Bears not working out during stoppage

Chewie · Post #1 » by **Chewie** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 4:10 pm

Not sure if anyone's still lurking around here but I'm disappointed that our guys aren't holding any kind of organized workouts. The offense should at least be working together during the stoppage to stay sharp. I see video of workouts going on throughout the league and some - like the Ravens - look pretty darn well organized. You can't tell me that doesn't help.

How hard is it for Cutler - or ANY leader on the team - to grab a field somewhere and make some calls ?

ChronicKerr · Post #2 » by **ChronicKerr** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 5:47 pm

To be fair, I'm sure that all the players actually are working out, just not in a team organized manner. I'm not really sure that it is all that important right now, however, it certainly comes off as a lack of leadership and commitment but in the grand scheme of things as long as they come in to camp (whenever that may be) in shape I'm fine with it. We have a veteran team with veteran players that have been playing together for awhile. I'd rather they stay healthy and keep in shape how they choose during the lockout vs un organized team workouts where injuries can occur. I also read a month or two ago that cutler did get some of the players together at one point.

D2RoseNFence · Post #3 » by **D2RoseNFence** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:00 pm

Yes, our defense has a lot of vets, but for the most part our offense is made up of young guys. Like you said, I also heard about some of the offensive guys working together, I even remember Urlacher commenting that it was good they were working out but that the D didn't need to work out yet.

Either way, the offense should be getting as much work done as they can. It's hard without someone to play against even if it just is going through the motions with the D, but it's better than nothing.

Chewie · Post #4 » by **Chewie** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:11 pm

ChronicKerr wrote:To be fair, I'm sure that all the players actually are working out, just not in a team organized manner. I'm not really sure that it is all that important right now, however, it certainly comes off as a lack of leadership and commitment but in the grand scheme of things as long as they come in to camp (whenever that may be) in shape I'm fine with it. We have a veteran team with veteran players that have been playing together for awhile. I'd rather they stay healthy and keep in shape how they choose during the lockout vs un organized team workouts where injuries can occur. I also read a month or two ago that cutler did get some of the players together at one point.

Hey, CK. I read Cutler wanted to get around to getting players together. If it actually happened, I'm sure it would've been front page news. And I'm sure the majority are fully capable of staying in shape in the off-season on their own but then there are those that come into camp overweight - *cough* Marcus Harrison *cough* - and use camp as their weight-loss plan.

At the very least, holding some off-season workouts would keep Cutler sharp with his receivers. I know we're not the only team sitting around doing nothing but I think the advantage is with those teams that have their act together on this front.

ChronicKerr · Post #5 » by **ChronicKerr** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:27 pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/n ... LHeadlines

Former CFL standout Andy Fantuz, who signed a reserve/futures contract with the Bears on Feb. 4, 2011, participated last week in the Bears unofficial offseason workouts led by quarterback Jay Cutler, according to an NFL source.

I certainly agree the offense more than the defense could benefit by at least getting the team together. And thus, the front page news come to light!

Chewie · Post #6 » by **Chewie** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:04 am

ChronicKerr wrote:http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/news/story?id=6658257&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines

Former CFL standout Andy Fantuz, who signed a reserve/futures contract with the Bears on Feb. 4, 2011, participated last week in the Bears unofficial offseason workouts led by quarterback Jay Cutler, according to an NFL source.

I certainly agree the offense more than the defense could benefit by at least getting the team together. And thus, the front page news come to light!

Sweet. Apparently it's being down on the down-low per the Trib:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-cutlers-rehab-status-he-looks-fantastic-20110614,0,551399.story

Cutler continues to gather his offensive teammates at an undisclosed high school field for weekly workouts -- typically Tuesdays and Thursdays -- during the lockout. Receiver Rashied Davis and running back Kahlil Bell have participated in those workouts.

Apparently tight end Brandon Manumaleuna and running back Chester Taylor have been the only offensive skill players not regularly attending the workouts. Manumaleuna has a pass as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery.

As for Taylor, he is working out with private trainers in Chicago and Houston. And he typically does he own thing during the offseason, dating back to his days with the Vikings. The knee injury he dealt with last season apparently has been no hindrance.

ChronicKerr · Post #7 » by **ChronicKerr** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:44 pm

Manumaleuna is STILL hurt? Sheesh, what a bad signing.

Post #8 » by **emperorjones** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 5:50 pm

Honestly, if the coaches aren't there I couldn't care less and I doubt how helpful it is. As long as guys are working out on their own and staying in shape, I'll be happy. Honestly, can you imagine our O-Line working together without coaches and ANYTHING coming from it?

The only group I can see gaining anything would be Cutler & the receivers/RBs getting timing down. Other than that, the whole defense should just be doing their own person training