Thread: The Bears decision not to keep a fullback a good idea?

After suffering through 7 long years with Jason Mckie as the starting FB (for most of them), I really was hoping, no, counting on the Bears placing MORE emphasis on the position. Getting a quality, NFL-caliber FB would seem like a no-brainer given that the Bears have recently aquired Matt Forte who has shown an ability to hit a hole and make the most of it.

What do the Bears do for the 2010/11 season? They cut Mckie, (which I was very happy about) and leave FBs Will Ta'ufo'ou and Eddie Williams who, in my opinion, were not true FBs at all, but overweight RBs.

With a promising young back like Forte, THIS was a plan?

Originally Posted by Eddie Williams ESPN.com

"My blocking is coming along but it wasn't something I was accustomed to in college playing tight end and H-back," Williams said Tuesday. "I'm at my best when I have the ball in my hands, and I think I can make plays with the ball in my hands. The best thing I can do is break tackles, and play out in space.”

That's not NFL-caliber blocking.

Will Ta'ufo'ou? 5'11" 247lbs. The Bears may as well have kept Mckie, as he was listed at 5'11" 247lbs. and had much more experience. Although that experience consisted of getting stuffed back into holes and generally getting run over or pushed out of the way on every running or passing play, I suppose experience IS experience right?

Its clear to see why they were cut before the season started.

The lack of a quality FB may be hurting the defense as much as the offense. With no presence at FB coming out of the backfield at practice, how do they prepare for opposing teams FBs?

The Bears next opponent's FB? Mike Sellers 6'3" 272lbs. He is a major reason why Portis and now Torain have been productive for the Redskins.

What have the Bears put into play this season to provide Forte with blocking on 1st and goals and 3rd and 1s? They cut the FB position altogether and introduced OC Mike Martz's "Air Coryell" vertical attack to an offense that has no proven WRs and no line capable of the kind of pass protection neccesary for it.

Running downs are covered because pass-catching TEs can be FBs right?

The result has been utter embarassment on the goal line and 3rd downs, and sack parties in the Bear's backfield because of the one-dimensionality of this approach.

Wanted. Fullback: must be NFL quality. Experience preferred. Dependable, with good blocking skills as we have more than enough potential pass catchers. Ice baths and Icy-Hot provided. Apply in person to CEO as HC, OC and GM may be unavailable.





http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bear...true-fullbacks

ESPN.com: Bears
Notebook: Bears may keep no true fullbacks

By Jeff Dickerson and Michael Wright

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- The Bears typically reserved a roster spot in the past for a traditional blocking fullback.
But with the arrival of offensive coordinator Mike Martz, the club shifted its philosophy on how it viewed the position. Now, suddenly, the Bears wanted more than just blocking from the fullbacks.
After the release of long-time starter Jason McKie in March, the Bears now technically have two fullbacks on the roster -- Will Ta'ufo'ou and Eddie Williams. Yet both are listed on the preseason depth chart as H-backs behind veteran tight end Desmond Clark. On top of that, free agent acquisition Brandon Manumaleuna, known primarily for his blocking prowess, has lined up in the backfield for a few snaps on Monday.
The H-back spot usually gives clubs another way to classify the second or third tight end. But there's a chance the Bears keep only one at the position. Bottom line: the Bears could choose to keep just four tight ends and no fullbacks on the final 53-man roster.
Still, the long odds haven’t deterred Ta'ufo'ou and Williams from performing well at training camp, which undoubtedly will make the ultimate decision more difficult for the Bears. The two players seem to complement the other well, with Ta'ufo'ou displaying qualities as a strong blocker, while Williams has shown flashes as a solid receiver, who can make things happen in the open field.
"My blocking is coming along but it wasn't something I was accustomed to in college playing tight end and H-back," Williams said Tuesday. "I'm at my best when I have the ball in my hands, and I think I can make plays with the ball in my hands. The best thing I can do is break tackles, and play out in space.”
“I think what Martz does well is use what he's got, and let the system cater to the player. Whoever he's got, and whatever he can do with that specific guy, that's what he's going to do. If we have blocking fullbacks who are good pass protectors, he'll use those. But if we catch the ball, he'll let us run some routes."
Like every reserve role on the roster, special teams play an important role in deciding who survives the final cut. Williams did a respectable job playing on all four-phases in the Bears preseason opener against San Diego, making a tackle and finishing with a high grade.
"I really have no idea [how the whole thing will play out]," Williams said. "I think it'll come down to whoever performs well in the remaining preseason games. At practice, you can get good fits in and everything, but I think game action shows you who can really block, make plays, and be in the right position. Most of the guys lining up the backfield are already proven players. So it's up to the young guys like Will and [me] to show them we belong here.”