Tag: Chicago Bears (Page 19 of 49)

      Warren Sapp rips Bears’ Tommie Harris for not playing with more awareness

      September 16, 2010 /
      CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 12: Tommie Harris of the Chicago Bears pressures Shaun Hill of the Detroit Lions during the NFL season opening game at Soldier Field on September 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 19-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

      Warren Sapp made his money playing in the “Tampa 2” defense that the Chicago Bears currently employ under head coach Lovie Smith (a disciple of Tony Dungy). And considering how successful he was in that system, it was interesting to hear his thoughts on Bears’ defensive tackle Tommie Harris in an appearance on WSCR-AM 670 Wednesday evening.

      Here are Sapp’s comments about Harris, courtesy from the Chicago Tribune:

      “You can’t do that as an under tackle in that defense,” Sapp said. “He needs to set the table and have a quarterback sitting right there on the stage for Julius to come around the corner. He doesn’t have a problem with getting up the middle. It was just the awareness of the game that really eluded it for me. From what I know about the position, it just looked bad.”

      “I never got in his corner, that’s the whole point of it,” said Sapp, who had 96 1/2 sacks in 13 seasons. “He was never my guy. It was always he was supposed to be this and … that. Now he says he’s healthy again so let’s see.

      “There has only been one of me. He plays the game with no awareness. If you’re talking about a three-technique in that system, you can’t play like that.”

      Harris went to three straight Pro Bowls from 2005 to 2007, but his production fell off a cliff after he signed a $40 million contract extension in June of ’08. Some of that has to do with injuries, but some feel that his work ethic and desire have also been lacking.

      While Sapp may have been harsh in his criticisms, he probably echoed what some have already been thinking about Harris – that he’s just going through the motions or is playing selfish football. Granted, Harris did have two quarterback hits and a fumble recovery in last week’s win over the Lions, so maybe he’s starting to get back to being the player he was earlier in this career. (Keep in mind that this was the first offseason that he’s been completely healthy since 2006, so injuries have played a role in him underachieving over the last couple of years.)

      Regardless of what Sapp said (or if he’s right or not), it’s time for Harris to step up. If the Bears are going to keep pace with the Packers in the NFC North, they’ll need a dominant effort from their defensive line week in and week out.

      External Sports, NFL

      Bears, Lovie extremely lucky call against Calvin Johnson overturned

      September 12, 2010 /
      MINNEAPOLIS - DECEMBER 17: Head Coach Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears looks on from the sideline during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on December 17, 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

      Even by definition of the rule, I’m still not sure Calvin Johnson’s touchdown should have been overturned.

      One foot down.

      Two feet down.

      His backside was down.

      Ball was in his hand the entire time.

      Ball gets placed on the ground.

      No touchdown.

      Johnson did everything right on that fatal play outside of holding onto the ball long enough to have it constituted as “complete.” The official ruling was that Megatron didn’t maintain position throughout the entirety of the play, which resulted in a touchdown being wiped off the board and an eventual 19-14 win for the Bears. Again, even by definition of the rule I’m not sure Johnson’s TD shouldn’t have counted.

      Furthermore, how does a touchdown count when the tip of the ball goes across the goal line when a back or QB is carrying it but not when Johnson makes a play like this? It doesn’t make any sense. Ball goes across the line when a back is carrying it into the end zone and it’s a done deal – TOUCHDOWN. Johnson gets two feet down, his ass down, his back down, both ears on the ground plus a tongue and it’s an incomplete pass.

      But there’s nothing the Lions can do about it now. Game over, sorry about your luck.

      The real story here is how the Bears, a team that many consider to be a sleeper in the NFC after all the moves they made this offseason, managed to beat a proverbial last place team by only five points when their starting quarterback didn’t even play the second half. The real story is how the Bears now-explosive Mike Martz-led offense could only muster 19 measly points at home against a defense that has the worst starting cornerback duo in the league.

      Granted, the Bears did compile 463 yards of total offense, including 362 through the air and 101 on the ground. You can’t ask for much more out of Martz’s first real trial run, but the Lions should have never been in this game. Chicago turned the ball over four times, committed nine penalties for 100 yards and couldn’t score on four straight attempts from the Detroit 1-yard line with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game when trailing, 14-13.

      Considering Lovie Smith was on the hot seat coming into the season, it’s shocking that his team could look so undisciplined, unfocused and so careless.

      The only thing that saved he and the Bears today was a technicality.

      External Sports, NFL

      2010 NFL Preview: NFC North Predictions

      September 3, 2010 /
      GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 26: Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers rolls out to look for a receiver against the Indianapolis Colts during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

      2010 NFL Division Previews & Predictions: AFC East | AFC North | AFC South | AFC West | NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC West | 2010 Question Marks Series

      The NFC North will challenge the NFC East this year for being the toughest division in the conference. Three of the four teams are legit playoff contenders, while the Lions only continue to improve as a whole.

      Here’s how I see things shaking out in the NFC North in 2010. Be sure to check out the link entitled “2010 Question Mark” under each team’s preview, which is a breakdown of one or two potential weaknesses that could derail that squad’s hopes this season.

      1. Packers

      What to Like: Given how well he played last year, Aaron Rodgers should be considered a MVP candidate this season. The fact that he was able to throw for 4,434 yards and compile a 103.2 QB rating despite constantly being under pressure is rather amazing. Just think about what he could accomplish this year if the O-line gave him even a fraction of a second more time to throw. Rodgers will lead a passing attack that racked up 261.3 yards per game last season, which was good for seventh in the NFL. He also has an assortment of weapons to throw to, namely receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, as well as rising talent Jermichael Finley. In the backfield, Ryan Grant continues to be underrated and is coming off a 1,253-yard, 11-touchdown season. Defensively, Dom Capers was a miracle worker in his first year, as Green Bay led the NFC in total defense despite switching to the 3-4 (most first-year 3-4 teams struggle). Rookie Clay Matthews turned out to be a phenomenal pass-rusher and Nick Barnett was outstanding in the middle, both against the run and in coverage. Despite his age, Charles Woodson (33) continues to play at an elite level.
      What Not to Like: The offensive line was a disaster at times last year, save for the play of right guard Josh Sitton. If Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher can make it through an entire season without suffering injuries, this will be a much-improved unit and then Rodgers won’t have to spend most Sunday afternoons running for his life. But both tackles are in their 30s and injuries always seem to be an issue. At left guard, Daryn Colledge struggled, although it’s only fair to point out that he was out of position subbing at tackle. While Tramon Williams is more than capable of handling the starting corner position opposite Woodson, losing Al Harris (knee surgery) was a huge blow to Green Bay’s depth at secondary. The concern is that given Harris’ age (35) and the nature of his injury, he may never play again. The other potential issue on defense is whether or not B.J. Raji can handle playing nose tackle after a lackluster 2009 season as a 3-4 end. All good 3-4 teams have a stout nose tackle to eat up space and if Raji isn’t up for the task, it will certainly have an effect on the linebackers.
      Keep Your Eye On: Jermichael Finley
      Finley put himself on the map last season by catching 55 passes for 676 yards and five touchdowns in just 13 games. He finished the year by hauling in six passes for 159 yards in Green Bay’s loss to the Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs, leading to high expectations this year. If he can stay focused (which is the biggest concern with this youngster), he could put up fantastic numbers in the Packers’ explosive passing attack this season.
      The Final Word: Expectations are high for the Packers this year, as well they should be. If the offensive line can stay healthy then this is the team to beat in the NFC North. The great thing is that Ted Thompson spent his first round draft pick on tackle/guard Bryan Bulaga, meaning Green Bay now has depth in case injuries do start to mount. Rodgers is the real deal and could lead the Pack deep into the playoffs if his O-line doesn’t get him killed first. Defensively, there are some concerns but Capers will make up for them by being aggressive. If the Packers can win the division and force opponents to come to Green Bay come January, then this will be a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season. The pieces are in place for this team to make a serious run.

      Green Bay Packers 2010 Question Mark: Offensive Line

      Continue reading »

      External Sports, NFL

      Bears nab Unga, Cowboys select Price-Brent in the NFL supplemental draft

      July 15, 2010 /
      SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 6: Harvey Unga #45 of the BYU Cougars runs with the ball during their game against the Washington Huskies on September 6, 2008 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Cougars defeated the Huskies 28-27. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

      It took seven rounds before the two most popular players in this year’s NFL supplemental draft were selected, but BYU running back Harvey Unga and Illinois defensive end Josh Price-Brent eventually found homes.

      The Bears selected Unga in the seventh round of today’s draft and the Cowboys took Price-Brent in the same round. The Bears and Cowboys will each have to forfeit their seventh round picks in the 2011 NFL Draft.

      Unga rushed for 1,087 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2009 while becoming BYU’s all-time leading rusher with 3,455 yards. He earned first-team All-MWC honors following the season, although on April 16, 2010, he voluntarily withdrew from the school after violating its honor code.

      The Rams were rumored to have been interested in him as a potential complement to running back Steven Jackson before the draft. But Unga wasn’t able to contribute in any offseason practices due to an ankle injury and St. Louis’ interest cooled off. He’ll now join Matt Forte and Chester Taylor in a crowded backfield in Chicago.

      Price-Brent totaled 71 tackles, five sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in his two years as a starter with the Illini. But he was declared academically ineligible this past spring and also spent 30 days in jail for a DUI last year. Scouts like his size, but his strength has been a question mark after he only had 31 reps on the bench during his private workout. That was the lowest amount of reps by a defensive tackle over 295 pounds that was invited to this year’s scouting combine.

      That said, he’s a good fit in Dallas (who runs a 3-4) because he’s projected as a nose tackle at the next level.

      External Sports, NFL, NFL Draft

      Butkus defends Sayers in war of words with Urlacher

      May 21, 2010 /

      Things are getting interesting in the “Windy City.” After Gale Sayers ripped his former team earlier in the month for their poor play last season, current Bear Brian Urlacher discredited Sayers by pointing out that the running back never won in his career.

      Now Dick Butkus is getting into the mix.

      From the Chicago Tribune:

      On Thursday, Butkus responded from his Southern California home, telling the Tribune: “It’s a real reach to say: ‘What did Gale do?’ (Shoot), Urlacher wasn’t even born yet, what does he know?

      “I say things to other people, too, about the Bears. It’s total frustration. You think (Sayers) is saying it because he hates the Bears? You get so tired of sitting there watching them.”

      “Gale is absolutely right when you talk about a linebacker who has played nine years and he is coming back off an injury,” Butkus said. “There should be some concern whether he can reach his ability again.

      “I’ve gone through it. To go nine years and come out with knee injuries … you know your ability is going to be hampered a little bit. (Urlacher) is dead wrong right there. Maybe that’s why he was trying to deflect that part of it by saying: ‘Well, what does he know? He never won.’

      “It’s a little defensive move on his part. His pride got hurt.”

      Urlacher looks like a child here. He didn’t like what Sayers had to say, so he decided to make this situation into a Sayers-vs-the-Bears thing. It’s not. Sayers was asked about the Bears, he gave his honest opinion and that should have been the end of it. Whether Urlacher, Jay Cutler or Lovie Smith agreed with him or not, there’s nothing for them to say. Urlacher should have viewed the situation as if Sayers was a part of the Chicago media and was just voicing his displeasure with the way the Bears played last season (which, by the way, wasn’t very good).

      Butkus is right – Urlacher is being defensive because he was called out and his pride hurts. Instead of proving his mettle on the field, he jumped into a war of words with a former Chicago great, which wasn’t too smart.


      Photo from fOTOGLIF

      External Sports, NFL

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