The Bears had a big day, picking up 1) Julius Peppers 2) Chester Taylor, to go with our recent TE acquisition. According to news reports they are trading Olsen, too.
Rather than try to sum this up I am going to start with a post DOSHI left on a recent thread:
Bears land Chester Taylor and Julius Peppers as well. Taylor is yet another above-average back that runs with power but not much speed. Peppers is a great pickup, but the 6-year contract is VERY crappy to me for a 30-year old.
OK, they’ve taken care of a need and two wants so far. I still have yet to see them take care of several other GAPING needs: Right Tackle, Left Guard, Defensive Tackle, Strong Safety, and Free Safety. I’m still high on Afalava, but he’s only in his 2nd year, and he’ll probably slump this year to come back stronger next year. But, right now, there’s nobody to protect Cutler or to open holes for Forte and Taylor. And there’s nobody to clog the middle on defense or to protect over the top.
I know many are calling WR a need right now. I respectfully disagree. I see a team with at least four #2 WRs with the Devins, Bennett, and Knox, and I’m fine with that. Look at the world champs right now. No true #1, but about 5 #2s. And each has their role. DevH and Knox are flyers (Knox is better there). DevA is good in coverage with his height and reach. Bennett is an ideal possession dink’n’dunk WR. I’m fine with role-playing WRs.
I also know some are calling for more CBs, and I just don’t see that. Tillman is one of the best cover corners in the NFL, and I credit him completely for the win over the Lions early last year with his coverage on Megatron. On the other side, both Vasher and Graham are serviceable CBs that aren’t going to lose to a #3 WR on any offense, and can perform competently against most #2s.
If anybody says we need more LBs, they’re stupid. Our backups could start for most teams in the NFL. Urlacher and Briggs, though getting older, are still two of the best in the game. Hunter’s a smart guy and just seems to be in the right place in the right time, though he doesn’t have the skill set of some of the other guys. Williams and Roach are both amazing talents but need some seasoning to be top tier. Pisa has a good reputation, and Tim Shaw deserves his shot on defense even after his stellar track record on special teams.
I’m moderately happy with the signings right now, but we need somebody like Sharper, and we need him YESTERDAY.
I disagree on Hunter – I think it was T06 back in the regular season that said “nobody gets blocked like Hunter Hillenmeyer”.
That Peppers signing is awesome, although as you note the contract is WAY too long! That guy has two, perhaps three years left although if there is a lockout he may get another year from his body being able to heal for more time. Typical Bears though, make a great move, but always counter with a bit of shittyness.
I wonder what happened to AP? That guy had reliable, solid backup RB written all over him but Ron Turner decided to go with Wolfe instead (who, of course, got blown up after the I formation of death over and over). It looked like AP was pumping all the right ‘roids as he kept getting bigger, but he never turned out. He was still doing coverage last year, which is exactly where Tebow will end up – mark my words.
Olson has to be on the block with the signing of the new TE, or else Martz is going to use him as another receiver and cut Clark. We NEED and O Line BAD. Hopefully we can get one or two linemen either in FA or the draft.
Like I said. His skill set is lacking, but he’s a very smart player who just seems to be in the right place at the right time. He’s just not strong or fast enough to work against a good fullback or an AP-like RB.
I posted elsewhere that the Bears now have 5 #2 RBs in Forte, Taylor, AP, Wolfe, and Bell. AP has proven his worth over and over again. Wolfe looks like a decent slasher behind a good line. Taylor and Forte are good receivers and blockers.
I’m hoping we can trade Olsen for something decent. Straight up for Boldin? I’d be fine with that. A true #1 to go with our four other #2s, and our offense is suddenly one of the most feared and dangerous in the NFL. If the Bears can sign a halfway decent DT and Safety (Sharper HELLO), then they can spend every single one of their picks on the offensive line. This team needs to win this year, or they basically have to go into a rebuilding cycle after Phillips, Angelo, Lovie, and the entire crew are let go after this year (which they will be).
@ Doshi, unfortunately, Boldin went to the Ravens, I was hoping the same thing too. Sharper would be a great acquisition, but do the Bears have enough $$$ and willing to spend it?
Nah. The Bears won’t be able to afford Sharper. Not after Antrel Rolle (probably the same level) got $37mil over 5 years with $15mil guaranteed. Any other halfway decent Safeties floating around out there?