Changes in Chicago? update

Check out Jeff Dickerson's blog for news that supports some of my predictions I made in my last post about tweaks in the roster for this week's matchup against the Browns.

• It seems promising that Josh Beekman will replace Frank Omiyale at left guard; he is getting practice reps with the first team offense.
• Nathan Vasher will continue to see more playing time as a safety.
• Hunter Hillenmeyer will take over at MLB, while Nick Roach will slide over to strong side linebacker.
• Adrian Peterson is healthy enough to practice and his return could help boost the running game, as well as special teams.

Changes in Chicago?

A loss like the Bears suffered in week 7 is the kind that can cause a shake-up in an organization, but don't hold your breath for major coaching changes. I agree with David Haugh's assessment of the coaching situation; Lovie Smith has earned himself some wiggle room with division titles a Superbowl appearance and his exceptional record. I would guess that if the Bears consider their recent antics, Lovie could be in trouble. Due to Smith's contract situation, it makes a lot of financial sense to keep him. Unless this team completely falls apart Smith will be back in 2010; even then, McCaskey may keep him around.

So, while this kind of embarrassment is probably not enough to get Lovie fired, it is certainly enough to worry him. Smith needs to shake things up this week because it already needed to be done, and to send his team a message. Here are a few areas where changes may be on the horizon.

Cincinnati throttled the Bears

Chad Ochocinco had 10 receptions against the Bears in week 7

45 to 10. This score tells the whole story of this game. The Bears were dismantled, humiliated. This is the worst football I've seen come out of Chicago in years.

Bears must correct sloppy play in Cincinnati

The Bears have shown us that they are not an elite unit, but with a solid matchup in Cincinnati, they can prove that they are still contenders. If Chicago plans on being a playoff team this is the type of game they simply must start winning; otherwise they are well on their way to another middling season.

Turnovers Killed Bears

The Bears lost to Atlanta. The Falcons didn't outplay Chicago, they just let the Bears give them the game. Red zone turnovers are the worst mistake a team can make in a game; when you give it away in the red zone, you are robbing yourself of points. It's easy to blame Ron Turner for offensive woes most of the time, "He calls bad plays that don't put the players in a position to succeed." For the record, I am not a strong supporter of Turner. But it simply isn't fair to use him as a scapegoat this time, he called plays that had the offense moving very well. The team played well, the game plan was good. That is why Chicago out-gained Atlanta by 120 yards.

Cutler's Contract Extended

Jay Cutler agreed to a two year contract extension, yesterday. Here are a few links on the story:
Official Bears Website
Kevin Seifert
Jeff Dickerson

As Seifert and Dickerson point out, the timing of the move likely was influenced by finances and the uncertainties involving the collective bargaining agreement. This move obviously means that the Bears are having no second thoughts about Cutler, and that both sides were willing to be flexible and getting a deal done. I don't consider myself an idealist, but I have to at least consider that Cutler made this deal so easy, in part, because he has always been a Bears fan. Just a thought for the optimists out there.

Bears trade for Gaines Adams

The Bears traded a 2010 second round pick for Tampa Bay defensive end, Gaines Adams. Here are some links on the story:

Brad Biggs
Jeff Dickerson

I don't feel qualified to comment to much on this story, so I will just give my quick two cents.

It looks like Angelo is being proactive at the DE position, which is a good idea considering Ogunleye and Anderson are both in the final year of their contracts.

I am worried about the lack of top draft picks. This will make two straight years without a first or second round pick; teams need to be able to build through the draft. On the other hand, untested top round picks are riskier than signing players who have seen NFL action. They are also aren't cheap. I feel that it is acceptable to trade away draft picks for YOUNG, quality players. Cutler and Adams fit that description.

One quick note, Adams sacked Matt Ryan twice in week 2 last season. Not sure he will even play Sunday.