Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears fullback Evan Rodriguez (48) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Bears defeated the Cardinals 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after Evan Rodriguez’s first offseason incident in Miami Beach, Chicago Bears GM Phil Emery noted that his second year H-back had been “re-educated on my expectations.”  If that’s the case, ERod must need to go to summer school because he flunked his latest course with his latest offseason arrest, this time for DUI.   Since the second year H-back can’t get his act together, I believe the Bears have no choice but to cut him.  (more…)

May 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; General view of the name of the late San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau (not pictured) on the Ring of Honor at the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears recently announced that they plan to retire Mike Ditka’s #89 in a halftime ceremony on December 9th during a Monday Night Football game versus the Dallas Cowboys.  It’s a fitting tribute to a legendary Bear, but it will take yet another number out of circulation for the Beloved.

When the Bears hang up 89, they will have fourteen retired numbers, the most in the NFL.  As the charter franchise of the NFL and nearly 100 years of history, it’s not surprising the Bears have so many players to honor.  With a 53 man roster plus a practice squad, not to mention restrictions on which numbers  certain positions can wear, the Bears are running out of numbers and need a new way to honor their greats while keeping enough numbers to field a team.  It’s time for the Bears to create a Ring of Honor in Soldier Field.  (more…)

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…

Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Chicago Bears offensive tackle J’Marcus Webb walks off the field after a win against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA

According to chicagobears.com, J’Marcus Webb is feeling good about competing for the right tackle position. When asked about the transition he would have to make, he said

“Things happen and you can’t control a few things, but it’ll be a great move… I can play right tackle … I can move my hands a little bit, so it should be fun” Webb also discussed his “improvement” over the last few seasons. “I definitely took a step forward and, like I said, I’m just here to help in any way possible.”

It seems as though J’Marcus has caught the Chicago Cubs virus. He promises success during the offseason, but fails during the regular season.
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Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Soldier Field. The Packers beat the Bears 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

In organizational terms, a sacred cow represents a person, system or thing that most view as untouchable. Most of that feeling comes from successes of the past. Many Bear fans are a nostalgic sort of breed, or so I have experienced, and I am myself. All around Midwest, I see and hear signs of said traditions and heritage in the prevailing culture. It is what makes Chicago a special place in my opinion. This tradition can also impede progress towards a championship if one hangs on to the sacred cow too long.

I was introduced to the notion that “sacred cows make the best hamburgers” from a man I worked for in the private sector who was a former NFL player and he held Bill Parcels in high regard for his leadership skills. My experiences that followed worked to reinforce this concept and I forever remembered the lesson. The problem begins that when a person sends a sacred cow to slaughter, the act will provoke a wide range of emotions and feelings…most of them negative as we cling past glory. (more…)

Funny thing is, I am not an emotional person. In my professional career, I have undergone self-examination tests and examination from industrial psychologists as well. One personality inventory used the word “vulcan” to describe my calm, emotionless approach to problem solving and things that most deem difficult emotionally. So what the heck is the problem Mouser?  A wise man told me once that if I talk to myself, I will get more intelligent answers.  Note to self:  don’t write everything that is on your mind!

The fact is, this Chicago Bears team gets my blood boiling. My passion overflows on Sundays. There is no other team that I can root for.  Give me the Chicago Bears or give me …. Sesame Street.  (more…)

March 18, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Evisceration: To disembowel, gut or remove the entrails. Yes, my words are carefully chosen and meant to conjure up a certain vision. The NFL’s leadership is not killing the NFL quickly or mercifully, but rather in a slow, methodical and painful way. I fear for the future of the sport I love so much.

After thinking about the latest rules committee incarnation (RB can not lead with their helmet), I couldn’t help but envision opening day disaster for teams and fans everywhere. Imagine on opening day…say the Bears are playing the Superbowl Champion Ravens in Chicago. It is now the 4th quarter in a hard-fought defensive battle and the Ravens are leading 17-13 but the Bears are within striking distance in the waning minutes of the game.

The Bears are now 3rd and goal at the one yard line. The Bears send Michael Bush off Tackle and he meets the linebacker in the hole and buries him for the go-ahead touchdown. Soldier Field erupts in cheers…then we all see the yellow flag. Bush is flagged for leading with his helmet; 15 yards and now it is 3rd and goal from the 16. Bears lose on a Jay Cutler interception trying to force the ball in the end zone.  (more…)

Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears fans celebrate their team scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. Chicago defeated Tennessee 51-20. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears fans are experiencing a range of emotions seeing Brian Urlacher’s departure.  Bear Goggles On’s Public Service Announcement for those who have started grieving.  Here are the 5 stages of the grieving process.  Figure out which stage you’re in and try to move through as quickly as possible.

Denial

‘Lach won’t be back? What? Who is reporting this? There is no way that the Chicago Bears would every cut ties with the face of their franchise. They make so much money off of jersey sales. He is a leader. The quarterback of the defense. There is nobody to replace #54 on the roster. I don’t believe it. It is just not possible.

— Jeff Dickerson (@ESPNChiBears) March 21, 2013

— Brian Urlacher (@BUrlacher54) March 21, 2013

Okay, so everyone is reporting it, including Brian Urlacher himself. It is true. The Urlacher era with the Bears has ended.

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