AFTER HIBERNATION BEARS SEE BIG CHANGES

There have been some big changes in Bear Nation this off-season.  So much so..that if you've been in hibernation after Chicago was knocked out of playoff possibilities this past January you might not recognize all the changes that have taken place.

Head Coach Lovie Smith.  Gone.  In fact, all but one of the coaching staff.  Gone.  Johnny Knox.  Not returning.  Nick Roach.  Gone.  And now, Brian Urlacher.  Gone, too.  Let's recap the above.  Lovie had to go.  His time had come and gone in the Windy City....and now he's holding out for another head coaching job, which may or may not happen.  It won't this season, we know that.  And maybe not next.  Look around the National Football League and ask yourself where he might fit in.  My best guess could suggest Detroit, but I really don't see that happening.  There is a good chance we've maybe seen the last of Smith as a head man.  In Smith's place is Marc Trestman, the offensive guru who could change the way the Bears have been viewed over the years.....run first, then pass.  Maybe, things are a changin....

 Knox's situation is a difficult one to say the least.  A promising young receiver, Knox, suffered a terrible back injury in a game in 2011.  For his sake, it's probably best that he moves on to something else.  Roach, the third wheel of the Bears linebacker corp is now an Oakland Raider.  He signed a lucrative free-agent contract......one that far exceeds his potential.  And then there is the former face of the franchise, middle linebacker, Brian Urlacher.

Once the face of the Franchise

On the first day of spring Urlacher announced he and the Bears were going their separate ways.  And the 1-year, 2 million dollar contract offer they threw his way, was in essence, a "slap in the face".  Sadly, this day had been coming...although many, including Urlacher, tried to ignore.  This, after 13 years of loyal service to the Chicago organization.  We've heard Urlacher's side of the story.....where he was given an ultimatum of take it or leave it and nothing else.  I'm not sure we'll ever hear the full side of the Bears organization argument.  And why should they?  Frankly, it's a no-win situation.  We've heard from  Bears Chairman, George McCaskey, thanking Brian for his years of service.  That's the best road he could have taken.

Is it really necessary for the Bears to say......"Brian you are no longer a 3 down linebacker.  In fact, we're not sure you are a first and second down linebacker anymore.  And that's what we had to decide.  Could you play at a level that was beneficial to the team".  I think not.  And ultimately, that's what Urlacher is going to find out.  Is there any NFL team that is willing to pay him as a 3-down linebacker to the tune of 4 to 5 million a year?.  Is there anymore who thinks he will play an entire season without suffering another injury?  Can he go to training camp....play in exhibition games, practice throughout the week during the season?  That's where things stand now.  One by one, you're hearing teams say they are not interested in the future Hall of Famer.  And.....if someone is, are they a team that can contend for a playoff run?  If not, then I believe reality finally sets in for Urlacher.  His days are over.

The best the game has offered have faced similar times.  Johnny Unitas, the former Baltimore Colt,  tried to beat the odds.  As a San Diego Charger, it never happened.  Same for Joe Montana when left San Fransisco for Kansas City.....and Emmitt Smith and so on and so on.  And if there is someone to blame.....blame it on Father Time.  He's the one that forced the issue.  

So....where do the Bears go from here.  Hopefully, they have a plan.  Today, they are down two linebackers with little money left in their salary cap.  Unless.....they have some restructured contracts come to light.  Amazing isn't it.....when center Olin Kreutz wanted more money several years ago, no one offered to rework his contract.  Didn't hear any teammate step up when Urlacher's situation was being thrown about the press clippings, either.  Not Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman or Jay Cutler.  Hmmmmm, what's that say?  Selfishness might be a word to consider.

We are a little more than a month away from the 2013 Draft.   Some of the problems the team faces will be addressed there.....but not all of them.   Here's are the concerns as we head to the coming year.   Linebacker, slot receiver, corner back, guard, back-up quarterback, center, defensive tackle and DEPTH.  A big list.  And if those questions are answered, the following year has quarterback (Jay Cutler's contract is up), linebacker (Briggs position), defensive end and corner back and offensive line.

The past couple of years the Bears have started fast out of the gate, only to stumble.  Even the most recent 10-6 campaign was one with very few quality wins.  In 2013, the NFC North plays the NFC East (Giants, Redskins, Cowboys and Eagles).  It will be an interesting year for new head man Marc Trestman.

As much as we've heard from General Manager Phil Emery that we're reloading.....not rebuilding....I wonder.

Brian....you might have left town at precisely the right time.  

Thanks for reading,

John            

*****  Note:  Bears signed linebacker D.J. Williams to a one-year contract.  That news came on  Friday afternoon.  The former Denver Bronco can play either middle or outside linebacker.