The Bears’ depth is actually one of my biggest concerns heading into the 2010 campaign.   Pompei points to certain position groups where the Bears do have some depth, like linebacker, running back and tight end.  I would agree that all of those positions do offer some solid, proven depth.  But Dan lost me in this article when he started talking about other position groups where he claims the Bears have depth, like defensive line, wide receiver and left guard of all things.  Let’s dive a little deeper.

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Reason #499 to hate Jared Allen

If the fact that he’s a Viking and that stupid mullet aren’t reason enough, check out this post on the Vikings blog. Hey Jared, you’re not rushing against John St. Clair or John Tait any more.  We’ll see what Orlando Pace has to say about that!  By the way, where you from Jared?  Texas?  Only two things come out of Texas, steers and queers and I don’t see no horns under that mullet!

What’s Greg Olsen thinking?

In case you’re ever interested, check out #82′s blog on the cleverly named Greg Olsen Official Site.  Where do these sites come up with those names?  Interesting to see how he heard about the Jay Cutler trade here.

Pre-Draft Interview

With the draft just a couple of weeks away, the folks over at www.thescore.com (not related to my favorite radio station in Chicago) wanted some thoughts on the Bears as they prepare for the draft.  I was happy to oblige.   Give it a read, it’s chalked full of Jay Cutler and Bears draft analysis from yours truly.  Thanks to my guy Brad over at Goal Line Stand for the opportunity.

Say no to Plaxico

Here’s why Carol Slezak has replaced Jay Mariotti as the dumbest person in Chicago.  You’ll recall Carol also advocated for the Bears to go after Michael Vick.  Is she going for the all-convict team?

Pre-draft position by position analysis – Wide Receivers

Dan Pompei has started an in-depth position-by-position analysis over at the Tribune.  Especially interesting to see his top wide receivers.  When I say in-depth, I mean in depth.  If the Bears draft a guy not on his list, he is WAY under the radar.

2009 Schedule Announcement next week

In case you haven’t heard, the NFL is announcing the 2009 schedule in prime time on Tuesday, April 14th.  If that’s not reason enough to get out of bed, I don’t know what is.  Of course, we’ll have all the details including our predictions here next week.

BEAR DOWN!!!

The Bears have no time to rest on their laurels, as the Saints come a callin’ for a Thursday night matchup.  By the way, for those of you that are in Chicago, the game will be available on local TV on UPN 50.  Out of towners either need the NFL Network or go out to a bar to watch the game.  Or for those locals that have a drinking problem, go out to a bar on Thursday anyway.  I’m not here to judge.

The Saints kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 29-25 win over the resurgent Falcons on Sunday.  Pierre Thomasled a Saints ground attack with 102 yards rushing and a couple of TDs.  The Falcons kept Drew Brees in check, limiting him to 230 yards and a couple of short TD passes. 

In his Chicago Tribune article on Monday, Dan Pompei wrote of the Saints’ offensive gameplan against the Falcons:

They started to play more like a cold-weather team Sunday, however. The Falcons had been expecting the pass-happy Saints, as any reasonable observer would have.

I’m not sure that I buy into the idea that the Saints were in some way preparing for their third straight late-season visit to a frigid Chicago, but rather think that they took what the Falcons were giving.  In an earlier meeting this season, Brees hung over 400 passing yards on the Falcons.  Ever think the Falcons D was conceding the run to stop the pass, Dan?  If you’d like to read the whole article, check it out here.

Some story lines that will be interesting to follow this week:

• Third time’s a charm?  Saints coming back to Chicago after consecutive seaosn-ending losses to the Bears. 
• Former Purdue QB’s Drew Brees and Kyle Orton set to do battle. 
• The continued proliferation of the “Bear weather” myth with another frigid game on deck
• Bear fans should also be keeping a close eye on the status of the players involved in the StarCaps scandal.  Besides the Williams boys and the impact it could have on the Vikings playoff chances, there are three Saints players that could be sitting if the suspensions are upheld.