Breakfast with Lovie

Lovie Smith chatted up the media at the NFL Owner’s Meeting and touched on a variety of topics including how he envisions Devin Hester’s role on the offense.  There’s only one  little problem – it’s Mike Martz’s offense and what Lovie said conflicts directly with what Martz said when he rolled into town.  I know, I know – Lovie is still the head coach.  Fine.  Here’s my suggestion – fix your defense and let Mad Martz do his thing.  Keep an eye on this relationship Bears fans.  It could be very interesting.

Smith also sees the Bears using four tight end next season.  This from Sean Jensen’s piece in the Sun Times:

He said his top four tight ends — Olsen, Manumaleuna, Kellen Davis and Desmond Clark — will all have roles.

”We need ‘em all,” he said. ”They all have a strength.”

What else is he supposed to say?  We would really like to trade Greg Olsen for another draft pick?  I don’t expect four tight ends make the final 53-man roster.

Lovie Knows a thing or three about Defense Too

Lovie is excited to get Brian Urlacher and Tommie Harris back next season to help bring the defense back and called out #91:

Smith conceded that “production hasn’t been there as much as we want with Tommie. He has dealt with injuries, and I’m going to say that’s been a big part of it. We still see special plays, but not enough of them.

“Part of us getting back as a defense is Tommie getting back. He went into the offseason as healthy as he’s been in a long time. Tommie has been working out almost daily up there since the end of the season. You get in position to have a great year. And we need him to. He’s been disappointed in his play and I think he’s ready to do something about it.”

Ball is in your court, Tommie.   (more…)