Free agent signings Options

[highwayman]

Let's hear some opinions on the recent signings of Peppers, Manu and Chester. The knock on Peppers is that he doesn't go 100% all the time, or takes plays off, I still think its better than having no pass rush at all! Chester was a decent signing, if anything it will put some fire under Forte, now about that O-Line.... Does the signing of Manu mean the end of Des Clark? What about Olsen for picks? Lot's of stuff going on right now, I'm just damn happy Da Bears have been active in filling some needs.

[Taz]

I think Peppers will be good for the Bears, but we'll see. The need is an all-star type of WR, and an o-line upgrade.

[highwayman]

It would be nice to find some talent for the o-line in the later rounds of the draft, its such a glaring weakness with the team.

[mancunian]

Peppers may take a play or two - but he does have a lot of respect for Marinelli as a line coach.

The other side to that is maybe he did take the odd play off in Carolina - but he was unhappy for two years and still put up 25 sacks. Now if he's got a long term deal in a place he wants to play with a coach he repsects we may see less of that.

Taylor - great signing - the best of the 3 IMHO. He's played in a 2 back system, and has less wear and tear than some other backs on the FA market (LT, Jones, Westbrook, Parker).

Manu - he's a blocking TE so I'm not sure what Martz's plan is for that position. I'd trade Olsen (dont get me wrong I think he's a good player) as Martz is not renowned for using TE's and keep Clarke as a reliable veteran. With Ben Watson a FA the Patriots maybe up for a trade (and I'd try and grab one of their decent Oline players - Vollmer for example.)

Next we need some depth on the Oline - which got better after Pace got injured, and a safety.

[Taz]

You may be right about Peppers and a 6 yr contract . . . add in Marinelli . . . but I still think that is the best signing of the three (his age is a consideration though)

I'm not thrilled with the new O coach, I have my doubts, and he's never been a fan of Cutler

Taylor is a good signing, we need another good back, Martz will HAVE to use him, he traditionally loves the pass game - I'm still uncertain of Manu

[bobbyp]

The O-line got better when Chris Williams was moved to his natural position and Orlando Pace was moved to his most natural (at this point of his career)....the bench. The addition of a blocking TE will only help the lines blocking. Still would like to see one more body, but I think we'll be pleasantly surprised even without someone else. (But maybe that's the Cubs fan in me talking, haha.)

Assuming the WRs can learn the new system and run crisp routes...and, granted, that is a big assumption...I think we're ok at WR. You have Aromashadu who I think will end up being the #1. You can have Bennett as a #2 and use Hester and/or Knox in the slot. I'm more interested to see how Greg Olsen is going to be utilized....

With the addition of Taylor I think the Bears are fine at RB...assuming nobody gets injured. Let's hope with better line play and Forte not being 'hurt' and with a reliable back-up that he can Taylor can carry the load.

As for Peppers, well, they had to do something. Quite happy to have him, but might have been happier with someone like Kampman and Rolle, also. Think we might have been able to get both for the price of Peppers. But with Kampman's injury I can understand not going that direction. Just would have been nice to fill two voids (safety, DE) instead of just one.

I'm not prediciting super bowl or anything like that, but I think the Bears are going to be better this year than a lot of people expect. (And apparently Dubby agrees as he keeps trying to add to my thoughts right now, lol.)

[Taz]

Dang . . .I forgot about Dubby . . . that's what I call one of the kittens (Lovey Dubby) lol

[bobbyp]

Dang . . .I forgot about Dubby . . . that's what I call one of the kittens (Lovey Dubby) lol

So, are we every going to see pictures of the kittens???

[Taz]

Yeah, you're gonna be amazed when you see Lil Boo Mu.

[highwayman]

After the past couple years of disappointment I have high hopes for this coming season, at the very least enough production to shove it down ESPNs throat again.