NFC North: Israel Idonije
Amobi Okoye was the Chicago Bears' top reserve defensive lineman in 2011, recording four sacks and providing an active presence with enough versatility to swing between tackle and end. His one-year agreement with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the weekend suggests he had few, if any, opportunities for a bigger role.
So I don't want to say his departure leaves the Bears flummoxed. But when you combine it with their release of defensive tackle Anthony Adams over the winter, you can at least say the Bears will have some new faces in their 2012 rotation.
The question is where it will come from.
When you look at the chart, you see that the Bears essentially used three players at defensive end in 2011: Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije and Okoye. They split time at defensive tackle among Henry Melton, Matt Toeaina, Stephen Paea, Adams and Okoye.
Subtract Okoye and Adams from that list, and you're looking at a defensive line rotation that, at least for the moment, stands at five incumbents. No matter how much confidence the Bears have in their existing personnel, you would think they'll need a significant addition or unprojected progress from a reserve such as Corey Wootton to round out this group.
The Bears appear to agree, having aggressively pursued free agent Jeremy Mincey last month before he returned to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's fair to say that, given a choice, the Bears wouldn't prefer to have their starting defensive ends playing an average of four out of every five plays -- especially when one of them is 32 (Peppers) and the other is Idonije, who is probably best suited for the kind of swing role Okoye served in last season.
At this point, however, the free-agent market is largely picked clean of impact defensive linemen. So while we've spent plenty of time discussing the Bears' apparent needs at offensive line and receiver, you wonder if they won't target a defensive lineman in the opening rounds of the draft.
That's why ESPN analyst Mel Kiper
had the Bears selecting Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus with the No. 19 overall pick in his most recent mock draft. Stay tuned.
So I don't want to say his departure leaves the Bears flummoxed. But when you combine it with their release of defensive tackle Anthony Adams over the winter, you can at least say the Bears will have some new faces in their 2012 rotation.
The question is where it will come from.
When you look at the chart, you see that the Bears essentially used three players at defensive end in 2011: Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije and Okoye. They split time at defensive tackle among Henry Melton, Matt Toeaina, Stephen Paea, Adams and Okoye.
Subtract Okoye and Adams from that list, and you're looking at a defensive line rotation that, at least for the moment, stands at five incumbents. No matter how much confidence the Bears have in their existing personnel, you would think they'll need a significant addition or unprojected progress from a reserve such as Corey Wootton to round out this group.
The Bears appear to agree, having aggressively pursued free agent Jeremy Mincey last month before he returned to the Jacksonville Jaguars. It's fair to say that, given a choice, the Bears wouldn't prefer to have their starting defensive ends playing an average of four out of every five plays -- especially when one of them is 32 (Peppers) and the other is Idonije, who is probably best suited for the kind of swing role Okoye served in last season.
At this point, however, the free-agent market is largely picked clean of impact defensive linemen. So while we've spent plenty of time discussing the Bears' apparent needs at offensive line and receiver, you wonder if they won't target a defensive lineman in the opening rounds of the draft.
That's why ESPN analyst Mel Kiper
had the Bears selecting Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus with the No. 19 overall pick in his most recent mock draft. Stay tuned.
We're Black and Blue All Over:
The Chicago Bears were rumored to be considering a run at free agent defensive end Mario Williams. They ultimately pushed hard to sign free agent Jeremy Mincey, who returned to the Jacksonville Jaguars. So on Thursday evening, they agreed to terms with incumbent Israel Idonije on a one-year deal.
The question is whether the Bears intend for Idonije to resume his full-time role, or if their pursuit of Mincey (and possibly others) indicate they will continue searching for another starting option. The Bears don't have much depth at the position, which is why they were forced to play Idonije -- a longtime reserve/swing lineman -- on 84.4 percent of their defensive spans last season.
Continuing around the NFC North:
The Chicago Bears were rumored to be considering a run at free agent defensive end Mario Williams. They ultimately pushed hard to sign free agent Jeremy Mincey, who returned to the Jacksonville Jaguars. So on Thursday evening, they agreed to terms with incumbent Israel Idonije on a one-year deal.
The question is whether the Bears intend for Idonije to resume his full-time role, or if their pursuit of Mincey (and possibly others) indicate they will continue searching for another starting option. The Bears don't have much depth at the position, which is why they were forced to play Idonije -- a longtime reserve/swing lineman -- on 84.4 percent of their defensive spans last season.
Continuing around the NFC North:
- The Bears don't know if the NFL will suspend receiver Brandon Marshall because of an incident that occurred Sunday morning in New York City, according to the Associated Press via the Chicago Sun-Times.
- Marshall has an important first impression to make during a Friday news conference, writes Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Tribune. Mulligan: "Here’s hoping the Bears aren’t tone deaf on this one. Has anyone been diagnosed with a disorder that contributes to a man beating a woman? Does Marshall feel genuine remorse over his checkered past, and will he express it Friday?"
- The Detroit Lions re-signed safety Erik Coleman to a one-year contract, notes Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News wonders if the Lions are planning to move on from left tackle Jeff Backus.
- Receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr. left a visit Thursday without signing a contract, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
- There is no word on any progress for the Lions to re-sign middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch, reports Birkett.
- The Green Bay Packers have expressed interest in Miami Dolphins defensive end Kendall Langford, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
- Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette checks in on the status of Packers free agent center Scott Wells, who visited the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.
- Packers free agent quarterback Matt Flynn visited the Seattle Seahawks and will visit the Miami Dolphins next, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
- Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, who is visiting the Lions this week, is also scheduled to visit the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com.
- The Vikings' stadium bill stalled this week, and Frederick Melo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press explains the situation.
- Stadium supporters are disappointed at the lack of participation from House Speaker Kurt Zellers on the issue, according to the Star Tribune.
» AFC Free-Agency Primer: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears
Key free agents: Tight end Kellen Davis, running back Matt Forte (franchise), cornerback Corey Graham, quarterback Caleb Hanie, defensive end Israel Idonije, cornerback Tim Jennings, quarterback Josh McCown, safety Brandon Meriweather and receiver Roy Williams.
Where they stand: The Bears will have the most salary-cap space among NFC North teams, upwards of $30 million, and have plenty of potential uses for it. Quarterback Jay Cutler needs more targets in the downfield passing game, whether it's at the receiver or tight end position. And new general manager Phil Emery must start restocking a defense led by four players more than 30 years old: Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, defensive end Julius Peppers and cornerback Charles Tillman.
What to expect: It's widely believed the Bears will be in the running for free-agent receiver Vincent Jackson. But Jackson's price tag could be steep and no one knows if Emery will prove to be a big spender. It seems likely he will re-sign Davis, and Emery should also save some of his cap space to extend Forte's contract. Secondary receiver targets could include Marques Colston. Bears fans are hoping the team will pursue defensive end Mario Williams, but it's hard to imagine the Bears budgeting for Williams two years after breaking their bank on Peppers.
Detroit Lions
Key free agents: Defensive end Cliff Avril (franchise), left tackle Jeff Backus, safety Chris Harris, quarterback Shaun Hill, linebacker DeAndre Levy (restricted), running back Maurice Morris, running back Kevin Smith, quarterback Drew Stanton, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and cornerback Eric Wright.
Where they stand: The Lions are tight against the salary cap after franchising Avril and aren't likely to be big spenders on the free-agent market. They could relieve the situation by reaching long-term agreements with Avril and/or receiver Calvin Johnson, who has a $22 million cap figure for 2012. Tulloch made a big impact last season after signing a one-year deal, but so far the Lions' attention has turned elsewhere.
What to expect: The Lions' best-case scenario is to keep their 2011 core together without mortgaging their future relative to the salary cap. That would mean getting Tulloch re-signed to preserve the linebacker group they upgraded last season by signing him and veteran Justin Durant, moves that allowed Levy to play on the outside. Hill seems likely to re-sign as Matthew Stafford's backup, while Stanton might test the free-agent waters to see if he has a chance to do better than third on a team's depth chart.
Green Bay Packers
Key free agents: Cornerback Jarrett Bush, quarterback Matt Flynn, running back Ryan Grant and center Scott Wells.
Where they stand: The Packers took care of a big challenge by signing tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year contract last month. They will let Flynn depart for a possible starting job elsewhere and it appears Grant will test the free-agent market. Discussions with Wells haven't led to an agreement, but the Packers often go to the final moments before reaching a deal. There are no obvious internal replacements for Wells, making his return a priority.
What to expect: The Packers will have some flexibility with the salary cap, but general manager Ted Thompson's aversion to veteran free agency is well known. It's been three years since he signed a veteran unrestricted free agent in the offseason. The Packers have needs at defensive line, outside linebacker and possibly at center if Wells leaves. But let's put it this way: Thompson's strong preference is to find depth and future replacements in the draft, not on other teams' rosters.
Minnesota Vikings
Key free agents: Safety Husain Abdullah, receiver Devin Aromashodu, receiver Greg Camarillo, defensive lineman Fred Evans, defensive lineman Letroy Guion, linebacker E.J. Henderson, linebacker Erin Henderson, safety Tyrell Johnson, quarterback Sage Rosenfels, cornerback Benny Sapp and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.
Where they stand: The Vikings seem poised for a major roster overhaul in their first offseason since Rick Spielman was promoted to general manager. Players like Shiancoe, E.J. Henderson, Camarillo and Johnson all seem poised to move on. There aren't many positions on the team that appear secure.
What to expect: If the Vikings don't plan to draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3 overall next month, the first clue will be if they pursue a free-agent left tackle. That seems unlikely. But they'll need to combine their draft with at least a few veteran free agents if they intend to compete for a playoff spot in 2012. Cornerback could be a point of focus, where Brandon Carr and Cortland Finnegan are among those available. Another could be receiver. The Vikings had major interest in Jackson two years ago.
Free agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears
Key free agents: Tight end Kellen Davis, running back Matt Forte (franchise), cornerback Corey Graham, quarterback Caleb Hanie, defensive end Israel Idonije, cornerback Tim Jennings, quarterback Josh McCown, safety Brandon Meriweather and receiver Roy Williams.
Where they stand: The Bears will have the most salary-cap space among NFC North teams, upwards of $30 million, and have plenty of potential uses for it. Quarterback Jay Cutler needs more targets in the downfield passing game, whether it's at the receiver or tight end position. And new general manager Phil Emery must start restocking a defense led by four players more than 30 years old: Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, defensive end Julius Peppers and cornerback Charles Tillman.
What to expect: It's widely believed the Bears will be in the running for free-agent receiver Vincent Jackson. But Jackson's price tag could be steep and no one knows if Emery will prove to be a big spender. It seems likely he will re-sign Davis, and Emery should also save some of his cap space to extend Forte's contract. Secondary receiver targets could include Marques Colston. Bears fans are hoping the team will pursue defensive end Mario Williams, but it's hard to imagine the Bears budgeting for Williams two years after breaking their bank on Peppers.
Detroit Lions
Key free agents: Defensive end Cliff Avril (franchise), left tackle Jeff Backus, safety Chris Harris, quarterback Shaun Hill, linebacker DeAndre Levy (restricted), running back Maurice Morris, running back Kevin Smith, quarterback Drew Stanton, linebacker Stephen Tulloch and cornerback Eric Wright.
Where they stand: The Lions are tight against the salary cap after franchising Avril and aren't likely to be big spenders on the free-agent market. They could relieve the situation by reaching long-term agreements with Avril and/or receiver Calvin Johnson, who has a $22 million cap figure for 2012. Tulloch made a big impact last season after signing a one-year deal, but so far the Lions' attention has turned elsewhere.
What to expect: The Lions' best-case scenario is to keep their 2011 core together without mortgaging their future relative to the salary cap. That would mean getting Tulloch re-signed to preserve the linebacker group they upgraded last season by signing him and veteran Justin Durant, moves that allowed Levy to play on the outside. Hill seems likely to re-sign as Matthew Stafford's backup, while Stanton might test the free-agent waters to see if he has a chance to do better than third on a team's depth chart.
Green Bay Packers
Key free agents: Cornerback Jarrett Bush, quarterback Matt Flynn, running back Ryan Grant and center Scott Wells.
Where they stand: The Packers took care of a big challenge by signing tight end Jermichael Finley to a two-year contract last month. They will let Flynn depart for a possible starting job elsewhere and it appears Grant will test the free-agent market. Discussions with Wells haven't led to an agreement, but the Packers often go to the final moments before reaching a deal. There are no obvious internal replacements for Wells, making his return a priority.
What to expect: The Packers will have some flexibility with the salary cap, but general manager Ted Thompson's aversion to veteran free agency is well known. It's been three years since he signed a veteran unrestricted free agent in the offseason. The Packers have needs at defensive line, outside linebacker and possibly at center if Wells leaves. But let's put it this way: Thompson's strong preference is to find depth and future replacements in the draft, not on other teams' rosters.
Minnesota Vikings
Key free agents: Safety Husain Abdullah, receiver Devin Aromashodu, receiver Greg Camarillo, defensive lineman Fred Evans, defensive lineman Letroy Guion, linebacker E.J. Henderson, linebacker Erin Henderson, safety Tyrell Johnson, quarterback Sage Rosenfels, cornerback Benny Sapp and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe.
Where they stand: The Vikings seem poised for a major roster overhaul in their first offseason since Rick Spielman was promoted to general manager. Players like Shiancoe, E.J. Henderson, Camarillo and Johnson all seem poised to move on. There aren't many positions on the team that appear secure.
What to expect: If the Vikings don't plan to draft USC left tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3 overall next month, the first clue will be if they pursue a free-agent left tackle. That seems unlikely. But they'll need to combine their draft with at least a few veteran free agents if they intend to compete for a playoff spot in 2012. Cornerback could be a point of focus, where Brandon Carr and Cortland Finnegan are among those available. Another could be receiver. The Vikings had major interest in Jackson two years ago.
We've used 2011 playing-time statistics to identify a number of trends and important points, from the perfect attendance of Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs to the reliability of Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew to the curious limitations placed upon Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin. Now let's sift though some other figures that don't demand dramatic conclusions but are of interest nonetheless.
- We noted that Briggs played every defensive snap for the Bears last season. Five other players, all offensive linemen, also never missed a play. That list includes Chicago Bears center Roberto Garza and left tackle J'Marcus Webb, Detroit Lions guards Stephen Peterman and Rob Sims, and Green Bay Packers guard/tackle T.J. Lang.
- Minnesota Vikings left tackle Charlie Johnson missed a grand total of eight plays in 2011. Lions center Dominic Raiola missed nine plays and Packers center Scott Wells missed 29. Vikings right tackle Phil Loadholt played all but 33 snaps.
- Depth issues at defensive end surfaced for several teams. The Vikings' Jared Allen led all NFL players at his position by playing on 94.3 percent of his team's snaps, and teammate Brian Robison ranked 11th among defensive ends by playing 84.4 percent. Meanwhile, the Bears' Israel Idonije was on the field for 84.6 percent of his team's snaps, with Julius Peppers close behind at 82.1. Obviously that foursome is a good group of players, but it's also clear that their teams didn't have backups they felt comfortable rolling in.
- Consider that conclusion in the context of how the well-stocked Lions rotated their defensive ends. Cliff Avril played on 72 percent of their snaps and Kyle Vanden Bosch was on the field for 67.9 percent. Lawrence Jackson played on 30.1 percent of the Lions' snaps despite injuries that limited him to 11 games, while backup Willie Young saw action 22.7 percent of plays over 14 games.
- The NFC North had two workhorse middle linebackers. The Bears' Brian Urlacher missed only 14 plays, most of which came after a knee injury in the season finale. The Lions' Stephen Tulloch, meanwhile, missed only 19 of 1,098 defensive snaps.
- Bears running back Matt Forte was on the field for the 10th-most plays (564) among running backs despite missing four-plus games because of a knee injury.
Joe Webb again replaces Christian Ponder
January, 1, 2012
Jan 1
2:05
PM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
MINNEAPOLIS -- Hello there. It's been an interesting afternoon already. I'm keeping an eye on the events at Lambeau Field, where selected Green Bay Packers starters and reserves are leading the Detroit Lions 10-9 early in the second quarter. I'm also, of course, watching parts of the game playing out in front of me.
Most notably, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has left the game after taking a rough hit from Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije. Ponder immediately grabbed his right hip, which he hurt earlier this season, and limped off the field.
Joe Webb has replaced Ponder, who officially is listed as questionable to return. Ponder completed 4 of 10 passes for 28 yards before departing. Included in that group was a poor swing pass to tailback Toby Gerhart. Bears cornerback Charles Tillman intercepted it off Gerhart's tip and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.
We'll keep you updated, but for now this is Webb's game. Week 17 games aren't always meaningless. I wonder if Webb could impact his 2012 standing with another strong performance.
Most notably, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder has left the game after taking a rough hit from Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije. Ponder immediately grabbed his right hip, which he hurt earlier this season, and limped off the field.
Joe Webb has replaced Ponder, who officially is listed as questionable to return. Ponder completed 4 of 10 passes for 28 yards before departing. Included in that group was a poor swing pass to tailback Toby Gerhart. Bears cornerback Charles Tillman intercepted it off Gerhart's tip and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.
We'll keep you updated, but for now this is Webb's game. Week 17 games aren't always meaningless. I wonder if Webb could impact his 2012 standing with another strong performance.
» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
FALLING
1. Secondary play in Chicago and Minnesota: Between the two of them, the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings have maybe one or two defensive backs who should be considered 2012 starters heading into the offseason. Bears cornerback Charles Tillman qualifies, and perhaps Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield will as well if he returns healthy from a fractured collarbone. Otherwise, the Bears and Vikings need a serious overhaul to their defensive backfields. Both teams tried season-long rotations at safety, neither of which led to any personnel conclusions, and cornerback play outside of Tillman has been atrocious for both teams. It will probably be a multiyear process for these franchises to rebuild these positions. With Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler in this division, they better hurry.
2. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings quarterback: We all remember ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer's harsh criticism of Ponder shortly after the draft. In brief, Dilfer said Ponder looks the part of an NFL quarterback but quickly falls from his comfort zone and loses accuracy under pressure. Dilfer softened some of that analysis after Ponder's relatively strong debut, but we should note that Ponder has been one of the NFL's worst quarterbacks against extra pass-rushers this season. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he is completing about 39 percent of his passes when opponents send five or more pass-rushers. The only player with less success against the blitz? Denver Broncos quarterback/running back Tim Tebow. It's not necessarily a warning sign if a rookie doesn't perform well under pressure, but to this point Ponder's performance hasn't veered much from Dilfer's original analysis.
3. Marion Barber, Bears running back: Barber's mental errors in a loss earlier this month to the Broncos, and his inability to keep his troublesome calf healthy, would seem to spell the end of his short tenure with the Bears. Kahlil Bell's hard-charging 123-yard performance Sunday night offers the Bears a much younger option for the role of backing up starter Matt Forte. It was a nice run, as they say.
RISING
1. Home-field advantage: The Packers have a quirky history when it comes to playing at home in the playoffs. In the big picture, the state of Wisconsin has provided one of the best home-field advantages in professional sports. The Packers are 15-3 all-time at home in the playoffs, including games played in Milwaukee. But those three losses have come in their past five playoff games at home: In 2003 to the Atlanta Falcons, in 2004 to the Vikings and 2007 to the New York Giants. One of the two victories, meanwhile, came in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks. Recently, at least, opponents haven't been intimidated by playing at Lambeau Field.
2. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions tight end: A significant debate erupted in 2009 when the Lions used the No. 20 overall pick to draft Pettigrew, passing up offensive lineman Michael Oher and receiver Percy Harvin, among others. But the Lions insisted that a multi-faceted tight end was critical to their offense, and they have followed through by utilizing Pettigrew as much as any team in the NFL. The Lions have used him as an extension of their running game, and although he is averaging a modest 8.7 yards per reception, his total of 76 catches ranks third among tight ends. By all accounts, Pettigrew is an excellent blocker as well. The Lions have gotten by this far with Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus as their tackles, minimizing the need for Oher. And while Harvin would have been a nice addition, the Lions have found value by signing veteran Nate Burleson and using a second-round pick to draft Titus Young.
3. T.J. Lang, Green Bay Packers offensive lineman: When the season began, how many people would have chosen Lang as the Packers' most valuable offensive lineman? Not me. Lang had been an inconsistent starter and player who couldn't find a position and was behind a rookie on the depth chart when the season began. But Lang outplayed first-round pick Derek Sherrod in camp to win the left guard job and has provided a seamless transition from departed starter Daryn Colledge. And when the Packers needed someone to jump over to right tackle after injuries to Bryan Bulaga and Sherrod, Lang successfully made the move. On Sunday night, at least, he held his own against Bears pass-rushers Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije. Center Scott Wells might be the Packers' best offensive lineman this season, but not many left guards could jump out to right tackle as well as Lang appeared to do Sunday night.
FALLING
1. Secondary play in Chicago and Minnesota: Between the two of them, the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings have maybe one or two defensive backs who should be considered 2012 starters heading into the offseason. Bears cornerback Charles Tillman qualifies, and perhaps Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield will as well if he returns healthy from a fractured collarbone. Otherwise, the Bears and Vikings need a serious overhaul to their defensive backfields. Both teams tried season-long rotations at safety, neither of which led to any personnel conclusions, and cornerback play outside of Tillman has been atrocious for both teams. It will probably be a multiyear process for these franchises to rebuild these positions. With Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford and Jay Cutler in this division, they better hurry.
2. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings quarterback: We all remember ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer's harsh criticism of Ponder shortly after the draft. In brief, Dilfer said Ponder looks the part of an NFL quarterback but quickly falls from his comfort zone and loses accuracy under pressure. Dilfer softened some of that analysis after Ponder's relatively strong debut, but we should note that Ponder has been one of the NFL's worst quarterbacks against extra pass-rushers this season. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he is completing about 39 percent of his passes when opponents send five or more pass-rushers. The only player with less success against the blitz? Denver Broncos quarterback/running back Tim Tebow. It's not necessarily a warning sign if a rookie doesn't perform well under pressure, but to this point Ponder's performance hasn't veered much from Dilfer's original analysis.
3. Marion Barber, Bears running back: Barber's mental errors in a loss earlier this month to the Broncos, and his inability to keep his troublesome calf healthy, would seem to spell the end of his short tenure with the Bears. Kahlil Bell's hard-charging 123-yard performance Sunday night offers the Bears a much younger option for the role of backing up starter Matt Forte. It was a nice run, as they say.
[+] Enlarge
Scott Boehm/Getty ImagesBrandon Pettigrew has been a productive weapon for the Lions this season.
Scott Boehm/Getty ImagesBrandon Pettigrew has been a productive weapon for the Lions this season.1. Home-field advantage: The Packers have a quirky history when it comes to playing at home in the playoffs. In the big picture, the state of Wisconsin has provided one of the best home-field advantages in professional sports. The Packers are 15-3 all-time at home in the playoffs, including games played in Milwaukee. But those three losses have come in their past five playoff games at home: In 2003 to the Atlanta Falcons, in 2004 to the Vikings and 2007 to the New York Giants. One of the two victories, meanwhile, came in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks. Recently, at least, opponents haven't been intimidated by playing at Lambeau Field.
2. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions tight end: A significant debate erupted in 2009 when the Lions used the No. 20 overall pick to draft Pettigrew, passing up offensive lineman Michael Oher and receiver Percy Harvin, among others. But the Lions insisted that a multi-faceted tight end was critical to their offense, and they have followed through by utilizing Pettigrew as much as any team in the NFL. The Lions have used him as an extension of their running game, and although he is averaging a modest 8.7 yards per reception, his total of 76 catches ranks third among tight ends. By all accounts, Pettigrew is an excellent blocker as well. The Lions have gotten by this far with Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus as their tackles, minimizing the need for Oher. And while Harvin would have been a nice addition, the Lions have found value by signing veteran Nate Burleson and using a second-round pick to draft Titus Young.
3. T.J. Lang, Green Bay Packers offensive lineman: When the season began, how many people would have chosen Lang as the Packers' most valuable offensive lineman? Not me. Lang had been an inconsistent starter and player who couldn't find a position and was behind a rookie on the depth chart when the season began. But Lang outplayed first-round pick Derek Sherrod in camp to win the left guard job and has provided a seamless transition from departed starter Daryn Colledge. And when the Packers needed someone to jump over to right tackle after injuries to Bryan Bulaga and Sherrod, Lang successfully made the move. On Sunday night, at least, he held his own against Bears pass-rushers Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije. Center Scott Wells might be the Packers' best offensive lineman this season, but not many left guards could jump out to right tackle as well as Lang appeared to do Sunday night.
After the Chicago Bears' 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, here are three issues that merit further examination:
- Generally, I'm not in favor of promoting untested players solely for the purpose of evaluation. There should be a justifiable reason for getting that player on the field. None of us have seen rookie quarterback Nathan Enderle in practice, or for that matter veteran Josh McCown. So we can't say that either player has demonstrated a capacity for better performance than current starter Caleb Hanie. On the other hand, prolonging failure based on the perceived lack of a better option isn't healthy, either. So after watching Hanie flail for a full four games, I think it would be reasonable to consider other options. And even though the Bears are still technically in the playoff race, it would be incredibly short-sighted to start McCown against the Green Bay Packers next Sunday night. McCown is the shortest of short-term backups. Hanie might have played himself off the 2012 roster, and Enderle's pedigree as a fifth-round draft choice suggests he should be in the mix for the No. 2 role. McCown is not, but he could always rescue Enderle if the rookie proves to be in over his head.
- If you're an eternal optimist, you could use ESPN.com's Playoff Machine to find how the Bears could still make the playoffs. First, they would have to defeat both the Packers and Minnesota Vikings, on the road, without running back Matt Forte and receiver Johnny Knox and, probably, quarterback Jay Cutler. Then they would need the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions to lose their remaining games, and then hope to win some tiebreakers with the remaining field. The biggest obstacle would be finishing 2-0 themselves. They've lost four consecutive games in increasingly uncompetitive fashion and, as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune points out, they've scored two offensive touchdowns in the past 188 minutes.
- Lost in this four-game losing streak has been defensive end Julius Peppers' return to the double-digit sack club after a one-year absence. His sack/forced fumble in the end zone of Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson led to an Israel Idonije touchdown. Playing on a gimpy knee for much of the season, Peppers has 10 sacks, four pass knockdowns and three forced fumbles in 14 games. I have no idea how the voters will stack them for the Associated Press All-Pro team, but I would imagine Peppers is in the conversation for being one of the two defensive ends on the first team once again.
Kevin SeifertFollowing their loss against the Seahawks, the Bears take a seat in the examination room.Hanie has been with the organization for four years under two offensive coordinators. Did the Bears miss that badly on their evaluation of him? Has he choked under the pressure? Or is it a combination thereof? I realize Hanie didn't have much regular-season experience when he took over for Cutler, and not all of his mistakes have solely been his fault. But can you see any measure of improvement from his first start to his fourth? Me either. Progress is a fair expectation for a player who has spent nearly four years on an NFL roster. Even some rookies would have pulled the ball down upon finding Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright closing in for a sack. Instead, Hanie inexplicably threw into the hands of defensive end Red Bryant for what turned out to be a touchdown. It's too bad, because Hanie is one of the nicest people in the Bears' locker room and someone who seemed to have received a career-changing break when Cutler was injured. Instead, it could be a career-ender.
BBAO: Lions, Bears swap playoff position
December, 12, 2011
12/12/11
9:15
AM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
We're Black and Blue All Over:
FROM AN OUTPOST ALONG HWY. 29 IN WISCONSIN -- I've started the trek back to NFC North blog headquarters but wanted to stop and get the blog caught up. It also seemed like a good idea to get some sleep and sit out the wintry mix I'm seeing out the window.
Sunday night's wild finish in Dallas essentially added a contender to what is now a four-team wild-card race in the NFC. As the ESPN.com playoff standings show, the Detroit Lions currently hold of the No. 6 seed by virtue of their 8-5 record. At 7-6, the Chicago Bears are looking up at the Lions and Atlanta Falcons, but have the advantage over the 7-6 Dallas Cowboys because of a better conference record.
In the weekly ebb and flow of the NFL season, things are looking up for the Lions. They will get defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh back from his NFL suspension Monday and are set to face an Oakland Raiders team that I can tell you from first-hand observation is playing terribly right now.
The Bears are reeling at the moment. Normally I would say they have a favorable home matchup approaching Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, who will have a short week of practice after playing Monday night against the St. Louis Rams, but that's what I said about the Bears two weeks ago when they hosted the Kansas City Chiefs. Such is life….
Let's take a quick spin around the division, shall we?
FROM AN OUTPOST ALONG HWY. 29 IN WISCONSIN -- I've started the trek back to NFC North blog headquarters but wanted to stop and get the blog caught up. It also seemed like a good idea to get some sleep and sit out the wintry mix I'm seeing out the window.
Sunday night's wild finish in Dallas essentially added a contender to what is now a four-team wild-card race in the NFC. As the ESPN.com playoff standings show, the Detroit Lions currently hold of the No. 6 seed by virtue of their 8-5 record. At 7-6, the Chicago Bears are looking up at the Lions and Atlanta Falcons, but have the advantage over the 7-6 Dallas Cowboys because of a better conference record.
In the weekly ebb and flow of the NFL season, things are looking up for the Lions. They will get defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh back from his NFL suspension Monday and are set to face an Oakland Raiders team that I can tell you from first-hand observation is playing terribly right now.
The Bears are reeling at the moment. Normally I would say they have a favorable home matchup approaching Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, who will have a short week of practice after playing Monday night against the St. Louis Rams, but that's what I said about the Bears two weeks ago when they hosted the Kansas City Chiefs. Such is life….
Let's take a quick spin around the division, shall we?
- Bears running back Marion Barber made two crucial mistakes late in Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Denver Broncos. Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com takes you through them.
- Barber rarely speaks to the media and didn't break that policy after Sunday's game. Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Sun-Times wasn't impressed.
- Bears defensive end Israel Idonije thought he had a chance to block Matt Prater's 51-yard field goal in overtime, notes Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
- Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher offered an already-infamous quote about Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Urlacher: "He’s a good running back."
- Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press after the Lions' victory against the Minnesota Vikings: "Wins are the only currency that counts in December. The Lions' 34-28 collective sigh of relief keeps them in the NFC playoff hunt, but they still resemble a team gunning for big game with nothing more than a cap pistol. This isn't a good team. It's a lucky team."
- Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, who has a career-high nine sacks, made a difference on the final play of the game. Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News takes us through it.
- The Lions are learning what it takes to sacrifice themselves for a playoff run, writes John Niyo of the News.
- Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith continues to be a playmaker, writes Philip Zaroo of Mlive.com.
- Green Bay Packers tailback Ryan Grant had a big day Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. Gary D'Amato of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel explains.
- Packers players are bracing for life without receiver Greg Jennings, who suffered a left knee injury Sunday. Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has more.
- Tom Oates of the Wisconsin State Journal on the Packers gunning for 16-0: "That’s admirable, but is it prudent?"
- Tom Powers of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Suddenly, the ghost of Joe Webb is hovering over the Vikings organization."
- Sunday showed that the Vikings need to get Webb on the field somehow, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
- Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press goes behind the scenes on the final play of the game.
- The Vikings benched ineffective cornerback Cedric Griffin, who wasn't happy about it and hinted he wants to leave the organization. Mark Craig of the Star Tribune has more.
After the Chicago Bears' 24-13 loss to the Detroit Lions, here are three issues that merit further examination:
- Last week, I suggested holding off on a full-scale panic about the Bears' defense. I'm still not there yet. But a second look at Lions tailback Jahvid Best's 88-yard touchdown run revealed a Bears defense that hardly looked like a group that has seen it all. Of course, the Lions got two great blocks at the point of attack to create the hole. Guard Stephen Peterman and center Dominic Raiola double-teamed defensive tackle Matt Toeaina, while right tackle Gosder Cherilus turned out defensive end Israel Idonije. But linebacker Brian Urlacher and safety Chris Harris filled the same gap, between Peterman and Cherilus. Peterman got a piece of Urlacher and Best cut inside of Harris. Meanwhile, linebacker Lance Briggs fell for quarterback Matthew Stafford's play-fake and chased tight end Tony Scheffler away from the play for a few steps before realizing it was a run. The Lions deserve credit for their blocking and Best's speed, but the Bears played themselves out of position as well.Kevin SeifertThe Bears and their suddenly vulnerable defense head to the exam room following a loss to the Lions.
- By the end of the game, the Bears had moved right guard Lance Louis to right tackle and had inserted Edwin Williams at right guard. Right tackle Frank Omiyale was benched for a second consecutive week, and it's hard to imagine him starting Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings. We'll get more clarity as the week progresses, but in many ways it feels like the Bears are back where they were midway through last season: Playing mix-and-match until they can find even a semi-permanent arrangement of offensive linemen.
- As we discussed earlier Tuesday in Stock Watch, quarterback Jay Cutler can't possibly feel great about the situation around him. Often Cutler makes it difficult on himself by making poor decisions, but on Monday night I saw a quarterback gamely trying to make the best of near-constant harassment and substantial limitations of his receiving corps. Even on a night when tailback Matt Forte rushed was rushing for 116 yards, Cutler was under duress more than any NFL quarterback in a game this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He took hits, dealt with an inexcusable nine false starts and kept looking for plays from a receiving group whose depth chart has been overturned by production. Dane Sanzenbacher and Sam Hurd were the Bears' leading receivers with six and four catches, respectively. When you see a player stand in as gamely as Cutler did Monday, you wonder what he might do with a better supporting cast.
The Bears have been historically fluid at safety under coach Lovie Smith, and so I guess it shouldn't be surprising that we've reached Week 6 with little to no idea if the Bears have one credible safety on their roster, let alone two. Veteran Chris Harris returned to the lineup Monday night, but he got exposed while trying to cover Lions receiver Calvin Johnson downfield in the second quarter. Brandon Meriweather, signed just before the season, has yet to demonstrate he is an improvement over Major Wright, whom the Bears spent most of the offseason planning to use as a starter. You have to think it's a matter of time before we see rookie Chris Conte in the lineup.
Soothing fears on the Bears' defense
August, 23, 2011
8/23/11
12:00
PM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
I'll admit I was a bit groggy by the time I posted Monday night's Observation deck on the Chicago Bears' 41-13 loss to the New York Giants. My general impression of the Bears' defense was pretty neutral, especially on a night when the opponent rang up 41 points, and I wrote as much. I saw what I thought was some really sharp play in the first couple of series and thought the Bears' performance dipped at about the same time that coach Lovie Smith began removing his starters.
So I was surprised Tuesday morning to see the teeth-gnashing and general concern about the way the Bears' defense played and, especially, tackled. And I agree with Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune on this much: Smith's postgame criticism is as rare as it gets.
(While talking about the health of his team, Smith interjected: "You've got to tackle a little bit better before you start talking about injuries and things like that." Smith almost never criticizes his players, assistants or team in public.)
Maybe my expectations for preseason games are too low, but I go into them thinking they will be sloppy and light on fundamentals. You can get a sense for individual skills and competence in some instances, but once coaches begin sitting their starters, you're riding a slippery slope on any subsequent judgment from a team perspective.
But just for fun, I went back and re-watched the Bears' first four defensive series, after which middle linebacker Brian Urlacher departed. Remember, linebacker Lance Briggs was already sidelined for the game. What I saw confirmed my original thoughts: The Bears' starters missed maybe three tackles, one of them glaring, but also made more than a few secure stops to minimize or break up plays in the early going.
Here's what I saw:
First possession
To be sure, the night didn't end well for the Bears' defense. Maybe you can excuse a safety getting dragged a few yards by a 275-pound back, but never do you want to see a safety juked by the same guy. Considered as a whole, however, I didn't see nearly enough to panic during those four possessions.
You could make the argument that backups should play better than the way the Bears' did Monday night. You can question whether they have the depth to withstand any significant injuries. Specifically, you could argue that Wright shouldn't have continued to miss tackles later in the second quarter just because he was playing with some non-starters.
But you're on your own there. In my experience, you're much better off under-analyzing preseason games than overanalyzing them. I understand why Smith was upset. He is a stickler for physical football, and he can't excuse the play of backups and mishmash lineups. But we can. So let's everyone calm down and move on.
So I was surprised Tuesday morning to see the teeth-gnashing and general concern about the way the Bears' defense played and, especially, tackled. And I agree with Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune on this much: Smith's postgame criticism is as rare as it gets.
(While talking about the health of his team, Smith interjected: "You've got to tackle a little bit better before you start talking about injuries and things like that." Smith almost never criticizes his players, assistants or team in public.)
[+] Enlarge
Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger via US PresswireBrandon Jacobs dragged Chris Harris into the end zone on New York's fourth series, but Chicago's defense Monday left little reason for fans to panic.
Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger via US PresswireBrandon Jacobs dragged Chris Harris into the end zone on New York's fourth series, but Chicago's defense Monday left little reason for fans to panic. But just for fun, I went back and re-watched the Bears' first four defensive series, after which middle linebacker Brian Urlacher departed. Remember, linebacker Lance Briggs was already sidelined for the game. What I saw confirmed my original thoughts: The Bears' starters missed maybe three tackles, one of them glaring, but also made more than a few secure stops to minimize or break up plays in the early going.
Here's what I saw:
First possession
- Safety Chris Harris and cornerback Tim Jennings combined for a backfield stop of Giants tailback Ahmad Bradshaw, forcing a 4-yard loss.
- Nickelback D.J. Moore tackled receiver Mario Manningham for a 4-yard gain on third-and-10, leading to a three-and-out.
- Defensive end Julius Peppers rushed an Eli Manning throw on second down. Giants have second consecutive three-and-out.
- Defensive end Israel Idonije missed a backfield opportunity on tailback Brandon Jacobs, who went on to a 7-yard gain on first down.
- Nobody missed a tackle on Jacobs' 18-yard run on third-and-1. The Giants caught the Bears in a man defense, and linebacker Brian Iwuh followed the receiver in motion away from the point of attack.
- Peppers rushed Manning on two other plays, contributing to incompletions.
- Jennings tackled Bradshaw 4 yards short of a first down on third-and-10.
- The Giants caught the Bears in another favorable matchup on fourth-and-4. Manning lofted a nifty 21-yard pass over Moore to receiver Victor Cruz.
- Urlacher tackled Jacobs after a 4-yard gain in the red zone.
- Iwuh knocked away Manning's pass for Manningham on third-and-goal, forcing a field goal.
- The Giants took over at the Bears' 31-yard line following Devin Thomas' 73-yard kickoff return.
- Linebacker Nick Roach stuffed a Jacobs run for a 1-yard loss.
- Harris stopped a reverse to Manningham after a 1-yard gain.
- Bradshaw gained 13 yards on a screen play largely because center David Baas drilled Iwuh to the turf.
- On the next play, Wright whiffed on Jacobs at about the 10-yard line and Jacobs dragged Harris about 4 yards into the end zone for an 18-yard scoring jaunt.
To be sure, the night didn't end well for the Bears' defense. Maybe you can excuse a safety getting dragged a few yards by a 275-pound back, but never do you want to see a safety juked by the same guy. Considered as a whole, however, I didn't see nearly enough to panic during those four possessions.
You could make the argument that backups should play better than the way the Bears' did Monday night. You can question whether they have the depth to withstand any significant injuries. Specifically, you could argue that Wright shouldn't have continued to miss tackles later in the second quarter just because he was playing with some non-starters.
But you're on your own there. In my experience, you're much better off under-analyzing preseason games than overanalyzing them. I understand why Smith was upset. He is a stickler for physical football, and he can't excuse the play of backups and mishmash lineups. But we can. So let's everyone calm down and move on.
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- More than any other NFC North team, the Chicago Bears reported to training camp amid a chaotic firestorm of roster upheaval and personnel decisions.
They unexpectedly parted ways with locker room Buddha Olin Kreutz, made quick work of tight end Greg Olsen's trade request and ended years of debate by finally signing a big receiver in Roy Williams. They failed to find much veteran reinforcement for their offensive line but did snag a younger punter (Adam Podlesh) and curiously added a third veteran running back in Marion Barber.
By the time I arrived at Olivet Nazarene University this week, most of the initial shock of that news cycle had subsided. But the Bears were still encountering obstacles to finding their usual training camp routine. The forced cancelation of their annual practice at Soldier Field renewed concerns about the condition of their game-day playing surface. A lightning storm cut short a full-pads practice after 90 minutes; a second look at the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement required a number of last-minute adjustments to daily schedules; and a power outage Wednesday night forced the Bears to move practice to a local high school.
The NFL lockout and the subsequent late-July, free-agent frenzy guided most teams into an unsettled training camp. It's fair to put the Bears at the top of that list, a fact coach Lovie Smith has attempted to cultivate as a teaching moment.
"We're going to ask our players to do a lot," Smith said. "We're going to London [for a Week 7 game]. Going into the preseason, we had the Hall of Fame game [canceled]. So we're going to ask them to get out of their routine a little bit. As a professional, you have to be able to handle adversity. ... A veteran crew should be able to handle situations like that."
Will the tumult make the Bears stronger or does it foreshadow a fall for last season's NFC North champions? We'll know soon enough.
THREE BIG ISSUES
1. Coaching pressure: Three years ago, the Bears hired one of the NFL's top defensive line gurus in Rod Marinelli, now their defensive coordinator. Last year, they added a similarly respected offensive line coach in Mike Tice. Both are being asked to develop cohesive groups from a bag of untested ingredients.
Tice has identified five offensive linemen he hopes to start this season, and it's worth noting that only one of them -- left guard Chris Williams -- finished the 2010 season in that role. Tice will need to teach guard Roberto Garza how to play center, where he is in line to replace Kreutz. He'll have to hope that J'Marcus Webb, who had his moments as a right tackle in 2010, can adjust to the more difficult left tackle spot. And he'll have to do it with a mission of cleaning up last season's 56-sack season.
For what it's worth, Tice said, "We're light-years ahead of where we were at last year. Last year we were moving guys around trying to figure out who should be at what position. This year we're getting great work, we have the same five guys in there and we're getting better every day."
Marinelli, meanwhile, has an anchor in defensive end Julius Peppers and a veteran defensive end in Israel Idonije. But he'll be asked to develop a number of young defensive tackles into playmakers, including Henry Melton and rookie Stephen Paea. We'll employ the usual refrain: It's a tough task, but if anyone is up to it, it's Marinelli.
2. Backfield rotation: An intriguing drama is playing out in the Bears backfield, where starter Matt Forte is angling for a new contract, backup Chester Taylor is trying to rebound from a statistically horrendous season and Barber is angrily running over defenders in hopes of extending his NFL career.
Forte considered holding out from camp and has expressed concern about playing in preseason games, but he reported to training camp in phenomenal shape. He has never missed a game in three seasons, and so it's hard to know whether the Bears really need two veteran runners behind him.
Conventional wisdom suggests the Bears would be better off keeping all three, considering their offense ran much better last season after offensive coordinator Mike Martz rebalanced the offense to favor the running game. But do Taylor, 31, and Barber, 28, have much left in the tank? I'm not drawing any conclusions based on someone running hard during a training camp practice.
3. Leadership void: I usually think that locker room leadership is overvalued because players come and go so frequently in the modern age of football. Leadership can, and must, be a year-to-year proposition.
But Kreutz's unexpected exit left a lingering issue with the Bears. On most successful teams, the quarterback fills the leadership role in the locker room. But in the absence of long-term answers at that position, Kreutz assumed it by default.
The Bears still don't have a quarterback who has proven he can handle that job. You can debate whether Jay Cutler was treated fairly following his knee injury in the NFC Championship Game. And you can point out leaders don't have to be "rah-rah" types like Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. But even if you define a leader as someone other players can look to and emulate, it's hard to put Cutler in that category.
Coaches can only do so much. During times of difficulty this season, who will keep players together and focused on their jobs? If it's Cutler, it will represent a dramatic personality turnaround. Otherwise, the Bears have to hope linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, or possibly safety Chris Harris, can step up.
ROOKIE ADJUSTMENT
Rookie offensive lineman Gabe Carimi played as a left tackle at Wisconsin, and many of us thought he would be the Bears' best short-term answer at the position in 2011, even if he ultimately projected as a right tackle in the future.
Instead, the Bears have decided to put Carimi on the right side from the start. They think his strengths as a run-blocker will benefit them most there while also giving him a less competitive environment for developing his pass-blocking skills.
"I'm a pretty good run-blocker," Carimi said, having lost none of the bravado he displayed at the February scouting combine. "That is my forte. All I really have to do is keep on working on my pass pro. I'll get there -- to where I'll be an elite pass protector, too."
But Carimi also noted he has been a right tackle for "about 10 days" and said months of offseason work split equally between the left and right side still left him at square one when training camp opened.
"There is nothing you can do other than doing it every day in practice," Carimi said. "You're not going to get those good reps until you go against actual defensive ends with pads on."
VETERAN ADJUSTMENT
At first, Roberto Garza wasn't thrilled when the Bears asked him to open camp at center.
"I thought Olin was coming back," he said. "I didn't think that was going to be even an issue. We've had to move on. ... If that's the role I'm going to perform, I've got to go out there and do it to the best of my ability."
By all appearances, Garza is a competent center who won't have Kreutz's savvy at the position but will find a way to get by. He'll stay right at center unless the Bears have a problem with one of their guards, in which case he will move over and Chris Spencer will take over at center.
After 10 years in relative obscurity, however, it appears Garza is about to step into a role that will prove critical to the Bears' 2011 success.
"At guard, I was spoiled," Garza said. "Olin made everything. Now everything is on my shoulders to go out there and get everybody squared away. It's a learning process as well. I have to go out there and do some things playing center that I didn't do as a guard."
OBSERVATION DECK
They unexpectedly parted ways with locker room Buddha Olin Kreutz, made quick work of tight end Greg Olsen's trade request and ended years of debate by finally signing a big receiver in Roy Williams. They failed to find much veteran reinforcement for their offensive line but did snag a younger punter (Adam Podlesh) and curiously added a third veteran running back in Marion Barber.
By the time I arrived at Olivet Nazarene University this week, most of the initial shock of that news cycle had subsided. But the Bears were still encountering obstacles to finding their usual training camp routine. The forced cancelation of their annual practice at Soldier Field renewed concerns about the condition of their game-day playing surface. A lightning storm cut short a full-pads practice after 90 minutes; a second look at the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement required a number of last-minute adjustments to daily schedules; and a power outage Wednesday night forced the Bears to move practice to a local high school.
The NFL lockout and the subsequent late-July, free-agent frenzy guided most teams into an unsettled training camp. It's fair to put the Bears at the top of that list, a fact coach Lovie Smith has attempted to cultivate as a teaching moment.
"We're going to ask our players to do a lot," Smith said. "We're going to London [for a Week 7 game]. Going into the preseason, we had the Hall of Fame game [canceled]. So we're going to ask them to get out of their routine a little bit. As a professional, you have to be able to handle adversity. ... A veteran crew should be able to handle situations like that."
Will the tumult make the Bears stronger or does it foreshadow a fall for last season's NFC North champions? We'll know soon enough.
THREE BIG ISSUES
1. Coaching pressure: Three years ago, the Bears hired one of the NFL's top defensive line gurus in Rod Marinelli, now their defensive coordinator. Last year, they added a similarly respected offensive line coach in Mike Tice. Both are being asked to develop cohesive groups from a bag of untested ingredients.
Tice has identified five offensive linemen he hopes to start this season, and it's worth noting that only one of them -- left guard Chris Williams -- finished the 2010 season in that role. Tice will need to teach guard Roberto Garza how to play center, where he is in line to replace Kreutz. He'll have to hope that J'Marcus Webb, who had his moments as a right tackle in 2010, can adjust to the more difficult left tackle spot. And he'll have to do it with a mission of cleaning up last season's 56-sack season.
For what it's worth, Tice said, "We're light-years ahead of where we were at last year. Last year we were moving guys around trying to figure out who should be at what position. This year we're getting great work, we have the same five guys in there and we're getting better every day."
[+] Enlarge
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesNewly acquired Bears running back Marion Barber has been running hard in practice.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesNewly acquired Bears running back Marion Barber has been running hard in practice.2. Backfield rotation: An intriguing drama is playing out in the Bears backfield, where starter Matt Forte is angling for a new contract, backup Chester Taylor is trying to rebound from a statistically horrendous season and Barber is angrily running over defenders in hopes of extending his NFL career.
Forte considered holding out from camp and has expressed concern about playing in preseason games, but he reported to training camp in phenomenal shape. He has never missed a game in three seasons, and so it's hard to know whether the Bears really need two veteran runners behind him.
Conventional wisdom suggests the Bears would be better off keeping all three, considering their offense ran much better last season after offensive coordinator Mike Martz rebalanced the offense to favor the running game. But do Taylor, 31, and Barber, 28, have much left in the tank? I'm not drawing any conclusions based on someone running hard during a training camp practice.
3. Leadership void: I usually think that locker room leadership is overvalued because players come and go so frequently in the modern age of football. Leadership can, and must, be a year-to-year proposition.
But Kreutz's unexpected exit left a lingering issue with the Bears. On most successful teams, the quarterback fills the leadership role in the locker room. But in the absence of long-term answers at that position, Kreutz assumed it by default.
The Bears still don't have a quarterback who has proven he can handle that job. You can debate whether Jay Cutler was treated fairly following his knee injury in the NFC Championship Game. And you can point out leaders don't have to be "rah-rah" types like Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. But even if you define a leader as someone other players can look to and emulate, it's hard to put Cutler in that category.
Coaches can only do so much. During times of difficulty this season, who will keep players together and focused on their jobs? If it's Cutler, it will represent a dramatic personality turnaround. Otherwise, the Bears have to hope linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, or possibly safety Chris Harris, can step up.
ROOKIE ADJUSTMENT
Rookie offensive lineman Gabe Carimi played as a left tackle at Wisconsin, and many of us thought he would be the Bears' best short-term answer at the position in 2011, even if he ultimately projected as a right tackle in the future.
Instead, the Bears have decided to put Carimi on the right side from the start. They think his strengths as a run-blocker will benefit them most there while also giving him a less competitive environment for developing his pass-blocking skills.
"I'm a pretty good run-blocker," Carimi said, having lost none of the bravado he displayed at the February scouting combine. "That is my forte. All I really have to do is keep on working on my pass pro. I'll get there -- to where I'll be an elite pass protector, too."
But Carimi also noted he has been a right tackle for "about 10 days" and said months of offseason work split equally between the left and right side still left him at square one when training camp opened.
"There is nothing you can do other than doing it every day in practice," Carimi said. "You're not going to get those good reps until you go against actual defensive ends with pads on."
[+] Enlarge
Mike DiNovo/US PRESSWIREThe Bears will move Roberto Garza to center following the departure of Olin Kreutz.
Mike DiNovo/US PRESSWIREThe Bears will move Roberto Garza to center following the departure of Olin Kreutz.At first, Roberto Garza wasn't thrilled when the Bears asked him to open camp at center.
"I thought Olin was coming back," he said. "I didn't think that was going to be even an issue. We've had to move on. ... If that's the role I'm going to perform, I've got to go out there and do it to the best of my ability."
By all appearances, Garza is a competent center who won't have Kreutz's savvy at the position but will find a way to get by. He'll stay right at center unless the Bears have a problem with one of their guards, in which case he will move over and Chris Spencer will take over at center.
After 10 years in relative obscurity, however, it appears Garza is about to step into a role that will prove critical to the Bears' 2011 success.
"At guard, I was spoiled," Garza said. "Olin made everything. Now everything is on my shoulders to go out there and get everybody squared away. It's a learning process as well. I have to go out there and do some things playing center that I didn't do as a guard."
OBSERVATION DECK
- Much of the attention has gone to the arrival of Williams, but those at Bears camp say Devin Hester has had an outstanding summer. After a full season in Martz's system, Hester is running routes more confidently and catching everything thrown his way.
- There were two early camp storylines as they related to Cutler: That he had improved his footwork in the pocket and had lost weight. Absent a confirmation on the weight, I can attest that Cutler certainly looked slimmer. As for footwork, I can't possibly speculate. I don't think he has ever had a problem getting away from center. If anything, he just has never had to set his feet and position his body like most quarterbacks must to get heat on his passes. But if that's what Cutler worked on this offseason, he deserves credit for addressing an issue that most quarterbacks in their late 20s have either mastered or give up on.
- Another consequence of the Bears' roster upheaval: Kellen Davis is atop the Bears' depth chart at tight end. Davis an athletic 6-foot-7, and the Bears presumably trust him as a blocker. Some of you have asked if he is a potential breakout star in 2011, but let's remember he has 11 receptions in his career. If anything, I think his ascendance reflects the limited value that Martz places on pass-catching tight ends.
- The inadvertent quote award for Bears camp goes to Peppers, who was asked about his relatively modest total of eight sacks last season. "I don't like to put a number on stats," Peppers said. He went on to add: "Like I always say, it's an indicator. It doesn't really tell the full story of how a player should be evaluated." In all seriousness, Peppers' All-Pro status was fully warranted last season, no matter where his sack totals ended up.
- Many fans have been interested in receiver Andy Fantuz, a 6-foot-4 former CFL player. But the new receiver who has caught the eye of many camp-goers is Dane Sanzenbacher, an undrafted rookie from Ohio State who seems well-suited for the slot position in Martz's offense.
This, my friends, could be our last "dark" NFL weekend until, oh, February 2012 or so. Yes, if all goes as hoped and the new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is ratified in the coming days, we'll at least be readying for a wild free agent marketplace next week at this time.
It's possible we could even be at training camp if the Chicago Bears report as scheduled to Olivet Nazarene University. In either event, things will most definitely be on.
If that's the case, I think we'll look back on this lockout and wonder what all the fuss was about? What exactly did we miss out on? Free agency is always a fun early-spring activity, but we'll get it soon enough. The draft took place as scheduled. Only the most hard-core fans (and media members) could seriously be dismayed about the loss of organized team activities and (gasp!) minicamp.
Sure, the NFL subjected itself to public scorn over the unseemly specter of billionaires and millionaires fighting about $9 billion in revenues. But based on how often I heard some version of Let me know when it's over from you, I really think the damage is minimal.
That sentiment might have been different if regular-season games were canceled, but to me that never seemed likely. There was way, way, way too much money at stake.
Enough on that -- hopefully forever.
If we're going to get back in football mode, I can think of no better way than to resume the weekend mailbag. It got a bit thin in there over the past few months, but I'm thinking we'll have plenty to discuss in the coming days, weeks and certainly months.
For the uninitiated, I read everything sent to the mailbag, to Facebook and via Twitter. I can't reply to every submission individually.
Brian of Urbana, Ill., writes: What do you think of the Chicago Bears' age on defense? Do you feel they are more susceptible to injuries or will be a little slower than usual? I guess what I'm asking is if you feel the Bears' age will catch up with them this season.
Kevin Seifert: I don't necessarily think the Bears' age will catch up to them in 2011, but what's clear is that their roster is aging. One illustration: Only one of their players, rookie tackle Gabe Carimi, made ESPN.com's list of nominees for a mythical Dream Team of Tomorrow.
Think about it. Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are 33 and 30, respectively. Their starting defensive ends, Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije, are at least 30. Cornerback Charles Tillman is 30. Center Olin Kreutz (a pending free agent) is 34. Longtime guard Roberto Garza is 32.
A team with key players at those ages can compete in 2011. But in a perfect world, you would like to see more potential replacements in the pipeline than the Bears have. Who will take over for Urlacher? What are the Bears' long-term plans for center and guard? Some of those questions could get answered in free agency, but they can't all be addressed at once.
The Bears' nucleus isn't old. But it's aging.
Kyle B of Kentwod, Mich., wants to know if there is anything of substance in our continued discussions about the Detroit Lions possibly signing free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
Kevin Seifert: Despite months and months of speculation, all we really know is this:
Nationally, discussion has centered around Asomugha choosing a team on the East Coast, which we call EAST COAST BIAS. The reality is the Lions have an interesting situation to offer a cornerback: A potentially high-scoring offense and an elite defensive line to account for consistent pressure.
During our SportsNation chat Tuesday, we discussed the merits and pitfalls of devoting the kind of cash and salary cap space that would be required (for any team) to reel in Asomugha. Would the Lions be better off with, say, a starting cornerback and a starting linebacker or one elite difference-maker?
You could make arguments on both sides, but to me there are only a handful of players like Asomugha in the game. They almost never become available on the free market. It's true that the Lions have more than one need, but how many chances will they have to land a veteran, instant-impact player who is one of the best at his position in the game?
I think they owe it to themselves to at least pursue the idea. But that's just me.
Ryan of Louisville is worried that Green Bay Packers players never came together this offseason for group workouts as many other teams did: I certainly can understand that being SB Champs is a HUGE accomplishment and players deserve to celebrate but as a fan I am afraid that they are gonna oversleep on the opportunity to get some fine tuning done.
Kevin Seifert: I guess we're getting ready to find out whether the Packers overslept or were the smart ones. I truly think the answer varies per team. But most of the Packers' offensive players have been together for at least three years.
The opportunity for fine-tuning is minimal, but the chances of a mishap is greater. Coach Mike McCarthy was planning a more laid-back offseason regardless of the lockout, allowing players to physically recover, from their extended playoff run, and I would be really surprised if the Packers are rusty in training camp because they didn't work out en masse during the offseason.
Big Fan writes: Any chance we could get some Vikings news BESIDES stadium issues? I know it's a lockout, but EVERY day I look on your blog and every day it's nothing but stuff about the stadium. We're really, really tired of reading about it.
Kevin Seifert: No issue is more critical to the future of the franchise, and I make no apologies for the frequency of posts on it. But you have a point. There is still a team, a 2011 schedule and a roster to fill. So here is one football-related topic I think we're going to hear a lot more about in the coming weeks: Sidney Rice's hip.
A lot of you are wondering why the Vikings weren't more aggressive in their attempts to re-sign a 24-year-old receiver who is one year removed from an 83-catch season. Part of it, I think, can be attributed to Rice's interest in at least testing the market. It's not often a player of his age qualifies for unrestricted free agency. (Remember, he entered the NFL as a 20-year-old.)
But I think the surgery Rice had on his hip last summer, known as a mircrofracture procedure, has at least given the Vikings pause as they contemplate how much of a future financial commitment they might make to him. Are they using the fear of long-term health issues as a negotiating tactic or is it real? I'm not sure, but if anyone gives Rice big-time money this summer, they will need a high level of assurance that the hip does not present a long-term issue.
It's possible we could even be at training camp if the Chicago Bears report as scheduled to Olivet Nazarene University. In either event, things will most definitely be on.
If that's the case, I think we'll look back on this lockout and wonder what all the fuss was about? What exactly did we miss out on? Free agency is always a fun early-spring activity, but we'll get it soon enough. The draft took place as scheduled. Only the most hard-core fans (and media members) could seriously be dismayed about the loss of organized team activities and (gasp!) minicamp.
Sure, the NFL subjected itself to public scorn over the unseemly specter of billionaires and millionaires fighting about $9 billion in revenues. But based on how often I heard some version of Let me know when it's over from you, I really think the damage is minimal.
That sentiment might have been different if regular-season games were canceled, but to me that never seemed likely. There was way, way, way too much money at stake.
Enough on that -- hopefully forever.
If we're going to get back in football mode, I can think of no better way than to resume the weekend mailbag. It got a bit thin in there over the past few months, but I'm thinking we'll have plenty to discuss in the coming days, weeks and certainly months.
For the uninitiated, I read everything sent to the mailbag, to Facebook and via Twitter. I can't reply to every submission individually.
Brian of Urbana, Ill., writes: What do you think of the Chicago Bears' age on defense? Do you feel they are more susceptible to injuries or will be a little slower than usual? I guess what I'm asking is if you feel the Bears' age will catch up with them this season.
Kevin Seifert: I don't necessarily think the Bears' age will catch up to them in 2011, but what's clear is that their roster is aging. One illustration: Only one of their players, rookie tackle Gabe Carimi, made ESPN.com's list of nominees for a mythical Dream Team of Tomorrow.
Think about it. Linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are 33 and 30, respectively. Their starting defensive ends, Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije, are at least 30. Cornerback Charles Tillman is 30. Center Olin Kreutz (a pending free agent) is 34. Longtime guard Roberto Garza is 32.
A team with key players at those ages can compete in 2011. But in a perfect world, you would like to see more potential replacements in the pipeline than the Bears have. Who will take over for Urlacher? What are the Bears' long-term plans for center and guard? Some of those questions could get answered in free agency, but they can't all be addressed at once.
The Bears' nucleus isn't old. But it's aging.
Kyle B of Kentwod, Mich., wants to know if there is anything of substance in our continued discussions about the Detroit Lions possibly signing free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.
Kevin Seifert: Despite months and months of speculation, all we really know is this:
- Asomugha is in line for free agency.
- The Lions need a starting cornerback (or two) and will have about $16 million in salary cap space to work with.
Nationally, discussion has centered around Asomugha choosing a team on the East Coast, which we call EAST COAST BIAS. The reality is the Lions have an interesting situation to offer a cornerback: A potentially high-scoring offense and an elite defensive line to account for consistent pressure.
During our SportsNation chat Tuesday, we discussed the merits and pitfalls of devoting the kind of cash and salary cap space that would be required (for any team) to reel in Asomugha. Would the Lions be better off with, say, a starting cornerback and a starting linebacker or one elite difference-maker?
You could make arguments on both sides, but to me there are only a handful of players like Asomugha in the game. They almost never become available on the free market. It's true that the Lions have more than one need, but how many chances will they have to land a veteran, instant-impact player who is one of the best at his position in the game?
I think they owe it to themselves to at least pursue the idea. But that's just me.
Ryan of Louisville is worried that Green Bay Packers players never came together this offseason for group workouts as many other teams did: I certainly can understand that being SB Champs is a HUGE accomplishment and players deserve to celebrate but as a fan I am afraid that they are gonna oversleep on the opportunity to get some fine tuning done.
Kevin Seifert: I guess we're getting ready to find out whether the Packers overslept or were the smart ones. I truly think the answer varies per team. But most of the Packers' offensive players have been together for at least three years.
The opportunity for fine-tuning is minimal, but the chances of a mishap is greater. Coach Mike McCarthy was planning a more laid-back offseason regardless of the lockout, allowing players to physically recover, from their extended playoff run, and I would be really surprised if the Packers are rusty in training camp because they didn't work out en masse during the offseason.
Big Fan writes: Any chance we could get some Vikings news BESIDES stadium issues? I know it's a lockout, but EVERY day I look on your blog and every day it's nothing but stuff about the stadium. We're really, really tired of reading about it.
Kevin Seifert: No issue is more critical to the future of the franchise, and I make no apologies for the frequency of posts on it. But you have a point. There is still a team, a 2011 schedule and a roster to fill. So here is one football-related topic I think we're going to hear a lot more about in the coming weeks: Sidney Rice's hip.
A lot of you are wondering why the Vikings weren't more aggressive in their attempts to re-sign a 24-year-old receiver who is one year removed from an 83-catch season. Part of it, I think, can be attributed to Rice's interest in at least testing the market. It's not often a player of his age qualifies for unrestricted free agency. (Remember, he entered the NFL as a 20-year-old.)
But I think the surgery Rice had on his hip last summer, known as a mircrofracture procedure, has at least given the Vikings pause as they contemplate how much of a future financial commitment they might make to him. Are they using the fear of long-term health issues as a negotiating tactic or is it real? I'm not sure, but if anyone gives Rice big-time money this summer, they will need a high level of assurance that the hip does not present a long-term issue.
We're Black and Blue All Over:
Catch the ESPYs Wednesday night? If so, you saw a Green Bay Packers love-fest that featured players in two skits but ended with quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the only award recipient.
Rodgers won for best NFL player, besting linebacker Clay Matthews in that category. But those nominated in three other categories lost out mostly to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. Such is life.
I counted at least seven Packers players in attendance: Rodgers, Matthews, linebacker A.J. Hawk, receiver Greg Jennings, receiver Jordy Nelson and linebacker Desmond Bishop. Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson was also prominently featured.
Rodgers participated in an extended award presentation with entertainer Justin Timberlake, who amusingly attempted to take credit for the Packers victory in Super Bowl XLV. Matthews was asked to "break up" a rendition of the Vancouver kissing couple in front of the stage. All in all, it looked like a fun night.
Continuing around the NFC North:
Catch the ESPYs Wednesday night? If so, you saw a Green Bay Packers love-fest that featured players in two skits but ended with quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the only award recipient.
Rodgers won for best NFL player, besting linebacker Clay Matthews in that category. But those nominated in three other categories lost out mostly to the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. Such is life.
I counted at least seven Packers players in attendance: Rodgers, Matthews, linebacker A.J. Hawk, receiver Greg Jennings, receiver Jordy Nelson and linebacker Desmond Bishop. Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson was also prominently featured.
Rodgers participated in an extended award presentation with entertainer Justin Timberlake, who amusingly attempted to take credit for the Packers victory in Super Bowl XLV. Matthews was asked to "break up" a rendition of the Vancouver kissing couple in front of the stage. All in all, it looked like a fun night.
Continuing around the NFC North:
- Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey revealed his favorite current Bears player during a Q&A session at a youth camp, according to John P. Huston of TribLocal. (It's defensive end Israel Idonije.)
- Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz told the Associated Press it would take only a day to get the team ready to play in its Aug. 7 preseason opener. Hmmmmm.
- Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford on why he waited to have surgery on his right shoulder, via Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News: "After I hurt again in the Jets game [Nov. 7], I wanted to get a chance to rest and calm down a little bit and try and rehab it back. I did everything I could the last couple weeks of the season to try and get back for a game and I just couldn't do it. After the season, I was still having trouble sleeping on it and I couldn't lay on my right side, and I knew at that point the best decision for me was to have surgery. ... It's paid off. I've been 100 percent healthy for a long time now."
- Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: "While nobody knows what the salary cap will be or what the rules governing free agency will be once the new collective bargaining agreement is set. But one thing you can feel real comfortable about -- Cliff Avril is going to be a Lion for a long time."
- Frederick Melo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press attended a "listening session" for Ramsey County residents to discuss the Minnesota Vikings stadium proposal.
- The Star Tribune has time-lapse video of the Metrodome re-inflation.
We're Black and Blue All Over:
Chicago Bears
Defensive end Israel Idonije is confident the Bears will be ready to roll once the lockout ends. Idonije: "When the lights turn back on, we’ll be ready.”
The Bears and "Hard Knocks"? Dan Pompei says there is "zero chance" of that happening.
Detroit Lions
Coach Jim Schwartz has settled on a nickname for his defensive line: "Silver Crush."
Getting his rookies up to speed will be one of the biggest challenges facing Schwartz and his staff. “Right now, our rookies would be a couple weeks into our offseason program, they would have already adjusted,” Schwartz said. “Everybody thinks they’re in shape until they show up and see what veteran football players, what kind of shape those guys are in. So it’s that adjustment period.”
Green Bay Packers
ESPNMilwaukee.com's Jason Wilde caught up with right tackle Bryan Bulaga to discuss his offseason so far.
NFL.com's Vic Carucci: "Either the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers know something that numerous others in the NFL don't, or they're simply comfortable with taking a risk that they might not be as prepared as necessary whenever the 2011 season gets a green light."
Minnesota Vikings
Chad Greenway doesn't like the odds of Ben Leber returning to play with the Vikings in 2011.
Despite some veteran no-shows, Christian Ponder was pleased with the work put in on Wednesday in Florida.
Chicago Bears
Defensive end Israel Idonije is confident the Bears will be ready to roll once the lockout ends. Idonije: "When the lights turn back on, we’ll be ready.”
The Bears and "Hard Knocks"? Dan Pompei says there is "zero chance" of that happening.
Detroit Lions
Coach Jim Schwartz has settled on a nickname for his defensive line: "Silver Crush."
Getting his rookies up to speed will be one of the biggest challenges facing Schwartz and his staff. “Right now, our rookies would be a couple weeks into our offseason program, they would have already adjusted,” Schwartz said. “Everybody thinks they’re in shape until they show up and see what veteran football players, what kind of shape those guys are in. So it’s that adjustment period.”
Green Bay Packers
ESPNMilwaukee.com's Jason Wilde caught up with right tackle Bryan Bulaga to discuss his offseason so far.
NFL.com's Vic Carucci: "Either the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers know something that numerous others in the NFL don't, or they're simply comfortable with taking a risk that they might not be as prepared as necessary whenever the 2011 season gets a green light."
Minnesota Vikings
Chad Greenway doesn't like the odds of Ben Leber returning to play with the Vikings in 2011.
Despite some veteran no-shows, Christian Ponder was pleased with the work put in on Wednesday in Florida.
Four NFC North players reported Tuesday
April, 26, 2011
4/26/11
5:55
PM ET
By
Kevin Seifert | ESPN.com
Tuesday came and went without much clarity on when this period of lockout purgatory will continue in the NFL. But for those interested, let's wrap up what happened in the NFC North:
Chicago Bears: Three players showed up at Halas Hall, according to team president Ted Phillips. Place-kicker Robbie Gould, defensive end Israel Idonije and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina were allowed into the building but were restricted from using the facilities. "... [W]e're not opening the building for business yet,' Phillips said. "Hopefully we will soon."
Detroit Lions: According to multiple reports, no Lions players showed up at the team's Allen Park practice facility. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, the team's player representative, advised players against it. Vanden Bosch, via Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com: ""My understanding is that the doors to the facility would be open but we wouldn't be able to work out or talk to our coaches much. I don't know how much progress would be made or what the benefit might be. We'll wait until things become clearer."
Green Bay Packers: According to team president/CEO Mark Murphy, no players showed up at Lambeau Field. Murphy, who has a key NFL role as a member of the Management Council Executive Committee, said he anticipates more clarity by the end of this week. Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has more.
Minnesota Vikings: Backup linebacker Erin Henderson was the only player to visit the Vikings' Winter Park facility. He departed after being told he could not use the cold tub. Coach Leslie Frazier said he had a "very brief conversation" with Henderson as he moved through the building.
According to NFL.com, the NFL Players Association has recommended that agents immediately begin initiating contract discussions with teams. But it's safe to say that teams aren't going to respond. Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said teams were instructed to maintain the lockout "status quo" -- when contact with veteran players and agents was barred -- until further notice.
Chicago Bears: Three players showed up at Halas Hall, according to team president Ted Phillips. Place-kicker Robbie Gould, defensive end Israel Idonije and defensive tackle Matt Toeaina were allowed into the building but were restricted from using the facilities. "... [W]e're not opening the building for business yet,' Phillips said. "Hopefully we will soon."
Detroit Lions: According to multiple reports, no Lions players showed up at the team's Allen Park practice facility. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, the team's player representative, advised players against it. Vanden Bosch, via Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com: ""My understanding is that the doors to the facility would be open but we wouldn't be able to work out or talk to our coaches much. I don't know how much progress would be made or what the benefit might be. We'll wait until things become clearer."
Green Bay Packers: According to team president/CEO Mark Murphy, no players showed up at Lambeau Field. Murphy, who has a key NFL role as a member of the Management Council Executive Committee, said he anticipates more clarity by the end of this week. Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has more.
Minnesota Vikings: Backup linebacker Erin Henderson was the only player to visit the Vikings' Winter Park facility. He departed after being told he could not use the cold tub. Coach Leslie Frazier said he had a "very brief conversation" with Henderson as he moved through the building.
According to NFL.com, the NFL Players Association has recommended that agents immediately begin initiating contract discussions with teams. But it's safe to say that teams aren't going to respond. Vikings vice president of player personnel Rick Spielman said teams were instructed to maintain the lockout "status quo" -- when contact with veteran players and agents was barred -- until further notice.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Kevin Seifert
Seifert joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and children.
