WBEZ | bears

Bears go Long, Bulls hang on, Baseball W's and Blackhawks finishing up

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:19:00 -0500

Bears go Long

And the 20th pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft the Bears selected...

Kyle Long, an offensive guard from Oregon.

Bears Phil Emery was unable to trade down and told the media that Long was the player the team had targeted. Many draft experts had Long going later in the draft as late as the third round.

He is 6’7,” 313lbs and the Bears believe he has the capability to also play at tackle. If the last name rings a bell. it should. He is the brother of Rams defensive end Chris Long and the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long.

There is some baggage for the new Bears player. He had some off the field issues at Florida State where he played baseball, went to a community college to play football and wound up at Oregon.

Long played in 11 games last year and started in five, so he has a limited resume on the Division I level.

You can look at it two ways:

He doesn’t have the wear and tear players have coming into the league.
But, he is a player with limited experience and will have to digest the game fast.

Emery expects Kyle Long to make an impact sooner than later. And if the football thing doesn’t work out, he probably could try baseball. No joke.

Long was drafted by the White Sox out of high school in the 23^rd round.

The NFL draft continues today with the second and third round. The final rounds 4-7 are tomorrow.

Bulls hang on to win at the UC

It sure wasn't pretty last night, but the Bulls will take the 79-76 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

It started really ugly for the Bulls when they allowed Deron Williams to get his team going and built a 17-5 lead, and that was all Tom Thibodeau needed to get mad.

He regrouped his team and they came back with a sense of purpose and used their defense like a vice around the throat of the Nets. Forcing turnovers and getting easy baskets is the staple of this Bulls team. The Nets missed 25 of 26 shots during a stretch from the second through the third quarter.

It was a similar blueprint as the second game on Monday. Carlos Boozer had 22 points and 16 rebounds and Luol Deng had 21 points and ten boards. The Nets did make a run at the end of the game and had a chance to tie it but CJ Watson missed a three pointer. Brook Lopez was the Nets high point man with 22 points and Williams contributed 18 in the losing effort.

Although it was a huge win and the Bulls are up 2 games to 1, they realize the task at hand is to win two more and they expect Brooklyn will not roll over. There is little time to rest since the game four will be tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the United Center.

Yes, baseball is in full swing

Guess it was a triple header of Chicago wins last night. Besides the Bulls, the White Sox beat Tampa 5-2 and the Cubs were able to a “W” in Miami 4-3 — in case you were interested.

The Blackhawks nearing the finish line

The last unimportant home game for the Blackhawks is tonight when they host the Calgary Flames and it will be the first chance for the fans to applaud the winners of the President's Trophy. The honor goes to the hockey team with the most points for the regular season.

The Hawks have proven they have been the best team in the league with their torrid opening streak.

The team now has the luxury the final two games to back off some minutes on players. It looks like they will have to wait until the final game to figure out who they will be hosting in the first round beginning early next week.

Of course, the Blackhawks want a little bit more than the President's Trophy. It's the Stanley Cup that they have been striving for the year. Odds are that they have a terrific chance to be dancing with that Cup sometime on June.

Okay, maybe that is too cocky – but this team is very impressive.

—Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

What Phil Emery needs to get the Chicago Bears in the draft

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0500

Thursday is every holiday rolled up into one for Chicago Bears General Manager Phil Emery: the start of the NFL draft.

Several free agent signings in recent months have peppered this team with some needed help.

But the loss of some players to free agency and the decision to go in an alternative direction has re-shaped the Bears. There is also the desire to find replacements for woeful players.

Emery is talking all calls to move out of the first round with the team’s 20th pick for the right deal. If the Bears GM could grab two more selections and fill positions like offensive guard and linebacker, a trade would be welcome.

This will be the first draft in a long time without Lovie Smith involved. Emery now has his handpicked head coach Marc Trestman.

There is no doubt Emery is focused on what this team needs.

When former number one draft pick Gabe Carimi is moved from tackle to guard and still has to compete with new free agent signee former Jets guard Matt Slauson and second year player (undrafted) James Brown you know the Bears feel that position may still be inadequate.

Offensive coordinator coaching guru Aaron Cromer says he doesn't care where a player is drafted. He will start the best five to protect the quarterback.

The only returning starting linebacker is 32-year-old Lance Briggs. Brian Urlacher is still waiting by the phone for a NFL roster spot. Nick Roach signed with Oakland.

Emery didn’t hesitate to sign a couple of linebackers to one year deals: former Denver bronco D.J. Williams and former Carolina Panther James Anderson. Williams has a checkered past. Maybe a new team will help him settle down.

You can’t forget last year the Bears dealt two third round draft picks for troubled Brandon Marshall. That deal not only worked out, it showed the Emery has guts.

The Bears have a couple of back-up quarterbacks on their roster: Josh McCown and Matt Blanchard. Neither is the future (or the present).

Jay Cutler will likely enter the season in the final year of his deal without a contract extension and the Bears would love for him to have a monster year.

The Super Bowl Champions in Baltimore had the same scenario last year with Joe Flacco. They are paying Flacco a ton of money now and their salary cap was decimated. But they will get their championship rings in a few months.

Sometimes you have to gamble and gladly win in the end.

The Bears should look for a quarterback in the draft. Seattle found Russell Wilson in the third round last year. Maybe there is another gem hidden in the middle rounds.

Emery addressed the offensive line’s biggest need by signing left tackle Jermon Bushrod.

Getting tight end Martellus Bennett adds another weapon for Cutler. But if another quality tight end is available the Bears would likely make that selection.

The Bears may need to look for some youth at cornerback. Charles Tillman is 32 and injuries are a factor. Both starters Tillman and Tim Jennings were Pro Bowlers last season, but the league is full of talented and big wide receivers. Another cornerback could be necessary.

After the draft, the Bears will likely continue to fill out the roster with undrafted players, free agents and unsigned veterans.

One Bear who is still sitting waiting for a team is defensive lineman Israel Idonije. The NFL salary cap has hampered most teams. Veterans like him will either take a big pay cut or may be forced into retirement. Urlacher is in the same boat.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks and a spicy ex-Sox player in Chicago

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:00:00 -0500

Two Brooklyn natives on the Bulls team look forward to opening the postseason with the Nets on Saturday night.

Taj Gibson said he will be all business going home and is still trying to get used to the brace on his ailing knee. At Friday’s practice, Noah admitted a reoccurrence of his foot injury and said he will not start and is likely unable to play. Now the work load at center will fall on Nazr Mohammed.

Coach Tom Thibodeau will almost have a full roster when this banged up crew opens the playoffs. Although the door hasn't been closed, Derrick Rose is still not expected to play.

With or without Rose, the Bulls have reasonable expectations to beat the Nets. They won three of the four regular season meetings. Noah and Gibson will be important to handle Nets center Brook Lopez.

The regular season and all the Bulls injuries allowed second year player Jimmy Butler to show his abilities. He has taken advantage of the opportunities and has given the Bulls a great option on the court. Butler is expected to continue as the team’s starting two-guard. The Bulls offense (which can be dreadful) will likely run through Carlos Boozer. He needs to get touches early and often to get his game going.

Bears meet and greet new coach

The Bears new head man Marc Trestman just finished three days of voluntary workouts. It was fast paced, with over 200 plays/concepts practiced. It was interesting watching Devin Hester only doing special team work, after yesterday’s practice he seemed to be fine with his concentrated role.

In six days, the NFL draft will begin and after a few days the Bears GM Phil Emery will collect some new players to add to the mix. This summer training camp will be extremely competitive for several starting jobs. Trestman would like the jobs locked when they break camp. Somehow I get the feeling there will be large, curious crowds this summer down in Bourbonnais.

Last night the new Bears coach found out he will make his NFL coaching debut September 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. The Bears will have four prime time games and they end the regular season at home on December 29 against Green Bay. It has been nine years since the Bears have had such a transformation as a team. Every move they make and every game they play will be highly scrutinized.

Double feature for Blackhawks

Blackhawks fans have a double treat this weekend: Friday they host Nashville and Saturday face Phoenix at the United Center. With home ice advantage for the postseason in their back pocket, the Blackhawks can use these final games to tune-up for the playoffs.

What a pleasant dilemma for coach Joel Quenneville in net: Corey Crawford or Ray Emery? Both have been terrific this season and both are deserving of their starts, but the playoffs are usually where a coach goes with just one. Who would question what Coach Q has done this season? He has changed lines and mixed younger players with the veterans. There is a very strong belief that this team is on a course to hoist the Stanley Cup in June.

That’s right, June. Thanks to the lock out the hockey finale will be this summer in the middle of baseball season. Maybe not a bad idea after all.

Sox and Cubs

It has been a rough few weeks for baseball with rough weather and small crowds. But leave it to former White Sox player A.J. Pierzynski to make things lively. He returned to Chicago at Wrigley Field to face the Cubs this week.

Before the series opener, the Texas Ranger catcher sat down with the media and immediately noticed a change on a building on Sheffield: the Latin sign that says “Eamus Catuli” is back.

“It was my favorite sign. I am glad they put it back,” he said with his Dennis the Menace look.

He loved reminding the media crowd that it’s been 104 years since the Cubs won a World Series. The Cubs-Sox series won’t be the same without him.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

Urlacher joins an unwanted club

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0500

Brian Urlacher gets to join a club with Michael Jordan and Carlton Fisk-elite players with unpleasant departures from Chicago sports teams. Since the negotiations for the former Bear ended last week, Urlacher has not been shy about talking to several media outlets. Maybe it is the shock after playing his entire thirteen year career with the Bears that it’s over. Brian’s version of the contract talks doesn’t paint a pretty picture of how he perceived it was handled. Because the Bears have not addressed the process, the only account comes from Urlacher. So it’s best to leave it to Urlacher to throw the stones. No matter what, it was going to be a no-win situation for the team. Getting rid of a future Hall-of-Famer has historically been a public relations nightmare. Generally, it takes a while before the player and team will reconcile, if they ever do.

It has to be difficult for a player that at one time was an elite player to make an honest account of their skills and ultimately their worth. When the team is forced to make the decision to go in a different direction, it is awkward and difficult.

Twenty years ago, the White Sox had a situation that is similar to this one. The Sox had a future Hall-of-Famer behind the plate, Carlton Fisk, with diminishing skills, was a prideful man, not the easiest of baseball personalities. However, we had a terrific rapport during his tenure on the south side. Fisk and the team were not in sync in 1993, he believed he could still contribute, the Sox felt otherwise. On June 28, 1993, Fisk broke Bob Boone’s mark for most games behind the plate (2,226) and the club had a nice celebration to honor him. The highlight was watching Bo Jackson ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle from the bullpen to home plate. Despite the gifts and the recognition of the feat, the underlying feeling was Fisk’s days were numbered, six days to be exact. After that homestand, the White Sox went to Cleveland and Fisk was released by the team over the phone. Imagine how humiliating that had to be for Fisk. (He also had to make his own travel arrangements) Adding insult to injury, when the White Sox were in the playoffs that fall, Carlton Fisk was refused admittance to the clubhouse by security. He did reconcile with the White Sox several years later and has been involved with the team since then. They even erected a statue honoring Fisk on the US Cellular outfield concourse.

Michael Jordan’s decision to leave the Bulls for the second time was another ugly split. The Bulls had just won their sixth title (1998) and the team was dismantled. Blame was all directed at General Manager Jerry Krause and owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Coach Phil Jackson all departed and the NBA had a prolonged lockout. Jordan announced his retirement in January ‘99, his second departure from the Bulls. MJ never resisted the opportunity to tweak his former team. He unretired again in 2001 and sadly played two seasons for the Washington Wizards. It didn’t tarnish his whole career, but he was clearly not the same player.

Urlacher saw his former teammate Pro-Bowler Olin Kreutz leave the Bears a couple of years ago. Kreutz was unhappy with his contract offer and hooked up with New Orleans, until he retired midseason. Urlacher has been fortunate that he has never had to go through free agency, until now, and that reality must be unsettlingly. Finding out if you have any value on the football field with another NFL team can be unnerving, especially approaching his 35^th birthday and having some injury questions. Salary caps in football, hockey and basketball make teams wary of keeping veteran players unless they have some sound belief that the player can contribute. So Urlacher may have to decide to either take a contract for less money, just to prove to the Bears they made a mistake. Or retire, since Urlacher said he turned down the Bears one year-two million dollar deal because it isn’t worth putting his body through game preparation for those dollars.

Urlacher's future is still undetemined, but the Bears have moved on after signing Denver free agent linebacker D.J. Williams. Everyone is replaceable, even Brian Urlacher.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

Hoops, hockey and new Bears

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0500

It was oh-so close for the only Illinois men’s team in the NCAA tourney last night. The #7 Fighting Illini was eliminated by #2 University of Miami 63-59 in their NCAA tournament game Sunday night. With a 55-54 Illinois lead with 1:24 left, Hurricane guard Shane Larkin, hit a three pointer that gave Miami the lead for good. Larkin, son of baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, originally committed to DePaul. Illini senior guard Brandon Paul finished his career with a team-high 18 points.

It was one and done for DePaul’s women in the NCAA tournament last night. The 10^th seed Lady Demons lost 73-56 to #7 Oklahoma State in Durham, North Carolina.

Every time you feel like writing the Bulls off, especially with all the injuries, they make a comeback. It almost has the feel of a boxer on its last legs, bloodied and tired but not going down. On Saturday, they took down the Eastern Conference #2 seed Indiana 87-84 at the United Center. It was the Bulls first win against the Pacers this year. Besides Derrick Rose and Richard Hamilton sitting out Joakim Noah was missing this weekend with his sore foot.

On Sunday, the Bulls beat the Wolves in Minnesota 104-97, Marco Bellini joined the injured group with a strained abdomen. Jimmy Butler got the start for Bellini against the Wolves

How the Bulls were able to come out ahead with all the injuries is a testament to their dogged efforts to try to stay relevant. Kirk Hinrich is back, with limited minutes, and Taj Gibson is also playing as he nurses his sore knee. It just seemed like the Bulls were going to go down for the count.

They’ll have to keep on fighting, especially this week. After a two-day rest, the NBA’s heavyweight champion Miami Heat will be in town. They have only won 26 straight games, and if Miami wins tonight in Orlando, the Bulls will be next up to try to stop that streak. Wouldn’t it be interesting if the challenger could knock them out, despite a depleted roster? What a circus it is going to be at the United Center. The only thing that would amp it up more is a Derrick Rose return. Expect those rumors to make the rounds.

Before the Heat steamroll into the UC, the ice will the stage tonight and tomorrow for the Blackhawks. The defending champion LA Kings are in town for the Hawks after a three-day rest. Marion Hossa remains sidelined.

After yesterday’s practice, players savored the rest. Viktor Stalberg said it was nice to not think about hockey, and Nick Leddy is enjoying a visitor, his mom. Leddy is getting some home cooking with salmon as his favorite main course. There will be plenty of home cooking for the Hawks, since they play ten of their next fourteen at the United Center.

One week from today, we can add another to the sports menu...Baseball's Opening Day. Now if only the weather will cooperate.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

Cubs may have leverage with the lure to Rosemont-it worked for others

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0500

Rosemont Cubbies.

It doesn't roll off the tongue very well.

But it has to be a consideration as Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens is making a generous offer to the Cubs and its owner, Tom Ricketts, to acquire 25 acres of land.

The team should at the very least feign interest. Because it may bolster ongoing negotiations for Wrigley Field and the rooftop owners.

It is all politics. And all the fans can do is sit back and watch it unfold. It would not be the first time a Chicago team has tried and to some extent succeeded in using the suburbs and other locations to move.

Thirty-eight years ago, Bears owner, George Halas – unhappy with Soldier Field – allegedly had serious talks with Arlington Heights to move the team to the northwest suburbs.

The location near Arlington Park race track was more than appealing. With a train station and Route 53 at the doorstep, it was an idle location. A couple of obstacles killed the effort (high bond rate was one).

There was also the famous rant from Mayor Richard J. Daley, telling Halas the name Chicago would not be allowed for the Bears if they left the city.

It would be curious if the name topic has come up at City Hall about the Cubs. Would Mayor Rahm Emanuel make that same demand on if the Cubs took their bat and ball and move to Rosemont?

Papa Halas would threaten to move to South Bend, Ind., and Evanston before inking a long term leasing deal for Soldier Field.

As the years went by, the team was still not satisfied with their deal or the condition of the stadium. The public didn’t see the huge cracks in the foundation and the other problems of the lake front venue. Picking up with where his grandfather left off, Bears owner President Michael McCaskey had a land option in Roselle and tried again in Arlington Heights.

Other locations included Hoffman Estates, Warrenville and near O’Hare Airport. The zinger by Mayor Richard M. Daley was a good one: “They can go to Alaska.” Not having political allies thwarted those threats for the Bears. The team was rescued by Bears President Ted Phillips after he was able to hammer out a deal with the Chicago political forces that had eluded McCaskey, finally Soldier Field was renovated and reopened in 2003.

The team may well have earned political capital when they back-stepped from seeking city financing for Wrigley renovations.

However, their political fight is with 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney — and wrangling with the rooftop owners is now the main event. Tunney suggested on Wednesday to get rid of Wrigley’s scoreboard was one of the lamest ideas to date.

On the South Side of Chicago, the White Sox threat to move to various locations was legendary, Milwaukee, Seattle and Addison. The one location that was minutes from actual coming to fruition was the move to Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida. Many of us were hunkered down in the press box on June 30, 1988, waiting for the Illinois legislature to vote. The deadline was midnight, at 12:03 a.m., Gov. Jim Thompson strong armed enough votes to keep the Sox in Chicago and get a new stadium.

There is no doubt the man that can come to the rescue for the Cubs is Mayor Rahm Emanuel, he could play the same role as Thompson did for the Sox.

Meanwhile, the Cubs should use the threat of a move to shake the reality of the situation to the city and the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Do the Cubs need the city and the nearly one hundred year old stadium to retain popularity? Or would a move to the ‘burbs with a new stadium near a hub of expressways and public transportation with the opportunity to make millions more dollars in revenue be intoxicating to the Ricketts and the Cubs?

The team’s deadline for a deal is coming soon-Opening Day-April 1^st no fooling.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame http://www.facebook.com/CherylAtTheGame

Bears and Urlacher part ways

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:20:00 -0500

There should be no surprise that the Bears and Brian Urlacher parted ways, it is unfortunate that it had to come about this way. The Bears released the news Wednesday evening; the decision was made by General Manager Phil Emery.

“We were unable to reach an agreement with Brian and both sides have decided to move forward,” Bears General Manager Phil Emery said. “Brian has been an elite player in our league for over a decade. He showed great leadership and helped develop a winning culture over his time with the Bears. We appreciate all he has given our team, on and off the field. Brian will always be welcome as a member of the Bears.”

Urlacher was the Bears number one draft pick in 2000. (9th overall) He was a safety from the University of New Mexico, but his conversion to middle linebacker put him on a path to become an eight-time Pro-Bowler and a future Hall of Famer. He flourished under former Bear head coach Lovie Smith’s Tampa-2, utilizing his speed and quickness. Urlacher was a leader on and off the field for the Bears. His play-calling on defense was credited for the team’s success during his thirteen years in Chicago.

Urlacher sustained a severe knee injury during the final game of the 2011 season. This past season he missed all of training camp, though he was able to start the first 12 games of the season. Urlacher intercepted Tennessee quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown in week 9, but in week 13 he injured his hamstring against Seattle and was sideline for what would be the final games of his Chicago career.

Urlacher leaves the Bears as the all-team franchise leader in tackles with 1, 779. His 22 career interceptions are two behind Dick Butkus for Bear linebackers. He started 180 games as a Bear, which is third behind Walter Payton and Olin Kreutz.

The loss of Nick Roach to free agency and the inability to reach a deal with Urlacher leaves only Lance Briggs as a starting linebacker for the Bears.

With the NFL salary cap making such an impact on team rosters, it is difficult for teams to retain older players, like Brian Urlacher. With his 35^th birthday in May and his physical abilities seemingly diminished, the new Bear regime could not offer a contract that would satisfy the now former “Face of the Franchise.”

New faces shine on Bears' coaching staff

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 10:00:00 -0600

It's been nine years since the Bears had this much upheaval with its coaching staff. Last week, new head coach Marc Trestman made the new staff available to the media for the first time since they were hired. Here are some of highlights from the session:

Trestman's main buzz word is teaching. Like a newly-assembled band, some of these coaches have worked together before, but others are still trying to blend their talents. A wide receiver coach is the only vacancy.

Since the majority of staff has been together just a few weeks, getting the play book, not evaluating players, has been the focus.

Quarterback coach Matt Cavanaugh briefly spoke of his main pupil, Jay Cutler. Explaining why he has not yet evaluated the Bears' quarterback, Cavanaugh said, "It’s not fair not to get to know the person, not to get to work with him personally and base everything from film." But Cavanaugh has worked with Trestman in the past, and said they are on the same page with most of the offensive schemes.

Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker may have the most difficult job ahead. But he's confident that once players see the plan they will be on the same page. Tucker also stated there are no plans to change the Bears defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4.

Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer has a tough job ahead. He wants “five guys that can play together with a couple of back-ups” on the line. There were no specifics about the players he has to work with from the present roster, but the new coach said he will work them out to find their attributes. As a whole, they'll use an attacking style offense with multiple formations and quick passing. Kromer likes to use the tight end in this offense. Of course, they need to find one first to make it work. . . .

Assistant line coach Pat Meyer may be new to the Bears, but not to Marc Trestman: They worked together in Montreal and at NC State. Meyer talked about what to expect from the new Bears coach. “He is going to be very player-friendly, [and] he is very intelligent – smart with schemes for both pass and run," Meyer said. "[Trestman's] excited and likes to bring emotion to the game.” Meyer also said Trestman likes to have his staff “share their knowledge.”

Meanwhile, former Bear Chris Harris is starting his transition from the playing field to coaching staff. Trestman was impressed that Harris was willing to start at the bottom rung in defensive quality control. He will be spending plenty of time at a computer rather than hitting a receiver. There is still no clear picture of Brian Urlacher’s status; he's talked with Trestman but that's the extent of it.

Next up: In a few days, the Bears staff will travel to Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine. There's still a lot of work to do in the weeks and months to come.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye-Stout #AtTheGame.

Can the Bears make it to the Super Bowl in 2014?

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:00:00 -0600

Bears new head coach Marc Trestman is on the clock—he and GM Phil Emery have a year to get the Bears prepared for the 2014 Super Bowl at the Meadowlands.

Can they do it?

It seems like a tall order, but Chicago Bear fans are restless since it has been twenty seven years since they have tasted victory. Fans have watched the New York Giants win it four times, Dallas three and New England has grabbed three Super Bowls. The Packers have two Vince Lombardi trophies. Last night they saw Baltimore capture it for a second time. Runner-up San Francisco has won four since Mike Ditka and the Bears beat New England for their only Super Bowl win. And the window of opportunity is closing with several players on defense. So what does Trestman and to a larger extent Phil Emery have to do between now and next February? There are more questions than answers at this point

-They need all sorts of help on the offensive line; it has been a patchwork quilt the way it was assembled the past few years. Have you ever bought your child a Lego set with 400 pieces and lose the instructions? That is how this unit of the Bears seems to be at this point. They have to make decisions on injured guard Lance Louis (free agent), he is their most athletic lineman. Is Gabe Carimi healthy and strong enough to play right tackle? Is Roberto Garza the answer at center or should he move back to guard? Let's not talk about J'Marcus Webb, there has been way too much effort and attention paid to a player that handled the most difficult and demanding position on the line-and he just isn't good enough. I can go on and on about this problem, but the Bears have to solve it with the draft and free agency.

-In order to take on the next bit of business, Jay Cutler, the first area has to be addressed. Cutler has one year left on his contract, he has dealt with so many offensive coordinators and schemes the change will be entertaining to say the least. While Phil Emery calls him a "franchise" quarterback, that was not a label his new coach has given Cutler. Is it a ploy to spur the Bears quarterback or is it the real belief by the new coach? Sometimes when someone is the smartest person in the room (Jay Cutler), you need someone smarter to have the upper hand (Marc Trestman). One of the biggest problems for the Bears has been time management. How many times did we see the Bears QB call a time out due to poor communication? It was apparent that play calling was a big problem and Trestman will be handling that chore. If Jay Cutler could guide the Bears to a Super Bowl win, he would own this town the rest of his life. If he wants proof, just ask anyone from the ’85 team.

-The Bears defense did a great job last season, they were ranked at least in the top 10 in all the defensive categories. However, they are getting long in the tooth and Bears management has a difficult decision to make-what to do with free-agent linebacker Brian Urlacher? His age, his injury issues and what direction the team is going to take with new coordinator Mel Tucker will all weigh in with GM Phil Emery’s decision.

Some other key defensemen that are free agents include, All Pro Henry Melton, Israel Idonjie, Nick Roach, Kelvin Hayden, Geno Hayes, DJ Moore and Nate Collins.

It may be disconcerting that with two starting linebackers and a back-up in that position someone could leave via free agency, but 26-year-old Melton’s loss would be a bigger pill to swallow as his play has progressed on the defensive line.

-There are twenty free agents (two restricted) and the defensive players previously mentioned will have to be sorted out by Emery in March. Following that free agency period, the NFL draft will be April 25^th-27^th and the Bears have the 20^th selection in the first round.

Last year Emery made a huge acquisition when he dealt a pair of third round picks for All Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall-it is easy to say that paid off.

-What to do with some of the current Bears? Already mentioned Brian Urlacher, but will Devin Hester return? Starting tight end Kellen Davis (that should be a no)? And does free agent Jason Campbell merit a return to back up Cutler?

Can the Bears make the Super Bowl next year? You straighten out the offensive line, get a tight end, change a poor offense, get the most out of an aging defense, stay healthy and have a team learn to play under a new coaching staff-with a first time NFL head coach--- possibly.

Circle next February 2nd for the Super Bowl, that should be what the Bears are targeting. We’ll see.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame

A pre-Harbaugh Super Bowl family affair

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:00:00 -0600

Between the snacks, the office pools and the Super Bowl ads, there is a game to be played on Sunday. One of the biggest storylines this week has been about one family.

San Francisco head coach (and former Bear quarterback) Jim Harbaugh and his 49ers will face his older brother, John Harbaugh and his Baltimore Ravens.

This is a first time in NFL history brothers are in these roles and the dilemma for their parents Jack and Jackie Harbaugh is whether to choose sides.

There was a Chicago story that had a similar complexity when the Bears lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl six years ago.

The Colts had a young wide receiver Aaron Moorehead and his father, Emery an Evanston native was a member of the 1985 Super Bowl Champion Bears. Aaron grew up in the Chicago-area, played ball at Deerfield High School and went to the University of Illinois. He was a Bear fan and can still remember as a kindergartener the experience of Super Bowl XX, "You remember it being a very big deal,” said Aaron.

According to his dad, his son was very popular with his young classmates. It was touching to learn that Aaron’s class had made a paper mache bowl and the students filled it with “good luck” notes for the Bears tight end-- Emery still has it.

For Aaron, his childhood was filled with the legendary players from that Bear team that taught him life lessons, "My goals are never unreachable and no moment was too big for me—these guys were it.” He maintains friendships with some of the player’s children.

The Bears-- a team that was a huge factor in this family would play a different role for the younger Moorehead-- as an opponent. As an undrafted wide receiver from Illinois, he was signed by Indianapolis in 2003. His dad said Aaron cemented his roster spot by having a good pre-season game---against the Bears.

The real glory would come in Miami when the Colts and Bears meet for the Super Bowl XLV. Here was a kid that grew up as a Bear fan, his dad was a Bear and all of his friends loved the Bears. “It was a conflict for me-none of my friends rooted for me,” says Aaron, “The one chance I get to go to the Super Bowl it is against the team rooted for my entire life.” Both Mooreheads enjoyed the week before the Super Bowl, Aaron said his father advised him to refrain from partying before the game, but enjoy the experience. They had dinner on Friday and Aaron sort of felt his Dad was sitting on the fence and told him he had to choose a team. Emery did, but it had to be difficult, “Playing the Bears splits your feelings; you always pull for your family.” The outcome was great for Aaron; he had five catches for 41 yards in the 29-17 win for Indianapolis. While his former team lost the game, Emery thought they would have more opportunities for the Bears to return to the title game—of course it has not happened.

After the Super Bowl, the elder Moorehead said it was “very emotion and very draining.” He added it is very hard to watch and not be able to help his son.

Schedules make it difficult for Emery to spend time with his son during the Super Bowl, Aaron landed a new job as the wide receiver coach for Virginia Tech and has to recruit players. Nice that he has Super Bowl credentials talking to players.

Emery and Aaron know Sunday will have a difficult time for the Harbaugh family cheering during this game (you can bet the TV cameras will be focused on them). The Mooreheads are familiar with this close-knit family; Aaron was one of Jim’s assistants at Stanford. Emery was Jim's former teammate, “I can only imagine the stress for the family, you can’t pick a side, you love them equally.” At least for the Mooreheads it was family and a team, not choosing between family members. They did make history of their own, they were the first father and son duo to become Super Bowl winners. Unfortunately, for the Harbaugh family, there will be one winner and one loser.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CRayeStout and Facebook Cheryl Raye Stout #AtTheGame