Another frustrating night at Lambeau Field for the Chicago Bears showed their offense only goes so far as their offensive line can take them. Should Phil Emery and the front office make Jake Long or Ryan Clady targets?
Jay Cutler let down by tackles J'Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi
Every level of the Bears offense failed on Thursday night against Green Bay. Another impressive defensive effort got wasted because of dropped passes, dumb penalties, poor route running and bad blocking. Quarterback Jay Cutler deserves his share of the blame. He threw four interceptions in a winnable game. However reasons for the loss have to start up front with the offensive line. Chicago struggled to handle All-Pro linebacker Clay Matthews all night. Left tackle J'Marcus Webb did not seem to play with urgency and Cutler let him know it by bumping and yelling at him on the sideline. Right tackle Gabe Carimi had his share of problems blocking but none of it was as bad as his poorly timed 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. It came on a play when he was clearly hit after the whistle but he made the mistake of retaliating. The blunder killed a promising Bears drive and was pretty much the signature play of the night. One must remember though that Webb and Carimi are 24-years old. They are very young tackles playing against a defense known for its aggressiveness. While Chicago will likely stay patient with them, should the team consider going after a veteran upgrade?
Long and Clady spots depend on Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos
Two players locked in contract talks headed are Jake Long of the Miami Dolphins and Ryan Clady of the Denver Broncos. Both are Pro Bowl left tackles expected to hit free agency unless their teams muster up extensions. Early signs say the Broncos were more active to keep Clady since they offered him a five-year deal but talks fell apart before the preseason. It's hard to say who ended the talks but Clady has leverage. He hasn't missed a game for over two seasons. He is 25-years old and will have many options if he hits free agency. Given his history with Cutler from his time in Denver the Bears are certainly one of them. However the biggest mystery is Long. Unlike the Broncos, Miami is in a state of transformation. They have a new head coach in Joe Philbin and could have a new general manager if Jeff Ireland gets fired based on rumors out of South Beach. One of his few major draft hits was Long. His future with the team is also unclear. Injuries have hampered his last couple seasons. Mixed with the fact he doesn't fit the new style of offense Philbin runs and its little wonder why Miami hasn't pushed very hard to give him an extension. This could mean he hits the market next year and for Chicago it could also mean the Dolphins might look for a trade.
Either Ryan Clady or Jake Long are easily better than J'Marcus Webb. The Chicago Bears trust Gabe Carimi will make better decisions in the future but their left tackle spot must get fixed. It all depends on if the Miami Dolphins or Denver Broncos aren't willing to pay.
Photo Credit: NFL Touchdown
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Comments: 68
Up grading the talent level on the offensive front has moved to the top of the list on Emory's desk. But the question you ask yourself is this player better than what is playing now? How much of an up grade is he? Injury history, can they pass the physical?
Only Chicago could have J.Webb, Frank Omiyale, Chris Williams and Chris Spencer, all have the same GM. Like dysfunctional family. Pretty sorry state to be put into. But No Lovie Smith has to win this year. When is Lovie going to get into Webb's face or make appearance on Webb Nation. Now don't get me wrong here I like the McClellin selection the real need was for an O-Linemen either with the first selection or the second. Considering the Bear's could of selected a LT in the second round that is stating today. Kelechi Osemele from Iowa State. Big powerful man just the right type that Tice craves. I would rather had the Tackle then the Wide receiver.
Are there any players popping out at you so far headed into next year?
If the Bear's do switch it would not be a problem if the Bears need a NT and another CB. Free agency would help out some. There are a few players that don't fit the 3-4 those players would be available for other positions on another team. Or be compensated in draft choices. Like Henry Melton if the Bear's choose to put a first and a third. There is that possibility and with Melton he hasn't been a run stuffer. Is he worth a four year salary at 7 million a year, I don't think so. Get your money in the draft.
Yes the Bear's need another Urlacher. There is only one! That is what I love about the ILB position in Chicago. Urlacher will improve as the season moves along, should be back to normal by the 12th week or so. He will play well in the play-offs.
As Bear fan Urlacher will get better as the season progresses and this is a good thing because the knee is healing well. No more multi year contracts for him until the limitations are set.
Hester will find his legs this week, like you said "he just needs that one last block to spring it". I see that opening up this week also maybe the TE position will catch a couple more passes this week. Sure would take the heat off a couple of WR.
One thing I know for sure is Devin always brings something extra on Monday Night. He set his return record in prime time and made some seriously sick plays the last time he played the Cowboys. What Jay needs to do is get the ball out of his hands on time and with some accuracy. Forget about the big plays early. Those come in the second half. Worry about first downs and long drives to keep the defense rested. Don't let Ware pin his ears back and just rush. Scheme a game plan that looks for balance and rhythm. There's a reason teams that rely on the home run don't win a World Series. Play small ball, control the clock and wait for your opportunity. I think Tice has enough experience to know this. He just needs to remind Jay of that.