The Bears Break Free Agency - Land J.Peppers, C.Taylor, B.Malemaleuna

[Addict]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d816c37f9&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

so they sign Peppers, Manumaleuna and add Chester Taylor on route... discuss how the Bears destroyed everyone in FA.

[cvv84]

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

[RealityCheck]

They won't have draft picks until the 3rd, so they have to dedicate themselves on the FA.

[CJSchneider]

The big question is will this be enough to help them take the NFC North?

/me stirs the pot

[Addict]

The big question is will this be enough to help them take the NFC North?

/me stirs the pot

well it solidifies the Lions as #4, at least.

[619]

The big question is will this be enough to help them take the NFC North?

/me stirs the pot

If these two can coexist, then why not?

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0115/pg2_a_martz_576.jpg

http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Chicago+Bears+Introduce+Jay+Cutler+BQZcR3eKwSBl.jp g

[Gay Ork Wang]

Desperate times call for desperate measures.
this. They needed to do something

[Babylon]

Headlines there is they sign Peppers, the other two are backups at best.

I will say you add Julius Peppers and a healthy Brian Urlacher and they're back in business.

[CashmoneyDrew]

Headlines there is they sign Peppers, the other two are backups at best.

I will say you add Julius Peppers and a healthy Brian Urlacher and they're back in business.

You never know. Rumors are Greg Olsen might be on the way out and Manumaleuna has worked with Martz before. Also, Chestor Taylor is gonna get some quality carries in that offense. Especially if Matt Forte comes in this next season playing more like he did this past season as opposed to his rookie season.

[Complex]

Headlines there is they sign Peppers, the other two are backups at best.

I will say you add Julius Peppers and a healthy Brian Urlacher and they're back in business.

and a healthy Tommie Harris (he's only 26 I thought he would be older)

[Brodeur]

and a healthy Tommie Harris (he's only 26 I thought he would be older)

What's a healthy Tommie Harris?

[bantx]

manu is a blocking TE, i dont see how much they can use him in the passing game. Replacing him for Olsen is a big drop off.

[Saints-Tigers]

manu is a blocking TE, i dont see how much they can use him in the passing game. Replacing him for Olsen is a big drop off.

Martz doesn't throw to the TE, so when he trades Olsen, they have a quality starter. and by starter, I mean blocker.

[Michigan]

well it solidifies the Lions as #4, at least.

Don't dash my Superbowl dreams already :(

[Stranger]

manu is a blocking TE, i dont see how much they can use him in the passing game. Replacing him for Olsen is a big drop off.

It's Mike Martz. He believes TEs are for blocking not receiving.

I wouldn't be suprised if the Cards went after Olsen with some of the Boldin trade picks.

[bantx]

REC YDS TD AVG
60 612 8 10.2

Seeing how he was one of Cutlers main target last year, yeah it's going to be a completely different offense, but still I think he's going to be missed.

[SchizophrenicBatman]

Looks like theyve denied the Redskins their annual Offseason Champs trophy. Quite an upset

[Monomach]

The big question is will this be enough to help them take the NFC North?

/me stirs the pot

All depends on what happens with the O line. That's the biggest weakness of the team, by far.

manu is a blocking TE, i dont see how much they can use him in the passing game. Replacing him for Olsen is a big drop off.
Martz doesn't call for TEs to run routes. He's like 300 lbs. I'm sure you'll see him pass blocking on like 90% of our offensive snaps.

Greg Olsen = wasted talent now. Hopefully we just convert him to wideout. 6'5", 250 lbs, 4.51 forty? Works for me.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Dan Snyder says, quit copying me!!!

[Scotty D]

I just think hiring Martz was an awful idea. His offense puts a ton of pressure on the Oline. Why don't you hire someone that utilizes your best offensive weapon? If everything clicks then they are a superbowl contender, but I think this team has a high chance of picking top 3 next year.

[Flyboy]

I just think hiring Martz was an awful idea. His offense puts a ton of pressure on the Oline. Why don't you hire someone that utilizes your best offensive weapon? If everything clicks then they are a superbowl contender, but I think this team has a high chance of picking top 3 next year.

I have the exact same feeling to be honest with you, Scotty. Their weakest link is their offensive line and I see nothing be done about it.

[Whistler6]

I can only imagine Tommie Harris, J-Pepp, and Cutler tearing up Chicago the night before a game. Celebrate now, Chicago. Albert Haynesworth thinks Peppers getting $40 mil guaranteed is whack.

[Matthew Jones]

Manumaleuna is definitely the unheralded one here but he could be very important for the reason other people have mentioned - as a great blocker for Mike Martz. He's definitely far more suited to that offense than Olsen is. For people on here - does anyone have any idea what kind of compensation the Bears would be looking for with him? I wouldn't mind the Patriots trading a second round pick for him, I just don't know how high of a second I'd offer.

[Monomach]

I just think hiring Martz was an awful idea. His offense puts a ton of pressure on the Oline. Why don't you hire someone that utilizes your best offensive weapon? If everything clicks then they are a superbowl contender, but I think this team has a high chance of picking top 3 next year.

...because none of Lovie's best friends fit that description. Duh.

I can only imagine Tommie Harris, J-Pepp, and Cutler tearing up Chicago the night before a game. Celebrate now, Chicago. Albert Haynesworth thinks Peppers getting $40 mil guaranteed is whack.

?

Tommie Harris doesn't even drink. He's too anal-retentive holy-rollerish for that. We've had no problems with Cutler partying the night before a game since he's come to the Bears. I've never heard any concerns like that about Peppers. Your imagination is weird if you can imagine that.

As for the guaranteed money, so what? It's frontloaded. Is anyone really concerned that Peppers is going to be bad over the next three years or so?

[Monomach]

Manumaleuna is definitely the unheralded one here but he could be very important for the reason other people have mentioned - as a great blocker for Mike Martz. He's definitely far more suited to that offense than Olsen is. For people on here - does anyone have any idea what kind of compensation the Bears would be looking for with him? I wouldn't mind the Patriots trading a second round pick for him, I just don't know how high of a second I'd offer.

I'd want that pick from the Jags for him (44th overall). Any lower than that and I'd be pretty upset. It's not like he's a bust. It's just that we hired a bust for coordinator who won't use him. If we can't get a top 45 pick for him, I'd just as soon keep him and use him as a slot receiver who works the middle of the field.

[prock]

I am drink therefore, da bears equal *******

[Monomach]

I am drink therefore, da bears equal *******

I can think of no counterargument.

You win.

[Whistler6]

Tommie Harris doesn't even drink. He's too anal-retentive holy-rollerish for that. We've had no problems with Cutler partying the night before a game since he's come to the Bears. I've never heard any concerns like that about Peppers. Your imagination is weird if you can imagine that.

As for the guaranteed money, so what? It's frontloaded. Is anyone really concerned that Peppers is going to be bad over the next three years or so?

Point was Tommie Harris has been known to take plays off occasionaly as has Peppers atleast in the eyes of many. And all 3 are kind of diva, "look at me" type players... Poor word choice on my part in the previous point. I still remember Peppers 2.5 sack 38 tackle performance in 2007.

Your saying front loaded like 20 million dollars this season isn't a big deal. People are going to disagree. Some think it was a great signing, some don't. I'm on the side that think the Bears will regret it in the end. Still, it's a guy who will get them excited I suppose.

[bearsfan_51]

Haters gonna hate.

[Gay Ork Wang]

I doubt we trade Olsen.

Look at it that way: If the coaching staff fails, the coaches gonna be canned anyways. You want to give up on Olsen when after a year he could be very very useful again?

I could see Martz utilize him. Olsen is a little more polished receiving wise than VD was when Martz was in SF. Also with Manumaleuna blocking, he can now use Olsen with a little less pressure.

The numbers are misleading. Yes he had 8 TDs, but they threw at him like a million times in the redzone.

As of now, Greg is an above average TE with potential, but not as great as some make it out to be. Cutler's favorite target was Aro, not really Greg. He spreaded it around pretty good too.

Peppers im very iffy about. But apparently they had the same concerns with Simeon Rice before he got to Tampa and Marinelli seems to be at least a good motivator for the DL being an ex marine and all.

[Addict]

I doubt we trade Olsen.

Look at it that way: If the coaching staff fails, the coaches gonna be canned anyways. You want to give up on Olsen when after a year he could be very very useful again?

I could see Martz utilize him. Olsen is a little more polished receiving wise than VD was when Martz was in SF. Also with Manumaleuna blocking, he can now use Olsen with a little less pressure.

The numbers are misleading. Yes he had 8 TDs, but they threw at him like a million times in the redzone.

As of now, Greg is an above average TE with potential, but not as great as some make it out to be. Cutler's favorite target was Aro, not really Greg. He spreaded it around pretty good too.

Peppers im very iffy about. But apparently they had the same concerns with Simeon Rice before he got to Tampa and Marinelli seems to be at least a good motivator for the DL being an ex marine and all.

I don't really see how bold 1 connects with bold 2

[Gay Ork Wang]

I don't really see how bold 1 connects with bold 2
They threw at him in the redzone tons cause:

a. that was the playcall where he was the main target, being a redzone target doesnt necessarily mean he is his favorite target.
b. Aro didnt play till like week 9


When aro was in the game you kinda got the feeling Cutler was throwing at him a lot, forcing it sometimes. never got the feeling when he wasnt in the game, it felt he was spreading it when Aro wasnt starting

[Addict]

They threw at him in the redzone tons cause:

a. that was the playcall where he was the main target, being a redzone target doesnt necessarily mean he is his favorite target.
b. Aro didnt play till like week 9


When aro was in the game you kinda got the feeling Cutler was throwing at him a lot, forcing it sometimes. never got the feeling when he wasnt in the game, it felt he was spreading it when Aro wasnt starting

oh okay I see. Shame though I really thought Olson would be good after he got drafted..

[Canadian_draft_fan]

I thought Peppers wanted to play OLB in a 3/4 defense. Oh well, $20M in 1 year speaks louder, I guess.

[TitleTown088]

If these two can coexist, then why not?

http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/0115/pg2_a_martz_576.jpg

http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Chicago+Bears+Introduce+Jay+Cutler+BQZcR3eKwSBl.jp g

http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/gallery_images/photos/000/242/173/GYI0059142751_display_image.jpg

[Sniper]

http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/gallery_images/photos/000/242/173/GYI0059142751_display_image.jpg

Equals...

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/11/18/sports/football/19cutler/blogSpan.jpg

[BlindSite]

Peppers im very iffy about. But apparently they had the same concerns with Simeon Rice before he got to Tampa and Marinelli seems to be at least a good motivator for the DL being an ex marine and all.

Screaming in Pep's face won't motivate him. Peppers is a player you're going to love 75% of the time, curse out 15% of the time and be astounded by 10% of the time.

He's a great addition to any defense and the whole "oh he takes plays off bbbbb-but" is a load of crap, sometimes he's less effective and tires, but if the team gives him rest now and then and allows him to be unleashed on defenses and not confined with assignments he'll do a lot of damage.

[umphrey]

I'm not happy he went to the Bears because he makes their defense better. But their defense wont win them games like it did a few years ago. They wont be a threat until Cutler gets some help at WR and OL (I'm hoping Martz doesn't work magic - I don't think he can with the tools he has).

[vikes_28]

I'm a sad panda. I will miss Chester Taylor :(

[umphrey]

Who is Peterson's backup now? The Vikes would be stupid to run him into the ground. The way he plays he'll have a short career unless they cap him around 20 carries a game.

[cvv84]

Who is Peterson's backup now? The Vikes would be stupid to run him into the ground. The way he plays he'll have a short career unless they cap him around 20 carries a game.

Shhhhhhh!!!

[BlindSite]

I'm not happy he went to the Bears because he makes their defense better. But their defense wont win them games like it did a few years ago. They wont be a threat until Cutler gets some help at WR and OL (I'm hoping Martz doesn't work magic - I don't think he can with the tools he has).

Maybe not, but if you're going into the fourth qtr and you need a turn over or a sack to end a drive, Peppers is the guy you want leading the charge.

[Gay Ork Wang]

also, our WRs dont look as bad as people make it out to be. The OL on the other hand is just bad

[Monomach]

also, our WRs dont look as bad as people make it out to be. The OL on the other hand is just bad

This is the kool-aid talking.

[Gay Ork Wang]

no but seriously, what would happen if we draft another WR? add one of those rather average WRs in the FA?

unless we give up some First rounder next year, we cant get anything that is better than what we have right nwo

[thenewfeature06]

Antonio Bryant I would say is above average, seeing Derrick Mason play last year had me thinking he has another solid year in him and is a great team guy. Not sure if the Ravens are going to resign him yet.

[Gay Ork Wang]

Antonio Bryant I would say is above average, seeing Derrick Mason play last year had me thinking he has another solid year in him and is a great team guy. Not sure if the Ravens are going to resign him yet.
the thing is: do you rather give it to someone above average that is a hundred years old or let your young talented WRs start get experience and a bond with the QB?

Right now we have Hester, Aro, Bennett, Knox and Iglesias.

Aro should get to start next season, Bennett and Knox played quite nicely, and i doubt they just want to give up on iglesias

[thenewfeature06]

I did watch a game or 2 of Aro and I like his game. Can he be a #1 if so you guys should be fine because all the other recievers are solid but you just NEED a go to guy. Bring in Mason have him be an influence on the younger guys and him and Cutler would be on the same page from day 1 IMO.

[BlindSite]

Mason could still be a good player, if he wants to play, if he's not hungry, he'll blow.

[bearsfan_51]

The idea of Derrick Mason being a "go to guy" at this stage in his career is comical. The whole concept of a #1 receiver is overrated anyway.

[Hurricane Ditka]

The Bears will be just fine with reciever by committee. They've said time and time again they want to develop their own guys, Bennett, Aromashadu, Knox, Hester and Iglesias are all young and have potential. They'll probably add another receiver in the draft.

As for the offensive line, they played alot better once Chris Williams slid over to the left side. If we move Frank Omiyale over to RT, with the signing of Manumaluena he'll be protected most of the time anyway. Add a guy in the draft to compete at Left guard and there play will be much improved.

[Bucs_Rule]

As bad as the Bears played last year they did end up 7-9. The offense was dreadful, if it just improves some making the playoffs isn't out of the question.

[Morton]

As bad as the Bears played last year they did end up 7-9. The offense was dreadful, if it just improves some making the playoffs isn't out of the question.

The only thing standing in the way of the Bears winning the NFC North and locking up a #1 or #2 seed is how well Mike Martz and Jay Cutler and the WR corps gel together.

If Cutler thrives in Martz' system, Bears are a favorite, in my mind, to win the NFC.

[Monomach]

I hate when my fellow Bears fans start talking about how the offense will be fine with our collection of mid round suspect-handed dudes, converted DBs, and undersized slot receivers working outside against corners. We just watched a year full of these scrubs tripping over their own feet and giving up on routes resulting in a boatload of INTs. Right now, the only receiver on the Bears roster I really want to see more of is Aromashodu

Why is it that fans of other teams can look at the Bears and immediately say "wow, poor Jay Cutler really needs someone to throw to" and Bears fans can't?

But yeah...if we don't get Cutler a decent-sized target with jump ball skillz to stunt their growth, in one more year they'll all be Torry ******* Holt circa 2003!!!

Last year I said we needed to get Cutler someone to throw to or there'd be some problems. That was pretty much poo-pooed. Same for when I said Orton would look decent throwing to Marshall.

I'm calling it here. No changes at WR = the Bears suck again. The Bears need to snag Eric Decker or Demaryius Thomas with their first pick and trade Devin Hester before his roster bonus is due.. Now it's bolded so I can point back to it in a year and show how I'm a genius.

[bearsfan_51]

I hate when my fellow Bears fans start talking about how the offense will be fine with our collection of mid round suspect-handed dudes, converted DBs, and undersized slot receivers working outside against corners.
I used to hate that you spend 99% of your posts bitching about the team, now I just block you.

You act like you have this great insight all the time, but your **** is unoriginal and very tiresome.

[LonghornsLegend]

As of now, Greg is an above average TE with potential, but not as great as some make it out to be.

Maybe he's not as good as some Bears fans were ready to annoint him prematurely. I remember BeerBaron saying before last year that he could be on the same path as Jason Witten or could be just as good. So there were alot of fans putting him on that pedastal, I still think it's silly to hire a coach who doesn't want to utilize the best offensive weapon at this point.

[Gay Ork Wang]

Maybe he's not as good as some Bears fans were ready to annoint him prematurely. I remember BeerBaron saying before last year that he could be on the same path as Jason Witten or could be just as good. So there were alot of fans putting him on that pedastal, I still think it's silly to hire a coach who doesn't want to utilize the best offensive weapon at this point.
the thing is: Lovie Smith only has that many friends

[Addict]

The only thing standing in the way of the Bears winning the NFC North and locking up a #1 or #2 seed is how well Mike Martz and Jay Cutler and the WR corps gel together.

If Cutler thrives in Martz' system, Bears are a favorite, in my mind, to win the NFC.

did I miss something? Did the Bears magically come across an offensive line while I wasn't looking?

[Rosebud]

The idea of Derrick Mason being a "go to guy" at this stage in his career is comical. The whole concept of a #1 receiver is overrated anyway.

Randy Moss and the 2008 patriots disagree. A true #1 is not ust a go-to guy but also a guy who shifts coverage and opens things up for the others, another example would be the gmen when we lost plax, now we've managed to re-stock at WR quickly but when we lost plax Hixon and Toomer became no where near as useful because plax wasn't opening things up for them. You don't need a #1 to win btu if you have a #1 the rest of your guys will look that much better and be that much more efficient.

[Morton]

Armoshadu is a baller. I know he's going to be solid next year.

All Bears need is a solid LT, and one more solid WR.

[regoob2]

Armoshadu is a baller. I know he's going to be solid next year.

All Bears need is a solid LT, and one more solid WR.
We need a lot more than that. Chris Williams played well the 2nd half.

[bearsfan_51]

Randy Moss and the 2008 patriots disagree.
And as we all know, the Patriots were terrible before they got Randy Moss, whereas the Oakland Raiders were excellent.

[Brodeur]

did I miss something? Did the Bears magically come across an offensive line while I wasn't looking?

They cut 90 year old Orlando Pace, so I just assume that they now have a great offensive line. Well, at least until Cutler gets sacked 14 times in the Bears first game.

[Addict]

They cut 90 year old Orlando Pace, so I just assume that they now have a great offensive line. Well, at least until Cutler gets sacked 14 times in the Bears first game.

ah the old don't ask don't tell trick. Those tricky bears!