Thread: Bears would appeal to Cowher

Originally Posted by BigBadPapaBear

I knew Ditka was finished when he grabbed Harbaugh in MIN by the helmet after that pick he threw. He lost the team that day by humiliating our QB. I never understood why people think that cursing players out and embarassing them in front of the squad is somehow supposed to elevate their play.

I remember awhile back the Tribune had an article on Urlacher where Urlacher talked about how he didn't like cursing out or being negative towards young players. Uralcher talked about how Bryan Robinson cursed him out in front of the vets when he screwed up on a play in his rookie year. Urlacher said that while he udnerstood that he didn't feel that he should do that do younger players himself. My respect levels for Urlacher as a football player went through the stratosphere after reading that.

That's why Urlacher is a team leader who is going to the HOF and Bryan Robinson hasn't played in the NFL since 2008.

I've developed a lot of opinion on Smith over the years, some bordering on conspiracy theory.

First, I want to touch on a couple of things in the Esiason OP. I'm not entirely convinced that getting off the bus running is all Lovie's idea. It's just my opinion... that when he interviewed for this job that either he was asked about a ball-control offense and quickly copped to it, or he stated something similar and that endeared him to V-McC. Because he has enjoyed tremendous family support in spite of all the offensive short-comings.

Smith is a defensive guy, and I truly believe that is where his heart still lies. If it were up to him, he'd have an offensive coordinator that would run everything and not need him to step in.

He had that in Ron Turner, but Turner lacked the skill players needed to execute that offense. I'm as disillusioned with Turner as the next guy, but still think that offense would have been quite high-powered if there had been an elite WR on the roster and a reliable and effective QB. I don't think I need to remind anyone of the carousel behind center we all watched during those years. Not to mention he was living under the 'run-first' umbrella.

Smith had that in Mike Martz, but Martz let his egomanical persona override his ass, ascerting his offense could dominate any defense it went up against, not acknowledging that most defensive coordinators figured out how to defend against it while he was in Detroit. And the 'run-first' umbrella was still open.

Plus, the offensive line was not built for such a wide-open passing offense. It's a 'run-first' line. And it's still my main concern. I think the secondary will actually solidify this season.

And I truly don't think Smith cares (deeply), one way or the other, if the team is passing-oriented or run-oriented. He's all about defense and just wants the offense to do their job and put points on the board.

I think the Bears are on the cusp. I think this is the season they cross the line and move up a level ... and maintain that level going forward. No more 1 step forward, 2 steps back. I think (or hope) those days are over.

I especially think Cutler crossed that line last season, that he's ALREADY an elite QB. I think the injury hid this and we'll all get to see it this season. He's going to demand and and drag this team with him.

So who keeps waving the 'run-first' flag? Same people who gave Smith the job. Because it's Bear tradition. Just like having a passionate head coach.

Smith has proven he can win regular season games and beat the Packers. But he hasn't won it all and that's his detraction. I've called for his head because of this. Getting close and then not getting over the hump? That's the most frustrating thing.

But the man can coach a football team, and it's fairly evident the players are all on his side. Lots of guys have spoken out in the past (usually after they were cut), but I can't recall a single one talking bad about Smith.

Although, I will agree with the earlier statement that he needs to work on his public communication skills. Especially after a tough loss. The guy just leaves you with your jaw hanging, wondering if that's all there is to him.

We're on the back end of a franchise storm that still carries a lot of questions. We watched so many botched personnel moves, it makes you sick. We're still going to pay for a few of them (Olsen), but it's Emery's team now and if he does it right, he's going to give Smith everything he needs to field a Super Bowl-caliber team.

If that happens and the Lombardi Trophy isn't in Halas Hall anytime soon...

Well, let's hope Cowher asks Virginia if she prefers running or winning.

Great analysis and take on the situation mats. Especially the close.

Several more thoughts on Lovie.

Papa bear and Ditka no longer coach the('Da!) Bears. These are the shoes that Lovie had to fill. Rather than try to be either of those two, and fail, he chose a different path as a coach. It may not be what we like as fans, but so long as the Bears win games, that's all that matters.

While there are better coaches, they are few and far between.

The Bears could, and have done so.... soooo much worse....

Cowher would be my first choice to get the job...

Lovie could be gone after this year, don't forget that. If we start slow, he could be gone when we enter the early bye week. Cowher could take over and would have 2 weeks. Lovie is on the hot seat, but I don't see this happening