Chicago Bears “Rising Stars”

OL KYLE LONG 

With the 20th pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft the Chicago Bears made people scratch their heads when the selected offensive linemen Kyle Long from Oregon. Now the Bears general manager Phil Emery has been known to go outside the box and shock people with his early draft picks, as he did last year by taking Shea McClellin with his first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Emery stuck to his routine when former NFL great Howie Long’s son was taken much earlier then pro scouts anticipated he would be selected. The 6’6 313 pound linemen has the pedigree and size to be a first round draft pick, but only started in four games in his collegiate career, which made him a stretch when the Bears selected him so early. Long originally went to Oregon to be a pitcher for the baseball team, and was a quarterback in high school.

As we are now preparing for the 3rd game of the preseason Kyle Long has people in Chicago very excited. Long has won the starting position at right guard, and shined in the Bears 2nd preseason game against the San Diego Chargers. Kyle Long dominated as he showed great quickness, strength, ability to get to the next level, and a great amount of nasty in his game.(Which the Bears offensive line has been missing since Olin Kreutz retired)  Footballfocus.com gave Kyle Long a +5.7 for the game, which for a lineman is fantastic. Matt Forte scored a touchdown when the Bears ran the ball right up Long’s butt, and converted 66% of their 3rd downs with Long in the game. Now I know its only preseason and Long has played in just 2 games in his NFL career, but I believe that Kyle Long will be a Bear for a very long time as he learns the game his Rookie year. Look for Long to be one of the centerpieces of the Bears line for years to come.

On a side note the thing that many pro scouts used against Long was the fact that he played in only 4 games ever for Oregon, which made him a stretch at 1st round. I believe that because Long is ahead of schedule with learning the position in the NFL, playing in only 4 games benefits Long dramatically. His body is fresh because he didn’t have the typical wear and tear that the typical college linemen has to go through. Phil Emery may have looked foolish on draft day, but by seasons end he could look like a genius, only time can tell.

NFL 2013 Breakout Offense

With preseason nearing dress rehearsals in Week 3, The Big Guy takes a look at potential breakout offensive players in 2013. These players showed signs of promise in 2012 or enter their rookie seasons in a particularly promising position to demonstrate their abilities. Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.

Quarterback: Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

The first pick of the 2005 draft looked like he had developed into a reliable mid-level starter in 2011, throwing for 17 touchdowns and five interceptions in a 13-3 season. In his two playoff games he produced six touchdowns without a turnover. Things were going well in 2012 until a concussion knocked him out of the starting role that backup Colin Kaepernick would never relinquish. Now a Chief, Smith is a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s West Coast offense. According to CBS Sports, Reid made multiple attempts to acquire Smith when Reid was in Philadelphia. Barring injury, Kansas City has too much talent to not improve dramatically on a 2-14 record last year.

Running Back: Daryl Richardson, St. Louis

The 252nd pick of last year’s draft, Richardson carried the ball 98 times for 475 yards last season. A capable receiver as well, Richardson has locked up the starting role for the Rams with the departure of Steven Jackson. The Rams are my pick to breakout in the NFC this season and Richardson is one of several reasons why.

Running Back: Lamar Miller, Miami

Another second-year back, Miller will be the primary rusher for the Dolphins this season following Reggie Bush’s move to Detroit. Miller earned a meager 51 carries last season, but averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He averaged 5.7 ypc in his two seasons at Miami. He only has seven carries through the first two preseason games, but look for him to get plenty of chances to show off his 4.4 speed in Week 3 against Tampa Bay.

Wide Receiver: Michael Floyd, Arizona

The 2012 first-rounder emerged late last season after struggling to ingratiate himself into the Cardinals offense. From Weeks 1-7 he was targeted more than three times only once. In the last nine games of the season he caught 37 balls for 471 yards. He went out with a bang in Week 17 against the 49ers when he hauled in eight catches for 166 yards and a touchdown. With Carson Palmer spinning it, look for both Larry Fitzgerald and Floyd to significantly improve their numbers.

Wide Receiver: Alshon Jeffery, Chicago

This guy oozes talent. The 6’3″, 216 pounder had 1,517 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his second season at South Carolina. Knee problems limited him to ten games his rookie year for the Bears, finishing with 24 catches for 367 yards and three touchdowns. If new coach Marc Trestman’s offense is going to succeed in 2013, Jeffery has to produce as Chicago’s second receiver. Much of that will depend on quarterback Jay Cutler’s willingness to throw to Jeffery. Cutler threw all five of his Week 2 passes to Brandon Marshall and Jeffery has only one catch so far in preseason. Keep an eye on Jeffery in Chicago’s Friday dry run against the Radiers.

Tight End: Zach Sudfeld, New England

The undrafted tight end from Nevada has turned heads throughout training camp in Foxborough and suddenly looks like a valuable commodity considering Rob Gronkowski’s uncertain recovery timetable following offseason back surgery and Aaron Hernandez’s murder trial. At 6’7″, 225 pounds, he he could very well file into Hernandez’s former role. Sudfeld had two receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown in the Pat’s second preseason game against Detroit.

Offensive Line: Pittsburgh

The Steelers struggled to run the ball in 2012, finishing 26th in yards per game with 96.1. A full season from 2012 first-round pick David DeCastro will help Pittsburgh reclaim their identity as maulers. Led by three-time All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey, the average age of the starting unit will be 24.4. Starting right tackle Mike Adams is said to be healthy and strong seven weeks after being stabbed twice in a carjacking, according to ESPN.

2013 NFL Season Predictions

                AFC EAST                                          NFC EAST
               1.New England Patriots  12-4                  1.Washington Redskins  11-5
               2.Miami Dolphins        7-9                      2.New York Giants      11-5
               3.New York Jets         5-11                     3.Dallas Cowboys       8-8               
               4.Buffalo Bills         4-12                        4.Philadelphia Eagles  7-9
                 AFC NORTH                                        NFC NORTH
               1.Cincinnati Bengals    12-4                     1.Green Bay Packers    12-4
               2.Baltimore Ravens      11-5                     2.Chicago Bears        11-5
               3.Pittsburg Steelers    9-7                        3.Minnesota Vikings    7-9
               4.Cleveland Browns      6-10                     4.Detroit Lions        6-10
                AFC SOUTH                                         NFC SOUTH
                1.Houston Texans        10-6                     1.Atlanta Falcons      13-3
                2.Indianapolis Colts    10-6                      2.Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7
                3.Tennessee Titans      7-9                       3.New Orleans Saints   8-8
                4.Jacksonville Jaguars  2-14                     4.Carolina Panthers    7-9
               AFC WEST                                           NFC WEST
                1.Denver Broncos        13-3                     1.Seattle Seahawks     13-3
                2.Kansas City Chiefs    8-8                        2.San Francisco 49ers  11-5
                3.San Diego Chargers    6-10                    3.St.Louis Rams        10-6
                4.Oakland Raiders       3-13                      4.Arizona Cardinals    2-14

First Round Byes; AFC- Broncos,Patriots. NFC-Seahawks,Falcons.
Wildcard Round;   AFC- Bengals vs. Colts; Ravens vs. Texans.
Wildcard Round;   NFC- Packers vs. 49ers; Bears vs. Redskins.
Divisional Round; AFC- Broncos vs. Ravens; Patriots vs. Bengals.
Divisional Round; NFC- Falcons vs. Packers; Seahawks vs. Bears.
Championship Games; AFC- Broncos vs. Patriots; NFC Falcons vs. Seahawks
Superbowl;  Broncos vs. Falcons
Champion; Falcons



Coach Tom

How the Chicago Bears can Beat the Green Bay Packers

The new look Chicago Bears started their 2012 NFL season in fashion, with a 41-21 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. 4 days later Cutler, and his new offensive take on their old rivals in the NFL in the Green Bay Packers. Cutler and the Bears have now dropped 4 straight games to a team in which head coach Lovie Smith has made target number 1 since becoming the organizations head coach, and look to finally turn things around in a season where many believe they can make it to the Super Bowl. Here are my Key Points to the Bears beating the Packers.

1. Fast Start by the Offense. In the Bears season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, the offense got off to a very slow start. The Bears 1st possession started at their own 16 yard line, and their next 4 plays went as followed; 1st down- Cutler sacked for a 12 yard loss, false start on RT Carimi, 2nd down-(2nd and 24 at the 2 yard line) Matt Forte rush for 3 yards, 3rd down-Cutler pass incomple to Alshon Jeffery, 4th down- punt. The Bears first possession had many worried that this highly bragged about new offense was no different from last seasons team. Things got no better in their second possession when the Bears again started in terrible field position. The Bears started their drive on their one 3 yard line in which Jay Cutler made a terrible decision by throwing a bullet out to Forte in flats, rather than just floating it over, and it was easily intercepted for a touchdown by Freeman and the Colts were up 7-0. Cutler ended the first quarter 3-12 with 21 yards passing. After the first quarter Cutler was a new man and went 18-23 with 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. After the slow start, the Bears new offense really looked as though they will have no problem putting points on the scoreboard this season. However if the Bears offense gets off to a slow start at Lambeau Field, then Aaron Rodgers and the Packers could put the Bears away early. The Packers defense is much more difficult to play against when the Packers have a lead, and it gets Matthews going early. So it is key for Culter and the Bears to get off to a fast start tonight if they hope to win.
   
2. Continue the 2 headed attack at running back. In the Bears season opener Matt Forte and Michael Bush gave the Bears a great dual back threat in the backfield. Forte finished the game with 16 carries, 80 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions, 40 yards. Michael Bush finished the game with 12 carries, 42 yards, 2 touchdowns. The Bears made it very clear the Forte is the feature back and don’t be surprised if you see Forte used more in the slot during the Packers game tonight. Forte got paid the big bucks this off season, and he is showing why he is worth every penny. Bush will be used primarily as the goal line back, which he showed he can do very well in week 1 with 2 touchdowns, and to keep Forte fresh throughout the game. With the new receiving threats down the field, look for the Bears running game to be great this season. 
3. Offensive Line must contain Clay Matthews. First lets start with how the Bears suspect offensive line did in the season opener against the Colts. The line gave up just 2 sacks against the Colts, and the Bears were able to rush for 114 yards on the day. Now I’m not ready to say their problems are solved based off just one game, but they did impress many with their solid play. With that said, Clay Matthews looked to be on a mission against the 49ers in their season opener, recording 2.5 sacks on the day. To make Matthews day even better, he did this against Pro Bowler Joe Staley for the San Francisco 49ers. Matthews wheels will be turning to prove the Bears J’Marcus Webb doesn’t stand a chance. Now i do agree that Webb can not stop Matthews one-on-one, but if the Bears can help with sending a tightend, or running back to chip Matthews, and slow him down without getting rid of productivity, then the Bears should be fine.

Chicago Bears fans could not feel any better after such a great game by the Bears after week one, and many believe that the Bears could actually go into Lambeau and win the game tonight. I too believe the Bears can win, but only if these 3 things happen throughout the game. This game will prove the Bears are a force to fear in the NFC.

 

 

Coach Tom

How The Packers Beat The Bears

The suddenly high-flying Chicago Bears strut into Lambeau Field boasting of unprecedented weapons and unbridled confidence. Four days removed from a 41-21 shellacking of the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago enters with an opportunity to claim a quick two game lead on their primary division rivals. Green Bay has other plans.

A pair of home games aside, Week 1 could not have been more different for these two teams. Chicago welcomed a rookie quarterback and last year’s worst team. Green Bay hosted a team that took the Super Bowl champions into overtime in the NFC Championship. The Colts turned the ball over with zest, the 49ers may as well have been Tiki Barber’s chest.

Does Chicago have more weapons than ever before? Yes, they do. They still do not have as many weapons as Green Bay. Both defensively and offensively, the Packers possess more explosive talent than the Bears. By putting those weapons to use, the Packers can win. Here’s how:

1. Run Randall Cobb. The Packers broke out a new look last week by consistently placing Cobb in the shotgun backfield beside Aaron Rodgers. Cobb never took a handoff out of the set, but caught several passes while matched up with linebackers. His nine catches were a game high. The only Packer to take a handoff was Cedric Benson, who finished with a dismal 18 yards on nine carries. Desires to scrap the run game as a whole aside, the Packers would be best served by sticking the ball into Cobb’s belly.  In his three seasons as Mr. Everything for the University of Kentucky, Cobb averaged 5.8 yards per carry. At 192 pounds, Cobb will not bang out tough yards; good thing the Packers run the spread. Look for Cobb to take some carries tonight and spark life into a moribund run game.
2. Charles Woodson shadows Brandon Marshall. Jay Cutler targeted his old buddy 15 times in Week 1 and Chicago’s offseason prize finished with nine catches for 119 yards. Marshall did his work against Jerraud Powers (who?) and Vontae Davis (who had three weeks to learn the Colts’ defense). Tonight’s coverage will be a different story. In his new hybrid safety/cornerback role, Woodson enjoys more freedom to roam than ever, so expect defensive coordinator Dom Capers to make Marshall, wherever he lines up, priority number one for Woodson. Rookie wideout Alshon Jeffery will likely face one-on-one coverage from Tramon Williams with coverage consistently sliding toward Marshall. Cutler— gunslinger comment here— will force the ball to Marshall, so do not be surprised when Woodson gains his first pick of the season. The only gamble is that the 5-foot-10 Williams, a 2010 Pro Bowler, will be able to handle the 6-foot-3 Jeffery.
3. Clay Matthews commands double-teams. The 49ers trusted Pro Bowler Joe Staley to single-handedly control Matthews. That led to 2.5 sacks. With no chance that the Bears trust J’Marcus Webb to take Matthews on one-on-one, look for double-teams to open opportunities for rookie outside linebacker Nick Perry to record his first career sack. The double-teams Matthews will command opens opportunities for all of the Packers defense and increase the chance for the most indicative statistic in projecting Green Bay success, turnovers.

The 49ers played a perfect game in Week 1. They did not turn the ball over, maintained a perfect balance between run and pass (32 rushes to 26 passes) and bottled the Packers offense to only one play over 30 yards. The Bears, on the other hand, whooped up on a whimpy team. This game will be highly competitive, and there is more to learn about the Bears than the Packers in this one. We know the Packers remain in the elite of the NFL. Tonight, we will see if the Bears do as well. Look for the Packers to take an early lead, hold off an impressive Bears offense, and even things up in the division. The Bears are a solid playoff team, but do not belong with the big boys.

Prediction: Packers, starring Randall Cobb, win 30-21

The Big Guy

Chicago Bears 2012 Season Preview

 

The Chicago Bears 2011 season saw them get out to a great start at 7-3 before the ship sank on the season. The Bears lost Jay Cutler and Matt Forte in back to back weeks for the rest of the season, and the Chicago Bears ended up finishing the season 8-8 and very disappointed. The Bears made big moves in the offseason acquiring Brandon Marshall, Michael Bush, and Jason Campbell. The new looked Bears offense looks vastly improved, and could put up lot of points this season. The are 4 keys to the Bears going all the way in 2012.

1. Can Jay Cutler finally prove himself to be a pro bowl quarterback? The 2012 season gives Cutler his best opportunity to flourish as the Bears starting quarterback now that he finally has a number 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall. Marshall changes the entire offense for the Bears even if he is not catching balls every play. Cutler and Marshall played together in Denver and have instantly found their chemistry again this preseason. Marshall opens up space for Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and rookie phenom Alshon Jeffery to have great seasons with the defense being forced to spend so much time on Brandon Marshall. Cutler could have a career year in 2012, and he could lead the Bears to his first Super Bowl. 
2. Can the Bears offensive line keep Cutler healthy? Since Bears veteran center, Olin Kreutz retired, the Bears offensive line has been terrible to say the least. The line showed some promise last season, and the coaching staff has high hopes for the offensive line to keep Cutler safe this season. If the Bears can get a decent effort out of left tackle J’Marcus Webb, then their two strong running backs, and Cutler should be able to have successful seasons. If the Bears line lets them down, then their Super Bowl hopes could be dashed.
   
3. Can Matt Forte and Michael Bush combine for 2,000? After Matt Forte tore his ACL in the 2011 season, the Chicago Bears got themselves an insurance policy running back in Michael Bush from the Oakland Raiders. So now the Bears have Matt Forte who was well on his way to rushing for 1,000 before being injured, and Michael Bush who ran for 977 yards last season for the Raiders. If the Bears can get their two running backs to combine for 2,000 yards, and a decent passing attack, then there should be no way the Bears aren’t battling the Packers to win the Division.
4. Will Brian Urlacher be 100% in 2012? Yes Brian Urlacher has missed the entire preseason due to his knee injury, but he is supposed to be starting on opening day. Urlacher has been the face of the Bears defense since being drafted by the Bears in 2000, and the Bears Tampa 2 defense success is key to Urlacher being there at middle linebacker. If the Urlacher can go injury free and be the same Urlacher that he has been for the past 13 seasons, then the Bears defense should be one of the top 10 defenses in the league.

I believe the Bears will go 12-4 this season, win the NFC North, NFC Championship, and make it to the Super Bowl against the Ravens.

Bears pivotal games: Week 2- @ Green Bay, Week 7- Detroit, Week 10- Houston, Week 11-@ San Francisco, Week 15- Green Bay, Week 17 @ Detroit.

 

 

 

Coach Tom

Bears-Broncos Standouts

Chicago And Denver started their preseason off Thursday night at Solider Field. Despite thunderstorms delaying the start to the game, Payton Manning was able to make his first after missing all of last season, and his first start as the quarterback of the Denever Broncos. The Broncos put a preseason beat down on the Chicago Bears winning 31-3. Neither Jay Cutle, Brian Urlacher, or Matt Forte played for the Chicago Bears in their opening game.

• Payton Manning, quarterback, Broncos: Payton Manning went 4-7  with 44 yards passing on the night. Payton Manning also had an interception to Major Wright. Payton Manning looked like the Payton Manning pre-injury, as it looks as though the Broncos decision to drop Tebow for Manning is working in the favor.
•  Alshon Jeffery, wide reciever, Bears: The Chicago Bear 2nd round draft pick had 4 catches for 35 yards, giving him a 8.8 yards per catch average in his debut.
• Xavier Omon, running back, Broncos: Omon was selected 179th in the 6th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Omon spent 2 years with the Bills before making his way to Denver this season. Omon had 7 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown on the night. Omon also had 1 catch for 4 yards in the only ball thrown to him.
• Shea McClellin, defensive end, Bears: The Bears first round draft pick had 3 solo tackles in his Bears debut to go along with 1 sack as well. McClellin impressed me with his ability to stay off the blockers and follow the quarterback thorughout the night.
• Jeremy Beal, defensive end, Broncos: The Broncos 7th round pick. Jeremy Beal, made some heads turn after having 2 sacks in his first action in his second season. Beal had 3 solo tackles including the 2 sacks on the night. 

The stand out of the night for each team would have to be Alshon Jeffery for the Chicago Bears, and Xavier Omon for the Denver Broncos.

 

 

Coach Tom

 

Bears Sign Matt Forte

The Chicago Bears reached a 4-year, $32 million agreement with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte today.

The deal works well for both sides, as Forte will receive high-level compensation, while the Bears will not be saddled with a contract a la Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson’s $30 million guaranteed deal.

Forte enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, before going down with a sprained MCL against the Chiefs. In 12 games the back averaged a career-high 4.9 yards per carry and was on pace to set a career record for receptions. He also became only the second player to tally 700 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving in each of his first four seasons.

The NFL may be a passing league but a dynamic back like Forte can fit into any offense. Any doubters can simply look at the type of production Marshall Faulk put up when he was a member of perhaps the greatest aerial attack in history, The Greatest Show on Turf.

The Big Guy

Matt Forte Contract Situation

The Chicago Bears have until Monday to reach a long-term contract agreement with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte. The 44th overall pick of the 2008 draft is currently under the Bears franchise tag, which would pay him $7.749 million this season. 

Forte enjoyed a breakout year in 2011. In 12 games the back averaged a career-high 4.9 yards per carry and was on pace to set a career record for receptions. He also became only the second player to tally 700 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving in each of his first four seasons. Forte simply was the Bears offense last year. 

However, Forte sprained his MCL against the Chiefs and missed the final four games of the season. The Bears front office took note. 

Running backs come and go in the NFL, and even the highest level backs can succumb to the hits. Tennessee Titans back Chris Johnson ran for 2006 yards in 2009, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Johnson eventually signed a 6-year, $56 million deal. 

In 2011, Johnson returned to Earth, averaging 4.0 yards per carry while totaling 1047 yards. 

The Bears appear hesitant to sign Forte to the type of long-term, big money deal he desires. The arrival of wide receiver Brandon Marshall will certainly help lighten the Bears reliance on Forte, but one man (neither Forte nor Marshall) makes an offense. 

Forte’s dynamic ability and his impressive season last year suggest that he may well be worth a long-term investment. Marshall is a nice addition, but the Bears would not improve if they simply switch the star of their one-man show. Offenses need multiple options and while The Big Guy typically disapproves of maximum contracts, the Bears should reward Forte in this case. His dual-threat ability makes him an elite back.

Forte says he is “optimistic” that the Bears will give him the contract he wants. The Big Guy is too.

The Big Guy

Hester Compilation Tape

The Bears are planning on taking the best return man of all-time off the field for special teams. That is a good idea, why?