Anyone Recall THIS Many Question Marks Going Into a Season?

[Frigidus]

For all the issues this team has we're still in a significantly better position than we were from 2008-2012. Outside of depth our offense is pretty much all set. We have lots of talent on the D line with some promising rookies to develop. I'd rather be worried about who we're going to have as our long snapper than rewind a few years and wonder whether we might have a single offensive lineman or wide receiver worth keeping.

 

[ijustposthere]

Not a fan in the 90s I take it?

 

[wklink]

For all the issues this team has we're still in a significantly better position than we were from 2008-2012. Outside of depth our offense is pretty much all set. We have lots of talent on the D line with some promising rookies to develop. I'd rather be worried about who we're going to have as our long snapper than rewind a few years and wonder whether we might have a single offensive lineman or wide receiver worth keeping.

Agreed. It is pretty sweet when Santonio Holmes is out number 3 wide receiver. Just three years ago we were relying on Dane Sanzenbacher. Not a bad kid, still in the league but not on the same level as Santonio Holmes. Our TE isn't that bad, Marty Bennett is still here. Offensive line appears solid. Defensive line isn't too bad. Safety and linebacker are a concern as is ST but still, overall we should be better than last year.

 

[Bearly]

Lets see. Safety: When haven't we had questions about safety?
LB: Not as bad as many think but definitely worse than any year with Urlacher.
Long snapper: LOL
Return specialist: LOL I know folks are all about Hester gone but he did so much bad to balance out his good that without the big hitters, he wasn't that much of an asset. He return average over the past few is inflated by how many he didn't return or let bounce past him that he should have fielded. STs is about blocking and coaching.
That brings up my biggest question marks. ST and D coaching.

 

[Leon Sandcastle]

Seriously, tell me why I (or anyone for that matter) bothers with this site. Is it a bar stool type discussion of sports? Every bit I just brought up was discussed by Matt Bowen today - one of the most astute football analysts on the planet.

Nope. It's a tard marathon of who can post the most gifs.

Why not just call it 'cool gifs' or something and everyone can just post gifs all day long. You could even start polls of 'bro with the coolest gif post of the day'.

That would inspire another cool gif...and it will go on from there.

 

[Bearly]

We had more question marks last year. Expect to have some every year with this regime. They sure seem to play the preseason close to the vest.

 

[DrGonzo]

Focus: The question was "Anyone Recall THIS Many Question Marks Going Into a Season? "

The answer is absolutely yes. I had more questions going into 2002. (4-12)

Are there questions for this season? That's not what you asked, but yes, there are always questions. Now calm the **** down and enjoy a GIF.

Bonus points for the Hot Fuzz reference.

Does anyone remember a team as neglected as the Bears when Angelo left rebuilding itself any quicker than this?

 

[FatBabiesHaveNoPride]

Ok, I'll take the hit. Perhaps I should have been more clear. What I really meant was this many question marks at THIS point int time. In prior teams (ala the Wanny/Jauron years), you could look at a roster, now it's average and move on. For example, one can look at the Bills, Browns, Jags, etc and know they are going to be the bottom of the heap this year. They are what they are.

My point was that there are question marks, not exclamation points. For example, we knew that Dane Sanzebacher wasn't really an NFL wide receiver and he would suck. What we don't know is if a guy like Danny McCray (who was brought in to play ST) can be a safety - a starting one - in the NFL and on a team that is expected to contend for the playoffs. Based on these question marks on two of the three phases (plus a lack of confidence in the two coordinators commanding those units), I have no idea if this is a 7-9 team or an 11-5 team.

Not to mention that some of these positions in question weren't resolved until 7 days before the first game of the season - that, after OTAS, camp and preseason. That IS a big deal and frankly, I don't recall a season where the scramble to put the roster together drill was prevalent across so many positions.

And it's easy to dismiss the positions - ("long snapper - LOL"), but last year we saw how bad ST play can spiral. It will all come down to the D Line this year. If they can get pressure and stop the run, our weak LB and Safety group will be exposed. Corners? Pray that 2014 Peanut looks like old Peanut. Age has caught up with him (as has the injury bug).

You saw the issues with snapping in the preseason. So much so that it got the chosen long snapper cut a week before the season started. It made Robbie Gould look shaky. Continuity and familiarity are keys. Gould has a new snapper (another one) and a new holder. A bad snap can be the difference between a game tying/winning FG attempt being good or being wide right. That can translate into a loss - a loss that can be the difference between a playoff berth or not. A bad snap can be the difference between a rookie punter getting off a good kick or shanking one or even worse, a fumble. That means field position. That means a defense that was ranked where it was last year is exposed on a short field. That puts more pressure on the offense to put up 35 each game. That's when Jay starts doing stupid things and forcing balls and throwing picks. Same goes for terrible ST play. Terrible ST coverage means short fields for the opposing offense = Bears defense defending a short field. Adam Podlesh is not on this team anymore because he put his defense in bad spots by giving the opposing offense short fields. We all saw Devin's inability to accurately make a fair catch decision last year -fair catch, ball at the 28 or dance around confused, let it bounce, ball rolls downed at the 10, bad ST unit gets holding penalty, half the distance, drive starts at the 5. Three and out with a punt from the end zone. Opposing offense starts a drive at the Bears' 48. Field position is flipped. It all snowballs.

My sentiment is the same one I've heard from numerous analysts - Arkush, Waddle, Bowen, McKie, et al.

Feel free to poke holes. Make sure you do with GIFs - lots of GIFs. Lots (most) of GIFs that aren't remotely funny.

 

[Bearly]

I just think it's the nature of this regime. Unlike JA and Lovie, Emery will never settle on or be satisfied with any roster. It will continually be in a state of flux. Emery seemingly doesn't sleep and is constantly trying to move forward. If a vet isn't playing clearly better than an unproven UDFA, he better be looking over his shoulder. He doesn't play safe. He plays to get better.

I get the ST teams stuff but not much you can do but wait for a LS to show up if the guy you're training doesn't step up. That happens in final cuts and fortunately we got a guy. How many snaps do established pros need together before they can function at a high standard? I guess that's the disagreement. For me. it's LBs, safeties, ST coverage/blocking and D schemes but most of that is actually better than last year including the punting. LBs, Safeties (I never liked Wright), ST and D should all be better in the 2nd year of newness and personal changes. Definitely some questions regarding age and whether better is acceptable enough but not nearly as bad as last year.

The original question had the implication that this year is uniquely questionable and I just don't see that at all. Questions and some with little insight to be sure but not unique.

 

[Runruffshod75]

The only areas I'm really worried about are the MIKE LB by committee, which IMO is idiotic(Pretty damn important though), McClellin, & Safety. Those to me are the three clear weaknesses with this team on the field. Tucker off is also a question mark. I've seen worse than this. I thought 2007 was loaded with questions. First being that is that it isn't uncommon for a team that reaches a SB like the Bears did in 2006 to fall off the following year, Thomas Jones, the best HB on a run first offense was let go. Grossman had lost the luster that made him look like the second coming of Favre at the start of 2006, Tank felt the need to build an arsenal, Briggs thought drinking & driving in a Lambo was fun(it probably is), Tommie & Brown came back from injuries. IMO 2007 was loaded with questions & it only got worse from there.

Personally I don't think this team is as bad off as some are making it out. It has it's clear question marks defensively, but it's not a defensive team anymore. I believe they are going to be a team with a close to or top 5 offense with a 20-25th ranked defense. IMO they will not make it to the SB this year but I do think they make the post season. I do think next season is the season to aim for. I think the offense should be completely set in stone & the defense will have a good chance also being better as more young players will & should be added to the ones that are already here. There should be a very good chance at a more balanced team than what I think we'll see this year where I think they'll have a shot around an Offense just inside of the top 10 & a defense ranked between 10-15. That's a ways away & a reach but I do think it's the model Emery & Trestman are trying to build to.

 

[Bearin' Down]

Ok, I'll take the hit. Perhaps I should have been more clear. What I really meant was this many question marks at THIS point int time. In prior teams (ala the Wanny/Jauron years), you could look at a roster, now it's average and move on. For example, one can look at the Bills, Browns, Jags, etc and know they are going to be the bottom of the heap this year. They are what they are.

My point was that there are question marks, not exclamation points. For example, we knew that Dane Sanzebacher wasn't really an NFL wide receiver and he would suck. What we don't know is if a guy like Danny McCray (who was brought in to play ST) can be a safety - a starting one - in the NFL and on a team that is expected to contend for the playoffs. Based on these question marks on two of the three phases (plus a lack of confidence in the two coordinators commanding those units), I have no idea if this is a 7-9 team or an 11-5 team.

Not to mention that some of these positions in question weren't resolved until 7 days before the first game of the season - that, after OTAS, camp and preseason. That IS a big deal and frankly, I don't recall a season where the scramble to put the roster together drill was prevalent across so many positions.

And it's easy to dismiss the positions - ("long snapper - LOL"), but last year we saw how bad ST play can spiral. It will all come down to the D Line this year. If they can get pressure and stop the run, our weak LB and Safety group will be exposed. Corners? Pray that 2014 Peanut looks like old Peanut. Age has caught up with him (as has the injury bug).

You saw the issues with snapping in the preseason. So much so that it got the chosen long snapper cut a week before the season started. It made Robbie Gould look shaky. Continuity and familiarity are keys. Gould has a new snapper (another one) and a new holder. A bad snap can be the difference between a game tying/winning FG attempt being good or being wide right. That can translate into a loss - a loss that can be the difference between a playoff berth or not. A bad snap can be the difference between a rookie punter getting off a good kick or shanking one or even worse, a fumble. That means field position. That means a defense that was ranked where it was last year is exposed on a short field. That puts more pressure on the offense to put up 35 each game. That's when Jay starts doing stupid things and forcing balls and throwing picks. Same goes for terrible ST play. Terrible ST coverage means short fields for the opposing offense = Bears defense defending a short field. Adam Podlesh is not on this team anymore because he put his defense in bad spots by giving the opposing offense short fields. We all saw Devin's inability to accurately make a fair catch decision last year -fair catch, ball at the 28 or dance around confused, let it bounce, ball rolls downed at the 10, bad ST unit gets holding penalty, half the distance, drive starts at the 5. Three and out with a punt from the end zone. Opposing offense starts a drive at the Bears' 48. Field position is flipped. It all snowballs.

My sentiment is the same one I've heard from numerous analysts - Arkush, Waddle, Bowen, McKie, et al.

Feel free to poke holes. Make sure you do with GIFs - lots of GIFs. Lots (most) of GIFs that aren't remotely funny.

If you are in tune to any nfl franchise you could do the same. Take the packers;

Who's going to start on oline
Is peppers going to be effective
Who's going to play nt now that Rajiv is out
The safeties suck
The dline sucks
What happens if lacy goes down

You're hyper analyzing to find a reason to support your belief. The only thing is you are hyper analyzing the special teams, which is silly

 

[Bearly]

I forgot.

 

[MacBear]

We were ranked 11th in ST last year. Not as good as we are used to, but far from as bad as some are making it sound. Our biggest dropoff in production in that phase came from hester imo. At times it seemed as if hester flipped a coin on the sidelines prior to returning a punt to decide if he should return it or not. Not to mention the running backwards. He flashed early in the year. After that it was mostly negatives

 

[Hbkrusso]

have no worries boys shea mac and the birdmans hof run begins sunday. that wiley trestman has held them back so teams wont be ready for white lighting and vanilla thunder

 

[Hbkrusso]

also u have heard of the greatest show on turf well im coining the name for our d come the end of the season they'll be called "the baddest asses on grasses" heard it here first

 

[FatBabiesHaveNoPride]

We were ranked 11th in ST last year. Not as good as we are used to, but far from as bad as some are making it sound. Our biggest dropoff in production in that phase came from hester imo. At times it seemed as if hester flipped a coin on the sidelines prior to returning a punt to decide if he should return it or not. Not to mention the running backwards. He flashed early in the year. After that it was mostly negatives

By what metric? Coverage? Return yardage? Punt average?

By the eye test, it seemed much worse. I recall a number bad penalties that pushed the offense back to start drives. I also recall those deep in their own territory drives becoming 3 and outs (remember the 'Jay and the offense got off to a slow start' thing that was common last year). That can't happen with this defense. ST cannot give this crap defense a short field like they did last year.

It can't be underestimated how the poor performance of Adam Podlesh killed this team last year. Same as above. Shitty punts led to shitty coverage with led to short fields for the opponent - which killed this defense.

So, some may see it as 'sky is falling' but I don't think the importance of having a REASONABLE ST is. Notice, I didn't even talk about the return game. Frankly, I'm happy with a touchback on every kickoff for the O to start at the 20. Happy with a fair catch on every punt return. Just don't get penalties or muffs.

It's the kicking game and coverage and how that translates to short fields that I'm nervous about. As well as the lack of continuity with the long snapper. We saw it on at least 2 FG attempts this pre-season. A bad snap leads to a bad hold which often leads to a miss. That miss can be the difference between a made 42 yarder and a miss.

In prior years, we said that ST was good for at least one win a season, sometimes two - not just with Devin TDs, but with field position for this offense. For this, season, I can see ST costing the the team a game.

It's very simple - just don't **** up. I don't trust the ragtag group of non-core players, an unknown snapper and what by all accounts is a terrible ST coordinator.

 

[dawags]

My biggest question mark is why we only kept 8 OL on the roster when 2 of them hardly played in the pre-season because of injury.

 

[iueyedoc]

No, I don't. And I was going to start a post saying the same thing yesterday, just decided not to.

Of course, you are going to be attacked by people saying that Angelo went into seasons without offensive linemen. Which isn't true. He kept drafting offensive linemen, and either they were hurt already, or got hurt immediately, and then we starting shifting the offensive line around and shit. This happened every year. The most important thing to an offensive line is continuity and playing together and trusting each other. That never had a chance to develop.

We have question marks, I think that people don't care that much, because they are not fantasy league type question marks, which is the mental aptitude of the world today in football.

Your above statement is simply incorrect. Angelo drafted limited quantity and even less quality at OL. The lack of continuity was due to trying to repeatedly throw CFL level OL into NFL positions and to not realize through continous failure that quality mattered.

Angelos drafts:
2001: 2OL 3rd and 5th round
2002: 2OL 1st and 3rd
2003: 1OL 7th
2004: 0
2005: 0
2006: 1 OL 7th Think about that 33 picks over 4 yrs and only 2 7th round lineman. Holy shit!
2007: 2OL 4th and 7th
2008:3OL 1st and 2 7ths
2009:1OL 7th
2010: 1 OL 7th
2011:1 OL 1st

88 draft picks.
14 used on OL half of those 7th rounders.
3 1st with2 coming pre-injured.
2 3rds, a 4th, and a 5th
And that lack of drafting any quality and limited quantity is all while the line sucked. It wasn't like they had a solid core and they had the luxury of drafting elsewhere. It was an ignored embarrassment for years.

In the last 9 years he drafted 2 injured 1sts, a 4th and 7 7ths. If the OL line was a baby, he would have left it in his car while getting a 2 hour massage in August in Pheonix.

 

[DMelt36]

Ok, I'll take the hit. Perhaps I should have been more clear. What I really meant was this many question marks at THIS point int time. In prior teams (ala the Wanny/Jauron years), you could look at a roster, now it's average and move on. For example, one can look at the Bills, Browns, Jags, etc and know they are going to be the bottom of the heap this year. They are what they are.

My point was that there are question marks, not exclamation points. For example, we knew that Dane Sanzebacher wasn't really an NFL wide receiver and he would suck. What we don't know is if a guy like Danny McCray (who was brought in to play ST) can be a safety - a starting one - in the NFL and on a team that is expected to contend for the playoffs. Based on these question marks on two of the three phases (plus a lack of confidence in the two coordinators commanding those units), I have no idea if this is a 7-9 team or an 11-5 team.

Not to mention that some of these positions in question weren't resolved until 7 days before the first game of the season - that, after OTAS, camp and preseason. That IS a big deal and frankly, I don't recall a season where the scramble to put the roster together drill was prevalent across so many positions.

And it's easy to dismiss the positions - ("long snapper - LOL"), but last year we saw how bad ST play can spiral. It will all come down to the D Line this year. If they can get pressure and stop the run, our weak LB and Safety group will be exposed. Corners? Pray that 2014 Peanut looks like old Peanut. Age has caught up with him (as has the injury bug).

You saw the issues with snapping in the preseason. So much so that it got the chosen long snapper cut a week before the season started. It made Robbie Gould look shaky. Continuity and familiarity are keys. Gould has a new snapper (another one) and a new holder. A bad snap can be the difference between a game tying/winning FG attempt being good or being wide right. That can translate into a loss - a loss that can be the difference between a playoff berth or not. A bad snap can be the difference between a rookie punter getting off a good kick or shanking one or even worse, a fumble. That means field position. That means a defense that was ranked where it was last year is exposed on a short field. That puts more pressure on the offense to put up 35 each game. That's when Jay starts doing stupid things and forcing balls and throwing picks. Same goes for terrible ST play. Terrible ST coverage means short fields for the opposing offense = Bears defense defending a short field. Adam Podlesh is not on this team anymore because he put his defense in bad spots by giving the opposing offense short fields. We all saw Devin's inability to accurately make a fair catch decision last year -fair catch, ball at the 28 or dance around confused, let it bounce, ball rolls downed at the 10, bad ST unit gets holding penalty, half the distance, drive starts at the 5. Three and out with a punt from the end zone. Opposing offense starts a drive at the Bears' 48. Field position is flipped. It all snowballs.

My sentiment is the same one I've heard from numerous analysts - Arkush, Waddle, Bowen, McKie, et al.

Feel free to poke holes. Make sure you do with GIFs - lots of GIFs. Lots (most) of GIFs that aren't remotely funny.

I get your overall premise, I think. It seems that by "question marks" you're referring to the general uncertainty of this year's team. Anything from an 6-10 season to a 13-3 campaign seems possible with this group.

I think, in other years, we just knew that the Bears were going to be awful. It wasn't a question. The latter half of the 90s and early 2000s were good examples of this.

But I think any coach in his second year is likely going to have several question marks up and down the roster. He's still trying to mold the roster into the team that he wants. In the salary cap era, that takes time.

It's not anything I'm worried about, personally. I think it makes the regular season more fun to watch when you're not sure how the season is going to unfold.

 

[DaaBears]

Your above statement is simply incorrect. Angelo drafted limited quantity and even less quality at OL. The lack of continuity was due to trying to repeatedly throw CFL level OL into NFL positions and to not realize through continous failure that quality mattered.

Angelos drafts:
2001: 2OL 3rd and 5th round
2002: 2OL 1st and 3rd
2003: 1OL 7th
2004: 0
2005: 0
2006: 1 OL 7th Think about that 33 picks over 4 yrs and only 2 7th round lineman. Holy shit!
2007: 2OL 4th and 7th
2008:3OL 1st and 2 7ths
2009:1OL 7th
2010: 1 OL 7th
2011:1 OL 1st

88 draft picks.
14 used on OL half of those 7th rounders.
3 1st with2 coming pre-injured.
2 3rds, a 4th, and a 5th
And that lack of drafting any quality and limited quantity is all while the line sucked. It wasn't like they had a solid core and they had the luxury of drafting elsewhere. It was an ignored embarrassment for years.

In the last 9 years he drafted 2 injured 1sts, a 4th and 7 7ths. If the OL line was a baby, he would have left it in his car while getting a 2 hour massage in August in Pheonix.

There is much more to it than that. Actually building the team in the Superbowl year, we used free agents, and the offensive line was pretty good. After then he tried again, and I said myself how bad it was to be drafting guys already hurt. Then we had no early picks for a couple of years because of the Cutler trade. That really set us back because you really need to draft in the first round to get an impact offensive lineman, and we didn't have any. Then he drafted Carimi first, which most everybody loved, and he immediately got injured.

I am not defending our offense or offensive line for the last number of years, but he tried hard at it, he just failed at it, kind of what Emery and Trestman are doing so far with defense and special teams.