#1 Chicago Sports Fan Message Board, ChiCitySports http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/ Active Chicago Sports Message Board for Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, and Fire Fans. REGISTER TODAY! GREAT FAN FORUMS. en Sun, 19 May 2013 03:10:11 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/images/tf_ideal/misc/rss.png #1 Chicago Sports Fan Message Board, ChiCitySports http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/ Safe to say... http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35846-Safe-to-say?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 03:01:08 GMT Melo wouldn't have been the difference between the Bulls winning and losing against Miami. ]]> Chicago Bulls Forum nwfisch http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35846-Safe-to-say Law says Astros to pass on Appel for Gray http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35844-Law-says-Astros-to-pass-on-Appel-for-Gray?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 02:48:14 GMT Dont have much more than the first 2 lines of the espninsider article, but the headline says straight from the almighty Prophet Law. Jonathan Gray seems to be the pick to the Astros. Insider people feel free to add the text/skinny. So now the scenario seems changed...Mark Appel falls to the cubs laps, a dream scenario for some of us, pointless for the others who think Kris Bryant is the guy. And Boo, who likes Sean Manea :tongue: Discuss...and please, keep it on topic. We wouldnt want the semantics police to get called... Dont have much more than the first 2 lines of the espninsider article, but the headline says straight from the almighty Prophet Law. Jonathan Gray seems to be the pick to the Astros. Insider people feel free to add the text/skinny.

So now the scenario seems changed...Mark Appel falls to the cubs laps, a dream scenario for some of us, pointless for the others who think Kris Bryant is the guy.

And Boo, who likes Sean Manea :tongue:

Discuss...and please, keep it on topic. We wouldnt want the semantics police to get called... ]]> Chicago Cubs Forum patg006 http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35844-Law-says-Astros-to-pass-on-Appel-for-Gray Four downs with Ditka http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35843-Four-downs-with-Ditka?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 00:41:42 GMT http://www.suntimes.com/sports/footb...ith-ditka.html

BY MIKE DITKA May 18, 2013 12:48AM

1. Bears QB coach Matt Cavanaugh called Jay Cutler ‘brilliant’ in regard to his football IQ. Do you agree?

I’ve never been around Jay a whole lot, but I think he’s a smart kid. I think he really understands the game. I know Matt is not going to say something if he doesn’t mean it. That must be Matt’s impression, and I’ll go with his impression. I think the sky’s the limit for Jay Cutler. But the only guy that has to realize that is Jay Cutler. It’s not you or me or Matt Cavanaugh or Marc Trestman. He’s got to realize it, and he has to want it, and he has to pursue it. That’s what it has to be about. You control your destiny. Other people don’t control it. If he wants it bad enough, he can be as good as anybody in the game.

2. How would you compare Jim McMahon’s quarterback IQ to that of Jay Cutler?

McMahon really had a great background coming out of college at BYU. He got it. He had a great coach. He had natural instincts to be able to read a defense and anticipate from the pre-read look as to what they were going to do. He’d pretend that he didn’t look at film, but he did look at enough film to understand all that stuff. He was really good. I never had a problem with Jim McMahon calling an audible. When he audibled, he audibled for a good reason. Can Jay do that? Yeah. But I’ll tell you how you get that way. You get that way by watching film and studying it and understanding what the opponent is trying to do. If they take your best weapon away, what are you going to go to? And that’s what you have to do. It becomes a little bit of a chess match. Can he do it? Heck, yes, he can do it.

3. Players loved playing for Lovie Smith. How hard will the adjustment be to the new coach for the veteran Bears, especially the defense?

Lovie was a great guy and a great coach. He was there for a long time, and the players had a fondness. But the clock ticks, time moves on, and you’re in a new era with somebody else. Listen, their job is to play football and they know that. They can’t change what it is. So they’re going to respond to the new coach and the new defensive coordinator, and they’re going to play football for him. Believe me, he’s going to be a little bit different because the scheme isn’t going to be the same. But as far as that goes, they don’t hang on to those things. It’s nice to say the coach tried to hang on to this or that. . . . You know, we’re only passing through. Lovie had the job, I had the job, then all of a sudden, you don’t have the job. That’s OK. It happens. We did the best we could with it, and then we moved on. I think that’s how these guys will look at it. The new guy coming in, they will support totally.

4. Will we ever see Coach Ditka on Twitter?

You will never see me. Somebody else might do some things, but not me. I text, though. I got to the point where I can text, I can call and do those things. So I’m getting pretty good. I really don’t want anyone to know what I’m doing. I really don’t think what I’m doing is that important. People don’t have to know what I’m doing. It’s no one’s business but mine. ]]> Chicago Bears Forum ole69 http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35843-Four-downs-with-Ditka Ax Pro-Bowl Game if Not Played by NFL Rules, Or Keep as is? Ideas to Keep Game http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35842-Ax-Pro-Bowl-Game-if-Not-Played-by-NFL-Rules-Or-Keep-as-is-Ideas-to-Keep-Game?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 00:29:05 GMT Do you think the Pro-bowl Game should discontinued if it's not played with all NFL rules? Or do you think the Pro-bowl Game should continue as is?


Reason for all NFL Rules:
Many fans don't watch the Pro-bowl Game because it's not played with regular NFL game rules (such as no blitz, Intentional grounding is legal), which creates an core imbalance in the game that favors the offense, and lends itself to players not playing hard, and trying not to be too physical with other players, all of which disorients player performance.

Funds:
If the game was played with all regular NFL rules, it would be a real game with the best NFC players versus AFC, and a large audience would then watch the game, creating a large revenue from sales (advertisers, tickets, etc). This revenue would create the funds to pay the game participants a worthwhile amount, and worthwhile bonus to win the game.

Profit Sharing Incentive Game Participant Payment:
Take the total Pro-bowl revenue from tickets & broadcast (etc), and divide this revenue to game participants (players, coaches, officials, NFL employed game administrators) based on an individual percentage multiplier. This individual percentage multiplier is based on the difference between the highest individual average yearly contract salary (not counting undetermined 'future incentive' amounts) compared to the lowest. As an example, to attract a high paid player like Aaron Rodgers ($22 million/year), his revenue multiplier would be approximately 10 times more than the average first round rookie contract player ($2 million/year). The winning team participants would earn a 25% bonus (non-team participants 10% bonus, such as officials and NFL organizers).

First Pro-bowl Game earnings may start low, and then sharply rise with market success of the new format.

Other Events:
Friendly player football skill contests, such as throwing the ball the farthest, and fan access to players, should be a part of events.


Quote:
Rule differences

The Pro Bowl has different rules from other NFL games to make the game safer.[12][13]

No motion or shifting by the offense
Offense must have a tight end in all formations
Offense may not have three receivers on the same side
Intentional grounding is legal
Defense must run a 4–3 at all times
No press coverage except inside the five-yard line
No blitz
Not allowed to rush a punt, PAT or FG attempt
No calls can be challenged

In case of a tie after regulation, multiple 15-minute OT periods will be played (with each team receiving 3 time outs per 2 OTs), and teams receive one possession to score unless one of them scores a touchdown or safety on its first possession. True sudden death rules apply thereafter if both teams have had their initial possession and the game remains tied.
Thoughts?


... ]]> Chicago Bears Forum Sculpt http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35842-Ax-Pro-Bowl-Game-if-Not-Played-by-NFL-Rules-Or-Keep-as-is-Ideas-to-Keep-Game Governor Charlie! http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35841-Governor-Charlie!?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 22:11:02 GMT 20.00 ATB on my money maker special of the Day in the Preakness! :beerbang: 20.00 ATB on my money maker special of the Day in the Preakness! :beerbang: ]]> Chicago Bears Forum hyatt151 http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35841-Governor-Charlie! comparing after 2011 season to now http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35840-comparing-after-2011-season-to-now?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 21:01:22 GMT im interested in reading what the majority on here think about weather they feel the cubs are in a better position now moving forward or if they were better off where they were after the 2011 season.. after the 2011 season they had just completed a 2nd 90 lost season, with over 30 players nearing or at the end of their contracts. they had a minor league system with basically no one to call up to replace any of these players. now, they have an improved system with players near ready to move up or could be moved up in the near future.. they also have a younger core of major league players establishing themselves.. i feel their in a better position now then they were after the 2011 season mainly because the system has improved not only with some quality players but because they have established quantities thru draft, trades, and international signings which will give them more of a chance to get a solid player(s) thru their system. i also think having a younger core playing on the major league level now and playing well, is also a much needed improvement over where they were at after the 2011 season with the end of the road veterans.. so, just interested in reading how you feel where their at now compared to where they were after the 2011 season.. keep in mind the topic.. this isnt about what they couldve done or should do in the future, its only about what they finished with after 2011 and what they have now. im interested in reading what the majority on here think about weather they feel the cubs are in a better position now moving forward or if they were better off where they were after the 2011 season..

after the 2011 season they had just completed a 2nd 90 lost season, with over 30 players nearing or at the end of their contracts.
they had a minor league system with basically no one to call up to replace any of these players.

now, they have an improved system with players near ready to move up or could be moved up in the near future..
they also have a younger core of major league players establishing themselves..


i feel their in a better position now then they were after the 2011 season mainly because the system has improved not only with some quality players but because they have established quantities thru draft, trades, and international signings which will give them more of a chance to get a solid player(s) thru their system.
i also think having a younger core playing on the major league level now and playing well, is also a much needed improvement over where they were at after the 2011 season with the end of the road veterans..


so, just interested in reading how you feel where their at now compared to where they were after the 2011 season..

keep in mind the topic.. this isnt about what they couldve done or should do in the future, its only about what they finished with after 2011 and what they have now. ]]> Chicago Cubs Forum chibears55 http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35840-comparing-after-2011-season-to-now Garza is back! http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35839-Garza-is-back!?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 17:05:59 GMT Garza will start Tuesday and Villanueva has been moved to the pen. Garza will start Tuesday and Villanueva has been moved to the pen. ]]> Chicago Cubs Forum SilenceS http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35839-Garza-is-back! Team Report - Chicago Bears http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35838-Team-Report-Chicago-Bears?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 16:59:36 GMT Found this on my homepage for free so I shouldn't get into trouble.

If 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi is trying to punch his ticket out of Chicago after two disappointing seasons, he's on the right path.
Carimi is absent from OTAs that started this week, and is in danger of being buried on the depth chart behind other offensive linemen who are learning a new offense under new coach Marc Trestman and new coordinator Aaron Kromer.
"We're all getting used to the new coaches and the new offense," said center Roberto Garza, who could be the only Bears offensive lineman starting the 2013 opener at the same position as he did last season. "Obviously it's important to be here and get a feel for the way we're doing things and practice mode and learning techniques and the offense."
The Bears have increased the competition level all along the offensive line, which has been ineffective for most of the past three seasons. They added unrestricted free agent Jermon Bushrod at left tackle and Matt Slauson at left guard earlier, and they drafted guard Kyle Long in the first round and tackle Jordan Mills in the fifth round.
During Tuesday's OTA at Halas Hall, James Brown lined up with the first team at right guard, where Carimi started three late-season games in 2012 after playing himself out of the right tackle job. Brown, an undrafted rookie last year, started the final three 2012 games at left guard.
Long took almost all his snaps at right guard during last weekend's rookie minicamp, and he's expected to be the opening-day starter there. Carimi is expected to compete for the right guard job in training camp - if he's still a Bear.
Slauson was at left guard with the first team Tuesday, while Bushrod and J'Marcus Webb were at left and right tackle, respectively. Webb is expected to battle Jonathan Scott for the starting job.
Carimi is working out on his own in Arizona, and he reportedly informed the Bears of that intention sometime after the last time he was at Halas Hall, on April 18, the final day of the voluntary minicamp.
"I know Gabe's working out hard and getting his body ready to compete and put himself in a situation to make this team," Garza said. "It's all about putting yourself in the best situation physically and mentally. I can't speak for him, but I'm sure he's working hard and getting ready."
The 10 OTA practices are technically voluntary under the collective bargaining agreement. But players hoping for a future with their current team, especially when that team has a new coaching staff implementing a new scheme, almost always have perfect attendance at "voluntary" functions.
The Bears' final minicamp, June 11-13, is mandatory.
If he stays away until then, Carimi would have a difficult time catching up to the competition.
"That's going to be tough," running back Matt Forte said. "I don't play his position, but I think it's probably pretty important to be here right now just with all the new faces around and the new offense especially. In the meetings, we're not going over the same stuff. We're going over new stuff every day. (It's important) just to be exposed to new stuff and get ready for training camp."
Carimi is entering the third year of his four-year, $7.06 million rookie contract, which included a $3.63 million signing bonus. His base pay for 2013 would be $1.02 million. In 2014, his base pay would be $645,000 plus $692,000 in roster and workout bonuses.
After he was selected 29th overall out of Wisconsin, Carimi quickly earned the starting job at right tackle but suffered a knee injury in the first half of his second regular-season game. After multiple surgeries, the 6-7, 316-pounder returned last season and started the first 10 games at right tackle before he was benched in favor of Scott. Carimi was reinserted into the starting lineup at right guard when Lance Louis suffered a season-ending knee injury. He moved back to right tackle for Game 15, when Scott was out with a hamstring injury, but Carimi was benched again when Scott returned for the final game.
--In his one season of major-college football, Bears first-round pick Kyle Long started his only five games at left guard. But he lined up exclusively at right guard during the weekend's rookie minicamp practice inside the Walter Payton Center.
The adjustment isn't a problem, according to the middle son of NFL Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long.
"My hand's still on the ground, and I'm still supposed to block somebody," Long said. "It's just a different side."
After Sunday's final practice, Long won't be back with the Bears until training camp begins in late July. Because of an NFL rule that prohibits a rookie from practicing with his pro team before his school's final exams have been completed, Long will miss all the OTAs (May 13-June 6), and the full-team minicamp (June 11-13). Oregon's finals aren't completed until June 14.
"It's frustrating," Long said. "But due to the quarter system, like a lot of Pac-12 guys, I'm going to have to wait.
"Obviously I'm behind the eight-ball a little bit. But I'll have the (playbook) installations ahead of time. It's kind of like if you're missing a week of school (because) you're sick and you want to get the lesson plan from your teacher ahead of time. That's kind of how I'm treating this."
Bears coach Marc Trestman doesn't consider the situation an insurmountable obstacle for Long, who is expected to contend for a starting job as a rookie.
"We've got a lot of different ways of communicating with him," Trestman said. "We can show tape to him and sit in a meeting with him and watch tape with him right on a computer."
Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, a long-time NFL offensive line coach, will be in communication with Long after the staff makes assessments following their review of film from this weekend's work.
"Kyle is a very smart guy," Trestman said. "We know he's going to dig in and do everything he can to get himself ready -- not just physically, but mentally. It's a minimal obstacle and nothing we can't handle. The opportunity to embrace it and get it done is something we're up to, or we wouldn't have made the pick."
The Bears reached agreement with Long on a four-year contract, the club announced Friday night. The deal will include a team option for a fifth year.
NOTES, QUOTES
--In his only two seasons as a college linebacker, Khaseem Greene either won or shared the Big East defensive player of the year award.
The Bears' fourth-round draft pick also forced an NCAA-record 15 fumbles in his four years at Rutgers, where he started out as a safety but grew into a linebacker.
"My first year I played at 210, then I was 215 and the next thing I know I was 225," Greene said. "I got into that college weight room and ... it wasn't bad weight, I was just (getting) big, and coach (Greg) Schiano told me the bigger I got the closer I'd get to the ball. We needed more speed at the linebacker position, and he saw it, and boom, he switched me."
And boom, the Rutgers defense got a lot better with Greene putting up some impressive numbers. It wasn't just because of Greene, but in his first season as a linebacker, he contributed 141 tackles, 10th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision, and the Scarlet Knights were No. 8 in scoring defense and No. 9 in pass defense. They had ranked No. 62 in scoring defense and No. 55 in pass defense a year earlier.
Last season, Rutgers was No. 6 in run defense, No. 10 in total defense and No. 4 in scoring defense. Greene led the Big East with 136 tackles, just the sixth player to lead the conference in back-to-back seasons.
Greene's switch from safety to linebacker helped the Scarlet Knights' defense improve, but the move also benefited the player.
"The main thing it's done for me is help me become a better coverage linebacker and also gave me speed, so that my reaction time was a little bit quicker," Greene said.
But there are still linebacker techniques Greene is working to perfect.
"I just have to get used to playing more with my pad level down, and I'm working on that with (linebackers) coach Tibbs (Tim Tibesar) and (defensive quality control) coach (Sean) Desai," Greene said. "Those guys are doing a good job of coaching it up. At safety, you're so used to everything coming to you and having time to do things. As a linebacker, it's see it, react, go."
In addition to his record 15 forced fumbles at Rutgers, Greene had 11.5 sacks, 35 quarterback pressures and seven interceptions.
Like Bears Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman, Greene has a knack for separating opposing running backs and receivers from the ball. Tillman tied an NFL record last season with 10 forced fumbles and has 39 in his 10-year career.
"He's the master at it," Greene said. "I have to try to catch up, and that's not going to be an easy task. But he's a great guy to learn from. (You're) talking about somebody who changes the game in one play. It's going to be fun to learn and try to take after him when it comes to causing turnovers."
Like Tillman, Greene practices the art of the forced fumble.
"It's just become second nature, when you're so used to doing it," he said. "We used to train at practice, we would do ball disruption circuits, just strip it, punch it. When you make that second nature, it just happens naturally. I think a lot of the times I just do it without thinking. I see an opportunity and go do it."
--Considering he's never taken a regular-season snap and has thrown just 16 passes in preseason games, No. 3 quarterback Matt Blanchard remains a mystery for the most part.
But, from what coach Marc Trestman and his staff have seen so far, the Lake Zurich High School graduate remains in the Bears' plans. Because he was a practice-squad player last season, Blanchard was eligible to participate in last weekend's rookie minicamp, and he got extensive reps.
"He's articulate in the verbiage of our offense," Trestman said. "He's picked it up very quickly. The reps have really helped him. He's got very good fundamentals. He needs to improve like every quarterback does, (but) he has a good base.
"The ball easily comes out of his hand, as you can see. When he's over the top on his throws, it's a very natural throwing motion. It comes off his hand very easily and very naturally and he's got some mobility."
That doesn't mean, however, that Blanchard, who was undrafted out of Wisconsin-Whitewater last year, has locked up a spot on the 53-man roster.
"He's got a long way to go," Trestman said. "We were in shorts (during the minicamp). I think we'll see a little bit more out of him when we get into (training) camp and get some pads on him. When we get into the preseason games we'll see a little more about what he has."
In addition to doing film work and learning to break down opposing defenses and recognize coverages last year and in the current offseason, Blanchard says he's benefited from being in the presence of veteran quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Josh McCown.
"As a third quarterback, your goal is to be an observer and watch the head guy and see what he does," Blanchard said. "Jay's been a great role model to me; same with Josh. I've watched those guys. They're two solid veterans who have had a lot of success in the NFL, so it's just studying them and watching how they carry themselves and how to be a pro."
--General manager Phil Emery reiterated it's highly that middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will re-sign with the Bears. Urlacher remains unsigned after becoming an unrestricted free agent on March 12.
Emery told SiriusXM Radio, "Brian was a great player and still is a great player. I have the utmost respect for Brian. As I've told people before, I've got far too many gray hairs to never say never. But obviously we've made an investment in terms of bringing a couple of key veterans in and drafting a couple rookies. So I would say that that is less likely to happen than more likely."
--Wide receiver Marquess Wilson doesn't look like a lowly seventh-round pick.
Nothing against seventh-round picks, but Wilson is tall, fast and fluid, exhibits soft hands, excellent agility and the timing and leaping ability to win jump balls.
As a true freshman at Washington State in 2010 he caught 55 passes for 1,006 yards and followed that up the next year by setting school records with 82 receptions for 1,388 yards. Last season, after nine games, he was leading the team with 52 catches and 813 yards when he quit after feuding with coach Mike Leach and his staff over playing time following a one-game suspension.
Mostly because of that, the 6-3 Wilson dropped to the final round despite running a 4.51 40 at the Combine.
"The way I looked at it, I was just happy I got drafted," Wilson said. "I was just happy that I got a second opportunity, another chance to play football again."
Wilson had to explain his situation to the Bears before the draft, saying, "It was just a mistake on my part in the way I handled everything, and I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to harm this franchise. (I had to) try to get their trust, tell them what I did and what happened and just tell them the truth."
Wilson had a season of college eligibility left, but he would have had to sit out a full year if he transferred to another Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) school. He opted for the draft instead.
"I always figured if I worked hard I could be in the NFL," he said. "I have the opportunity, and I'm going to take full advantage of it. That was my mindset: to get to the NFL because I knew what I was capable of doing, and I just had that confidence that I could someday make it."
To do that, the spindly, 184-pound Wilson needs to get bigger and stronger. He did just seven reps of 225 pounds in the bench press at the Combine and, looking at his thin frame, it's hard to believe he did even that many. In his defense, he's the youngest player at the rookie minicamp.
"He's just 20 years old," coach Marc Trestman said. "He's got a lot of growing to do, and being around here and involved in our weight program over the next few months is certainly going to help him. He's going to get stronger."
--One of the things the Bears liked about second-round pick Jon Bostic was the middle linebacker's ability to get everyone on the Florida defense lined up in the right spot. And he demonstrated that ability during the weekend rookie minicamp.
"He's a smart guy," defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said. "He's a take-control guy. He's very comfortable making the calls and controlling the huddle."
Although all 31 of his starts over the past three years at Florida were at middle linebacker, the Bears believe Bostic can play any of the three linebacker positions.
"The height, weight and speed obviously are there," Tucker said. "He's instinctive. He has command of the defense. He's vocal. He can run, change direction, (has) athletic ability, and he's physical. Those are all things you look for in a linebacker."
--Even though Michael Ford was LSU's leading rusher in 2011 and averaged 5.7 yards per carry for his career, he went undrafted, partly because he started just five games while lost in the shuffle of a talented stable of runners.
The 5-10, 210-pounder also averaged 27.5 yards on 20 kickoff returns last season, and the Bears jumped at the chance to sign him after the draft.
"He was one of those guys that we targeted and we're glad to have him," special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis said. "He's going to really bring some competition to that (kickoff-return) position.
"He's a straight-line guy that's got great balance; hard to knock off his feet. When you put up the kind of stats he did in the SEC, you've got some talent; and he's got some toughness, too."
Ford ran a 4.46 40 at the Scouting Combine, benched 225 pounds 25 times and had a 38 1/2-inch vertical.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Brandon (Marshall) had a lot of catches and everybody else really didn't have a whole lot. We were kind of one-dimensional last year. It's going to be an emphasis for us this year to spread the ball around, so it's balanced, and the defense can't just focus on one guy or one position." -- RB Matt Forte, who had a career-low 44 receptions last season. Marshall had 118 catches.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
A closer look at the Bears' picks:
Round 1/20 - Kyle Long, OG, 6-6, 313, Oregon
Developmental project who started just four games in FBS program and played in just 11. Former baseball pitcher who was drafted in the 23rd round out of high school by the White Sox. Started collegiate career as a pitcher on a baseball scholarship at Florida State but flunked out. Transferred to Saddleback JC, where he played defensive end in 2010 and moved to tackle in 2011. Father is Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long; brother is Rams defensive end Chris Long. Excellent athlete for the position. Ran a 4.94 40 at the Combine, best among all guards and 15.8 percent body fat was best among all linemen. Will be 25 in December.
Round 2/50 - Jonathan Bostic, LB, 6-1, 245, Florida
Bears believe he has the versatility to play all three linebacker positions. Started Gators career on the weak side but made all 32 of his starts at middle linebacker. Above-average agility and speed. Ran 4.61 40-yard dash and 4.24 20-yard shuttle. Plays with more finesse than brute strength and is more flashy than consistent. Father, Jon Bostic, was a defensive back for the Lions from 1985-87.
Round 4/117 - Khaseem Greene, LB, 6-1, 241, Rutgers
Big East defensive player of the year in 2012 and shared the award in 2011. Began Scarlet Knights career as a free safety and led the team with three interceptions in 2010, starting all 12 games. Converted to weak-side linebacker and had 141 tackles in '11 and 136 hits last season. Managed 26.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in two seasons at linebacker. Had NCAA career-record 15 forced fumbles. Brother Ray is a running back at Pitt.
Round 5/163 - Jordan Mills, T, 6-5, 316, Louisiana Tech
Started 34 games, including all of the final 25 in his last two seasons. Started 29 games at right tackle and five at left guard. Hard worker with good mental approach and nice physical traits but needs to refine his technique and did not face top-level competition. Cousin is Packers cornerback Tramon Williams.
Round 6/188 - Cornelius Washington, DE, 6-4, 265, Georgia
Could be a huge bargain if he plays up to his potential, which he has done only in short bursts in the past. Seems to be better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but will be a defensive end in the Bears' 4-3. Country strong, powerful and explosive. Ran a 4.56 40, had a 39-inch vertical at the Combine and bench-pressed 225 pounds 36 times. Has maxed 500 on the bench. Lacks instincts and doesn't play as well as he works out; had just 10.5 career sacks. Takes downs off, and competitiveness and coachability have been questioned. Can win with physical play as a run defender and pass rusher.
Round 7/236 - Marquess Wilson, WR, 6-3, 194, Washington State
Had a year of eligibility remaining. Has major character concerns. Was suspended from team last season after nine games and then quit. Was not allowed back on campus for Pro Day. Still led the team in receiving with 52 catches for 813 yards (15.6-yard average). In 2011, as a sophomore, set school records with 83 receptions and 1,388 yards, averaging 16.9 yards per catch and scoring 12 touchdowns. Has average speed but good agility. Despite a lack of strength (just seven reps of 225 on the bench), will catch over the middle.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: DT Henry Melton (tendered at $8.45 million; signed tender March 12).
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (6)
--RB Kahlil Bell was cut but then re-signed after Michael Bush was injured late in the season. He has some value, but only as a No. 3, and he has had fumbling issues in the past.
--DE Israel Idonije lost his starting job to Corey Wootton midway through the season but still played extensively in a rotation that utilized four players. He also adds great value because of his versatility, having played inside in the past, where he provides decent pass rush.
--PK Olindo Mare won't be back. He was a late-season fill-in for Robbie Gould, who is recovered from a sprained knee.
--S Troy Nolan could be a factor on special teams but not much more.
--DT Amobi Okoye wasn't much more than a warm body last season, but he's still only 26, so he could figure as a backup.
--LB Brian Urlacher has been the face of the franchise for a decade, but the team announced March 20 he won't be re-signed.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED
--G Kyle Long (1/20): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Jonathan Bostic (2/50): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--LB Khaseem Greene (4/117); 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--T Jordan Mills (5/163): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--DE Cornelius Washington (6/188): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
--WR Marquess Wilson (7/236): 4 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--RB Armando Allen: ERFA; terms unknown.
--CB Zack Bowman: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--DT Nate Collins: Not tendered as RFA; $630,000/1 yr.
--CB Kelvin Hayden: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--QB Josh McCown: UFA; $865,000/1 yr, $25,000 SB/$125,000 guaranteed.
--DT Henry Melton: FFA; $8.45M/1 yr.
--T Jonathan Scott: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--LB James Anderson: FA Panthers; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--TE Martellus Bennett: UFA Giants; $20M/4 yrs, $4.5M SB/$9M guaranteed.
--G Eben Britton: UFA Jaguars; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--T Jermon Bushrod: UFA Saints; $36M/5 yrs, $11M SB/$17.715M guaranteed.
--TE Brody Eldridge: FA; terms unknown.
--DT Andre Fluellen: UFA Lions; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--DT Corvey Irvin: FA Buccaneers; terms unknown.
--TE Steve Maneri: Not tendered as ERFA by Chiefs; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
--DE Turk McBride: UFA Saints; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--DE Kyle Moore: UFA Bills; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--G Matt Slauson: UFA Jets; $815,000/1 yr, $100,000 SB/$200,000 guaranteed.
--LB D.J. Williams: FA Broncos; $1.75M/1 yr.
--S Tom Zbikowski: FA Colts; 1 yr, terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--QB Jason Campbell: UFA Browns; $4.25M/2 yrs, $500,000 guaranteed.
--TE Kellen Davis (released).
--LB Dom DeCicco (released).
--LB Geno Hayes: UFA Jaguars; $2M/2 yrs.
--WR Johnny Knox (released/failed physical; subsequently retired).
--G Lance Louis: UFA Dolphins; $1.603M/1 yr, $100,000 guaranteed.
--CB D.J. Moore: UFA Panthers; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--G Chilo Rachal: UFA Cardinals; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--LB Nick Roach: UFA Raiders; $13M/4 yrs, $5M guaranteed.
--TE Matt Spaeth (released).
--C/G Chris Spencer: UFA Titans; 1 yr, terms unknown.
--DT Matt Toeaina (released). ]]> Chicago Bears Forum OnemanWolfpack http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35838-Team-Report-Chicago-Bears Art of Framing Pitches and Welington Castillo http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35837-Art-of-Framing-Pitches-and-Welington-Castillo?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 13:14:42 GMT A lot of articles have popped up in recent years about studying the effects of catcher defense on the game. A very well written one at Grantland popped up a few days ago by Ben Lindbergh, editor in chief at Baseball Prospectus.
Quote:
In a September 2011 article titled "Spinning Yarn: Removing the Mask," Mike Fast, then an analyst for Baseball Prospectus (and now an analyst for the Houston Astros), attempted to determine what catcher receiving was worth. By studying where strikes are typically called and establishing which pitchers were getting more or fewer strikes than they "should" have, given where their pitches crossed the plate, Fast was able to isolate the effect of the catcher. He concluded that pitch framing can make a major impact, and it also is more consistent from year to year than even reliable offensive metrics like on-base percentage or slugging percentage. In other words, it's not insignificant, and it's not just noise. It's a valuable skill that persists from season to season.
There is a lot of cool stuff in the article, but the bolded quote is the most important thing that has stuck out to me in reading various articles on the topic. And the reason this stuck out to me was because this was a criticism of Welington Castillo that we heard last year.
Quote:
Cubs television analyst Bob Brenly, a former catcher, pointed that out during Fridays broadcast, and the idea that Castillo has trouble framing pitches quickly gained traction on Twitter.
Now I haven't noticed any problems with Castillo defensively, but I'm not an expert on the subject. It has also felt like the Cubs have been squeezed a number of games, but that could be just the fact that those moments are more memorable than when the Cubs pitchers got a break on a call. At the end of the day it is something that stats and scouts agree is an important factor on winning baseball games that probably warrants closer watching on a potential key piece of a hopefully, we all hope, competitive team in the near future.

Here are some more stats heavy articles on the topic:
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/ar...rticleid=20596
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/ar...rticleid=15093*

*This article leads to an interesting aside as well. The data is older, it comes from 2008-2011, but it points to Brian McCann, potential free agent next offseason, to be above average in this area of his game. It also points to potential free agents Carlos Ruiz as being below average with last offseason signing Dionner Navarro being just a tick better than Ruiz. ]]> Chicago Cubs Forum dabynsky http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35837-Art-of-Framing-Pitches-and-Welington-Castillo Shocked if Devin makes roster? http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35836-Shocked-if-Devin-makes-roster?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 12:26:06 GMT Who thinks Devin is going to make the final roster? For his lack of playing WR, and the fact that he isn't quite the returner he use to be and what we owe him I'll be surprised if he's on the final 53. I think we have a lot of young talent that we need to use a roster spot on and will make peanuts compared to Hester. Here is what we owe Hester-

base- 1.8 million
signing bonus- 833K
misc- 250k
Cap hit- 2.9 million

DEAD- 833K (cap hit if cut)

Thought? Opinions? I'll be surprised if he's on final 53 roster with our cap situation and the fact that's it's a new regime in town. If anyone in camp flashes great return potential I think he's gone, same as Weems (though he is an Emery guy). ]]> Chicago Bears Forum BearDown104 http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35836-Shocked-if-Devin-makes-roster <![CDATA[Former Bears QB Jim Miller Accept "Communications" Job With Bears]]> http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35834-Former-Bears-QB-Jim-Miller-Accept-quot-Communications-quot-Job-With-Bears?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 06:00:51 GMT http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-jim-miller-takes-position-with-chicago-bears-20130517,0,3742907.story By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 6:36 p.m. CDT, May 17, 2013 Jim Miller is expected to return for a second season as a television analyst for Bears exhibition games and now it looks like he will have an expanded role with the franchise. The Detroit News reports the former quarterback is leaving his position as the radio analyst for Michigan State football games to take a “communications position” with the Bears. A Bears spokesman said last month that the three exhibitions the team broadcasts was expected to include Sam Rosen and Miller in the booth, the same pair that called games last August. “It was an opportunity Jim couldn’t pass up,” Will Tieman, owner of the Spartan Sports Network, told the Detroit News. What expanded role Miller will have with the Bears remains to be seen. In the ongoing expansion project at Halas Hall, the team is upgrading its ability to produce both television and radio programs from the team’s headquarters. Miller does regular work for SiriusXM NFL Radio and also is involved in CSN Chicago’s coverage of the team. Miller’s best NFL season came in 2001 when he helped guide the Bears to an NFC Central Division title and a 13-3 record before a 33-19 loss to the Eagles in the playoffs. bmbiggs@tribune.com Twitter @BradBiggs http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,3742907.story

By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter
6:36 p.m. CDT, May 17, 2013

Jim Miller is expected to return for a second season as a television analyst for Bears exhibition games and now it looks like he will have an expanded role with the franchise.

The Detroit News reports the former quarterback is leaving his position as the radio analyst for Michigan State football games to take a “communications position” with the Bears. A Bears spokesman said last month that the three exhibitions the team broadcasts was expected to include Sam Rosen and Miller in the booth, the same pair that called games last August.

“It was an opportunity Jim couldn’t pass up,” Will Tieman, owner of the Spartan Sports Network, told the Detroit News.

What expanded role Miller will have with the Bears remains to be seen. In the ongoing expansion project at Halas Hall, the team is upgrading its ability to produce both television and radio programs from the team’s headquarters.

Miller does regular work for SiriusXM NFL Radio and also is involved in CSN Chicago’s coverage of the team. Miller’s best NFL season came in 2001 when he helped guide the Bears to an NFC Central Division title and a 13-3 record before a 33-19 loss to the Eagles in the playoffs.

bmbiggs@tribune.com

Twitter @BradBiggs ]]> Chicago Bears Forum Milton Waddams http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35834-Former-Bears-QB-Jim-Miller-Accept-quot-Communications-quot-Job-With-Bears May 15 ChalkTalk - Blanchard Progress? UDFA Standout? M. Wilson making roster? http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35833-May-15-ChalkTalk-Blanchard-Progress-UDFA-Standout-M-Wilson-making-roster?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 05:10:32 GMT Good to hear Blanchard is making progress. Hearing CB C.J. Wilson has been most impressive UDFA best news of all considering CB backup concernes.

Quote:
May 5 Chalk Talk - http://www.chicagobears.com/news/cha...7-21717030d975

How much progress has Blanchard made?

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.

I read a lot about young quarterback Matt Blanchard after rookie minicamp. Do you think he has made a lot of progress since he first joined the Bears a year ago?

John G.
Streamwood, Illinois


Yes, I think that Matt Blanchard has shown a lot of improvement since he first signed with the Bears following last year's rookie minicamp. Even though a new coaching staff is in place, I'm sure he's more comfortable being a pro in terms of knowing what to expect in practice and meetings. On the field, Blanchard seems to be throwing the ball with more zip and making quick decisions. The Bears didn't want to release him from the practice squad late last season (but had to due to injuries at other positions) and feel fortunate that they were able to re-sign him in January. Blanchard throws with no wasted motion and tossed some nice deep balls during rookie minicamp to Terrence Toliver and Dale Moss.




Of the 10 undrafted free agents, who stood out to you most at rookie minicamp?

Daniel K.
Helena, Montana


I would say that of all the undrafted rookies, cornerback C.J. Wilson was most impressive in the minicamp. He showed good instincts and ball skills. Wilson was a four-year contributor at North Carolina State, where he tied an all-time school record by returning three interceptions for touchdowns. It'll be interesting to watch him in OTAs and training camp and see how he fares against veteran receivers such as Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Earl Bennett.



What do you think the chances are of seventh-round pick Marquess Wilson making the 53-man roster? I know he has some baggage, but I think he has great potential.

Zach S.
Burlington, Iowa

I'll have a much better idea of that when I see how Marquess Wilson performs and how he's utilized among all the receivers in training camp. I know the Bears feel that he can be the vertical receiver they were seeking this offseason. He doesn't have blazing speed, but he seems to be one of those guys who plays faster than his timed speed. I would like to see him add some muscle; he weighs 184 pounds and looks very slender. In terms of the "baggage" you referred to, the Bears did a ton of research on the incident that led to him leaving the Washington State team. Wilson acknowledged that he made a mistake and hasn't been involved in any brushes with the law or any other incidents, so I don't think there's much concern about his character.
]]> Chicago Bears Forum Sculpt http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35833-May-15-ChalkTalk-Blanchard-Progress-UDFA-Standout-M-Wilson-making-roster Rip almost officially bought out http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35832-Rip-almost-officially-bought-out?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 05:02:44 GMT http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,2311792.story


The Bulls will buy out Richard Hamilton's final season for $1m.


No hard feelings Rip, but you're in a different place career-wise than what the Bulls needed. #WasExpected ]]> Chicago Bulls Forum Crystallas http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35832-Rip-almost-officially-bought-out Dollars and sense: What Bears paid undrafted free agents http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35831-Dollars-and-sense-What-Bears-paid-undrafted-free-agents?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 04:45:22 GMT http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-what-chicago-bears-paid-undrafted-free-agents-20130516,0,165956.story By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter 11:12 a.m. CDT, May 16, 2013 The signing bonus is not worth nearly what the opportunity is for undrafted free agents in the NFL. The small amount of money undrafted players receive up front is not as significant as finding a depth chart that might offer an opening if a player can impress. It’s difficult for undrafted players to stick on 53-man rosters, but it happens every season and they can also fill spots on eight-man practice squads. Here is a look at the signing bonuses the Bears paid to the nine UDFA’s that the team signed after the draft. They are all participating in the voluntary OTA’s at Halas Hall. WR Josh Lenz $6,000 C P.J. Lonergan $5,000 DT Brent Russell $5,000 RB Michael Ford $3,500 P Tress Way $3,500 DT Zach Minter $3,000 CB Demontre Hurst $1,500 WR Marcus Rucker $1,500 CB C.J. Wilson $500 http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...0,165956.story

By Brad Biggs, Tribune reporter
11:12 a.m. CDT, May 16, 2013

The signing bonus is not worth nearly what the opportunity is for undrafted free agents in the NFL.

The small amount of money undrafted players receive up front is not as significant as finding a depth chart that might offer an opening if a player can impress.

It’s difficult for undrafted players to stick on 53-man rosters, but it happens every season and they can also fill spots on eight-man practice squads.

Here is a look at the signing bonuses the Bears paid to the nine UDFA’s that the team signed after the draft. They are all participating in the voluntary OTA’s at Halas Hall.

WR Josh Lenz $6,000

C P.J. Lonergan $5,000

DT Brent Russell $5,000

RB Michael Ford $3,500

P Tress Way $3,500

DT Zach Minter $3,000

CB Demontre Hurst $1,500

WR Marcus Rucker $1,500

CB C.J. Wilson $500 ]]> Chicago Bears Forum ole69 http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35831-Dollars-and-sense-What-Bears-paid-undrafted-free-agents Bears sign 1st rounder Kyle Long http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35830-Bears-sign-1st-rounder-Kyle-Long?goto=newpost Sat, 18 May 2013 02:02:44 GMT @ChicagoBears: LM: #Bears have agreed to terms with first-round pick Kyle Long on four-year deal plus an option. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk @ChicagoBears: LM: #Bears have agreed to terms with first-round pick Kyle Long on four-year deal plus an option.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ]]> Chicago Bears Forum wasram http://www.chicitysports.com/forum/showthread.php/35830-Bears-sign-1st-rounder-Kyle-Long