Now it’s time to get to work. You’ll notice that there has been no dissertation on the completely terrible end of the season. After a couple of days digesting that stinker of a finale, I’m still speechless (fairly speechless anyway). All I will say is that we came out strong, as was the case nearly all year. We finished with a little fight, as we did most of the year. And we stunk it up in the middle, as was nearly always the case.
And that is the problem with our coaching staff and philosophy. Offense and defense both seem to come out of the gate with unpredictable and aggressive approaches. And then we settle in to a very cautious mode that enables opponents to catch up and pass us. And then at the end, we don’t trust the special teams to be able to cover kicks. Those approaches to playing have cost us the playoffs more than any boneheaded penalty, mis-timed fumble or physical or mental miscues have.
That said, the 2009 season starts now. They’ve gotten rid of the DB coach. Good move! But only if they get rid of the cushion that our DBsw constantly gave wideouts all year. That cushion gave opposing QBs their highest quarterback rating of the year whenever they played the Bears.
I like the idea of bringing in Marinelli. 
He’s a great DL coach and can impact the play of the line as much as a great edge pass rusher, if not more.
But while we’re on the subject of coaching changes, can we please not mention Shannahan, Martz or Cowher? Smiling Mike will not come to Chicago as OC after being the High and Holy Grand Poobah of All Things Football in the Mile High City. Smith knows Martz and knows that he does not get off the bus running. Plus he knows Martz’s ego is bigger than Andy Reid’s beltline. And Cowher either wants to not coach in 09 like he says, or he’s got a specific team in mind if not lined up. Plus the McCash-keys won’t hire a high profile, respected coach. Period.
So what should be on the ‘off’ season agenda. First, current team members need to commit NOW to working their way to the top. Not taking a whirlpool and massage and going home, but working. The coaching staff needs to be pared down and then refilled with NFL experienced, teaching coaches who know at least as much as Tom Thayer does about the intricacies of the fundamentals of the game.
Then it’s time to trim the fat and get into the free agent market. We’ll have a lot more on this in upcoming posts. And then the draft. More to come on that as well.
It seems apparent that this team is close, as Lovie says. At least it’s as close as any other team in this era of parity/mediocrity. If you don’t think so, how close did you think the Dolphins were when the season started? But we could use help and/or upgrades at WR, DE, Safety, and depth at CB, and on the lines. And we haven’t even mentioned the annual QB quandry! Definitely no hibernation on the schedule for these Bears.
So in the upcoming weeks, bear with us (duh) as we give you the poop
Yup, they go in the woods.
on what is going on and what should be going on in Halas Hall and around the league.
