It’s been a rough couple of days trying to figure out what to write about, thanks in large part to actually concentrating on my job, but thanks to chicagobears.com and its most recent “chat” with Bears general manager Jerry Angelo, I do have this to offer.
I will paraprhase the questions posed by Larry Mayer, show Angelo’s response and then boil down Angelo’s response to the information he actually provided sans bullshit.
The first question asks Angelo about the offensive line, saying if the line has three new starters, what’s the key to the unit gelling, and ho long does that take typically?
JA: Since I’ve been here, we’ve been able to get that done through training camp. I’m not saying they’re going to be as good as they can be in Game 1, but they’re certainly going to be good enough and will continue to grow as the season goes on. I’ve always said that the two key components are the line coach and the health of the players. In some cases, staying healthy so the unit can play together is every bit as important as the talent itself.
Sans bullshit: I have no idea. It would be great if nobody gets hurt, but if there are injuries, then I will fire the offensive line coach.
The second question asks Angelo about 2008 first-round pick Chris Williams, who didn’t play much last year after showing up to camp with a back injury everyone other than Jerry Angelo knew enough about to not waste a first-round pick on. The question asks if Chris Williams can play right tackle and perform “at a high level”.
JA: I’m very confident. Chris was a very good player coming out of Vanderbilt. He was one of the better tackles I’ve seen. He has everything you look for at the position: size, athleticism, intelligence, work ethic and strength. He possesses all the components to be a very good tackle in this league. It’s just a matter of him getting acclimated to the right side. It’s something that we’ve seen other quality tackles do in previous years, most recently with Pro Bowler Jordan Gross of the Carolina Panthers. Last year was his first season as a left tackle. He came into the league as a right tackle and, like Chris, was a left tackle in college.
Sans bullshit: I hope Chris Williams turns out to be as good as Jordan Gross.
The third question asks Angelo if the coaching changes (Lovie Smith taking over play calling on defense/hiring of Rod Marinelli for defensive line/adding Jon Hoke to defensive staff) can make a big difference.
JA: I think they’ll make a huge difference. When you have quality coaching, you’re going to see it reflected in the performance of the players. It’s a coaching league. We see that because of all the attrition that each team has every year. Coaches have to get players up to speed right away. I anticipate that our coaches will have a very big impact, just as much as a quality player would have.
Sans bullshit: Lovie Smith will never get to make decisions again about hiring coaches if they fuck it up this season.
The final questions asks whether Devin Hester can be both a great kick returner, as he was in 2006 and 2007, along with a starting wide receiver.
JA: It’s very important because he impacted games; not just field position, but the outcome of games in a positive way. I think he’s going to be much better in that role. Danieal Manning takes some of the load off his back with the kickoff returns. We also expect Devin to take a big step as a receiver this year. How prolific of a punt returner will he be? I can’t say that. He set the bar to the point where it was ridiculous. But I anticipate him doing a lot better this year in part because he’ll be more understanding of his role as a receiver. He needed to go through that experience, which he did, and I feel that he will be more comfortable with that role and it won’t be as demanding as it was last year given his experience.
Sans bullshit: If he doesn’t get perform this season, I will kill him myself.
Great article! It was very informative and I enjoyed it a great deal! I especially liked the part about Lovie Smith not being allowed to make hiring decisions in the future. Very well done.
Sans Bullshit: I like cheese.