August 20, 2008
View from the Fans
View from a Bears fan
John Newton; Las Vegas
I may be a dreamer, but I think I have an off-season plan for the Bears.
First, say goodbye to Bernard Berrian and Lance Briggs. While we're at it, Brian Greise, it was nice knowing you too. The simple fact is that Berrian has done nothing to warrant the huge contract he covets. And while Briggs is a stud, given the Bears recent history at the OLB position, there's nothing to suggest Jamar Williams can't step in and be a productive player. Remember the uproar when we jettisoned Warrick Holdman and Rosy Colvin? And Brian Greise simply makes too much money to be a third string QB.
That leads us to free agency. With the Bears being $30 million under the cap, there's no reason not to spend money to fill some of our glaring holes. Alex Feneca's agent should be on Jerry Angelo's speed dial. Maybe Michael Turner, too. Both would command a king's ransom, but if the Bears are serious about running the ball and giving Grossman/Orton a chance to succeed, signing both would be a step in the right direction. And while we're helping the QB situation, let's bring Marty Booker back. Between he, Rashied Davis, Mark Bradley, and the continued development of Devin Hester, I think we're OK outside. Just involve the TE position more. Oh, and resign Brenden Ayanbedejo. There's a reason we have the best special teams in the league and he's a big part of it.
Come April's draft, Jerry Angelo has to be aggressive for a change. And perhaps, given Angelo's draft history, my dream becomes a bit of a reach. We have to draft Jake Long. He's the type of LT that starts Pro Bowls for a decade, but to get him Angelo is going to have to move (gasp) up in the draft. We all know his formula. Move down and gain extra picks. To Angelo's credit, he's found some gems. But the window is closing and we need a sure thing now.
The NFC has never been so wide open. Long and Feneca, alongside Olin Kreutz, Robbie Garza, and John Tait, could open gaping holes for Michael Turner. Maybe even Cedric Benson, too. Anything is possible, right? Whoever wins the Bears QB job is going to need the run to survive. And if the offense can put some points on the board, the Bears defense can make opponents suffer.
Copyright © 2008, ChicagoSports.com