my fears. What's surprising is that Shanahan wanted to drop Marshall because of more than just bad attitude; it sounds like Marshall had bad receiver play.

Perhaps most telling of all,

Shanahan was not planning to shop Marshall on the trade market but rather just release him after the receiver played in the Pro Bowl.

Corey Graham is Working at Free Safety

topdoggkyle — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:01:20 -0000

From ChicagoBears.com

After playing cornerback during his first two NFL seasons in Chicago, Corey Graham will work at free safety. The 6-foot, 193-pounder lined up at the new position in workouts Monday and Tuesday.

Corey Graham working at Free Safety

You've got to wonder how he transitions to Free Safety. At the very least, he's familiar with the system. I personally think he can cover more ground than Craig Steltz; maybe the coaching staff agrees. Perhaps there really will be a competition!

HESTER AGREES TO NEW DEAL!

topdoggkyle — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:14:27 -0000

According to ChicagoBears.com, Devin Hester agreed to a new 4-year contract extension. The article didn't mention any specifics of the deal but I'm sure he's getting decent money. I'm sure we'll hear more about it soon. Until then, we've gotta assume that he's the highest paid kick returner in history. Just how much extra did we compensate him for his extracurricular duties, namely Wide Receiver? Bear Down!