Best of Bear Goggles: Feb 9 – Feb 14
Earlier in the week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanual repeated his desire to bring a Super Bowl to Chicago, which is an awful idea. But what is interesting is the idea about the NFL Draft on the road and I agree that Chicago would make an outstanding venue.
Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Michael Sam (52) runs on the field before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri beat Oklahoma State 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Of course the big news around the league was draft prospect Missouri DE Michael Sam coming out as gay and setting the stage to become the NFL’s first openly gay player. Bears GM Phil Emery chimed in with his support for Sam and state that he’ll be judged by his skill set. Good for you Phil!
Former Bears GM Jerry Angelo made news this week, when he ranked the NFL’s quarterbacks from last season. Angelo was critical of Cutler saying he’s “nconsistent in the clutch” and “lacks poise” among other things. Very surprising from the GM who mortgaged the Bears’ future to trade for Cutler. If only he had this keen insight back in the spring of 2009.
Not surprisingly, this drew some comments. Here’s just a snippet from Mangod:
"Angelo’s, reign as GM in Chicago points out one glaring fact “Jerry Angelo knows absolutely nothing about building a competent football team, hiring a competent coaching staff, or analyzing a draft filled with awesome talent. Granted he pulled the trigger on Cutler which was a great move, then he showed his true nature and failed to protect the investment, failed to provide the investment with quality and dependable weapons, thereby, condemning the investment to potential injury and condemning the team to almost no hope of post season play."
Well said.
The Bears made a couple of coaching moves, hiring martial arts expert Joe Kim to work with the team on hand fighting and skill development while they promoted Pat Meyer to offensive line coach, which takes that burden from offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer.
I think there might be more to that move. If you read between the lines, it might mean that Marc Trestman wants to free himself up from being solely focused on the offense and work with the D and special teams a bit.