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4 problems the Bears must address
4 problems the Bears must address
From O-line to cornerbacks
Dan Pompei On the NFL
If the Bears couldn't be preparing for a Super Bowl appearance, then the thorough beating they endured in the NFC championship game might be the next best thing that could have happened to them.
The Packers are forcing the Bears to take a long, hard look in the mirror. Not everything they see appears as flattering as it did a little more than a week ago.
Here are some of the problems that separated the Bears from the Packers, and some solutions to bridge the gap.
Offensive line
What's the problem? If the team was starting to convince itself the starting five offensive linemen could continue to improve and become a solid unit next year, the Packers pass rush gave them some sobriety. The problem the Bears are facing is the three defensive lines in their division may be the best three in the NFL.
Potential solutions: Olin Kreutz, whose contract is expiring, still can play at least another year. And the Bears really need his leadership. So the team should try to re-sign him.
The Chris Williams experiment at guard is over. He was a bandage at the position, but he isn't stout enough to remain there. He needs to be moved back to tackle and allowed to compete for playing time there.
The team might want to consider moving J'Marcus Webb to left tackle, and probably will. He didn't have a great game against the Packers, but the kid has a lot of potential.
And there needs to be an influx of talent. Either the Bears need to draft a guard/center and sign a free agent offensive tackle, or draft a tackle and sign a guard.
Some decent veterans around the league have expiring contracts.
People will talk about Logan Mankins, but acquiring the Patriots guard seems like a pipedream. Then again, so did acquiring Julius Peppers and Jay Cutler.
Others to keep an eye on include Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo, Packers guard Daryn Colledge, Panthers center Ryan Kalil and Seahawks center Chris Spencer.
In terms of the draft, there is some depth. If Florida interior lineman Mike Pouncey, twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, is available when the Bears draft in the first round, he would be a good fit because he has played center and guard. The Bears could start him at guard with the idea of moving him to center when Kreutz moves on.
Resurrecting Lance Louis at guard also is a possibility.
Defensive line
What's the problem? The hope was Mark Anderson would provide the counterpunch to Julius Peppers. He was shipped out in October. Israel Idonije developed into a nice complementary player, but he had 1 1/2 sacks over the last seven games.
Tommie Harris flashed at the end of the year, but did not do enough throughout the season to justify paying him nearly $5 million next year. He would be worth keeping around only if he's willing to take a cut in pay.
By the end of the year, it was too easy for opponents to take Peppers out of the game, and the Bears put very little pressure on Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. The Bears need another pass rusher who can burst off the line and can get upfield quickly.
Potential solutions: It's a very good year for defensive linemen in the draft. The Bears will think hard about using their first-round pick either on an end or a tackle who can replace Harris.
Among the ends who could be available when they pick in the first are Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan, Ohio State's Cameron Heyward and Pittsburgh's Jabaal Sheard. Most people consider Georgia's Justin Houston an outside linebacker, but he could be a fit in the Bears' scheme.
If the Bears' highest-rated defensive lineman is a tackle who can rush the passer, they can go that route as well. Among the possibilities are Miami's Allen Bailey, Illinois' Corey Liuget, Oregon State's Stephen Paea and North Carolina's Marvin Austin.
The team also should try to re-sign nose man Anthony Adams, a potential free agent.
Backup quarterback
What's the problem? Most have no doubt Caleb Hanie should be the No. 2 quarterback this year.. But there was little doubt to most this season.
Offensive coordinator Mike Martz, however, appears to be more comfortable with an experienced veteran.
Potential solution: Either Martz has to get on board with Hanie or the Bears have to pay a veteran they can count on. They can't wait until exhibitions to pick up whatever is left over and expect that player to be able to win a championship game.
Among those who could be available are Marc Bulger, Josh McCown and Kerry Collins.
The Bears haven't wanted to pay a No. 2 quarterback premium money because they are paying Cutler so much. But they might have to, even if it means getting by with less at say, linebacker or guard.
Cornerback
What's the problem? The Packers went after Tim Jennings hard, exposing a problem area that had been masked pretty well most of the season.
Potential solution: It would not be wise to go into training camp thinking the Bears are set at cornerback. At the very least, they need competition.
The good news is they have three young cornerbacks with potential in Zack Bowman, D.J. Moore and Joshua Moore. They need to give those players opportunities.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to use a mid- to late-round choice on a corner either, given that Charles Tillman soon will be 30.
dpompei@tribune.com
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I agree with offensive line,
but a shut down corner should be number two.
Upgrade at DL would be nice, because Harris is done, and shows up for one or two games a year and we need someone who can bring pressure from the other side of peppers.
Backup QB, i say pass. Hanie is fine. But get us a damn WR who people game plan against. a TRUE number one, someone who goes up to fight for the ball.
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Bears have plenty of decisions to make as free agency nears
NEIL HAYES ON THE BEARS .hideTime { DISPLAY: none}Jan 30, 2011 02:40AM
As the last two seasons wound down, it was natural to wonder whether either would be center Olin Kreutz’s last. He is one of the longest-tenured players in Bears history and admits the days of being considered one of the NFL’s elite players at his position are behind him.
His value to the Bears was on display this season, though. If you don’t believe it, imagine where a makeshift line would’ve been without Kreutz making reads and recognizing blitzes.
At this time last year, Josh Beekman was considered the heir apparent at center. With Beekman gone, the only obvious long-term replacement is Edwin Williams, who was signed off the Washington Redskins’ practice squad and has made only five career starts — all at guard.
Kreutz is one of 14 Bears who will become unrestricted free agents when the collective-bargaining agreement is settled, whenever that might be. Despite his advanced age, retaining him for at least one more season to help ease the transition for the next center should be a priority — unless another veteran anchor can be acquired.
It’s not just the players with expiring contracts whom general manager Jerry Angelo must worry about, either. Players such as running back Matt Forte and safety Chris Harris, who tied for the team lead with five interceptions, will enter the final seasons of their contracts in 2011 and are deserving of extensions.
Caleb Hanie, meanwhile, will be a restricted free agent, meaning the Bears can match any offer for a backup quarterback whose stock is rising after he ignited the offense in the NFC Championship Game loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Here’s a look at some of the Bears’ other key unrestricted free agents and the likelihood that they will return to the team next season:
Anthony Adams
The Bears can’t afford to take a step back at defensive tackle. Adams is underrated, does the dirty work inside and excels against the run. His return might depend on whether Angelo thinks he can find a better all-around talent.
Desmond Clark
The veteran tight end never found a home in Mike Martz’s offense and was inactive for all but five games. In this case, it’s not a matter of whether the Bears want Clark back. Why would Clark want to return when he could have a bigger role elsewhere?
Todd Collins
Collins is through in Chicago. The 16-year veteran is contemplating retirement. If he does decide to play next season, it will be for another team.
Rashied Davis
Some wondered whether Davis would be cut during camp, but he has proved to be so valuable that he made former third-round pick Juaquin Iglesias expendable. Not only is he a standout special-teams performer, but he deserves a more prominent role as a receiver.
Corey Graham
Special-teams coordinator Dave Toub needs players like Graham, who led the league in special-teams tackles. With D.J. Moore taking over at nickel back, Graham doesn’t have much of a role on defense, which might prompt him to look for more playing time elsewhere.
Brian Iwuh
He was signed because of his special-teams prowess, but he proved to be a capable backup linebacker. He turned heads during camp and became a solid backup.
Danieal Manning
He has played every position in the secondary during his career but finally has found a home at strong safety, where he had his best season. He is also one of the NFL’s top kick returners, making him a versatile all-around player the Bears should want back even with Major Wright and Chris Harris on the roster.
Brad Maynard
Although the veteran punter didn’t have one of his better seasons, he remains the best in the league at dropping punts inside the 20 and finished the regular season strong. He also holds for kicker Robbie Gould, who wants him back. The best-case scenario is he should expect plenty of competition in camp.
Nick Roach
The former Northwestern standout is a big reason the Bears might have the deepest linebacking corps in the league. He has battled injuries but plays capably whenever he’s called upon. After four seasons as a backup, he might be lured away by a starting role.
Pisa Tinoisamoa
The veteran linebacker has battled injuries but is effective when healthy. The Bears likely would want Tinoisamoa to return for the right price, but only for the right price.
Garrett Wolfe
The former NIU star hasn’t earned playing time on offense but has been consistent on special teams. The hope that he would blossom into a player worthy of a third-round draft pick is dwindling
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Originally Posted by
The Benjamin 
I agree with offensive line,
but a shut down corner should be number two.
Upgrade at DL would be nice, because Harris is done, and shows up for one or two games a year and we need someone who can bring pressure from the other side of peppers.
Backup QB, i say pass. Hanie is fine. But get us a damn WR who people game plan against. a TRUE number one, someone who goes up to fight for the ball.
The shut down corer isnt easy to find or cheap.. and if pay the bucks( ie the oakland CB), you also have to be committed to continuing to change the "D" to less cover 2 as were doing this year and moe Man, othewise its wasting the dollars
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Originally Posted by
dabears54 The shut down corer isnt easy to find or cheap.. and if pay the bucks( ie the oakland CB), you also have to be committed to continuing to change the "D" to less cover 2 as were doing this year and moe Man, othewise its wasting the dollars
Never said it was easy or cheap. Just said it was something they needed to get.
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Originally Posted by
The Benjamin Never said it was easy or cheap. Just said it was something they needed to get.
And just saying if playing strictly the tampa-2 its a waste of money, you are better off with 2nd tier CB's that can play zone,and putting the "D" $$ instead of a Shut down Corner on a Penetrating "3" DT that would help the "D" more or a DE, as the front 4 pressure more important that a shut down corner. Only "IF" changing the "D" scheme does puttng the $$ in CB make sense
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High Fives / Like - 1 BEAR DOWN!, 0 Dislikes
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GAY ! !
Learn how to draft players
Dream on Bear Fans your team sucks.
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why would a backup qb be more important then an upgrade at wr? We have probably one of the worst wr combos in the league of the competing teams.
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High Fives / Like - 3 BEAR DOWN!, 0 Dislikes
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Originally Posted by
motownbear why would a backup qb be more important then an upgrade at wr? We have probably one of the worst wr combos in the league of the competing teams.
agreed, didn't get the back up qb thing, much rather sink $$$ into a top WR than a back up QB
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The entire offense needs a face lift minus Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. The WR's are good but not great compared to the Packers and other high caliber teams. Need upgrades everywhere on the offense. They also need depth at the cornerback and safety positions on D.
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