- NFL
- MLB
- NBA
- NHL
- NASCAR
- NEWS
- BLOGS
- MULTIMEDIA
- FORUMS
 |
||||
| ||||
| ||||
Team Notebook: Chicago Bears News, Rumors and Injury Updates
 Bears | Martz envisions Hester as a dominant slot receiver Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said during a radio interview that he envisions WR Devin Hester as a dominant slot receiver, a shift that could result in him being removed from the starting lineup. However, Martz could utilize plenty of three-wide receiver sets, which would provide Hester with ample opportunity to start. "Devin Hester in that role could just be stupid good, if that makes sense to you," Martz said. "What we can do with him inside, the matchups we can get with him on third corners, safeties and linebackers would be absolutely remarkable." Martz is cognizant of Hester's role on special teams and the value that he brings to the team as a returner and sees a way for him to excel in all areas. "I think it would be very difficult for him take every snap as a wide receiver and play at a high level on special teams, so we have to look at that," Martz said. "I think the role I have in mind for him would allow him to do both and do it at a high level." Bears | Vasher could be released Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears CB Nate Vasher could be in jeopardy of being released. Vasher finished last season as an occasional contributor and he is set to make $2.95 million in 2010 and also has a $500,000 workout bonus. Bears | May let J. Williams move on Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears LB Jamar Williams is scheduled to be a restricted free agent this offseason if there is no extension of the collective bargaining agreement. However, the team may let Williams move on. Bears | Urlacher expected to be ready for offseason program Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears LB Brian Urlacher (wrist) is expected to be ready to participate when the team's offseason program begins. Bears | Could ask Urlacher to take pay cut Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Bears may ask LB Brian Urlacher to take a pay cut next season. Urlacher is owed a base salary of $6.825 million in 2010 and is also scheduled to receive a $1.3 million roster bonus as well as a $500,000 workout bonus. Bears | Bennett thinks offense will learn Martz's system Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett said he believes the offensive players will not have a hard time learning offensive coordinator Mike Martz's complex offensive system. "I'm not concerned at all. I'm pretty sure that all of us will be able to get it. I'll be dialed into my position. We've just got to come in and understand our playbook, and I'm sure all of us will get it," Bennett said. Bears | Briggs expects big seasons for himself, Urlacher Sean Jensen, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs said he believes he and LB Brian Urlacher will have All-Pro type seasons next year. "This is going to be a huge year [for Urlacher]. ''He's going to have an All-Pro year, and I'm going to have an All-Pro year, and we're going to lead our defense and our team to a championship," Briggs said. Bears | Briggs says players to blame for poor season Sean Jensen, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears LB Lance Briggs said the players, not the coaches, were to blame for the team's disappointing season this year. ''It's on us. [Head coach Lovie Smith] never [sent] out a call -- [former offensive coordinator Ron Turner] never [sent] out a call -- that they thought [wasn't] effective. So for us to not be able to execute that play comes back on us. The product that we're producing on the field is not what we need. We need to be better," Briggs said. Bears | Could be interested in adding Holt Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Bears could be interested in Jacksonville Jaguars WR Torry Holt once he is released by the Jaguars. Holt and offensive coordinator Mike Martz had success when they were together with the St. Louis Rams. Bears | Quality control coaches hired Vaughn McClure, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Bears have hired Andrew Hayes-Stoker as their offensive quality control coach and Mikal Smith as their defensive quality control coach. Smith is the son of head coach Lovie Smith. Bears | Washington promoted The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reports the Chicago Bears promoted assistant defensive line coach Eric Washington to the defensive line coach Friday, Feb. 5. Bears | Marinelli promoted ChicagoBears.com reports Chicago Bears defensive line coach Rod Marinelli has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Bears | Day hired The Santa Rosa Press Democrat's Matt Maiocco reports the Chicago Bears hired Shane Day as their new quarterbacks coach Friday, Feb. 5, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Bears | Unlikely to make big changes at WR Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Bears likely will not add a big-time wide receiver during the offseason unless they believe there is a player that is a good fit than can take their receiving corps to another level. The Bears could add a receiver that has worked with offensive coordinator Mike Martz to help teach the offense. Bears | Hester could be used in slot Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said he could use WR Devin Hester as the slot receiver at times next season. Bears | Bennett likely will have to compete for starting job Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett likely will have to compete for a starting job next season even though he spent the majority of this season as a starter. Bears | Hester looking forward to working with Martz Sean Jensen, of Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester said he is looking forward to working with offensive coordinator Mike Martz because what Martz has done with offenses in the past. "That's a guy a receiver would love to work with, the type of coach who spreads the receivers out. That's what we're looking forward to. If he brings that offense he had in St. Louis, we're going to be a tough team to beat," Hester said. Bears | Hester says injuries slowed him down Sean Jensen, of Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (shoulder, calf, ankle) said various injuries during the season slowed him down and affected his playing ability. He said he suffered the shoulder injury during a preseason game but played with it during the season. He said the calf and ankle injuries took away his speed. Hester will not need surgery on his shoulder injury but said he is not able to lift weights because he needs to get his shoulder stronger. Bears | Cutler looking forward to working with Martz Larry Mayer, of ChicagoBears.com, reports Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler said he is looking forward to working with offense coordinator Mike Martz. "I felt very comfortable with him," Cutler said. "The results of his offense speak for themselves. He had a lot of success in St. Louis and his offenses made improvements each year in Detroit and San Francisco. I haven't run his system, but I am familiar with it. I'm anxious to start digesting the playbook and getting back on the field." Bears | Hester wants bigger role in return game ESPNChicago.com reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester said during a radio interview that he would give up some of his wide receiver duties if it meant having a bigger role in the return game. "I know what I'm best at. The return game is my bread and butter, so if I had to cut back on my receiving and go back to returning, that's something I would love to do," Hester said. Bears | Expected to hire Day as QB coach Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Bears are expected to hire San Francisco 49ers offensive quality control coach Shane Day as their quarterbacks coach. Bears | No additional factors contributed to G. Adams' death Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports toxicology tests found no additional factors contributed to the death of Chicago Bears DE Gaines Adams, according to The Greenville News. Adams died of a cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart Jan. 17. Details of the SLED report haven't been released pending a review by Dr. Brett Woodard, the pathologist who performed Adams' autopsy. Bears | Peterson unlikely to return to team next season Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears RB Adrian N. Peterson is unlikely to return to the team next season. Peterson is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Bears | McKie's role should change some Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears FB Jason McKie's role with the team should change now that they have hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator. RB Matt Forte is a more effective runner in sets where he has a fullback. Martz favors an abundance of four-wide receiver sets where there will not be room for two running backs. Bears | May look to add a short-yardage RB Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte struggled running the ball in short-yardage situations last season. Forte is an upright runner, and running the ball between the tackles didn't always suit him well. The team could look to add a short-yardage back this offseason, either through free agency or the 2010 NFL Draft. Bears | Martz hiring may affect Pace's decision Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Bears hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Martz may affect OT Orlando Pace's decision to retire during the offseason. Bears | Could be interested in Taylor? Sean Jensen, of the Chicago Sun-Times, speculates the Chicago Bears could be interested in Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent RB Chester Taylor because he would fit well in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's offense. Bears | Receive permission to interview Day Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the Chicago Bears have received permission to interview San Francisco 49ers quality control coach Shane Day for their quarterbacks coaching position. Bears | Have reached agreement with DeBord ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Chicago Bears have reached an agreement with former Seattle Seahawks offensive assistant Mike DeBord, making him their next tight ends coach. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bears | A. Williams probably would explore DC job Sean Jensen, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Indianapolis Colts secondary coach Alan Williams said he probably would explore the possibility of interviewing for the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator position if the Bears contacted him, but is happy with his job with the Colts. "All coordinator jobs are intriguing. If they call and if that happens, when that time comes, it'll be neat to explore the opportunity. But if not, I have a great group to work with," Williams said. Bears | Smith says offense will stick with the run under Martz Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said the team will not abandon the running game under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. "When I say get off the bus running the football, I mean that is a mind-set," Smith said. "The run will always be a part of what we're going to do. (We play in) Chicago, we play in the elements. That won't change. But there's nothing wrong with being able to run the football well and having balance to be able to pass the football. That's what I'm excited about." Bears | Angelo in favor of Martz all along Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said he was on board with the decision to hire Mike Martz as the team's offensive coordinator despite reports that Martz was not his first choice. "I was 100 percent on-board with Lovie's decision and for the right reasons,'' Angelo said. ''We wanted to make a change, and Mike Martz brings change to our coaching style.'' Bears | Martz insists Olsen will be part of offensive scheme Vaughn McClure and Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, report Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said TE Greg Olsen, who led the team with 60 receptions in 2009, will be an important part of his scheme. Martz has been criticized for not using his tight ends in the passing game. "Like all the positions, you take a look at what you have at tight end and who that guy is and what they can do and then you go from there,'' Martz said. "In the past, we've always had these big, physical tight ends who really we tried to utilize in the running game and as pass blockers and then as wide receivers. Greg is different. When you can get … him matched up on linebackers and safeties, it's going to be a mismatch. And then his ability to still stand in there and slug it out, he's a complete player from every respect at that position.'' Bears | Smith keeping options open for defensive coordinator opening Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith has had more of an open mind in regards to filling the team's defensive coordinator vacancy. Smith had previously said that he would like to hire someone outside the organization to run the defense. However, he is now keeping all of his options open. The Bears could consider defensive line coach Rod Marinelli or secondary coach Jon Hoke. Marinelli has never been a coordinator before. He said he's willing to do anything, but his agent Frank Bauer said at the Senior Bowl that he wasn't sure Marinelli wanted to give up the job of working with the linemen, a unit that still needs major work. Bears | Hope to fill out staff by Super Bowl ESPNChicago.com reports Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith said he hopes to fill out his coaching staff by the Super Bowl. The Bears are still looking for a defensive coordinator, a tight ends coach and quarterbacks coach. Bears | Martz excited about team's receivers The Chicago Tribune reports Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz is excited about the team's wide receivers. Martz said, "I'm really excited about their speed and the potential. And what we'll do is give them every opportunity to explore that and not make a definition on what any one of those guys can do, but let them prove to us and put no limits on them." Bears | Martz hired as OC Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Bears have hired former NFL head coach Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator. Bears | Remain undecided on next offensive coordinator Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Bears have yet to make a decision on who will become their next offensive coordinator. According to sources, it's possible there could be some disagreement, however strong or mild, between head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo as to how to proceed. Sources have said Mike Martz has been Smith's top choice from the start. However, Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers remains a strong candidate after an impressive interview. Bears | Rogers still strong candidate for OC job Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers remains a strong candidate for the Chicago Bears offensive coordinator position. Rodgers impressed many in the Bears organization during his interview. Bears | Martz apparently top OC choice Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports former NFL head coach Mike Martz is apparently Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith's top choice for the Bears vacant offense coordinator position, according to sources. Bears | Martz meets with Cutler Neil Hayes, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears offensive coordinator candidate Mike Martz met with Bears QB Jay Cutler Saturday, Jan. 30. Cutler has met with all the offensive coordinator candidates but Martz is the first one to travel with Cutler for the meeting. Bears | Likely will not use tags this offseason Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Bears likely will not use their franchise or transition tag this offseason. Bears | Could hire an offensive coordinator soon Dan Pompei, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago Bears are intent on hiring a new offensive coordinator as soon as possible, perhaps as early as this weekend, according to sources close to the situation. Mike Martz appears to be a leading candidate for the position, although Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks coach Kevin Rogers has not been eliminated from consideration. Bears | Martz interviewing for OC job Sean Jensen, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports the Chicago Bears are interviewing former NFL head coach Mike Martz Friday, Jan. 29, for their offensive coordinator position. Bears | Two college OCs could be candidate for OC job Dan Pompei and Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Tribune, report University of Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain and University of Miami (Fla.) Mark Whipple could be candidates for the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator position. |
KFFL BlogFeature LinksStay on top of what matters to you FREE Fantasy Baseball
Talk Sports 24/7! Chicago Bears |
