Bears Sign a Punter and Other Bullets

Dec 31, 2013

Bcv4_MtCMAAj5yQ — via @BS1999CLE on Twitter

Some tech problems for me delayed the bullets to this afternoon; my sincerest apologies. Black Monday certainly lived up to its name this year, as five teams axed their head coach. Seven teams fired coaches after last season, and four did the season before that. Plus Houston fired Gary Kubiak earlier this month. That means 17 teams will enter next season with a coach whose tenure doesn’t exceed 2 seasons. That’s an incredible amount of turmoil, even for a league that seems to pride itself on constant turnover.

The firing with the most direct impact on the Bears? Easily the Detroit Lions canning of Jim Schwartz. I had a post on the Lions a few weeks ago, wherein I gave my thoughts on why I thought it might be time for them to consider a coaching change. They have a talented (and expensive) roster, but that talent wasn’t translating into wins. Combined with an apparent regression of Matthew Stafford and a continued lack of team discipline, and the Lions decided change was in order. As a Bears fan, I’d have been perfectly happy with Detroit continuing to underachieve. But there’s no guarantee they’ll be happier with the next guy.

Cleveland certainly wasn’t, and I have no idea why. The Browns fired Rob Chudzinski after just one season in charge. The Browns were only 4-12, but they seemed to play hard, were competitive in many games (including against the Bears) and the roster was hardly built to win. There are rumors of some behind-the-scenes friction, as there often are; apparently Chudzinski refused to cut a player just to “make a statement”, which seems reasonable to me, but I guess that’s why they’re the Browns. Whoever they hire will be the fifth Cleveland coach since 2008. Romeo Crennel was fired in after coaching the 2008 season; he was replaced by Eric Mangini, who was replaced by Pat Shurmur, who was replaced by Chudzinski. Hey, here’s an idea: maybe all the turnover isn’t helping? It’s not like the Browns have had competitive rosters, and they certainly haven’t had decent quarterback play. And now, having seen the Chudzinski fiasco, why would anyone be excited to take the job? Why risk your coaching reputation by going there, if you’re going to be judged by wins and losses despite a bad roster?

Also from Cleveland (and from Deadspin and @BS1999CLE) comes the world’s saddest protest, pictured above. One fan, a chair, and a paper bag. Worse, the Browns made him move across the street from his original location. (I imagine the “Charlie Brown Christmas sad piano” playing as he walks in that picture.) Stories like these make me appreciate that the Bears are at least competitive.

Washington fired Mike Shanahan, and in typical Washington/Dan Snyder fashion, things did not go smoothly. As that Washington Post story detailed, Shanahan was stuck in the parking lot as team officials attempted to prevent media members from entering early. Then media members weren’t allowed to look through the windows, due to what the team said was a “security issue” according to the Post’s Kent Babb. FOX Sports and Deadspin both collected tweets from the media covering the debacle. Yikes. Once again, I’m reminded that there are a lot of positives for Chicago fans, chief among them the fact that Dan Snyder doesn’t own the team. (This isn’t to say Shanahan shouldn’t have been fired. From afar, it seems like it was a mess all around.)

I said earlier that the Lions firing of Jim Schwartz had the most direct impact on the Bears, but they weren’t the only NFC North team to make a change as the Vikings fired Leslie Frazier. I think the Detroit’s move has more impact than Minnesota’s solely due to what I perceive as the talent level on the respective rosters. Frazier had coached three seasons in Minnesota, making the playoffs last year in fluky fashion. As with Cleveland, the roster (outside of Adrian Peterson) wasn’t one built to succeed, especially at the quarterback position. Frazier played for the Bears, suffering a career-ending injury on a freak play in Super Bowl XX. You could argue he overachieved by making the postseason in 2012, but apparently it wasn’t enough. Whoever the Vikings hire will have to get the best out of Matt Cassel or Christian Ponder. (Or, I guess, Josh Freeman, but that looks less and less likely.)

Finally, Tampa Bay fired Greg Schiano in what I’d viewed as an inevitability. Most interestingly here, Lovie Smith will reportedly be the first to interview, and is considered by some as the favorite. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him land this job, and it might be a decent fit for him. I’m certainly pleased with the direction the Bears chose after last season, but that doesn’t mean I think Lovie is a terrible coach, or that he doesn’t deserve another chance.

In Bear-centric news, the team has reportedly signed punter Drew Butler, according to ESPN Chicago’s Michael C. Wright. Butler punted for the Steelers last season before being cut this year. Adam Podlesh’s days were already numbered, and I’d think this is the first concrete sign that he won’t be back next season. Butler is the son of long-time Chicago kicker Kevin Butler, if you want an added kick of nostalgia to go with your dose of “Wow, I watched his father play” sadness. Time is certainly fleeting. (Drew Butler is only two years younger than me, and this still makes me feel old. I remember Kevin Butler. As a child, his name was the only context in which my parents endorsed my conversational use of “butthead.”)

With the season over we can now officially kick off an Obsessive Jay Cutler Watch. On his ESPN 1000 radio show yesterday (podcast/stream available here), Cutler refused to get into specifics as to the impending negotiations. ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson has a solid rundown of his quotes on the topic here, if you’re unable to listen. Cutler said he’d be “disappointed” if a deal didn’t get done, and throughout he seemed like someone who very much wants to remain a Bear. Considering the various reports we’ve seen that the interest is reciprocated by the Bears front office, my guess right now is that he’ll be back. But things can change quickly, and it remains to be seen whether both sides are in the same ballpark financially.

Finally, CBS Chicago’s Adam Hoge has a eulogy for the Bears season. His view is that they made significant progress as an organization, despite winning two fewer games than last season. He also has a rundown of key free agents; what caught my eye was his note that Matt Slauson and the Bears are already negotiating; according to Hoge, “a deal could come quickly.” Slauson was a nice find for Phil Emery, and as Kevin Fishbain and Matt Eurich noted on Twitter, he graded out very highly by Pro Football Focus’s metrics; he was the tied for second in terms of Bears offensive players, (tied with Alshon Jeffery, trailing only Brandon Marshall) and he was the sixth-highest rated guard in football. As an observer, I remember zero instances in which I was upset with Slauson. That hasn’t been the case in recent years for Bears offensive linemen (J’Marcus Webb was bad, but remember Frank Omiyale at left guard?) and I’d be very happy to see Slauson return. Jermon Bushrod is 29, and Slauson is only 27; combined with the youth on the right side of the line, and the Bears could be set up for a nice run of solid line play, though Garza remains a question mark, due to age, performance, and contract status. Plus, and perhaps I’ve buried the lead here, Matt Slauson has a great last name to pronounce while using a Superfan accent.

I hope everyone enjoys their New Year’s Eve.

I’m excited for what 2014 brings for the Bears, and I’m even more excited to talk about it with all of you.

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

The Bears Are Expected to Ask For Some Public Money For New Stadium

If you have followed pro sports stadium projects in the past, then you probably are aware that taxpayers tend to end up footing a hearty chunk of the bill. And while the Chicago Bears have not yet made public their...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears GM Ryan Poles Isn’t Necessarily Looking to Trade For More Draft Picks

Ryan Poles has done well in creating a bevy of picks in each of his first two NFL Draft classes as Chicago Bears general manager. And even though the Bears have a league-low four picks in this week's NFL Draft,...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Bears

There is a Growing Consensus on How Bears Will Use the No. 9 Pick

As part of his latest NFL Draft notebook, CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones shares what he has heard about the Chicago Bears plan on doing with the No. 9 pick. "Sources around the league seem to believe the Chicago...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Bears 2024 NFL Draft Rome Odunze Bears 7-Round Mock Draft

Chicago Bears

Things You Love to See: Rome Odunze and Caleb Williams are Already Getting Along

Caleb Williams will be the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears next season. We've known that for some time, and it will become official on Thursday. The only question that remains is who's joining him? There's a strong chance that...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 23, 2024

marvin harrison jr bears 2024 NFL draft target

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft Fits: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

The 2024 NFL Draft begins Thursday. Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Assistant GM Ian Cunningham, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and others will put their heads together to come up with a winning plan for the team's four picks (Nos....

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Bears

What Happened to Bears’ Arlington Move? Watch Out For Cards, New and Texans Unis, and Other Bears Bullets

This afternoon's forecast in Chicago calls for afternoon rainstorms, which means I need to tweak my schedule to get my regularly scheduled walk in without getting soaked. Wish me luck! The Chicago Bears are reportedly set to announce lakefront stadium...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Bears

You’re Gonna Want to Watch This Caleb Williams Hype Video

Who needs coffee when this Caleb Williams hype video exists? The NFL Draft is in 2 days. Soon, the Chicago Bears will be on the clock with the first pick. At this point, Chicago choosing USC quarterback Caleb Williams with...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Bears

REPORT: Bears to Announce Lakefront Stadium Plans on Wednesday

The Chicago Bears stadium saga has as many plot twists as my abuela's favorite telenovelas. And the latest suggests that a move to Arlington Heights that once felt inevitable isn't in the cards as WGN reports that plans for the...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 22, 2024

Chicago Bears

The NFL Penalizing the Falcons For Tampering With Kirk Cousins Would Do the Bears a Favor

At first, the NFL tampering case involving the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings got a "ha ha" out of me because former Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace and wide receiver Darnell Mooney were secondary characters in the story. But little...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 22, 2024

Chicago Bears

There He Goes: The Jets Are Trading Zach Wilson to the Broncos

And then there was one. There were five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and only Trevor Lawrence remains with the team that selected him. That will be the case once the Zach Wilson trade...

Luis C. Medina

Apr 22, 2024

How to Watch

Giants vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Blake Snell will take the mound for the San Francisco Giants (11-13) when they host starting pitcher Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (12-10) on Wednesday, with first pitch at 3:45 PM ET.See how to watch the San Francisco-New...

Data Skrive

Apr 23, 2024

How to Watch

Orioles vs. Angels: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Jordan Westburg and the Baltimore Orioles (15-7) visit Taylor Ward and the Los Angeles Angels (9-14) at 4:07 PM ET on Wednesday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the Baltimore-Los Angeles matchup.When...

Data Skrive

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Mike Tauchman Did it AGAIN – Second Oppo Homer of the Game!

Nothing like a little insurance late. Mike Tauchman, who already hit his first home run of the season earlier in this game, just hit his second home run in the 8th! Another opposite field blast for Tauchman, who's been hitting...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

How to Watch

Rangers vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Texas Rangers (12-11), with Jon Gray on the mound, host the Seattle Mariners (11-11) who will counter with Bryce Miller, at 8:05 PM ET on Wednesday.Find out how to watch the Texas-Seattle matchup below.When is Rangers vs. Mariners and...

Data Skrive

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

The Cubs cannot catch a break this year, man. They've already dealt with injuries to Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Drew Smyly, Julian Merryweather, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ (did I forget anyone?). And tonight, it seems maybe something...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

James Triantos Homers TWICE for the Smokies

It really is a Cubs homer party up and down the system. In Chicago, Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman have gone deep. At Myrtle Beach, Christian Hernandez and Jefferson Encarnacion each homered. At South Bend, Yohendrick Pinango homered. And at...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

How to Watch

Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Wednesday at 1:15 PM ET, Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (11-13) play Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals (10-13) at Busch Stadium.Find out how to watch the Arizona-St. Louis matchup below.When is Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals and when...

Data Skrive

Apr 23, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Yankees vs. Athletics: Live Stream or on TV

Clarke Schmidt takes the ball for the New York Yankees (15-8) when they host starting pitcher Joseph Boyle and the Oakland Athletics (9-14) at 7:05 PM ET on Wednesday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for TV and...

Data Skrive

Apr 23, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Minnesota Twins (8-13), led by Ryan Jeffers, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-19) at 7:40 PM ET on Wednesday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Minnesota take on Chicago live.When is...

Data Skrive

Apr 23, 2024

How to Watch

Cubs vs. Astros: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

In a series opener on Wednesday, Jameson Taillon will take the mound for the Chicago Cubs (13-9) versus Spencer Arrighetti and the Houston Astros (7-16), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET at Wrigley Field.Keep scrolling to find out...

Data Skrive

Apr 23, 2024

Bears Sign a Punter and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular