Play Tyrus Thomas at Small Forward

I know its the New Year, but I can't let this hang over me. My eyes are set on Bulls with the Bears demise. And from what I can tell, the Bulls are not very good. If they continue to go down the small ball, inconsistent lineup route that From Black has orchestrated the Bulls will either not make the playoffs or get thumped by a real team in the 1st round.

My suggestion you ask? Play Tyrus Thomas at small forward. If we're going to go with Derick Rose and the midget Ben Gordon as our back-court, then we have to go big in the front. So here's this experiment: A starting lineup of Rose, Gordon, Tyrus, Gooden and Gray (or Noah).

Just like the Pistons with the smallish Billups and Richard Hamitlon in the back-court, Dumars subsided their height weakness with a very tall front court of Ben Wallace, Rasheed and Tayshawn. Billups and Hamilton aren't good man-man defenders, but when you put the 6-11 Prince, 7ft Rasheed and enormous presence of Ben Wallace in the front court, teams no longer could attack the basket. Similarly, a front court of Thomas, Gooden and Gray/Noah should overcome the defensive liabilities of our short guards.

Of course this means that Deng would need to be benched. No problem here. I'd trade him in a second. He still has value in this league.

Lastly, I'll note that Del Negro has been upset with his team's defensive effort. He only has himself to blame for going to small ball (Did he not notice that small ball didn't get the Suns to a championship?). As I've said before, sure scoring 100 points is great, but it means nothing when you give up 115.

TMTs: The Chicago Bears Offseason

Question: When is the best time to be a Bears fan? Answer: The Offseason. Unlike the regular season, there’s no chance the Bears are going disappoint you and lose. You don’t have to see Lovie Smith and his deer in headlights expressions. And of course, once the free agent period begins and the draft approaches, we have hope. Let’s look at the Bears offseason list and priorities.

1. Do we need to change the coaches/GM? I-Truth and I discussed this over lunch. Is Angelo or Lovie Smith more to blame for the Bears demise? We went around in circles arguing: “Of course its Angelo, don’t you recall Dan Badzuin, Okwo, Cedric Benson or Michael Haynes”? “Yeah, but Lovie can’t teach and evaluate the young players. Look at Justin Gage, Marc Columbo, or even Cedric Benson prospering on other teams. Angelo drafts players that fit Lovie’s system and tastes.” “True, but doesn’t that mean that Angelo let’s Lovie have too much say in draft day decisions?” As you could tell it’s a cyclical pattern. Basically, they both suck. But unless I miraculously obtain 1Billion to buy the Bears, they are both staying. Let’s just move on.

2. Can Kyle Orton be our franchise QB? Yes and No. Orton can be our QB, if he had TJ Housh, Anquan Bolden and Devin Hester as wide receiver options. Absent that dream WR corps, Orton’s going to be just another average Bears QB. Even though Lovie and Turner already blessed him with their seal of approval (which is ridiculous b/c he was awful the last few weeks and its f’n December 08 for goodness sakes). Anyway, I’m fine with Orton for one or two more years provided (a) we go out and get a legit #1 WR option (TJ Housh) and (b) the Bears get a project QB in the draft or free agency to take over the reins in the long-term.

3. What is our most pressing need? The Bears have no option but to go out and sign Anquan Bolden, TJ Housh or perform some miracle to trade for a top WR talent. They will probably draft near 18 and won’t likely find a premier WR in the draft. Plus, do you really want Angelo to be drafting offensive skill position players? If the Bears can’t get a top WR in the free agency market, next season is a wash and we will be sitting right here again at near .500.

So let’s assume they manage to get their WR in the free agent market. The Bears have obvious needs on the OL, but again, I don’t want Angelo drafting offensive players. Thus, let’s focus on that aging defense. If the Bears are going to stick with the Cover 2, they got to get a better pass rusher. Alex Brown is okay. But Adewale “oops I think I hurt my pinky” Ogunleye has got to go. He’s over paid and under-performs.

Secondly, the Bears have to go after an elite safety in the draft. I love Mike Brown, but you can’t rely on him. There is no way we can go another season thinking that Kevin Payne or Danieal Manning can play safety. Whether it’s the draft or free agency, we need a legit safety other than Mike Brown.

4. Okay, you’ve covered DE and safety, what else? I’d love to see them get a guard for the offensive line. They need to pick-up a starter in free agency. In addition, they could use more depth at the corner position. Charles Tillman is overrated and has trouble playing man-to-man coverage. I actually like Vasher and Graham, but we need more depth.

5. If you could assemble a realistic Bears 2009 Bears team, what players would it consist of?

Offense:

QB: Orton, with a rookie or free agent in waiting groomed to take over in 2010 or 2011.

RB: Easy- Forte

TE: Olsen, Clark

LT- Williams/Tait

G- Free Agent Guard and possibly John St. Clair. (I’d like to see Garza on the bench backing up these guys).

C- Kreutz with Beekman backing him up

WR1: TJ Hoosh (I’d even take Anquan Bolden)

WR2: Devin Hester

WR3: Earl Bennet/Free Agent/ or 4^th rounder in draft.

Defense:

RE: Alex Brown

DT-Marcus Harrison

DT- Tommie Harris

DE- First pick in Draft (Or getting a guy like Terrell Suggs in free agency) and trade away or cut Ogunleye.

OLB: Briggs and Roach

MLB : Urlacher (although, it’s probably time to find his replacement)

DB1: Corey Graham

DB2: Vasher (with 2^nd or 3^rd rounder in draft waiting in wings)

Nickel: D. Manning/2^nd or 3^rd rounder

FS: Tillman/Mike Brown

SS: First pick in draft or through free agency.

I realize there are some redundancies in the list, but you get the picture. Obtain a WR in the free agent market. Shore up your OL with a starting caliber guard in free agency. Draft a DE/Safety # 1 or 2, and add depth at corner through the draft. If possible, look for QB of future in draft or through free agency.

Unfortunately for us, Lovie probably convinces Angelo to draft a linebacker from Cob Community College (a Division 5 school) in the first round that nobody, even Mel Kiper, has ever heard of.

Fortunately for us, it’s the offseason.

Chicago Bears Vs. Texans: Like Grey's Anatomy, this Show Should be Cancelled.

Lauryn Hill, then of the Fugees, once said that the Knick's would build you (the fan) up just to lose the championship. Likewise, the Bears built us up, just to lose to the lowly Texans.

But even that great line by the best rap group ever doesn't sum up what the 2008 Bears were. Instead, the Bears were like Grey's Anatomy. Yeah, I said it. At its inception, (yes, I watched some of the first season), Grey's wasn't that bad. It had the two things you most wanted in a TV show, good writers and good enough actors. Unlike its present day perversion, shows were well thought out and actually made the TV audience laugh. Version 1.0 of Grey's was an hour long comedy that made you want to tune on Thursdays.

Of course, once you get past that first nostalgic year, you started to see the real flaws. The writers that seemed to have devoted a lifetime to one season,couldn't muster the skills to write Season 2. The actors now seemed better cast for General Hospital. Everything felt unrealistic and detached. During sweeps weeks, the story lines got so out of whack, that they made House seem normal. Thus, you began to see the real Grey's: A Below average and desperate show.

Like Grey's, Version 08 of the Chicago Bears looked good early on. The new actors- the QB, receivers, and offensive line all looked like academy award winning players. The new defensive script displayed at Indy with linebackers crowding the line of scrimmage looked intriguing. Heck even the directors: Lovie Smith, Turner and Babich looked a little Scorsese like. The Bears were a 3-hour long reality show that made you want to tune in on Sundays.

But then after all the glitz and glamor of the no huddle offense and aggressive play-calling faded, we, the fans, started to see the Bears for who they really were. (Insert, they are who we thought they were line here). Orton appeared more reality star actor than Oscar worthy. The script got old on defense as offensive coordinators made adjustments. And well, lets face it. Lovie Smith's still Lovie Smith. He'd be a great porn director, but he's no Tarrantino. We began to see the real Chicago Bears: A below average and desperate team.

The Bears kept us glued for a little while longer with the wacky blocked kicks, muffed punts that bounced our way, and OT victories. Again, just like it was sweeps week. But in the end, they're were as pathetic as that cast of annoying doctors. But luckily for us fans, the Bears will get picked up for 16 (or more) episodes next year. Unfortunately, so too will Greys.

Tuesday Monring Thoughts: God Must Hate the Green Bay Packers

It wasn't luck that granted the Chicago Bears a win versus the Packers, it was a miraculous intervention. Two blocked field goals, a muffed punt fumble recovery, and Kyle Orton giving the Packers the ball in key possessions isn't luck. Luck is when you find a dollar on a street. Or when you get the promiscuous stripper at the Admiral. No, the Bears weren't lucky to beat the Packers, they were blessed to beat the packers.

I don't know, maybe God was angry with the Packers' trade of Brett Favre. Maybe, some rotten cheese made its way up there. Or Maybe god just likes the Bears better (Tommie Harris prays a lot). Regardless, you get the point. The Bears aren't good, they aren't lucky; they just had God on their side. On to the TMTs (Bears addition).

1. Kyle Orton is an average quarterback. And just like most NFL QB's, if he gets good protection and has good wide receivers, he's going to play well. On the other hand, if he has shitty wide receivers and poor protection, he'll look like Cade McNown. Kyle isn't a franchise quarterback, unless he surrounded by franchise players. As I have said before, he is a third world country's poor man's Peyton Manning. A good, smart quarterback that lacks consistency, and the ability to throw the long ball (honestly, why can't he throw the long ball? He's just terrible at it. It's always too short or off target.)

2. My ears started bleeding for some reason last night while watching the game. Maybe it was a severe ear infection? Nope. Just Tony Kornheiser.

3. Its cold in Chicago nation. Get over it.

4. Aaron Rodgers (pardon my french) looks like a smug bitch. But, he's a whole lot better than Kyle Orton.

5. For what seemed like the 16th time this season, the Bears couldn't get pressure on the QB while rushing 4 players. I like Alex Brown, but he doesn't get it done. Adewale is always hurting his pinkie and can't play. Mark Anderson looks dazed and confused. Besides a safety, QB, OL, WR, and maybe a corner, the Bears other biggest need is a pass rusher.

6. Lance Briggs was all over the field last night. He makes Brian Urlacher look like Barry Minter. Just an excellent all out effort by the guy.

7. The Packers match up well against the Bears because their corners can play man-to man coverage and shut out our receivers, leaving the safeties to roam the field and stack the box. Its simple, the Bears were playing without WRs last night and couldn't move the ball in the running game as a result. It also doesn't help when your QB throws the ball directly to the other team on at least 5 occasions (besides the two picks, Orton should have been picked off 3 more times).

8. The Bears on the other hand, struggle on defense because if they stack the box, the other team's WRs run havoc on our corners. Charles Tillman isn't a man-to-man cover corner. He plays off his man 10 yards and is always a threat to get beat deep. On the other hand, Corey Graham looks like a beast at left corner. I also hope Mike Brown's all right.

9. The MNF crew got a laugh at our weather sideline reporter, Amy Freeze's name. I find it funny that we need a reporter to tell us what we already know- its f'n freezing out here. Thanks for letting us now Amy that's its minus 12 degrees).

10. Happy Holidays and go Giants.

Finally, someone with credibility argues that the BCS actually makes the regular season meaningless

I've written several times that the BCS's backer's logic that a non-playoff makes the regular season more important is completely false. Example you ask? USC wasn't playing a meaningfull game once it lost a game. Did anyone care what Penn State did after their loss to Iowa. Those teams weren't playing meaninfull regular season games when they lost, even one game. And that's the elite teams. What happens to 95% of the other teams when they lose a game or two in the first quarter of the season. Are you trying to tell me that Wisconsin, Boise State or even LSU played meaninfull regular season games this year? The BCS is completely stupid and I won't follow a sport that is determined by powerful people in boardrooms instead of the athletes on the field.

Finally, out of all the people, Frank Deford makes the argument that I've been preaching. Here.
Thanks.

Random Thoughts: Bears to Bulls, Soldier Field to Wrigley

1. I didn't read one interesting article on Tribune sports or Sun-Times Sports today. Telander's article on Urlacher was all over of the place and completely boring. (See my link at the bottom of his article on the Times' Website for a much better (although outdated) analysis on Urlacher. At least, it will keep you from sleeping).

2. I hope the Bears and the City keep grass at Solider Field. Its better for the players' knees. It's Chicago baby. Cold, outside and grass. Plus, the criticism by commentators about the grass is overrated. These people think that players don't slip on artificial turf when its raining or snowing as well. The grass is fine. Its Chicago people not Dallas.

3. I'm not a follower of Hockey and the NHL, but I really respect the sport. I think its brilliant that they're playing an outdoor game at Wrigley. Looks like some smart business people are running the NHL (Probably from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business).

4. I can't believe the Bulls lost to Charlotte last night. Gooden was getting eaten alive by Ameka Okafor. Tyrus and Noah actually played well together last night. Deng was non-existent (I still think he's incredibly overrated and overpaid). Gordon and Rose were playing some selfish basketball.

5. With Rose taking over as the go-to scorer down the stretch, you just know that Ben Gordon is fuming inside. The guy has been our offense for the past 4 years and now some rookie guard is taking it over. There is a little cold and silent war brewing between Gordon, Hughes and Rose for shots. You just know Gordon is going to keep on shooting .

Tuesday Morning Thoughts: Poor Coaching Decisions

1.

1. You can never, ever over layer yourself for a Bears game in December.

2. I can’t stand Drew Gooden. He’s soft, has no post game, and is disturbingly ugly. I still can’t understand why NBA players who are paid millions of dollars look as beefed up and cut as a homeless person. Does Gooden not work out? Anyway, he’s got a good mid-range shot. Unfortunately, unless he’s playing a midget PF or center he’s too small to post up. Which means the Bulls have no real post player other than Aaron Gray (insert joke here).

3. Peter King mentioned the Bears several times in his MMQB. He indicated that he believes in Kyle Orton (which may be sarcasm) and doesn’t understand why Devin Hester runs kicks backwards. Kudos to King for realizing that the Bears play in the NFL. It’s only the 2^nd largest market (since LA doesn’t have a team) in the country and the Bears have the most wins in this history of the league. Something tells me that if it wasn’t for a national game on Thursday night, King would still only believe that the NFL consists of the Giants, Eagles, Skins, Cowboys, Patriots or Steelers. Oh wait, he likes Peyton Manning as well.

4. There is nothing more annoying than paying hundreds of dollars to see your home team play, while sitting next to a fan from the opposing away team. This needs to stop. Especially, if you have a loyal fan base. I can see teams in Florida or Arizona having more away fans than home fans at games because of the retirement immigrations. But, other than that, if you are wearing the opposing team’s jersey at a Bears game, the security should not let you in.

5. You are up by 4 points with a few minutes left in the 4^th quarter. Your best player is your running back you accounts for over 1/3 of your team’s total yards. It’s 1^st down and you are on your 35 yard line. Do you (a) run the ball with your best player, (b) pass the ball to your best WR, or (c) pass the ball to your waiver wire/practice squad FB who hasn’t caught a pass all year. Answer if you are the Bears? (c) you pass the ball to your FB, who drops an easy pass. 4 seconds tick off the clock.

6. Its 2^nd down. All information in the prior paragraph still remains true (except its 2^nd down), even your options. ANSWER: If you are the Bears? None of the above. Instead, your QB waits 5 seconds and throws (yes, throws) an interception.

7. Its overtime and you have the ball at your opponent’s 17 yard line and its second down with plenty of time on the clock. Do you (a) run the ball with your best offensive player, (b) make a nice short low risk pass to your TE or RB in the flat or (c) take a kneel down and lose two yards, making a 34 yard field goal a 36 yard field goal? Answer: IF you are the Bears? You guessed it (c).

8. It’s the 4^th quarter and you are up by 4 points with 8 minutes left in the game. You have the ball on your own 47 yard line and its 4^th and 3. Do you (a) punt the ball to the opposing team, (b) ask your offense to get the 1^st down, or (c) bring in your punt unit and ask you punter to throw a 20 yard pass down field to your back up running back who is covered by 3 players? Answer: If you don’t know by now, stop reading this. The Bears believed that Brad Maynard to Adrien Peterson was a better option than anything their offense could run. And still people stick up and say Lovie Smith isn’t the problem.

9. I’m guessing the Giants could use Plexico Burress right now.

10. Assuming Giants cut Plexico, should Bears go after him (I say should instead of would b/c Bears would never go after Plexico)? The guy has been the leading receiver on a SB team ( Giants) and won the SB on his game winning catch with the Giants. His off field issues aren’t good. But remember he shot himself, not someone else. Could you imagine how much better we would be with a player with his talent? I don’t know. But for the right price, I’d get him. With him on the field, team’s need to double him, which leaves more room for Devin Hester and Forte to work their magic.