[CBFF] They finally extended Lovie!!!

[Jerry Madsen]

On 3/1/07, Ross McCoy <ross.mccoy at amd.com> wrote:
> 2007 Outlook: Rex is still not where we need him to be from a consistency
>    perspective, but overall it is more likely he can be our QB long term than
>    we knew at this point last year (at least this is my take when you strip
>    away the media berating).

Agreed.

> 2006 Concern: Our line is getting old with very little depth behind them. There
>    is a high probability we will lose guys due to injury and our QB will get
>    killed.
> 2007 Outlook: (see 2006 Concern...)

Agreed.

> 2007 Outlook: We could live without getting someone to bolster this position
>    and be ok. Much like the LB position, it is more of a want to upgrade than
>    a need to upgrade. Also depends on whether you see Hester as an option
>    here...

Somewhat agree.  And every indication is that Hester will become an
offensive option.  But Moose's last great year was in 04.  Bernard is
still a injury concern as is Bradly.  Davis is clutch, but he's also
short.  I will envy which ever team lands Calvin Johnson in the draft.

> 2007 Outlook: We could still use a tight end. I don't have any confidence
>    in Reid or any of the other guys behind Clark, but I doubt picking someone
>    up here will have any real impact other than give us depth.

Agreed.  Bad year for TEs in the draft, however.

> 2007 Outlook: We still need depth here for 4 WR sets and as a backup because
>    there is a pretty big fall-off from Manning to Wesley.

Agreed.  Good draft class for DBs.  Of the fastest times in the 40 at
the combine, at least half were DBs.

> Maybe I am overly optimistic as it is incredibly difficult to make it to
> the Super Bowl once, but I would say we are in a far better position to
> make it this year than last. IF we can keep healthy and IF our young talent
> continues to improve. If there was one position that I am really squeamish
> about (if it wasn't obvious), it is the offensive line. The line is getting
> very old in football terms and I don't have a lot of confidence in our backups.
> RB if we lose Jones, it would be a blow, but if Benson stays reasonably
> healthy, I can live with Peterson as a backup (and presumably this will open
> up an additional draft choice if Jones is traded, so maybe you pick up
> someone else there). Here is what my FA and draft wish list would look like
> (in order of importance from my perspective):

Maybe?  The Bears have a tough road ahead.  You've got too many 'ifs'
for my taste.

> Other thoughts/opinions?

As I said, signing Lovie was good for continuity.  He's a solid
motivator.  He keeps his players in check and they respect his
authority.  Unfortunately, his Tampa-2 defense leaves much to be
desired (I question any scheme where Urlacher goes a whole season
without a sack) and I don't think he's the best game manager.

But, the Bears have lots of talent and the division sucks.  I expect
the Bears to win the division again in 07 and make it back to the
playoffs?  The Super Bowl?  Well as I said, it would be impressive as
hell if they pull it off.

Jerry