Dec. 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) walks off the field after defeating the Detroit Lions 26-24 at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The waiting is the hardest part.  Waiting for rookie camp to open, OTAs, June cap casualties, training camp, preseason and finally the opening kick-off of the 2013 NFL season.  As Chicago Bears fans, our waiting is magnified, because we are eager to see what impact the Marc Trestman regime has on our Beloved.  Are we beginning a new Ditka-like era of dominance with an all too quick fall from grace?  Will it be a Wannstedt-like era of mediocrity and shame all too recognizable with comparisons of football players to puzzle pieces that “fly around the field” with too many “ah-ah-ah’s” thrown in?  Are we beginning another Lovie-like era with its slow southern drawl and teams just good enough to save coaching jobs?  Or, is this something new entirely?

Regardless of what form the new regime takes, one aspect is markedly different from all of the others.  This regime is starting with a franchise-caliber quarterback in Jay Cutler.  None of the previous regimes had that luxury and by all accounts, Emery and Trestman are betting big on Jay Cutler.  Betting big without a contract extension?  How can that be?

The Bears currently sit with Cutler as the only NFL quality starting quarterback on its roster.  Sure, Josh McCown is a nice back-up and Matt Blanchard has some tools, but he is not ready for the big stage.  The Bears have invested significantly in its O-line this offseason through free agency and the draft all in the spirit of keeping Cutler upright.  I won’t go into whether or not they have just added more chicken shit into the mix in the hopes of making a great chicken salad or not, but they have clearly made the O-line a point of emphasis.  It is almost to the point where I think the competition for those 8 or 9 roster spots can do nothing but ensure that we will have the best O-line Jay Cutler has ever taken a snap behind in his tenure as a Bear.  By my count there are 15 OL-men on the roster and 9 of them having starting NFL experience, so the competition will be fierce and under OL guru, Aaron Kromer, let’s hope the cream rises to the top.

By investing this much on the O-line and by not drafting or bringing in anyone who would compete with Cutler, Emery and Trestman are pushing all their chips into the middle of the table and come hell or high water, Jay Cutler is going to be their starting QB for the long-term.  What remains to be seen is how much money that costs the Bears after this season and Cutler’s contract is up.  I cannot see a scenario where Cutler plays himself out of a job or where this new regime after ONE season will “go in a different direction” at the most important position on the field.  No, I think that time has passed and the gauntlet has been laid down…this is Jay’s team, post the Urlach-a-lypto now and Emery and company are going to fix what’s broken around him.

Hmmm…fixing what’s broken around a franchise quarterback seems like such a novel concept and I wonder why it took so long for management to figure that out…

CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!?!?!?!?

The DeCon has spoken, so let it be written, so let it be done…

A safety and subperb athlete in college, it was unknown at the time where the Bears would put Urlacher on a team known for its defense.  Linebacker was the obvious choice considering his measureables, but was he going to be the next Mike Mamula…a combine freak whose draft stock soared as the draft approached.  Little did I know at the time, I was enjoying cold beers on a Saturday afternoon watching Bears history be written as the next great MLB of the Bears was just drafted.  Thankfully, the Bears knew what they were doing and, now, 13 years later, we are saying farewell to a legend.

To say I am a Bears fan is like saying the earth is round.  To say I guzzle the blue and orange Kool Aid no matter the temperature is like saying water is wet.  These things just are.  As a die hard Chicago fan, I have seen some of the greats play in their prime…Jordan, Payton and Urlacher.  Urlacher is different to me since I have been able to enjoy and really appreciate his entire career in a Bears uniform during my most “educated” and passionate fandom years.  To describe his impact on my fandom is like me explaining the most complicated physics formula.  Urlacher simply embodied Chicago.  Tough, blue collar, honest and about team above self…things I hope to teach my kids in their lives.

While his mark on Bears football will be difficult, if not impossible, to measure, it was time…time to turn the page.  The Bears have hired its first offensive minded coach since it hired a certain Mike Ditka many moons ago.  The league has changed and while defense still wins championships, the Bears needed to change its collective mindset.  Scoring points is just as important, if not moreso than having a 6’4, 260lbs linebacker that could run like the wind and hit like a Mack truck.

When I got a text from Boomer this morning with the news of Urlacher’s departure, my immediate reaction was, “way to rip the bandaid off all at once, Mr. Emery.”  After some reflection, I realize, that the NFL is a tough business and in the words of Coach Ditka, “this too, shall pass.”  Gone, but not forgotten; the end of an era; however you sum it up, the Bears will look different next year for sure.  I am trusting the process and the powers that be, that the Bears, in the long run, will be better off.  This is because I wear my colors proudly; I live and breathe for the blue and orange and I believe the Bears are sincerely on the right track as it relates to getting back to the seat of supremacy on which they deserve to sit.

Once the season kicks off in September, I know I will, again, be a little drunk, a little mad and a LOT sad to not see #54 line up for the Beloved.  After that, I will be a fan and looking for the Bears to be successful and know that the best years are ahead and I can’t wait to watch it happen!!!

CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!?!?!?!

The DeCon has spoken, so let it be written, so let it be done…

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod (74) on the line of scrimmage before a play against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

After already securing Martellus Bennett, the Bears have now agreed to terms with former Saints LT, Jermon Bushrod.  Bushrod has been a Pro Bowler at LT the past 2 seasons and has familiarity with Bears new Offensive Coordinator, Aaron Kromer.

While this move all but ends the speculation about Jake Long becoming a Bear, I think this was a solid addition and proof that the Bears are making a concerted effort not only to add talent to positons that were lacking but also to add players who have familiarity with the new coaching regime.

A former 4th round draft pick, Bushrod, 28, has really come into his own under the hand of Kromer.  He has been a stalwart on the Saints offensive line for the past four seasons and has started 16 games in each of the last three.  He has 62 starts in 66 games played in his six year career, all with the Saints.  And for those of you who didn’t know, the Saints like to pass a little bit, so Bushrod was very capable at protecting Drew Brees’ blindside.

This move will signal the end of J’Webb Nation at LT, forcing his move to RT to likely compete with Gabe Carimi.  Competition is never a bad thing and the Bears O-line just got better with this move.  I can almost hear Jay Cutler singing in the streets of the Chi!!!

What do you think, Bears fans?  Good move?  Hit me up in the comments…

CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!?!?!?!

The DeCon has spoken, so let it be written, so let it be done…

Is there a football man in the house?

The Chicago Bears recently released information on upcoming renovations to the venerable Halas Hall.  From an expanded weight room, dining hall, media rooms and offices, Halas Hall will increase 30% from 100,000 square feet to 130,000 square feet.  While we all yearn for football season under new Head Coach Marc Trestman, The Cover Stew thought it was important to dig into the renovation plans to highlight some of the, yet unpublicized, interesting additions to Halas Hall.

(more…)

Known as a cerebral, offensive coach, Trestman seems to be in a good position to maximize the skills of Bears QB Jay Cutler.  Hell, this guy made Scott Mitchell look really good.  I think Trestman is a great hire and is the first offensive minded coach the Bears have hired since Mike Ditka.  Yes, Ditka was considered offensive minded, not just offensive.

We will delve more into Trestman’s fit for the Beloved as the days unfold…The Cover Stew may even way in…

What do you all think?  Good hire, bad hire, meh???  Hit us up in the comments!!!

CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!?!?!?!

The DeCon has spoken, so let it be written, so let it be done…

Nov 11, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jason Campbell (2) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. The Houston Texans defeat the Chicago Bears 13-6. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE

While we wallow in the misery of the Bears first loss since Week 2, we also get to be wonder if our QB1 will be ready to go for a Monday Night Showdown with the 49ers.  Of course, I am referring to Jay Cutler’s concussion.  Likely, we won’t know the deal until Friday at best and Cutler can’t practice or talk to the media until he has been cleared, so buckle your seatbelts for coach-speak at its finest.  While I am sure Lovie Smith won’t say anything about Cutler until he is definitively cleared or ruled out, I can assure you, we will hear plenty about Jason Campbell.  We all know Jason Campbell was a highly regarded signing this past offseason, but who is Jason Campbell?

Campbell, a product of the SEC, played his college ball at Auburn and, as a senior, led them to an undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl victory, where he was named the MVP.  He was also named SEC Player of the year that season.  Campbell was then drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 2005 draft with the 25^th overall pick.  Midway through his second season, Campbell was anointed the starter and he spent 5 seasons with the team before moving on to Oakland for 2 seasons, although he only played in 6 games last season due to injury.  Campbell has never quite lived to the hype when he was drafted, but he is about as steady as they come. 

 Comparing Campbell to his counterparts in the division, he compares incredibly favorably.  Campbell is in his eighth season, which is second only to Detroit’s Shaun Hill who has in his eleventh.  Green Bay’s Graham Harrell and Minnesota’s Joe Webb are both in the third season.  Graham hasn’t yet thrown a pass in the NFL and Webb has only three career starts under his belt and a career passer rating of 66.6.  Campbell has 70 career starts, which more than double the other three QBs combined; Hill is second with 26 career starts.  In fact the only stat that isn’t in Campbell’s favor is career passer rating where he posts an 82.9 compared to Hill’s 85.9.  Lest we forget though, most of Hill’s best work has been done in Detroit with Calvin Johnson as a main target.  Campbell has never really had any weapons to speak of in his career unless you count Santana Moss and I don’t.

 Phil Emery knew what he was doing when he brought in Campbell.  It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize Caleb Hanie was not and never was going to be the answer for the Bears.  So, Emery took out a good insurance policy when he inked Campbell.  I am certainly not going to base my impressions of Campbell by what we saw on Sunday night against the Texans.  The guy got zero reps and was asked to come into the game after standing on the sidelines for a half, not to mention the weather conditions.  I will reserve my judgment until I see him after a full week of reps.  This assumes Cutler can’t go and we aren’t quite there just yet.  My preference would be for Cutler to play, obviously, but I am not going to start crying in my orange and blue kool-aid just yet.

 CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!?!?!?!

 The DeCon has spoken, so let it be written, so let it be done…

Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears corner back Charles Tillman (33) knocks the ball out of the hands of Tennessee Titans tight end Jared Cook (89) during the second half at LP Field. The Bears beat the Titans 51-20. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire

While the euphoria over the Chicago Bears dominance on Sunday in Tennessee has yet to subside, there is a huge game on Sunday night versus the highly regarded 7-1 Houston Texans.  Reports today indicate that Bears all-world CB Charles “Peanut” Tillman may not be available to play if his wife is in labor as they are expecting their 4^th child, a daughter.  Missing Tillman on Sunday would be a huge blow for the Bears defense as he is expected to be assigned to Texans WR Andre Johnson.  Also, Peanut has had a bit of a knack for causing fumbles this season, so his missing the game would be significant.  However, it appears those reports may be false and Peanut has an idea to ensure he plays on Sunday night.

“I don’t know, what do you guys call it?  The Peanut Punch or some nonsense?” asked Tillman of reporters.  “Well, every night after practice this week, I am working on a new maneuver, the Baby Punch, said Tillman.  “I am not planning to injure my wife or baby in any way shape or form, but you have seen how I can punch the ball out, so why not a baby?”  Tillman asked.

Reporters inquired how Tillman is “practicing” this maneuver and if he has had any experience with it in the past.

“It’s simple,” said Tillman, “I just ask J-Webb to put on Robbie’s (Gould) jersey on and stuff a football underneath and then I just run up and WHAM,” said Tillman.

“Yeah, we have done it about 5 or 6 times and the baby, I mean, ball comes out nice and smooth every time,” confirmed Bears OT J’Marcus Webb.  “It don’t hurt or nothin.”

There is not necessarily any truth to the rumor that Tillman will ask normally sure handed WR Brandon Marshall to “be on the receiving end,” but Marshall assured the media he would be there to help his teammate if asked.

“The D has been carrying us all year,” said Marshall.  “So, yeah, I got his back.”

 The Cover Stew is a satirical look at the Chicago Bears, Football and Life in General.

Nov 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) forces Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) to fumble the ball in the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

As the Detroit Lions prepare for their trip to Chicago to face the Chicago Bears on Monday night, Lions QB Matthew Stafford was speaking to the Chicago media in his pre-game conference call with the media.  The quarterback answered a number of questions about the slow start of his all-world WR Calvin Johnson.

“Well, Calvin is Calvin and he is a great receiver, but it’s really my fault that we haven’t been clicking so far this season,” said Stafford.  “The truth is, I am a firm believer in the Madden Curse.”

According to Wikipedia, while appearing on the cover has become an honor akin to appearing on the Wheaties box, much like the Sports Illustrated Cover Jinx, certain players who appeared on Madden video game box art have experienced a decline in performance, usually due to an injury.

“There have been times this year when Calvin has been wide open, but that damn curse enters my mind and I might just put the ball out of reach or airmail it into the 3^rd row,” continued Stafford.  “I mean, I don’t want to get him hurt or anything.”

Johnson seems to appreciate his quarterback having his back, “My chances will come.  We will be down enough this season, so there will be plenty of garbage time for me to get my numbers when the defenses play a little softer.”

In other news, it has been rumored that DT Ndamukong Suh is planning to drive himself from Detroit to Chicago for the game on Monday.  As such, the Chicago Bears, in association with the Chicago Parks and Recreation Department and Chicago Police Department will be issuing a joint warning about parking near Soldier Field.

 The Cover Stew is a satirical look at the Chicago Bears, Football and Life in General.