OT Bears 2019/20 season and beyond

[Chi town]

My Money Mitch prediction...

He plays solid in one game (Packers) but not enough to win due to our D giving up too many points and no timing game.

He plays really good in final 2 games both wins. Bears miss playoffs and bring in Foles to compete for starting spot. Pace doesn’t draft a a QB because Nagy believes either one can win it all next year with picks and fa’s restocking the talent.

If we go 9-7 and Mitch really steps it up, why would we bring in Foles at that point? You are saying the QB who ended up carrying the team to the door step of the playoffs after a craptacular start would need to be benched for the Guy who got benched in favor of Mediocre Minshew?

I don’t think Foles contract is guaranteed for next season. I bet he’s cut and we get him for cheap. He knows Nagys system.

Unless Mitch puts up 3 TD games the rest of the way he’s not the clear cut starter. Don’t forget how awful he’s been. 5 game stretch of easily the worse starter in the league.

[Red Larrivee]

Cam Newton is the best option we have, but he'll cost a draft pick, he's expensive, and comes with a high injury risk. He may be worth it, especially if he is fully healthy, but he could just as easily be a bad decision.

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[fleet]

We were *told* that defenses were keeping Mitch in the pocket, but it was probably more Nagy. Nagy tried to make Mitch a pocket QB. Lately not as much, as Nagy's offense was a train-wreck of non-production. Something had to be did, so watching some QBs around the league successfully run the ball may have been a wtf moment for Nagy. Like AB was saying post game, QB runs actually kill any defense that has everything else accounted for. So far, the Bears offense was dead because the QB can't produce from the pocket, which made it easy on defenses because Mitch was asked to be a traditional QB. We'll see how long Mitch lasts like this, but also you can bet DCs are gonna game plan heavily to take the QB runs out of the game. And also simultaneously some of Mitch's access to passing lanes away from the pocket. He'll need to prove he can beat that. I suspect the Bears will need to be able to run the ball at that point.

[MeloRoseNoah]

We were *told* that defenses were keeping Mitch in the pocket, but it was probably more Nagy. Nagy tried to make Mitch a pocket QB. Lately not as much, as Nagy's offense was a train-wreck of non-production. Something had to be did, so watching some QBs around the league successfully run the ball may have been a wtf moment for Nagy. Like AB was saying post game, QB runs actually kill any defense that has everything else accounted for. So far, the Bears offense was dead because the QB can't produce from the pocket, which made it easy on defenses because Mitch was asked to be a traditional QB. We'll see how long Mitch lasts like this, but also you can bet DCs are gonna game plan heavily to take the QB runs out of the game. And also simultaneously some of Mitch's access to passing lanes away from the pocket. He'll need to prove he can beat that. I suspect the Bears will need to be able to run the ball at that point.

Honestly, I thought that Mitch started to turn the corner when they switched Whitehair and Daniels back to their original positions. Since then, the middle of the pocket has been stabilized.

Right now, the other guard is still suspected. If we can replace that guard position with a Pro Bowler and invest one of our second rounders in a tackle, the running game should take off. If we get awesome production of the TE, our passing attack should benefit tremendously.

[dougthonus]

The Bulls weren't even throwing the mid-range passes early in the season. I don't mean "never" but not enough to allow for the offense to develop. But we aren't really disagreeing that much. Mitch had 2 bad games, Nagy decided his defense could win games and shut down the offense.

I don't have to argue that taking him off the leash would have snapped him out of his funk. We've been watching it happen in the last few weeks. You know I was preaching for this before it happened, because you responded to my similar post a few weeks back and I clarified my definition of ""vertical" to be mid-range.. It's not like I suddenly came to this conclusion after the fact. I called it before it happened.

Mitch has definitely played much better the past few weeks which is great. I hope he keeps it up!

[RedBulls23]

We were *told* that defenses were keeping Mitch in the pocket, but it was probably more Nagy. Nagy tried to make Mitch a pocket QB. Lately not as much, as Nagy's offense was a train-wreck of non-production. Something had to be did, so watching some QBs around the league successfully run the ball may have been a wtf moment for Nagy. Like AB was saying post game, QB runs actually kill any defense that has everything else accounted for. So far, the Bears offense was dead because the QB can't produce from the pocket, which made it easy on defenses because Mitch was asked to be a traditional QB. We'll see how long Mitch lasts like this, but also you can bet DCs are gonna game plan heavily to take the QB runs out of the game. And also simultaneously some of Mitch's access to passing lanes away from the pocket. He'll need to prove he can beat that. I suspect the Bears will need to be able to run the ball at that point.

I think Mitch just stopped running too. There were plenty of times he could have broke out and ran for yards, but didn't.

I think he was just nervous about getting hit again while playing with a bad shoulder.

[Stratmaster]

The Bulls weren't even throwing the mid-range passes early in the season. I don't mean "never" but not enough to allow for the offense to develop. But we aren't really disagreeing that much. Mitch had 2 bad games, Nagy decided his defense could win games and shut down the offense.

I don't have to argue that taking him off the leash would have snapped him out of his funk. We've been watching it happen in the last few weeks. You know I was preaching for this before it happened, because you responded to my similar post a few weeks back and I clarified my definition of ""vertical" to be mid-range.. It's not like I suddenly came to this conclusion after the fact. I called it before it happened.

Mitch has definitely played much better the past few weeks which is great. I hope he keeps it up!

Hah. I said "the Bulls". So much for my ability to multithread.

[Chi town]

Literally no TE production has hurt Mitch big time.

Holtz and Horsted both look better than Shaheen and Braunecker and most of the time with Burton.

Are the H twins good enough moving fwd? I bet we will find out in the next 3 games.

[Dresden]

We were *told* that defenses were keeping Mitch in the pocket, but it was probably more Nagy. Nagy tried to make Mitch a pocket QB. Lately not as much, as Nagy's offense was a train-wreck of non-production. Something had to be did, so watching some QBs around the league successfully run the ball may have been a wtf moment for Nagy. Like AB was saying post game, QB runs actually kill any defense that has everything else accounted for. So far, the Bears offense was dead because the QB can't produce from the pocket, which made it easy on defenses because Mitch was asked to be a traditional QB. We'll see how long Mitch lasts like this, but also you can bet DCs are gonna game plan heavily to take the QB runs out of the game. And also simultaneously some of Mitch's access to passing lanes away from the pocket. He'll need to prove he can beat that. I suspect the Bears will need to be able to run the ball at that point.

You can mix it up though, to keep defenses honest, as the Bears did v DAL. Some dedicated QB runs, some roll outs, where he has options, and then some straight drop backs. You can't stop all of those. I love seeing Mitch at least roll out of the pocket- it gets him away from the rush in case the pocket collapses, it allows him to see the field ahead of him in case it's clear to run, and he's a good enough thrower on the run to make passes while rolling out. I think that sort of action plays to his strengths.

[Dresden]

Literally no TE production has hurt Mitch big time.

Holtz and Horsted both look better than Shaheen and Braunecker and most of the time with Burton.

Are the H twins good enough moving fwd? I bet we will find out in the next 3 games.

Big time! The tight ends picked up 92 yards last game combined. That was huge. Takes a lot of pressure off the WR's to make plays all the time.

One thing I'd like to see though- somehow getting Cohen sprung for some longer gains. Seems defenses have figured out how he's being used, and are geared up to stop him. Why not run him deep once in a while? Or line him up wide and let him run a reverse. Something new, other than those swing passes out of the backfield. Which aren't bad in themselves, as they usually pick up 4-5 yards. But he's so explosive, it would be nice to figure out how to get him more opportunities at a big play.

Same with Patterson actually. That guy is fast, he's big, and he's a very good runner. He should be getting more touches on offense.

[dice]

My Money Mitch prediction...

He plays solid in one game (Packers) but not enough to win due to our D giving up too many points and no timing game.

He plays really good in final 2 games both wins. Bears miss playoffs and bring in Foles to compete for starting spot. Pace doesn’t draft a a QB because Nagy believes either one can win it all next year with picks and fa’s restocking the talent.

If we go 9-7 and Mitch really steps it up, why would we bring in Foles at that point? You are saying the QB who ended up carrying the team to the door step of the playoffs after a craptacular start would need to be benched for the Guy who got benched in favor of Mediocre Minshew?

I don’t think Foles contract is guaranteed for next season

it is. as i noted in my last response. and if he's traded rather than cut he will be owed an additional $5 mil toward the following season. he won't be cut and it would take a really desperate team to trade for him

[Chi town]

If we go 9-7 and Mitch really steps it up, why would we bring in Foles at that point? You are saying the QB who ended up carrying the team to the door step of the playoffs after a craptacular start would need to be benched for the Guy who got benched in favor of Mediocre Minshew?

I don’t think Foles contract is guaranteed for next season

it is. as i noted in my last response. and if he's traded rather than cut he will be owed an additional $5 mil toward the following season. he won't be cut and it would take a really desperate team to trade for him

You’re right.

I could see Alex Smith. Mariota if Nagy thinks Mitch is the guy.

[Susan]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

[Chi town]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

dabearsblog guy says smith and Mariota according to his sources.

[MeloRoseNoah]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

dabearsblog guy says smith and Mariota according to his sources.

I would pay Mariota Chase Daniels money at 5-6 mil/yr to compete with Trubisky. Mariota wants to be a starter in this league and should welcome the opportunity.

If we cut or not resign Leonard Floyd, Amukamara, Trevathan, Kyle Long, Taylor Gabriel, and Shaheen, we would have about 55 mil in cap space.

5 mil will be used for our rookies and UDFAs, leaving us with about 50 mil in cap space. I would resign Clinton-Dix for 7-8 mil/yr, leaving about 40 mil left. I would sign Mariota for 5-6 mil/yr, a Pro-bowler guard/tackle for 10-12 mil/yr, and a Pro-Bowler TE for 9-11 mil/yr.

For our draft picks, I would draft either O-line or D-line with both second rounders, and then BAP. After next season, we should be able to free up about 15-20 mil in cap space if we cut both Massie and Leno. The bottom line is that this team will do very well if the new Trubisky is for real. If not, the current environment will be perfect for our drafted 2021 QB with an excellent line, solid receiving corp, and excellent TEs.

[Jeffster81]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

No chance at any of those will require "big" financial commitment relative to their position. TW/Tannehill probably low $20, the other three somewhere around the $15-18 due to age (Rivers) or injury concerns (Newton and Foles).

[dice]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

No chance at any of those will require "big" financial commitment relative to their position. TW/Tannehill probably low $20, the other three somewhere around the $15-18 due to age (Rivers) or injury concerns (Newton and Foles).

even 15-18 is big compared to trubisky...particularly when trubisky is already signed up. and 22 mil in cap space is already devoted to foles whoever ends up with him

[MeloRoseNoah]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

No chance at any of those will require "big" financial commitment relative to their position. TW/Tannehill probably low $20, the other three somewhere around the $15-18 due to age (Rivers) or injury concerns (Newton and Foles).

$20 mil/yr can get you a Pro Bowl TE and a Pro Bowl Guard/Tackle. So no thanks for that price tag to guys like Tannehill, Rivers, Newton, and Foles. I would rather invest a first rounder on a QB than spending money on that kind of mediocre player.

[dice]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

dabearsblog guy says smith and Mariota according to his sources.

I would pay Mariota Chase Daniels money at 5-6 mil/yr to compete with Trubisky. Mariota wants to be a starter in this league and should welcome the opportunity.

If we cut or not resign Leonard Floyd, Amukamara, Trevathan, Kyle Long, Taylor Gabriel, and Shaheen, we would have about 55 mil in cap space.

5 mil will be used for our rookies and UDFAs, leaving us with about 50 mil in cap space. I would resign Clinton-Dix for 7-8 mil/yr, leaving about 40 mil left. I would sign Mariota for 5-6 mil/yr, a Pro-bowler guard/tackle for 10-12 mil/yr, and a Pro-Bowler TE for 9-11 mil/yr.

2019 O-line FA signings (mil/yr):

OT trent brown 16.5 (no pro bowls)
OT joe staley 14 (35 years old, 6 time all-pro - last in 2017)
OT donovan smith 13.75 (no pro bowls)
OT ja'wuan james 12.75 (no pro bowls)
OT la'el collins 10 (no pro bowls)

G rodger saffold 11 (2nd team all-pro in 2017)

and the cap should go up about 6% next season

[Dresden]

If his leg still works, I'd bring in Alex Smith.

If he's cheap, go with Mariota.

No need to pay up big for Teddy, Tannhehill, Foles, Newton or Rivers.

dabearsblog guy says smith and Mariota according to his sources.

I would pay Mariota Chase Daniels money at 5-6 mil/yr to compete with Trubisky. Mariota wants to be a starter in this league and should welcome the opportunity.

If we cut or not resign Leonard Floyd, Amukamara, Trevathan, Kyle Long, Taylor Gabriel, and Shaheen, we would have about 55 mil in cap space.

5 mil will be used for our rookies and UDFAs, leaving us with about 50 mil in cap space. I would resign Clinton-Dix for 7-8 mil/yr, leaving about 40 mil left. I would sign Mariota for 5-6 mil/yr, a Pro-bowler guard/tackle for 10-12 mil/yr, and a Pro-Bowler TE for 9-11 mil/yr.

For our draft picks, I would draft either O-line or D-line with both second rounders, and then BAP. After next season, we should be able to free up about 15-20 mil in cap space if we cut both Massie and Leno. The bottom line is that this team will do very well if the new Trubisky is for real. If not, the current environment will be perfect for our drafted 2021 QB with an excellent line, solid receiving corp, and excellent TEs.

Why would they not want to re-sign Trevathan and Amukamara?