Dec 2, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by Chicago Bears defensive end Shea McClellin (99) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Seahawks won 23-17 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears continued one of their traditions on Tuesday by naming Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers as co-winners of the veteran Brian Piccolo award, while Shea McClellin was named the rookie recipient.

The Brian Piccolo Award, named for the Chicago Bear who died of cancer tragically in 1970, is a cherished honor among Chicago Bears:

The Brian Piccolo Award was originally awarded the same year as Piccolo’s death (1970) to a Chicago Bears rookie who “best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo”.

Piccolo’s courageous battle with cancer was captured in the classic Billy Dee Williams movie Brian’s Song, with James Caan portraying Piccolo.

Tillman is a three-time winner while Peppers and obviously rookie McClellin are first time winners of the award.   Head Coach Marc Trestman, DB’s coach Jon Hoke, GM Phil Emery, team President Ted Phillips and Virginia McCaskey were among the Bears brass on hand for the award presentation.

NFL Charities donate $50,000 to the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund each year.

The offseason picture is coming into focus for the Chicago Bears as the draft approaches.  A couple of weeks ago, we projected the offensive starters.  While Phil Emery went shopping for some big ticket items for the offense, the defense appears to be getting the leftovers.

Now, let’s look at how Phil Emery has set the Mel Tucker’s defensive unit, which keeps a lot of key holdovers from the old era, but definitely takes on new look.  (more…)

Elvis Dumervil #92 of the Denver Broncos tries to sack Caleb Hanie #12 of the Chicago Bears at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 11, 2011 in Denver, Colorado.
(December 10, 2011 – Source: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images North America)

Though it’s unfortunate that a great player has to leave his team for such a ridiculous reason, it means that there is a great pass rusher left on the market. Would it be completely outrageous for the Bears to go after him? If the Broncos and Dumervil cannot clear things up, it would sure be nice to see him wearing a new style of navy and orange. NFL Network has confirmed that teams have already been contacting him. Last season, Dumervil had 11 sacks and forced 6 fumbles. He, Peppers, and Melton on the same line could be glorious.

What do you think? Should the Bears take a chance on Dumervil? Where will he end up?  Let’s see your comment below!

Click the image to go to the puzzle site to try to solve this puzzle.

As I was thinking about this post and the impending free agency period, I thought of one of those slider puzzles where you have to move pieces around until the picture comes together.  The pressure is on the usually reliable contract negotiator Cliff Stein and Phil Emery to solve the salary cap puzzle to help the Chicago Bears become players in free agency.

The Bears are only about $3.8 million under the salary cap but have a lot of needs to fill.  Now we’re getting word that Brian Urlacher’s people have presented their contract proposal to the Bears.  It’s already been clear that both sides are willing to make this work, but the big question is how much they really want to make it work.  It’ll be curious to see what the Bears will offer.  Phil Emery assured us that Urlacher “would not be slighted”  in negotiations.  Slighting is in the eye of the beholder I guess.  (more…)

Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) picks up a fumble by Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the first half of a game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

I remember the day I started a Twitter account very well it was March 5, 2010 and it wasn’t to because I was worried about what everyone else was thinking about.  March 5th of 2010 was a long day at Halas Hall for Bears reporters because Julius Peppers was in the house and the quickest way to get updates about Peppers signing with the Bears was on Twitter.  Peppers signed a six year deal 3 years ago today for 91.5 million dollars with 42 guaranteed.

The Peppers signing has been a successful one with Peppers not disappointing after signing the big contract for the Bears. Peppers has been to the pro bowl every season he has played with the Bears while accumulating 30.5 sacks during his three-year stay. He has 7 fumble recoveries and two interceptions while being part of the new Monsters of the Midway defense. The Bears are 29-19 since Peppers arrived in Chicago.  Since Peppers arrival the Bears have been in the top 4 of the NFL each season in takeaways including a NFL leading 44 this past season(NY Giants-35 2nd).

Peppers and the Bears defense led the Bears to the NFC title game in his first year with the Bears but came up 7 points short of the Super Bowl.  The Bears have not been to the playoffs since that loss which cost Lovie Smith his job this offseason.  People are calling for Peppers to restructure his contract so that the Bears can add the pieces needed to make a Super Bowl run while there is still gas in the tank for the aging Bears defense who will be coached by an entirely new cast of coaches in 2013.

A huge and unlikely signing  by the Bears usually tight purse string organization happened three years ago today!

What is your favorite Peppers moment since he joined the Bears?

January 27, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; AFC wide receiver Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans (80) misses a catch while defended by NFC cornerback Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears (33) in the first quarter during the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Four Chicago Bears acquitted themselves just fine in Sunday’s Pro Bowl as the NFC steamrolled to a 62-35 victory over the AFC.   No one embarrassed themselves and the Bears defenders helped limit the AFC to just 35 points.  In Pro Bowl scoring, that’s virtaully a shutout.

Cornerback Charles Tillman, who was named one of the NFC’s captains contributed 3 tackles and had a patented ball punch, though AJ Greene’s forward progress was deemed stopped.  Peanut also got toasted on a couple of TD’s, but in the Pro Bowl, who hasn’t been torched.  Tim Jennings added 4 tackles from the other starting cornerback spot while defensive end Julius Peppers made his presence felt with a couple of sacks to go along with three tackles.  Henry Melton did not show up in the box score, though I did see him play when I peeked in on the game.

Jan 23, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; General view of Palm trees and the Diamond Head crater and Waikiki Beach skyline. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

I was fumbling around in the US Presswire site and came across a few pics of our favorite Chicago Bears soaking in the ambiance of the Pro Bowl practices.  Four Bears are representing Chicago including Pro Bowl veterans Julius Peppers and Charles Tillman and first-timers Tim Jennings and Henry Melton.  Brandon Marshall recently underwent a minor scope of his hip, so he opted out this season.

Hit the jump to see some pics of our favorite Chicago Bears Pro Bowlers. (more…)

Five Chicago Bears have been named to the 2013 Pro Bowl and will be packing their bags for Hawaii for the week between the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl, unless that is, the Bears make an historic run to the Super Bowl and in turn would miss the game.  Headlining the Bears’ selections are cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings.   Joining them are defensive linemen Julius Peppers and Henry Melton along with wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

(more…)