Dec 5, 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mel Tucker prior to the start of their game against the San Diego Chargers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Trestman and the Bears made quick work of the defensive coordinator position, left vacant when Rod Marinelli decided not to return and leave for Dallas to coach the defensive line under buddy Monte Kiffin.  The Bears have hired former Jaguars defensive coordinator, 41 year old Mel Tucker.

Tucker is highly regarded around the league, having interviewed for a few head coaching jobs in the last couple of years including interviewing for the Jacksonville job that ended up going to Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

(more…)

Nov 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

One of the big takeaways from the Marc Trestman introductory press conference is that Rod Marinelli will not return to the Chicago Bears as defensive coordinator.   As Trestman noted: (more…)

Dec 1, 2011; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Eagles 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears head coaching search is just about wrapped up and we’re down to three finalists: Marc Trestman, Bruce Arians, and dark horse candidate Darrell Bevell, the offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.  He’s worked wonders with Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense this season, which makes him a hot candidate.  I reached out to friend Keith Meyers, editor of 12th Man Rising to get some inside scoop on Bevell.  Here are my questions and Keith’s answers:  (more…)

As the Bears prepare to face the Patriots this Sunday, there is one thing that they absolutely have to address from their win against the Lions. The Bears tackling was utterly horrendous, especially in the first half. I kept track during the game and I show that they missed 843 tackles in the first half alone. Really, go ahead and count for yourself. Against the Patriots, one half of bad football can put you in a 20 point hole, ask the Jets top ranked defense about that.

(more…)

If Jay Cutler can cut down on his INT's, he'll be a factor in fantasy leagues.

Jay Cutler – Let’s start at the top, because the fortunes of the Beloved are firmly tied to the right arm of our QB.  JC will likely go overlooked in many fantasy drafts primarily due to his proclivity to throw the ball to the wrong team and because he is learning the ultracomplicated Martzian offense behind an offensive line that had a lot of problems keeping him upright last season.  Personally, I have high hopes for JC and I think he will end up somewhere in the 30-35 TD pass range and have a chance at 4,000 yds passing.  Stats like these would merit a 3rd or 4th round selection in most PPR leagues and maybe even higher, but we know JC will not be considered that high in most leagues, so you have a chance to wait on him if you think I am right.  I will not comment on INTs, because frankly if you lose a point or 2 for INTs, that won’t kill you on a week to week basis, provided JC can avoid the 3+ INT games, which is where the risk comes in.  I think it is a risk worth taking.

Matt Forte – Following an outstanding rookie campaign, Forte broke many owners’ hearts last season, including mine, with a subpar (I am being nice) sophomore season.  Forte’s play last year probably wouldn’t warrant consideration until the 3rd or 4th round, but I believe he will bounce back and give you solid 2nd round production.  I think Forte is good for 1,000+ yds rushing and 8-10 TDs.  The wildcard with Forte is how he will be utilized in the passing game, which could greatly increase his value.

More after the jump…

(more…)

But with the potentially good news, comes more frustration.  Another potential candidate has withdrawn his name from consideration.  Pitt’s offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti Jr. released this statement:

“My return to Pitt last year was the realization of a longtime personal and professional goal,” Cignetti said in a statement to ProFootballTalk.com. “It was made even more gratifying by the outstanding season we enjoyed. I couldn’t be more fortunate to work for Dave Wannstedt and coach these great kids. Despite recent reports connecting my name with other jobs, I am wholeheartedly committed to being at Pitt and continuing to establish our program among the nation’s very best.”

I don’t know which is worse, that we’re turning to Dave Wannstedt for a coach or that he said no thanks.   Just hire Rogers as the OC, promote Marinelli to be the DC and get this over with already.  Quit dragging this out because the longer you do, the more people who will pass on the job and make you look even worse.

Even though we’re still a couple of hours away from the official press conference, early reports out of Halas Hall indicate that heads are rolling after the Bears‘ disappointing 7-9 season.

Offensive coordinator Ron Turner has been fired, along with offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton and tight end coach Rob Boras.

The very latest news as of this writing contradicts earlier reports that Rod Marinelli will be handed the keys to the defense.   The Bears will supposedly relieve Lovie of his defensive coordinator responsibilities and look outside the organization for a new DC.  It will be interesting to see how far outside they go.

Some rumbles around former Bears’ assistant Perry Fewell, recently fired as interim Head Coach in Buffalo, makes me think that even though there will be a new person holding the clipboard, don’t expect any philosophical changes or a departure from the Cover-2.

Lots more coverage after this afternoon’s presser.

BEAR DOWN!!!

The Bears coaches chimed in on the newest addition, courtesy of chicagobears.com.  Here’s Lovie Smith: (more…)