RealGM

Bearscast is a fan podcast about the Chicago Bears, and they asked me to appear on it, so if you are interested in such things the direct link is here:

Bears Cast 95

LOL, I was going to say Doug, another podcast! And the fact its the BEARS when the Bulls season isn't over yet.
Anyhoo, cool! I shall listen.

Good stuff doug, I'm listening now.

Wow - a full 45 mins on the Bears uneventful offseason? I think that's more time than the Bears brass has even spent thinking about their offseason plans!

Still listening but here's what I've gleaned thus far:

- Griese may net better than a conditional 7th rounder. Wasn't aware of that.

- Doug's big into prudency. Knew that, actually !

- Doug proudly owns a Berrian jersey. Had to be different than the rest of the Urlacher cattle, Doug ?

oh boy Doug your happy about the prudent off-season.

Why?

I hope this prudent off season will lead to an aggressive Anglo come draft time.

oh boy Doug your happy about the prudent off-season.

Well much like Paxson gets ripped for things that are out of his control, I feel Angelo is getting ripped for things out of his control this off season. So far, I think we've made very smart moves.

I'm hopeful that we'll pursue Max Starks or Jake Scott, though neither one have planned visits with teams that I'm aware of. Add one of those and maybe pursue Julius Jones as a guy to push Benson, draft a solid OL with pick #1 in the draft and you've got yourself what looks like a pretty solid team.

The defense should be better just by being healthy, the offense will be much better just by getting a real offensive line (and someone who can help push Benson).

We'll see, I'm not saying the off season is perfect, but I like all the moves we've made, and there hasn't been anyone who's signed so far that makes me go "damn we missed out on that guy!".

- Doug proudly owns a Berrian jersey. Had to be different than the rest of the Urlacher cattle, Doug ?

I wanted to be different so it was either Berrian or Vasher, since everyone else was wearing Urlacher or Hester.

LOL, I was going to say Doug, another podcast! And the fact its the BEARS when the Bulls season isn't over yet.

Appearing on it made me tempted to start my own bears cast, the bears beat, but I don't really have time to do 2 podcasts regularly.

dougthonus wrote:

LOL, I was going to say Doug, another podcast! And the fact its the BEARS when the Bulls season isn't over yet.

Appearing on it made me tempted to start my own bears cast, the bears beat, but I don't really have time to do 2 podcasts regularly.

I was thinking that! I was going to ask you "how in the blue hell do you have all this time to do another podcast, have a job (don't know what that is, even though I think you said it once in a post), manage your children, watch all the sporting events, etc. etc. etc."

BTW, I think your point of view hit on the head though regarding the off-season. I didn't look at it that way but it does make the most logical sense (financially and for the good of the team). No doubt Berrian got grossly overpaid, and I'm glad the Vi-queens ponied up for a non-pro-bowler. I do like Booker as replacement over Moose, and now with Brandon Lloyd who I think is a low-risk/high reward situation for the BEARS, I really think we're moving the right direction.

However, I disagree with Julius Jones as the other RB to bring in, because I don't think he's like his brother, Thomas. But I definitely see where you're coming from, I think, by bringing in an established pro running back. He still has some fuel left in the tank. My apprehension is that having Benson and J-Jones, we're really hoping for Benson to pan out. I'm not a pro-Benson guy, I'd rather find a RB in the draft, but if we cannot financially do that, then I suppose I have to get on board with the J-Jones to the BEARS plan. I hope whatever plan is in place for the RB spot, I hope its something realistic and IMPROVED (compared to last year).

You're definitely right in another post/thread, we have other holes to fullfill, like the offensive linemen (i.e. OT and a Guard). Also on the Brendan Ayanbadejo going to the Ravens. He's not capable of being a starting LB or playing sparse possession as one, he's over 6 feet tall, and his speed can't overcome all the shortcomings (figuratively speaking). I remember listening to him on Waddle & Silvy, pumping himself to play possessions on Defense, and I'm like "no, you're not big enough to go in there to pressure the QB, and not tall enough to stop a pass to a TE." Smart move by Angelo, not overpaying on a S/T guy.

I'd like to add to the other BEARS posters here to think about the possibility that REX could have a good or great 2008. I know some think I'm on drugs by saying that, but I think if he can withstand all this hatred and adversity, I think thats saying a lot about the young man's mentality.

I'm not really psyched about Julius Jones, I just threw his name out there as the type of guy we could get as an FA RB. I wouldn't mind drafting one in the 1st or 2nd round as well. No matter what, my main concern is still the offensive line (which I think is true of most bears fans).

dougthonus wrote:Well much like Paxson gets ripped for things that are out of his control, I feel Angelo is getting ripped for things out of his control this off season.

I think you're right about this, the McCaskey family has always butted their heads in places where it shouldn't be. Player personnel is one of those places.

Before Angelo, the Bears never had a true GM since Vanisi from their SuperBowl years. people held the title, but not the control. Even though this was suppose to change I'm pretty sure the McCaskey's are still partly in the drivers seat. No t as much as before, but partly.

I think the McCaskey's give the green light on FA pick ups, which are the big money decisions.

Angelo still has the power over the draft, the McCaskey's have never pretended they know football. They just always want to feel like their part of the final decision, or the money decision. (probably effecting the trading down when we're in the top 10s)

dougthonus wrote:I'm hopeful that we'll pursue Max Starks or Jake Scott, though neither one have planned visits with teams that I'm aware of. Add one of those and maybe pursue Julius Jones as a guy to push Benson, draft a solid OL with pick #1 in the draft and you've got yourself what looks like a pretty solid team.

I wish I could be as confident as you on this, but I'm not. OL is cheaper than WR, in free agent money talk, but not like the Bears would ever spend top dollar on an offensive lineman. They have too much of the 'Bang for the Buck' mentality. They would rather pick up their offensive lineman from FA, and draft skilled positions, which cost more money in free agency.

dougthonus wrote:"damn we missed out on that guy!".

I'd say this about Faneca, but did we really ever have a chance.

The McCaskey's are one of the few NFL owners who still receive the majority of their earnings from their team ownership.

FWIW (I'm sure you heard by now)

Julius Jones signed by Seahawks.

Nice job Doug. Just finished listening to it.

Bearscast is an excellent pod cast. I'd highly recommend it along with the Bullscast and Cubscast that they also do. All regulars on my iPod.

RetroDreams wrote:Bearscast is an excellent pod cast. I'd highly recommend it along with the Bullscast and Cubscast that they also do. All regulars on my iPod.

Agreed, I have Cubscast on my iPod and it's one of my favorite podcasts.

Hmm, I think I have been pronouncing Thonus wrong in my head when i read it on the board.

Rhymes with bonus.

Could be worse though, half the forum thought I was donuts or donut house. I get Thomas about 20% of the time people remember my name. However, I'm sure my name woes aren't too bad relative to others, especially since 98% of the time it's just people pronouncing the h which is understandable and not bothersome.