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Sunday, January 20, 2013

And new coach of the Chicago Bears is.....

MARC TRESTMAN!

Most Bears fans see the initials C.F.L. after his name and fear that Emery really scraped the bottom of the barrel for this hire.  But what Emery really did is think outside the box for a strong offensive minded head coach. 

Trestman's resume is definitely strong enough to be an NFL head coach.  Known as a QB "guru", Trestman has been sought out by several college QBs looking to refine their abilities before the NFL draft.  He has several years of experience as a QB coach and an offensive coordinator.  His claim to fame is having several seasons of success with some otherwise mediocre QB talent.  Guys like Bernie Kosar, Scott Mitchell, Jake Plummer, and Rich Gannon had their best seasons with him either as OC or QB coach.  While plenty of the other 13 known candidates interviewed for the Bears HC position have been successful offensive coordinators in the NFL, Trestman is the only one who also came with a full season of head coaching experience.  While that experience did come north of the US border, it also came with huge success.  Trestman led the Montreal Alouettes to the Canadian version of the Superbowl in each of his first 3 seasons, winning the last two.  In 2009 and 2010, the QB of his team won back-to-back MVP awards as his team hoisted back-to-back Grey Cups.  Trestman was interviewed for the Colts job before the 2012 season, and really impressed with his interviewed.  So much so that he was on the radar of the Bears and Browns this offseason and ultimately was able to land the job as the 14th coach of the Chicago Bears.

Admittedly, Trestman wasn't my first choice.  I worried about his now long absence from the NFL.  And frankly, I worried that every other team wasn't swooning over him like they were for Mike McCoy and other NFL assistants.  But he definitely wasn't at the bottom and I preferred him to guys like Bruce Arians and Pete Carmichael Jr.  I am very intrigued by what type of offense Trestman may bring to the table.  Could be pretty innovative with some of the Canadian intricacies coming into play. They only have 3 downs to get 10 yards up there so, I don't think there's any fear of a 3 yards and a cloud of dust offense. His pass plays are probably either A) quicker to get the ball in an athlete's hand to run with the ball or B) have routes going further down the field. Also, because of the width of the field, I'd assume Trestman can get really creative with spreading the field.

Of maybe equal importance, is who the head coach fills out his coaching staff with.  While guys like Matt Cavanaugh and a couple of the Canadian tag-alongs leave a lot to be desired, the main assistants appear to be very strong.  Aaron Cromer is the offensive coordinator/OL coach.  Cromer comes from the blueprint Saints offense.  He helped to build an OL with 5 different players who went to a probowl.  He also was chosen as the interim coach for the 1st 6 games of the season, with all the suspensions, which I think really says a lot about him.  While Trestman is probably going to be the guy designing the offense, I like the fact that Cromer can possibly add 2 cents from Sean Payton's amazing offensive mind. 

The Bears did lose a couple very strong assistants in defensive coordinator, Rod Marinelli and the best special teams coach in the business, Dave Toub.  But they replaced them with Mel Tucker and Joe DeCamillis.  Tucker will allow the Bears to keep things pretty similar on defense coming from a Jags team that ran a similar Cover-2 style scheme.  Maybe with better talent and athletes, Tucker will play a little more aggressively which I think can only help.  Tucker will be a future NFL coach, maybe as soon as 2014.  But hopefully, while the Bears have him, they will continue to be a top unit in the league.  DeCamillis is just a small step down from Toub and the Bears should be able to continue to hold a competitive edge over most special teams they face on a weekly basis.  The Bears were also able to keep 2 key parts of the defensive staff in DL coach, Mike Phair (worked closely with Marinelli in his area of expertise) and DB coach, Jon Hoke, who coached 2 probowl CBs and has done a pretty good job developing Major Wright and Chris Conte at the safety positiions.  There should be little dropoff on the defensive side.

But let's face it, this team's success will depend on the offense.  And the Bears got an offensive guy to lead the team.  By all accounts, Trestman is a brilliant, creative offensive mind.  Jay Cutler has expressed an eagerness to work with the new offensive staff and take his game to the next level.  The key to the future of the Bears will be whether or not Trestman has lost his touch or not at the NFL level.  Cutler is probably the most talented QB he has ever worked with.  If he can make Rich Gannon a league MVP, I shudder to think how good he can make Cutler. 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Colbert turned a leaf...

Eddie Bouchette's article Thursday January 17th quotes Colbert saying that "no position is off the table this year in the draft or free agency".  Now, for those of you that are Steeler fans, ever since we drafted Ben in 2004 Colbert has always said "everything is open other than QB and TE".

This caught be totally off guard.  Now, there is a part of me that attaches this article to Ed's other one that says "were gonna let all of our FAs test the market" and that "the 2012 roster will be totally different than the 2013 one".  This could mean a swap to a 4-3.  Yes, it could.  But if it hasnt happened yet, then I dont think it will for awhile.

That said, I officially accept your challenge Kevin, and have built a mock this evening that has open doors all around.

Its late, so here is the short story for now...


17 Ertz- in my opinion the best TE in the draft.

47 Dysert- talk about Ben Jr.  Wow.  Ive also read he has the best deep ball in the draft.

79 Rogers- If you take Julius Jones and squish him with AJ Green, you might have something like this kid.  An injury and maybe an attention issue lets him fall alittle.

111 Gillislee- you know I gotz ta have muh Gatahs yo!!!  Hes a beast with speed and sufficient power.

143 Swearinger- yes, I love the SEC.  But the few games Ive seen of the Gamecocks (DeShawn has prob seen more) I cant help but watch this kid.

175 Williams- I read recently there are in upwards of 20+ hybrid de/olbs in this draft.  I found at least 12+ after a quick look.  Kansas State had an exciting offense this year, but they also had a serious D.  This kid isnt known for dripping into coverage much, but he can attack the QB with the best of them.

207 Francis- typical Tomlin.  Lets wait till the late rounds for a NT.  But this kid if my diamond in the rough.  He almost quit when being moved all over the Terps front 4 until they switched to a 3 front and stuck his big ass in the middle.  6'5 320.  Big dawg.

227 Turnley- Tomlins local boy pick.  We also need someone with serious position flexibility.  Ryan has played the entire inside (bye bye Bruno) but has the size to at least play RT.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Safety or Nose Tackle... THAT is the question.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the 17th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.  And with that pick they could fill a number of needs, but its the degree of each need that is the issue.  Safety and Nose Tackle look to be at the top of that list.  At Safety we have Clark who has 1 more year left on his deal.  The same for Troy.  Troy also has been injured more than hes played over the past 3 years.  Who do we have behind them?  Eh, not much.  Will Allen did ok this year for Troy, but hes barely average.  Cromartie-Smith has had 3 years to bump Mundy (that shoulda been easy), and hasnt.  Mundy sucks.  Robert Golden might be that gem UDFA we tend to find once a year, but he played more Nickel than any time at Safety.  Hes flexible, thats a plus.  The game didnt look to big for him either.  Also a plus.  But thats the list at safety folks.  2 are old, 1 is old and often injured, and the rest are either questions at best, or suck.  Hi Mundy.

So, at Nose Tackle- We have Yum Yum for maybe another year (he may see greener grass on the other side, but at 36 I think its crab grass), but he restructured the end of his 3 year deal this year.  And is coming an injury.  McLendon has built up in size and power, but only had a handful of snaps.  Why?  LeBeau is old and narrow-minded?  Thats my opinion anyhow.  After them we have Ta "The Drunk" Amu and newly acquired pure NT Fangupo.  Im betting Fangupo was brought on to challenge The Drunk's final year of his rookie deal.  Sometimes theres not much difference between a 4th rounder and a UDFA.  Sometimes the 4th rounder was OVERVALUED at draft time and the UDFA was missed by the scouts.  And if Hampton is a cap casualty (a very good possibility), then we have 2 UDFAs and The Drunk at NT.

So which is it folks?  S or NT?  If you look at the draft you will see that safety is deeper than NT.  As usual.  However, what is even more rare than a stud NT is a safety that can play close to the level of Troy.  Not a Troy clone per say, but certainly a 1A status.  There are 2 of those, 1 of which is coming off an injury and isnt nearly as position flexible as the other.  The other plays like Troy, and tackles better.

Ok, so its getting late, heres the final breakdown- Jesse Williams NT Alabama or Matt Elam S(DB) Florida.  Ill tell you why I like JW over John Jenkins another time, as well as why I love (yup, love) Elam over Reid then too.  But dems da choice kids.  We can get another stud NT in the 2nd round in Slyvester Williams (no relation... I think) from UNC.  Hes almost as flexible as Jesse, though Ive never seen him line up at the 5 tech, nor at FB.  Haha  And there are a few other above average safeties in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, but I strongly feel we would be settling for them.

Long story short- as I see it now, on January 8th 2013, with the 17th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...

17 Matt Elam, S Florida (we picked Troy 16th BTW.  Im just sayin.  He can also play either safety as well as corner.  Not just Nickel, but outside when/if needed)

47 Sylvester Williams, NT UNC (biggie that takes up space.  Can play 1 tech in 43 as well)

79 Stepfan Taylor, RB Stanford (heres our starting RB of the future.  Doesnt have that final gear speed-wise, but thats what Rainey's for)

111 Gerald Hodges, LB PSU (92 staying or going?  Any real starter behind him?  Can Spence move forward after destroying his knee?  How about a kid that can play both outside AND/OR inside?? Heres one.)

143 Michael Williams, TE Alabama (I told my co-author MW is a bigger, "darker", Heath.  Hahaha  Just gotta convince Haley of that.  I bet Kirby is 100% behind this pick.  I hope Todd doesnt think Mike is too big.  Didja watch the NCAA Champ game???)

175 Sanders Commings, DB Georgia (the kid can play anywhere in the 2ndary.  And has hands too.  Or stickum)

207 TJ Moe, WR Mizzou (fast slot WR, see Welker or Edelman)

227 Ryan Turnley, OL Pitt (a bigger more position flexible OL than Legursky.  Can play anywhere in the front 5)

Friday, January 4, 2013

Bears Coaching Search

Before I get into my plan for the offseason (which almost certainly won't be close to what the Bears actually do), I figure it would be wise to put my thoughts out there on the Bears coaching candidates. 

First, it looks like the Bears will NOT be getting Andy Reid, Chip Kelly, or Bill O'Brien....which I see as all being good things.  Reid is basically the bizarro Lovie Smith.  Always has a good/productive offense.  Goes thru defensive coordinators like Lovie did OCs.  Several successful years with no rings and only 1 trip to the Superbowl to show for it.  Kelly will be fun to watch coach in the NFL.  But Chicago is not the place.  He needs to go to a young team that needs the hope and enthusiasm that he brings.  He also probably needs a team with multiple uniform options.  O'Brien was an interesting candidate, given his experience in the Patriots offense, but Josh McDaniels/Charlie Weis appears to have been the masterminds there.  As for the rest...

- Keith Armstrong, Falcons special teams coach.  I'm not going to claim to know much about him, but he does satisfy the Rooney Rule right off the bat.  Falcons have a decent special teams unit, and he was the Bears ST guy from 1997-2000, so he does have a ton of coaching experience.  Going to assume this was a "token" interview and he's not a viable candidate.

- Joe DeCamillis, Cowboys special teams coach.  He's another very experienced coach, having been in charge of special teams for the majority of seasons since 1988.  Only 47 years old.  Well respected, but best known for being badly hurt when the Cowboys practice facility collapsed a few years ago.  Again, assuming this was a nice guy getting a chance to interview for his dream job.

- Pete Carmichael Jr, Saints Offensive Coordinator.  You see "Saints offense" as a Bears fan and you immediately think "YES, I want some of that in Chicago".  But Carmichael is far from a no-brainer hire.  In fact, plenty of Saints fans despise the guy.  This year was his chance to really shine with Payton leaving him all the playcalling duties.  And while the Saints still led the league in passing and put up plenty of points, his playcalling left a lot to be desired.  Saints fans cite his 65/35 pass/run ratio, and he took what was the 6th best running team in 2011 and took them down to 25th.  Granted nobody is Sean Payton, but I think Jr. lost some of his luster this year, and I question his ability to be the guy to institute a strong offense in the Windy City.

- Mike Sullivan, Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator.  It was reported tonight that Sullivan's interview went about twice as long as planned with the Bears.  While he is an offensive guy that has worked with Eli Manning, he was his QB coach the year he led the league with 25 INTs in 2010.  Sullivan did lead Josh Freeman to a strong middle of the season, but Freeman finished the year with 5 straight games under 56% completion.  He also had back-to-back 4 INT games in this stretch and got shut out against a Saints defense that allowed the most yards in NFL history from scrimmage.  He has a similar military background to GM Phil Emery.  And I'll go on record to say that if he is hired, Sullivan would be as underwhelming a hire as Emery was last year.  The Bears are the only team Sullivan has an interview schedule with.

- Mike McCoy, Broncos Offensive Coordinator.  May be my favorite candidate at the moment.  Him having several interviews this weekend justifies my desire for him to be the next Bears head coach.  I may be jumping the gun here, but I think he can be the Bears version of Sean Payton.  Like Payton, McCoy was a former CFL and WFL QB who dabbled in the NFL for a season.  Only 40 years old, but he's held various positions on offense, working with some pretty good offensive minds.  Most importantly for the Bears, he made beloved ex-Bear, Kyle Orton a 4000 yard passer on a team with no running game.  The next year, he took a Tebow led team with no passing game from 26th in rushing to #1 in the league.  The Tebow-led Broncos won 8 regular season games (several of them comebacks with Tebow throwing the ball) and 1 playoff game (on a beautifully designed play call).  This year, he's back to an elite passing team (with an elite QB), but has also remained balanced on offense with an average running game.  While having a strong offense led by Peyton Manning isn't a strange occurrence, you have to consider the fact that the Broncos young WRs (Thomas and Decker) didn't see the field much as rookies in 2010 and then basically lost a year of development with Tebow behind center in 2011. 

- Tom Clements, Packers Offensive Coordinator.  The Bears wanted Clements as OC a couple years ago before settling on Mike Martz.  That looks to have set the franchise back a few years.  Now could be the time to make it right by hiring Clements as head coach.  In 2010, the Packers denied the Bears permission to interview Clements as it would have been a lateral move.  Clements may be the QB whisperer.  He like McCoy, was a former QB.  He led Notre Dame to a national championship in '73.  He also played in the CFL.  His claim to fame is developing superstars at the QB position.  In 2007, he led 38-year old Brett Favre to his best season statistically since his 20s.  From there, he developed  Aaron Rodgers who took off from Day 1 as one of the top 5 QBs in the game.  If that's not enough, he even developed Matt Flynn, who played well enough to become filthy rich after just 2 spot starts over a 4 year span.  If McCoy is my favorite, Clements is a very close 2nd or even 1A. 

- Bruce Arians, Colts Offensive Coordinator.  My co-writer could tell you more about Arians, but he has as good of a resume as anyone on this list.  Seems to always be in the right place at the right time.  Was the first QB coach for Peyton Manning and was the WR coach for Pittsburgh when Roethlisberger broke into the league.  He also coached Tim Couch that one year he wasn't terrible!  Now Arians got to be Andrew Luck's first mentor at the NFL level.  Unlike the rest of this list, he was able to get some head coaching experience this year as Chuck Pagano missed time due to The Big C.  He's led some good offenses over the years, but also has had his playcalling questioned on many occasions.  But this year, took Luck to record breaking levels for a rookie, and was 9-3 in his first go-round at HC.  I have several concerns with Arians, the biggest of which being his age.  Arians is 60, and will turn 61 early next season. While he is only 3 years older than Clements, he has had health issues in the past and doesn't have a lot to prove as a coach.  I'd like a coach to be here for the very long-term, if successful, and Arians doesn't look to be capable of being around very long.  Plus being in Pittsburgh, I've heard a lot of negative about his offensive playcalling and philosophies. 

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Chicago Bears.....OFFSEASON

Well, it's the end of the season and the end of an era.  The Bears beat the Lions 26-24 to complete a 10-win season, but did not get the needed help from the Green Bay Packers to advance to postseason football.  As a result, the Bears fired their coach of 9 years, Lovie Smith.

Kind of mixed emotions right now.  I liked Lovie Smith the person, a leader and a motivator.....even was a fan of him as a coach.  He clearly had his flaws, but he was good enough to average 9.5 wins per season after taking over Dick Jauron's mess, winning at least 7 games in each of the last 8 years.  But ultimately, 2 things cost Coach Smith his job:

1) missing the playoffs for the 5th time in the 6 years since going to the Super Bowl
2) the inevitable hiring of a 4th offensive coordinator in a 5-year span.

Lovie's inability to surround himself with anyone knowledgeable on the offensive side of the ball was his undoing.  He personally hired 4 OCs in his 9 years, and wasn't going to get the chance to hire a 5th.  You can be a good manager, but consistently hire people underneath you who underperform.  Unfortunately, it's not just a coach's job performance that is measured.  He's also responsible for the performance of those he oversees.  Lovie would probably get no worse than a B- grade for his time as the Bears head coach.  But most of his assistants, especially on the offensive side, have been unquestionably Fs. 

But overall, I'm really excited about the future of the Chicago Bears.  This is a great opportunity for the Bears to get with the times and hire an offensive minded coach.  A coach that will get the most out of the best QB and WR in franchise history.  A coach that will use a versatility of Forte better.  A coach that will develop Alshon Jeffery and get the most out of Earl Bennett, and if he's around, Devin Hester. 

The most exciting candidates I've heard are Mike McCoy (Broncos OC) and Tom Clements (Packers OC).  Also heard Kyle Shanahan (Redskins OC), college coaches such as Chip Kelly and Kirk Ferentz who I don't really like.  I'm also not too excited about the big names like Gruden, Cowher, or Reid.  The Bears really need to try to find the next Sean Payton, if he even exists.  A young offensive minded coach would be ideal.  And while the defense may suffer with the loss of Lovie, and possibly Marinelli and a scheme change; they are still a talented group.  The Bears D has 4 pro bowlers, not to mention Briggs (should be there) and Urlacher (potential Hall of Famer), if he's back.  So, they aren't going to fall off the face of the Earth on that side of the ball. 

New year = change.  Change is a good thing.  The players are upset right now for the most part, but the best way to honor their now ex-coach is to win with the new guy, giving him some of the credit for building the team from scratch 10 years ago. 

Offseason plans and mock drafts to come.  Tis the season, a little earlier than I hoped.  Go BEARS!