Bleacher Report - Articles by Jake Perper

Warren Sapp Tells Brian Urlacher to “Shut Up”

Jake Perper — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:02:35 -0500

Retired defensive tackle Warren Sapp, who is currently on NFL Network and Inside the NFL, appeared on the Mully and Hanley Show on WSCR-670 AM in Chicago yesterday. He was very critical of Brian Urlacher’s comments.

Here’s what he had to say:

“Shut up, he’s not helping. Why don’t he go and help those linebackers watch tape and teach them how to call a defense and line them up. That way they aren’t all off flank all game long against Cincinnati and Cedric Benson is running for 189 yards.”

My Thoughts

I think Brian Urlacher is right on the money with what he has said, but those things shouldn’t be said publicly, especially when you haven’t been playing up to your expectations over the last couple of seasons.

I agree with what he has said, and I really believe he would have had a huge season this year if he had stayed healthy.

The reason for the defense being so bad at stopping offenses on third downs is because of Urlacher’s absence. Without Urlacher’s help in the middle of the field, quarterbacks and running backs can pick apart this defense. Hunter Hillenmeyer is an average player at best; he is nothing like Brian Urlacher.

I think next season if Urlacher comes back healthy and can stay healthy, this defense will be much improved. A trio of Lance Briggs, Urlacher, and Cato June doesn’t sound bad to me.

All quotes from nationalfootballpost.com.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Report: Veteran Linebacker Cato June Signs With Bears

Jake Perper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:16:51 -0500

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, veteran linebacker Cato June has been signed by the Chicago Bears.

The former Colt (2003-2006), Buc (2007-2008), and Texan (2009) has appeared in 88 games, making 504 tackles, one sack, 12 interceptions, and three forced fumbles over six seasons.

The 30-year-old was drafted in the sixth round by the Colts in 2003 out of Michigan. He was voted to his only Pro Bowl in 2005. He won a Super Bowl ring in 2006 with the Colts, in a game that came against the Bears. He left that offseason for Tampa Bay for some big money, but was released this offseason because the Bucs were going to a younger team. He signed with the Houston Texans this offseason, but broke his forearm in a practice and was put on injured reserve. He was released with an injury settlement at the start of the season.

The Bears need some linebackers after Lance Briggs was roughed up in Minnesota. They have already lost starters Brian Urlacher and Pisa Tinoisamoa. They still have Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach, and Jamar Williams as experienced linebackers. June will definitely see some playing time on Sunday, with Briggs iffy for the game.

What does this move mean for the long term?

Well, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Hunter Hillenmeyer, and Pisa Tinoisamoa will all be over 30 next season. Tinoisamoa is a free agent, so maybe they're seeing if June is a starter for next season. Personally, I like the signing. June is a very versatile player, but he is kind of small. At 6′0,″ June is one of the smallest linebackers in the league. June will be flying around on Sunday.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Week 13 Power Rankings, Bears Edition

Jake Perper — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:23:53 -0500

Here are the Week 13 Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN: No. 23 (Last week: 23)

Analysis: “Jay Cutler’s 20 interceptions are bad enough; the league’s worst rushing offense isn’t helping matters, either.”

Yahoo Sports: No. 23 (Last week: 21)

Analysis: “Whatever happens to Lovie Smith after this season, there’s no way Ron Turner returns as offensive coordinator, is there?”

Pro Football Weekly: No. 22 (Last week: 22)

Analysis: “So many needs, so few draft picks left to use.”

CBS Sports: No. 25 (Last week: 22)

Analysis: “Paging Bill Cowher. Paging Bill Cowher. Is there any doubt they will make a coaching change now?”

Fox Sports: No. 23 (Last week: 23)

Analysis: “How tough is this season to watch for Brian Urlacher? It must be maddening to watch the Bears get annihilated by the Vikings and not be able to do one bleeping thing about it. It’s probably tougher to watch for coach Lovie Smith, however, especially as online bidding wars are likely underway for www.FireLovie.com naming rights.”

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Speak Up: Urlacher on the Bears' Identity

Jake Perper — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:19:42 -0500

The Bears defensive leader, Brian Urlacher, who was injured in week one against Green Bay had lots to say about this year's team.

Here is what he said:

“I just wish I could be out there battling, when I go to the facility and see the guys, I feel like I’m in the way.”

“Look, I love Jay, and I understand he’s a great player who can take us a long way, and I still have faith in him. But I hate the way our identity has changed. We used to establish the run and wear teams down and try not to make mistakes, and we’d rely on our defense to keep us in the game and make big plays to put us in position to win. Kyle Orton might not be the flashiest quarterback, but the guy is a winner, and that formula worked for us. I hate to say it, but that’s the truth.”

“I’m not taking a shot at Jay. I’m not one bit taking a shot at Jay, he throws it better, right? And we haven’t tried to run the ball as much. That’s true.

“But Kyle has won games. His formula works. So I’m not taking a shot at Jay or Kyle.”

“I do like Jay, he’s a cool dude. But the way things are going right now, anything you say that appears to be derogatory, they’re going to run with it. That’s for damn sure.

“People are going to think I’m taking shots at my teammates, but I’m not. The guys that have been around here and have played with me would know my tone of voice when I’m saying that (stuff). I don’t feel like I said anything bad about Jay.”

“You know why that doesn’t work? We don’t make anyone [expletive] miss. I guess I just don’t realize what great tacklers these [opposing defenders] are. They’re amazing.”

“Minnesota’s a good-tackling team, and they were up on our receivers pressing all game along, they never backed off. That’s all I was saying.”

“I believe in Lovie, and I hope I get to play for him for a long time, I really think we’ll come back stronger than ever next year, and then everything will take care of itself. I know we have what it takes. I believe in this team, and trust me, I will do everything I possibly can to help us get better next season.”

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Speak Up: Brett Favre on Jay Cutler's Struggles

Jake Perper — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:36:19 -0500

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre spoke up about Jay Cutler and his play yesterday. Here’s what he had to say:

" I think he’s better [at 26 than I was] at this stage, he’s way more advanced. Physically, he’s got all the tools. But mentally, he’s way more advanced and able to see defenses and read things. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to want to put it all on your shoulders. And I know that’s what he’s thinking.

"The comparisons are his arm strength and trying to do too much, but I know this: Trying to do too much and take it all on your shoulders has worked for me. So continue to do what you’re doing. At times, the better decision would be take a sack, throw it away, whatever. After 19 years, there’s been a lot of those what-ifs or should-have-done-this, but the fact is that I’m still here at 19 years.

"There is no doubt that Jay is a heck of a player. This is a stretch that has been obviously tough on him, but keep shootin’ it. That’s what people are afraid of. They want him to be very cautious, and I know that there are some plays that he probably should have been a little more cautious. I can say the same thing about me. But you’ve got to play the game the way that you know how, and that’s why they made a trade for him. So he’ll be fine.

"I played against those guys for so long, and anytime the Bears would be at .500 or less is a surprise, Lovie’s teams have always been very good. I think they are now. I think once Jay offensively hits his stride and gets some consistency with his receivers and gets on the same page, I think they’re going to be fine.

"I wouldn’t give him any, anything that he wouldn’t know already. I obviously have been in that situation at different times in my career. Now, the fact that he went over to a different team, the way it all kind of went down, obviously I’m a little bit familiar with that. I know for Jay, the expectation level obviously was high, as it would have been high in Denver. It comes with a lot of extra baggage being the star quarterback.

"So I’m sure he felt the pressure as we all should at that position to put up big plays and good numbers, but more importantly, wins. You try to do too much. I know Jay a little bit, but I don’t know him all that well, so it would be unfair for me to sit here and say what he’s thinking or doing or whatever. I think they picked him up for a reason. I think he’s damn good, I think he will be good and he’ll be fine. I know he knows that, and I’m sure to a certain extent that’s what Donovan may have been talking to him about at the end of the game the other day.

"I say, so? Who am I to say Jay’s not having fun or is having fun because his demeanor is different than mine? We all form opinions just by watching someone, the body language, the whatever. It’s obviously unfair. So you make a bad decision, your team loses, or you’re in a tough situation, I don’t see where you should be out there smiling and joking around.

"If they’re 10-0 or whatever, it’s a little bit easier to smile and have a good time. ... They didn’t bring Jay in to smile and smack the ref on the heinie or whatever. They brought him in to win games. Not that I’ve ever done that."

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Week 12 Power Rankings, Bears Edition

Jake Perper — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:46:05 -0500

Here are the Week 12 Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN: #23 (Last week: #23)

Analysis, “The Bears have dropped five of their past six games.”

Yahoo Sports: #21 (Last week: #23)

Analysis: “Is it fair to say that Devin Hester and his teammates were exposed Sunday night by Dimitri Patterson and the Eagles?”

Pro Football Weekly: #22 (Last week: 22)

Analysis, “Thank goodness they turned down Costas, focused on football.”

Fox Sports: #23 (Last week: #23)

Analysis, “The most frustrating loss of the week may have to go to the Bears, who again were THISFREAKINGCLOSE to a win against Philly. The theories on what’s wrong with Jay Cutler are flying everywhere: He doesn’t have WRs.”

CBS Sports: #22 (Last week: #20)

Analysis, “Is Lovie Smith in trouble? He might be. Cutler sure hasn’t lived up to the expectations. He needs help.”

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Week 11: Eagles @ Bears Preview

Jake Perper — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:45:36 -0500

Victory needs to be in the Bears vocabulary come tomorrow night. The once 3-1 Bears have lost four out of their last five, and two games they didn’t just lose; they were flat out embarrassed.

This picture in the article shows the Bears' goal line stand against the Philadelphia Eagles last season on Sunday night. The Bears hung on to win that game, with Matt Forte struggling to get anything going on the ground, but leading the team in receiving yards. That sounds a lot like last week, when Forte had a team-leading 120 yards receiving, but again struggled on the ground.

I’m glad the Bears finally noticed that Matt Forte is a pretty darn good receiver out of the backfield. He gives Jay Cutler another weapon. The Bears defense looked much improved last week, forcing a fumble and intercepting Alex Smith, but that just might have been because the 49ers offense isn’t very good.

Whatever the case may be, Donovan McNabb has lots of weapons on his offense this season. He has TE Brent Celek, who's leading the team with receptions, young receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, and also has a nice young running back by the name of Lesean McCoy.

The Bears defense should be in for a fight with that bunch, but I think the offense has to prove themselves in this game than any other unit. Jay Cutler has Greg Olsen, Matt Forte, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox, Kellen Davis, and hopefully Devin Aromashodu to get the ball to. We all know how young these group of receivers are, but there other problem is they don’t have much size.

This game is basically the Bears' season. If they win, they go to 5-5, and if they lose, they fall to 4-6 and have much slimmer hopes at claiming one of the wild card spots in the NFC. I know the Bears shouldn’t be watching other games before they have even played theirs, but some of the games this weekend are important for the Bears' chances at the playoffs.

The Eagles, Falcons, Packers and Giants are all 5-4, and the 49ers are 4-5. Good news is the Falcons and Giants play each other, the 49ers and Packers play one another, and we of course play the Eagles. So, if we come out with the victory tomorrow night we could be in good shape in the standings.

Key Matchup:

The Bears offense needs to take advantage of the Eagles banged-up secondary, who will be without Quintin Demps, Ellis Hobbs, and possibly Sheldon Brown. Jay Cutler needs to take some deep shots to speedsters Johnny Knox and Devin Hester a little bit more than usual.

Good News:

Al Afalava will be returning this week after missing last weeks game with a shoulder injury. Olin Kreutz who missed practice until Friday with a back injury will play tomorrow night, as well as Tommie Harris (knee).

Bad News:

The Bears will be without Kevin Payne for the second straight week. He was being used as the safety in certain situations this season. Without Payne Josh Bullocks, who started last week in San Fransisco, will get some more playing time.

Tight end Desmond Clark will miss another game with a bad back. He was injuried early in the game against San Fransisco, but could not finish. Clark is the best blocking tight end the Bears have. This means Kellen Davis will take over at the second tight end spot, and he is not a very good blocker.

Players to Watch:

1) Tommie Harris - He showed some signs of his old form last week in San Fransisco. Maybe he can show up big against the LeSean McCoy-led running game of the Eagles.

2) Greg Olsen - He needs to be a target on every drive, especially in the redzone. Olsen should find himself putting up some big numbers come Sunday night.

3) Charles Tillman - He only has two interceptions this season, but he is a master at taking the ball away from teams another way: forcing fumbles. Except to see Tillman flying around all night.

Keys to the Game:

1) Protect Jay Cutler. The Eagles have a pass rusher by the name of Trent Cole, who has seven and a half sacks this season. You have to contain him.

2) Get Matt Forte going, no matter what it takes, and it doesn’t have to be in the running game as we saw last week. Get him the ball in the open field and see what he can do with it.

3) Contain speedsters Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson.

Prediction:

Bears 27, Eagles 20

Bear Down!

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears forwww.NFLTouchdown.comand www.MVN.com.

Bears Lose RB Garrett Wolfe For The Season

Jake Perper — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:52 -0500

Garrett Wolfe, a third round pick in 2007 out of Northern Illinois has landed on the injured reserve for the second straight season.

Wolfe suffered a lacerated kidney in the November 8th blowout loss against the Cardinals. Wolfe had 22 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown this season, averaging over five yards per carry. He also had nine special team tackles in the eight games he appeared. Wolfe had 21 tackles on special teams last season and was a real leader on the unit.

With the loss of Wolfe, Adrian Peterson will see a lot more work on special teams and maybe a carry here and there.

Look for the Bears to snag a runner off of another teams practice squad, who has some special teams experience. If not they’ll likely promote Kahlil Bell from their own practice squad or add free agent RB Maurice Hicks to help contribute immediately.

We’ll see what the Bears will do in the coming days, but this is a bad loss for the Bears special teams which ranks fourth this season. Wolfe was also looking like a solid contributor on offense, but we’ll have to wait until next season to see him on the field again. Wolfe joins Kevin Jones as the second running back to land on the injured reserve.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

The Chicago Bears' “Other” Devin Should Get More Playing Time

Jake Perper — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:19:59 -0500

“He’s a different type of receiver. He’s a different target for me.” Those are the words that Bears quarterback Jay Cutler used to describe 6′2″ wide receiver Devin Aromashodu.

I simply call him the other “Devin”, because his last name is so hard to pronounce, but seriously Jay Cutler is right, Aromashodu is a different target for him.

Cutler needs a big guy out there other than Greg Olsen catching passes. His current set of wide receivers, Hester (5′11″), Bennett (6′0″), and Knox (6′0″) are the shortest receiving combo in the league and their considered midgets among league averages.

Cutler needs that type of receiver he has been lacking all season, the one who can provide a mismatch. The one Cutler can just throw the ball up to him and he can catch it because he is that much taller than the defender.

I’m just saying up to this point the Bears offense hasn’t been very good, why not make a change? They can start using more four receiver sets, or they can let Hester and Knox focus more on returning kicks and punts.

Aromashodu may not be the answer to the Bears offensive woes, but I’m sure he can help. Jay Cutler had a guy named Brandon Marshall in Denver, yeah, he is 6′4″ and is a very talented wide receiver.

The Bears current receivers, Hester, Bennett and Knox are talented, but they just aren’t experienced enough right now to get the job done.

I think in the long run they can be a very deadly trio, but they need a change and right now would be a good time to make it.

Giving Jay Cutler a big target other than Greg Olsen (6′5″) is probably the best idea the Bears can have. Everyone forgets that the other “Devin” actually was the third receiver coming into Week 1, but he went down with an injury and rookie Johnny Knox stepped in.

The Bears offense should be better with this change, but the way Ron Turner has been calling plays these days especially in the red zone, I don’t know how much it can actually help.

The only change that was good to see last Thursday night, was having Matt Forte catch more screen passes, something this team should have been doing all season.Let’s see if this change, if they listen to me, will make us better.

Devin Aromashodu, please help the Bears out. Thanks.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Rex Grossman's Dad Defends Jay Cutler

Jake Perper — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:12:40 -0500

Former Bears quarterback Rex Grossman is currently the backup to Matt Schaub in Houston, but that doesn’t mean his father doesn’t still watch the Chicago Bears. His father Dan quickly defended Jay Cutler and compared it to how Rex was in his time with the Bears.

Here’s what he had to say to the Chicago Tribune:

“It’s a self-perpetuating problem that is not Jay Cutler’s fault,” said Dan Grossman, who played quarterback at Indiana in the ’60s. “It’s not Rex Grossman’s fault. It’s not Kyle Orton’s fault. It’s not every other quarterback who has been through that system’s fault. It’s the fault of the organization for not understanding what a quarterback needs.

“What’s amazing to me is, here we go again with Jay Cutler. He came in and he was going to be the franchise quarterback and lead the Bears. I heard some people say they were going to the Super Bowl this year. And here we are, back in the situation where...because the team is not really built around a passing game, he has struggled. I don’t really blame it on Jay Cutler.

“You know who I feel worse for? I feel worse for the Cutler family because I know how hard it was on our family. We are a very proud family. We’re not going to whine to anybody and we’re not going to cry about it. But we’re human. It’s hard to go through that, especially after you had such high expectations.

“You know this young man can really play the sport and that position. It borders on the ridiculous. And the media wants to continually rip the player. And they are missing the point. It’s not the player. It’s the organization.

“I’m not even going to rip the coaches. It’s not even the coaches. The coaches are given a clear, strong message: ‘We’re not building an offensive passing team; we’re building an offensive running team.’

“Look at how much money they have put on the defense. That’s my observation.

“(Rex) wasn’t a first-round draft pick (22nd overall out of Florida) and an Associated Press national player of the year for nothing. Obviously he came in very well thought of. Those bumps that he had in Chicago have not helped him. But I am glad to say he is on an excellent team now. And he is on an excellent offensive passing team now. He is very pleased with that.

“The whole culture is different.

“Jay Cutler, first-round draft pick. Rex Grossman, first-round draft pick. I mean, you’re telling me these guys were terrible? They did bad scouting? No. You can connect the dots pretty easily when you just look. I am just amazed at how infrequently people in the media look at it. Their evaluation is that it is always the player. That’s not right.

“I believe that the NFL is a passing league. It has been for the last 20 years. Chicago continues to use the phrase, at least Lovie Smith continues to use the phrase, ‘We get off the bus running.’ They need to abandon that concept. Running is obviously a very important part of the offense. But the best teams in this league are prolific passing teams.

“And for a team to be effective at passing, in my opinion, you have to build your offense around your quarterback. You have to commit to the quarterback: ‘You’re our guy.’

“You don’t bring your quarterback in and say: ‘We’re going to get off the bus running. But on 3rd-and-10, you’ve got to come through for us now!’"

Thoughts

I agree with Dan Grossman on a lot of the things he said.

It’s true the league is now more of a passing league, but you still have to have some kind of running game to be successful. Jay Cutler needs to be surrounded with more weapons than just Devin Hester and Greg Olsen. Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett are good, but there just too young.

The offensive line is mixed with young inexperienced guys and veterans who are on the edge of their careers. This team has the talent to make the playoffs this season, but next year if they surround Jay Cutler with protection and talent, the Bears have a chance.

Week 11 Power Rankings, Bears Edition

Jake Perper — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:43:47 -0500

Here are the Week 11 Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN: #23 (Last week: 19)

Analysis: “The Bears have lost four of their past five.”

Yahoo Sports: #23 (Last week: 20)

Analysis: “Did Jay Cutler send a thank-you gift basket to Bill Belichick Sunday night (and, if so, was it intercepted )?”

Pro Football Weekly: #22 (Last week: 18)

Analysis: “And how do they plan to fix this offensive line without draft picks?”

Fox Sports: #23 (Last week: 19)

Analysis: “Turnovers tell the story for the Bears in 2009. When limiting turnovers to two or fewer, Chicago is 4-1 and averaging 28.2 ppg. Unfortunately, they’ve committed 3-plus turnovers four times, in which case they are 0-4 and averaging 11.3 ppg.”

CBS Sports: #20 (Last week: 19)

Analysis: “You have to start to wonder about Jay Cutler. He’s trying to do too much. Where’s Matt Forte? They are a playoff long shot now.”

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Jay Cutler's Poor Performance Adds to Chicago Bears' 10-6 Loss

Jake Perper — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:06:06 -0500

The Bears fell to 4-5 on the year, and their playoff hopes basically dissipated, after losing to San Francisco last night.

Jay Cutler was awful. He threw five interceptions, including two in the red zone. A couple of them weren’t his fault, but ultimately, it doesn’t matter.

He leads the NFL with 17 interceptions on the season.

Bears fans are starting to compare Cutler to Rex Grossman. The problem with that is in Rex’s only full season as a Bear in 2006, he threw a total of 20 interceptions. The Bears also had a running game that year, and currently the running game is nowhere to be seen.

Matt Forte was the leading receiver with eight catches for 120 yards. I’ve wanted Ron Turner to get Matt Forte more involved in the passing game. He finally listened to me.

Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, and Devin Hester combined for 12 catches for 95 yards.

Greg Olsen had a nice game with seven catches for 75 yards, but that’s what you’ll get when your quarterback throws 52 times in a game.

I know everyone wants to put the blame on Cutler, but you can’t put everything on him. He has no experienced receivers, a shaky offensive line, and a running game that's not really there.

Still, Cutler needs to be a bit more careful with the ball in certain situations.

The Bears are a very young team on offense, and it looks like they're more in rebuilding mode than in playoff mode. The Bears need to surround Cutler with better protection up front and better receivers.

At 4-5 there is still hope for the playoffs, but with two games against Minnesota plus games against Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Green Bay, the future doesn’t look so bright.

The only good that came out of this game was the play of the defense.

Tommie Harris finally recorded his first sack of the season, as did Marcus Harrison.

Zack Bowman had a nice interception.

Charles Tillman forced a fumble that the 49ers got back.

The defense held the 49ers to 216 yards passing, and Vernon Davis, who talked trash all week, only had three catches for 16 yards.

Frank Gore was contained, but he still had over 100 yards rushing.

Final Thoughts:

Jay Cutler has to know when to be a gunslinger and when to be a game manager and be smart with the ball.

You have eight seconds, which is time for two plays. You could either throw the ball away or run it yourself because you still have one timeout. Instead, you throw it up to the end zone, and it’s intercepted.

Come on, man! I know you don’t have a lot of weapons to help you, but seriously.

Did you know Cutler is the first Bears' quarterback since Kyle Orton to throw five interceptions in a game?

The Bears keep hurting themselves. They committed 10 penalties last night, and it seems like they have been committing tons of penalties all season.

Because I’m such a big Bears fan, I still believe they can make the playoffs. They have seven games left, four at home and three on the road.

There is always hope, guys, so please try a little bit harder. If not this season there is always next year.

Bear Down!

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com .

NFL Week Ten: Chicago Bears-San Francisco 49ers Preview

Jake Perper — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:10:38 -0500

The Bears play in San Fransisco tonight, where they haven’t won since the 1985 Super Bowl season.

49ers head coach Mike Singletary will be facing the Bears the first time in his career as a coach.

The Bears have to bring the pressure tonight against Alex Smith and they must contain Frank Gore, who we all know is having a huge season.

The Bears secondary is very banged up with Kevin Payne ruled out and Al Afalava questionable after not practicing all week. Nathan Vasher might see some time at safety and expect the Bears to use Steltz or Bullocks a little bit in Afalava’s spot depending on his availability. Good news is Charles Tillman and Tommie Harris will be in the lineup which will help a ton.

Key Matchup

Danieal Manning on 49ers tight end Vernon Davis.

Manning is the most athletic player on this defense, so watch for him to cover Vernon Davis who is basically a wide receiver in the 49ers offense. Davis has been talking lots of trash about this defense and hopefully the Bears respond by shutting him down or at least containing him.

Players to Watch

1) Earl Bennett —He had a career week last week, but it was when the Bears were behind. Watch for Bennett to finally get in the end-zone for his first career touchdown.

2) Alex Brown —He will be pumped up, I expect a sack and an interception for the veteran defensive end.

3) Lance Briggs —He needs to bring some life to this defense, which has struggled mightily against Arizona and Cincinnati.

Keys to the Game:

1) Make Alex Smith beat you with his arm, pressure the young QB constantly.

2) Contain Frank Gore and if that means putting eight men in the box, fine.

3) Get the running game going with Matt Forte and if that doesn’t work find other ways of getting him the ball, screen passes maybe.

4) Stop allowing teams to convert on third downs. It is totally unacceptable.

Prediction:

Bears 23, 49ers 16

Bear Down!

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Vernon Davis Believes He Can Destroy The Bears Struggling Defense

Jake Perper — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:44:31 -0500

49ers tight end Vernon Davis thinks the 49ers offense can crush the Bears struggling defense. Davis has 20 catches and four touchdowns, since the 49ers replaced Shaun Hill and inserted Alex Smith as their quarterback.

Here’s what Davis had to say:

“I think we can destroy their front, the guys up front, I think we can destroy them. I don’t see anything spectacular about their front line. Their linebackers, I think we can handle them pretty well. I like (Adewale) Ogunleye. I like the way he’s playing up front. He’s about the only player I like on their defensive line. I think he’s doing a good job.”

Davis also took a shot at the Bears best linebacker Lance Briggs, here’s what he said:

“He can’t check me, I think Lance is a good player. I totally respect Lance Briggs. He’s a good player. He’s been around before I came in this league and I respect his game. But we still have an opportunity. If he’s matched up against me one-on-one, I’m going to try my best to beat him.”

This should be great motivation for the Bears defense to get back to stopping offenses instead of allowing them offenses to destroy them. The Bears rank 24th in the NFL in red zone offense (13 touchdowns on 28 trips) and 31st in red zone defense (20 TDs on 27 drives).

For those of you who thought the Bears offense was worse in the red zone you were wrong. The defense has to step up and get some kind of pressure on Alex Smith and the whole unit has to stop missing easy open field tackles.

The 49ers have lost four in a row after starting the season 3-1 and the Bears have dropped three of four after starting the season 3-1 as well.

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

Hot Off The Press: Bears Mid-Season Report

Jake Perper — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:49:31 -0500

Are the Chicago Bears really that bad that they would allow Cincinnati to put up 45 points and Arizona to put up 41? I guess so.

The Bears have beaten Pittsburgh, Seattle, Detroit and Cleveland, who are a combined 11-21 and they have been beaten by Green Bay, Atlanta, Cincinnati and Arizona who are a combined 20-12.

The Bears played very well in the victories over Pittsburgh, Seattle and Detroit, but besides Pittsburgh, their victories this season don’t look very impressive.

The losses against Green Bay and Atlanta came on Sunday night, where the Bears could have easily won both games if they didn’t make stupid mistakes. They could be 6-2, but instead they're sitting at .500 (4-4).

They are three games behind the Minnesota Vikings and the only good thing is that they still have two games against the Vikings to gain some ground.

The Bears are not a bad team. The offense played well last week, but the defense missed tackles left and right, were not in the right gaps, and just couldn’t stop any pass attempt. The Bengals and Cardinals were a disgrace and the Bears have to forget those games quickly. They are embarrassing and Lovie Smith should take a lot of the blame because he is the defensive coordinator this season.

Eight games are still left this season, but the schedule isn’t easy. I had the Bears going 12-4, which they can still technically do, but not if they play like they have the past couple weeks.

They travel to San Fransisco this Thursday night, then they're home for the Eagles, then on the road against the Vikings, then home for two straight against St. Louis and Green Bay, then at Baltimore, back home against the Vikings and end in Detroit playing the Lions. Those teams are a combined 32-32 exactly .500. Three of those games will be on national television.

Bright Spots

Offensively—Jay Cutler, Greg Olsen, Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and Johnny Knox

No one expected to see such success out of the Bears inexperienced receivers, but they look legit so far this season. The only problem I have is when Cutler scrambles out of the pocket, the receivers seem to be unable to get open.

Defensively—Lance Briggs, Danieal Manning, and Alex Brown

These guys have been the most consistent players on this Bears defense. This unit looks nothing like it did during their Super Bowl run three years ago.

Not So Bright Spots:

Offensively—Orlando Pace, Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza, and Matt Forte

The success of this offense all depends on the offensive line and the veterans Pace, Kreutz and Garza have failed to protect Jay Cutler, allowing 19 sacks so far this season and have failed to open up lanes for Matt Forte. Forte hasn’t looked like the Forte of last year, but a lot of that has to do with the offensive line. I just hope he returns to form.

Defensively—Tommie Harris, Al Afalava, Mark Anderson, and Marcus Harrison

Afalava looked solid during the first couple of games, but he hasn’t looked like a starter at all lately. Anderson and Harrison are young players, who are supposed to be legitimate players on this defense, but they haven’t helped one bit. Tommie Harris hit a career low last week, when he punched Duece Lutui in the face and was thrown out of the game. All of these guys must step it up for this team to have success.

Without Urlacher, this defense looks inexperienced and just plain silly out there. Harris needs to be the man in the middle, that’s the reason this defense has been so good at stopping the run the last couple of seasons, but he just isn’t the same anymore.

What must happen for this team to Have a shot at the playoffs?

They have to start every game fast, by playing much better defense and scoring more points than seven in the first half. The running game must get going because it will be tough to throw the ball with the winds of Lake Michigan coming in.

The offensive line has to give Jay Cutler some time to throw the ball. The defense CAN’T miss as many tackles as they’ve been missing this season. Lovie Smith has to change his emotion, he looks the same when the Bears are losing by 40 or there winning by 40.

This team is better than this and it will show the next couple of weeks if they actually are. I just really want to think they are better, because last season they weren’t very good, but they managed a 9-7 finish and could have finished much better than that. It starts with the defense, they are the problem. They have to tackle, get to the quarterback, and just play solid football.

Bear Down!

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.

The Chicago Bears Have Receivers, Just Not At Wide Receiver

Jake Perper — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:37:20 -0400

The Bears have weapons on offense for Jay Cutler.

I don’t understand why no one sees that.

Tight ends Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark are probably the best tight end tandem in the NFL and running back Matt Forte was the Bears leading receiver last season.

The Bears haven’t really had good wide receivers over the last couple of years.

Personally, I like the Bears wide receivers, but I have to admit they’re very inexperienced.

Besides Hester and Davis, none of them have caught a pass in the NFL.

ESPN says the Bears have no chance to win the division because they didn’t surround Jay Cutler with “enough.”

What about the additions of Orlando Pace, and Kevin Shaffer?

What about the tight ends and the running backs?

They don’t look at that, they just focus in on the young batch of receivers, who to them, are no help to Jay Cutler.

I guarantee Jay Cutler has more than enough help on offense.

Greg Olsen and Devin Hester are locks to have big years receiving. Desmond Clark, Matt Forte, and Earl Bennett should all be solid. Rashied Davis, Brandon Rideau, Johnny Knox, Juquain Iglesias, and Michael Gaines should all contribute this season.

Even though the Bears have the easiest schedule this season, I still think its pretty tough, but with the additions they made I see them finishing the year 12-4.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.Needforsports.com.

Five Reasons Why the Bears Should Sign Michael Vick

Jake Perper — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:40:52 -0400

If you didn’t know, Michael Vick is officially a free man. I feel that Michael Vick has done his time and deserves a second chance. I think he should be reinstated to the NFL very soon.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he will take care of Vick soon, but I think the Chicago Bears should consider adding Michael Vick.

Here are five reasons why they should add Michael Vick:

1). He is a much better backup than either of the unproven quarterbacks the Bears have behind Jay Cutler.

2). The Bears could use more wildcat formations, with Vick, Forte, and Devin Hester—this offense could be unstoppable.

3). He could be used as a wide receiver for this offense. Hester and Vick could be the fastest duo the league has ever seen.

4). He is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks.

5). Because he is only 29-years-old and was the number one overall pick in 2001 (there’s a reason he was taken No. 1).

Check back tomorrow, when I list the five reasons why the Bears shouldn’t sign Michael Vick.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.Needforsports.com.

The Chicago Bears Must Stay Injury Free To Have A Chance This Season

Jake Perper — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:01:42 -0400

Over the past two seasons the Bears have been hit with injuries.

Key players like Charles “Peanut” Tillman, Tommie Harris, Dusty Dvoracek, Nathan Vasher, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Brian Urlacher and Chris Williams have all suffered from the injury bug.

This year is huge for the Bears.

People have very high expectations for them.

Jay Cutler is the main reason for that.

The town is going crazy over the offseason the Bears have had. They added many pieces to the offensive line and made a couple solid draft picks on defense.

The Bears offense could be the reason the defense gets back to being very good.

If Cutler helps the offense sustain drives, the defense won’t have to be on the field as much, hence being fresh when they're actually on the field.

The Bears offense should be alright. Cutler has Matt Forte, Greg Olsen, Devin Hester, Dez Clark and Earl Bennett as his key weapons.

The defense should be strong with Head Coach Lovie Smith taking over as defensive coordinator and Rod Marinelli coming in as the defensive line coach.

I expect big things out of this team and if they can stay healthy, I think they can win the NFC.

Three Players to Watch (besides Jay Cutler):

1) Greg Olsen—He had a big season last year with 54 catches, 574 yards and five touchdowns, but he should gain the most from the addition of Jay Cutler.

2) Tommie Harris—He was once a dominant force. If he listens to Marinelli and gets his knee prepared for this season, he should be a big-time playmaker. Remember, he’s only 25 years old.

3) Earl Bennett—This kid came out this offseason by saying he didn’t know the full playbook until week 10 of last season, hence having no catches. He played college ball with Jay Cutler and should be the No. 2 receiver behind Hester. Watch out for Bennett.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.Needforsports.com.

Steve McNair: A Tribute To One Of The Best

Jake Perper — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:05:09 -0400

When I was searching the internet, I saw breaking news about Steve McNair.

It said he was shot to death in a double homicide.

I know I’m a Chicago Bears writer, but I grew up watching him and really admired his skills. I couldn’t believe it was true. I was very very sad.

Not only was McNair a great player for the Oilers/Titans and Ravens for 11 seasons, but he was also a great person. It’s a very sad day in the NFL.

A report according to WCCO in Nashville says this:

Ex-Ravens QB Steve McNair Shot To Death

"Former Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has been killed. Police said McNair suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in downtown Nashville. Police said it looked like a double homicide. A female victim was also found dead, reports CBS station WJZ-TV in Baltimore. Police said it looked like a double homicide. A female victim was also found dead. Details were still unfolding. McNair retried from the game last year after playing with the Baltimore Ravens. The 35-year-old McNair guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record in 2006, his first season in Baltimore after 11 years in Tennessee. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that enabled him to earn a berth in four Pro Bowls. McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Tennessee Titans. He led the team to four playoff appearances, including the Super Bowl after the 1999 season. He was named co-MVP of the league in 2003, sharing the award with Peyton Manning, after throwing for 3,215 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. McNair fought injuries during the latter part of his career with Tennessee and was dealt to the Ravens in June 2006 for a fourth-round draft pick. He signed a five-year contract."

Steve McNair will go down as one of the best quarterbacks of this era. Best wishes to the McNair foundation and the Nashville community.

I hope that not only the Titans and Ravens tribute him in some way during week one of this season, but also the entire NFL does something in tribute of him. Maybe patches on jerseys or helmets.

Steve McNair, who was nicknamed “Air McNair” should be remembered for his ability to scramble out of the pocket and complete throws down the field.

He was only 36 years old.

All quotes from wcco.com.

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.

Will Devin Hester Be Ridiculous This Season?

Jake Perper — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:01:30 -0400

Last season, Devin Hester made the switch from full-time return specialist to full-time receiver.

Hester saw his numbers go up because he was not only the No. 1 receiver, but he actually knew all of the plays.

Here are his all-time career receiving stats:

2006: N/A

2007: 20 receptions, 299 yards, and two touchdowns

2008: 51 receptions, 665 yards, and three touchdowns

Even though Hester saw his numbers go up, he could have had a monster year if he had a quarterback with a better arm than Kyle Orton.

The switch to receiver took away from his return game last season, where he had zero touchdowns on both punts and kick returns. His average on kick returns was similar to 2007, but his punt return average was split in half.

You won’t see the incredible Devin Hester forcing kickers and punters to kick the ball away from him anymore, but you will see Danieal Manning and Johnny Knox returning kicks this season.

You will also watch Hester’s speed and determination help him get into the end zone. The Cutler and Hester combo should be pretty sweet this upcoming season.

I am pretty excited that the Bears finally have a big-time quarterback who can actually get the ball down the field. Having Devin Hester on the field with a big-time quarterback should give him the chance to take it the distance every time—he is one dangerous player.

I would warn teams to watch for Hester at all times on offense, and let's not forget that he will still be returning punts.

So, I think with a more reduced role on special teams and a solid quarterback with a big-time arm, he should be nothing but ridiculous this season.

What do you think?

Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.

It's Official: Mike Brown, a Chicago Bear No More

Jake Perper — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:02:36 -0400

It’s a sad day for a Chicago Bear fan.

Former Pro Bowl safety, and star of the Bears defense, Mike Brown signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bears showed no interest in bringing back the injury prone Mike Brown, who is the Bears' all-time leader in defensive touchdowns with seven.

Brown had 99 starts, 629 tackles, and 17 interceptions in his nine seasons with the Bears. Last season he started 15 games—the most he’s played in a long time—before going on the injured reserve with a calf injury.

What will his role be with the Chiefs? The nine year veteran will join the team facing some competition at the safety position.

Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page are the two Kansas City Chiefs' safeties, and Mike Brown will have to work hard to beat one of them out.

I know Brown, 31, has lost a step, but he is still a very good player—he can win the job as long as he stays healthy.

I still think Bears fans wanted to see him back this season, but I’m glad to see Kansas City make this move.

I wish him nothing but luck this season.

"Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com"

Top Ten: Funniest Football Quotes Of All Time

Jake Perper — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:15:07 -0400

Today, I present you with the top ten funniest (NFL) football quotes of all time.

The quotes come from former coaches, players, commentators, and writers.

Check them out and tell me what you think.

1) John Madden, Former Coach/Player/Announcer

“Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field. They’re bigger than everybody else, and that’s what makes them the biggest guys on the field.”

2) Luke Salisbury, Writer

“Watching football is like watching pornography. There’s plenty of action, and I can’t take my eyes off it, but when it’s over, I wonder why the hell I spent an afternoon doing it.”

3) George Rogers, RB, New Orleans Saints

“I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first”

4) Merle Kessler, Writer

“Football players, like prostitutes, are in the business of ruining their bodies for the pleasure of strangers.”

5) Jerry Rice, WR, San Fransisco 49ers

“I feel like I’m the best, but you’re not going to get me to say that.”

6) Dave Barry, Humor Columnist

“Sharks are as tough as those football fans who take their shirts off during games in Chicago in January, only more intelligent.”

7) Bo Jackson, RB, Oalkand Raiders

“If my mother put on a helmet and shoulder pads and a uniform that wasn’t the same as the one I was wearing, I’d run over her if she was in my way. And I love my mother.”

8) William “The Fridge" Perry, DL, Chicago Bears:

“I’ve been big ever since I was little.”

9) Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

“I may be dumb, but I’m not stupid.”

10) Paul Tagliabue, Former NFL Commissioner

“I’m a firm believer that all sports will eventually be global. Someday, we may have a quarterback from China named Yao Fling.”

What do you think about the top ten?

Which ones are really the funniest?

"Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com"

Speak Up: CBS Analyst Jim Nantz on Plaxico Burress

Jake Perper — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:07:15 -0400

CBS analyst Jim Nantz was on ESPN 1000 yesterday, and this what he had to say about the Bears' interest in troubled wide receiver Plaxico Burress:

“If I was running a franchise, I don’t want him. So, do the Bears try to go out and get him? Why would you want that problem? I mean, look, Plaxico Burress, he put himself in this position. I mean, he’s a guy that left his family, his wife and kids at home and had to go to a night club and carry a loaded weapon with him in New York. And then shot himself. Is this a guy you want on your football team?’

“I hate to guess, I’m not going to try to put that weight on him, but if I’m a team and I know Plaxico’s gifted—I get it, he’s a big target with speed and creates great separation, what a target; the Giants won a Super Bowl with him—but I don’t need al.....

You can the rest of this article here.

"Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com"

Rodney Harrison Thinks the NFL Is A “Pansy Sport”

Jake Perper — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:11:51 -0400

Newly retired Rodney Harrison spoke about the NFL being a “soft, pansy sport” now that he’s gone, here’s what he said on Sirius satellite radio: “This is football in the National Football League. I hit a guy with my forearm in his throat or his chest area, and they’re trying to fine me. It’s football! It’s not my fault if the guy curls up like a little girl because he doesn’t want to get hit. Are you kidding me? And then I get hit with a $120,000 fine because I hit Jerry Rice. Do you think I’m going...

"Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com"

Mike Brown to The Chiefs?

Jake Perper — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:03:50 -0400

The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing in the veteran safety Mike Brown for a visit today, according to a league source.

The Bears let Brown go this offseason.

Brown told another source he is motivated to prove he remains a starting-caliber player.

Brown, 31, played his final game for the Bears on Dec....

You can the rest of this article here.

"Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com"

Speak Up: Josh Beekman About Competition at Left Guard

Jake Perper — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:54:52 -0400

You can read Jake Perper's work at Bearsbacker.com: It's THE Blog for Any Chicago Bears Fan.

Josh Beekman is currently practicing with the first team offensive line.

The Bears first team offensive line looks like this:

LT- Orlando Pace

LG- Josh Beekman

C- Olin Kreutz

RG- Roberto Garza

RT- Chris Williams

But the Bears didn’t sign LG/LT Frank Omiyale to big bucks for no reason, he’ll compete with Beekman throughout the off-season and will line up with the first team offensive next week.

This is what Josh Beekman had to say about the competition at LG with Frank Omiyale:

“It is a competition, Frank is a great guy and he is a competitor. He is going to make the Bears better. If he beats me out, he makes the Bears better. If I win my spot back, hopefully I make the Bears better. Competition breeds success. They brought him in and Frank is a hard worker.”

“We’ll see what happens at the end of the camp, Olin sat me down and coached me a lot. [Line coach] Harry [Hiestand] was a great influence on me. Luckily, I have he bar set high with Olin, with the example of what you need to do to be a great O-lineman. I get to watch every day and see how good I have to be.”

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Speak Up: Bears Receivers Talk About What They See In Jay Cutler

Jake Perper — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:42:11 -0400

Earl Bennett spoke about his former teammate at Vanderbilt and now his new QB with the Bears:

“It’s great playing with somebody I’m familiar with; a great leader in the huddle and off the field, just his presence here has been great so far. I think he’s going to do wonders for this team.”

Devin Hester talked about working with new QB Jay Cutler:

“He’s just a very calm veteran quarterback and that is what you like, it’s a quarterback who doesn’t really put too much pressure on himself, but you look at him and can tell he’s been doing this for a long time. That’s what brings a lot of excitement and a lot of big plays to the offense.”

“I feel like we’re starting to click, he’s in a situation where he’s in a new offense with new receivers, so we’re polishing it up and getting used to the timing of it and the speed. Once we get that down, we’ll be good.”

Greg Olsen, who I think will benefit the most from Cutler, spoke about Jay:

“I think we have the ability to be a good offense we’ve added a lot of pieces to the puzzle. Obviously, it is really early now. We just have to keep putting work in. We’ve got a long ways ahead of us. Guys are excited with what we can do.”

This is what Rashied Davis had to say about Cutler:

“He’s a tremendous teammate, a good person and a good leader out on the field, he’s not a yeller-screamer, but he’s vocal. He’ll come and he’ll talk to you. He talks in the huddle. He’s just not a yeller. He doesn’t come to the sideline screaming and hollering.”

all quotes from chicagobears.com

William “The Fridge” Perry Released From the Hospital

Jake Perper — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:08:33 -0400

You can read Jake Perper's work at Bearsbacker.com: It's THE Blog for Any Chicago Bears Fan.

Ex-Bear hero William “The Fridge” Perry has been released from Aiken Regional Medical Center after a month-long stay resulting from complications from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Perry’s agent, Adam Plotkin said Perry is receiving in-patient rehabilitation at an undisclosed location. He expects Perry to be in rehab for at least a month.

Plotkin said Perry has regained strength and been in good spirits and is no longer in serious condition.

Perry was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre last summer, and it developed into Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a disorder of the peripheral nervous system.

People who saw him at an autograph signing in Chicago last winter said that Perry:

"Has lost a significant amount of weight, perhaps more than 100 pounds."

All quotes from ChicagoTribune.com

Rex Grossman to Tryout for the UFL?

Jake Perper — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:20:00 -0400

You can read Jake Perper's work at Bearsbacker.com: It's THE Blog for Any Chicago Bears Fan.

"According to the United Football League Web site, former Bears quarterback Rex Grossman will participate in drills in front of UFL head coaches.The Web site quotes a Las Vegas television station, saying that another player, former Texas Tech star, Graham Harrell, will also participate in the drills in a 'pro day' in Las Vegas."

This is the same guy who was the starting quarterback for the Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

It’s just amazing how a guy could drop off like this; I thought for sure someone in the NFL would bring him on as a backup.

Grossman even hired a new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, just to get some attention from the NFL.

Rosenhaus made this statement about Grossman earlier this month:

“Free agent QB Rex Grossman has been training hard on a daily basis and is looking forward to signing with a team in time for OTA’s.”

This is what Drew Rosenhaus had to say about the rumors that Grossman will be trying out in the UFL:

“Rex will be playing in the NFL this season, we have not considered any other leagues. He will be on a NFL roster by the start of training camps.”

I was one of the few Rex supporters in Chicago, but wherever he lands, I wish him all of the best.

Good luck, Rex.

all quotes from twitter.com

Chicago Bears DE Adewale Ogunleye Agrees with GM Jerry Angelo On Contract

Jake Perper — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:11:14 -0400

You can read Jake Perper's work at Bearsbacker.com: It's THE Blog for Any Chicago Bears Fan

Bears veteran defensive end Adewale Ogunleye understands what GM Jerry Angelo is saying, “players need to take care of their business in order to have business take care of itself.”

Ogunleye, who will be 32 years old at the start of the season had this to say about the contract discussions:

“I’m in agreement with Jerry, last year, we gave out a lot of extensions and a lot of contracts to guys, and we didn’t win. So you can’t expect that to happen two years in a row.

“I’m not going to stress it out. I know what I bring to the table. What I’m going to do is go out there and have the best year I can have. Maybe then hopefully before the season is over, we’ll get something done. Or maybe when the season’s over. But I would love to be in Chicago, finish my career here.’’

Ogunleye struggled to get to the quarterback last season, recording five sacks, his lowest total since coming to the Bears in 2004.

In eight seasons, Ogunleye has played 112 games, recording 352 tackles, 60.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles.

I know if Ogunleye plays a like the leader that he is, than he’ll definitely get his contract extension.

all quotes from chicagotribune.com