Defense Wins Championships

[revrew]

By now it has been established that a dominating offense in FOF can win games, perhaps even championships, without an equal defense to back it up. But what about the other way 'round?

Though I sincerely doubt a dominating defense could win a league championship in MP without at least a solid offense, the SP AI is just stupid enough, it might work. Plus, it's about time a dynasty on this FOF board had something to do with FOF :)

So, as MP revealed I was better at building defenses than offenses, I set up an experiment to see if I could learn even more about defensive gameplanning. Thus, the following dynasty will build over-heavy on defense and provide little to no chance for me to tweak the offensive side of the ball (except for cohesion, I suppose, which I will naturally attempt to build). In fact, the offense will deliberately suck. The goal: To win an SP championship on defense only.

House rules:

I. Game Setup
A. Equalized finances to eliminate any financial advantage in beginning
B. Start with complete draft of newly generated players, but allow scouts to make all picks - a completely blind, new universe
C. Up injury setting to 150, to better imitate real life
D. Immediately cut all offensive players and sign new offensive squad per rules below

II. Game play/Roster building
A. No offensive player may be:
1. Drafted in any of the first 3 rounds
2. Obtained by trade at any time
3. Signed as an FA at any time if current OR potential rating is greater than 40
4. Resigned or renegotiated if current rating exceeds 40
B. No defensive player may change position to offense
C. No rules govern acquisition of defensive players, kickers or punters

III. Game planning
A. All offensive depth charts and game plans are established simply by hitting the "recommend" feature on all screens, thus allowing AI full control over offense
B. Special teams depth charts, activations and gameplans, however, may be fully tweaked
C. No rules govern defensive depth charts or game plans

Of course, it would be even more offensively crippling, even more demonstrative of "defense wins championships" if I created even harsher rules for the offense, such as cutting the entire squad every year or playing only with rookies on offense, or some such thing. But it might create problems where I can't field a full roster. And more importantly, that would stray so far from IRL, that it would just kill the immersion factor for me. So we'll see if we can instead build a Monsters of the Midway on defense and Bad News Bears on offense and still win a SuperBowl.

Hmm. I think I just found which team I need to play as ...

[nilodor]

Good luck, I'm excited to see how this turns out!

[MacroGuru]

I am very interested as I am taking a defensive approach in my MP leagues I am in from now until the new version is released and they move over to it, reason is, I want to have some fun messing around with things.

[revrew]

Thanks, guys! Doing a dynasty is WAY more fun with readers and occasional feedback.

[revrew]

My strategy

OFFENSE:

Even with the strict rules handicapping offense above, there are a few things I can still do to create an offensive advantage.
1. Cohesion. Find young, strong position leaders early and start building cohesion. As many affinity guys as I can find, as their ratings are going to stink anyway.
2. Seek a QB who avoids turnovers. The least I can do is make sure the defense doesn't have too many short fields.
3. And speaking of field position, I need a killer punter and kicker.
4. And speaking of special teams, I'll be looking for ST aces on offense, so I don't have to waste prime defensive slots with ST studs. Sometimes a great kick/punt returner can be found whose other ratings stink. If that keeps him below the 40-rating cap, that'll be a gem worth signing.
5. Get the best dang coach and OC we can

DEFENSE:

Here's the real meat of the thing. A couple key decisions will guide this experiment:
1. I'll be using a version of the Gandalf defense ("You shall not pass!") I rode to a league championship in the GEFL and modified for my IHOF championship team. I want to keep scores low to protect my anemic offense, so the emphasis will be on forcing opponents to run and taking away the pass. More about the Gandalf defense in my next post.
2. I'll also build my more experimental 4-4 defense, which was borne from lessons learned in MP, but was never really tested in that arena. In the SP experience, however, it's been dominating.

[revrew]

Inside the defensive huddle

In the glory days of the GEFL, when Subby was tearing it up with his high-flying Washington Redskins, my Denver Broncos (especially after the late, great Steve Atwater trade fiasco) turned instead to defense. Through some careful experimentation, the Gandalf defense ("You shall not pass!") was born, and it tore up the league. No one had an answer for it, and even Subby found his 'Skins slowed down by it. Eventually, when paired with the rushing attack of Tiki Barber, the Broncos, Steve Atwater and the Gandalf defense won a champsionship.

In the IHOF, however, the level of competition stepped up. Not nearly as predictable as the owners of the GEFL, the IHOF gang forced the Gandalf into some adjustments that limited its effectiveness. For example, GEFL opponents typically ran the ball or threw short passes on 1st down. The original Gandalf actually carried a run expectancy of 100% on 1st down, which forced opponents into 2nd and long or 3rd and long, where the Gandalf really shined. Ben's IHOF Tucker Tigers, however, liked to throw long on 1st down, which completely messed up this element of the Gandalf. Still, with a hat tip to Kodos, who convinced me to purposely move our best CB to the #2 spot, the Gandalf was refined and helped deliver my Boston Rhinos several division titles and an eventual IHOF championship. Never as effective in the high-flying IHOF as it was in the GEFL, nonetheless, the Rhinos defense was perpetually in the IHOF's top 5, using a modified version of the Gandalf.

The never-before-revealed key philosophies of the Gandalf are below:

A. It runs out of a base 4-3. Less popular than the 3-4 because there's no 20-sack WLB, the Gandalf gets its pass rush instead from the RDE and DTs. Specifically, the RDE doesn't need anything but elite pass rush technique. In the GEFL, Denver's K.C. "the Samurai" Sakurai carried an overall rating of 39, if I remember correctly, but routinely put up 12-18 sacks per year, because of his spike in pass rush technique.

B. The Gandalf requires an SLB that can pass defend the TEs, specifically in zone. WLB is a virtually irrelevant position, in fact, no pass rush is needed from the LBs at all - let the 3-4 teams pay big money for pass-rushing LBs, you don't need them. Your best overall player, however, is probably playing at SLB.

C. Most significantly, however, the Gandalf is all about the secondary. It's based on studies that show M2M defense is generally the least effective and the 3-zone defense is the generally the most effective. My experience with the Gandalf has anecdotally supported this evidence. Therefore:
1. Starting corners need giant ratings in zone and passable ratings in BnR. M2M is irrelevant, except that your top CBs may well have decent M2M ratings because you want top-level players. At least one great INT guy is helpful.
2. Nickel and dime corners are chosen for their high zone ability only, as the Gandalf is exclusively zone in long-yardage situations. They often come cheap, keeping your money invested in your top guys.
3. Safeties aren't just important; they're crucial. I firmly believe most GMs greatly undervalue the safety position. The SS must be dominating on run defense and zone coverage. Zone, zone, zone. The FS must be dominating on zone and INTs.

D. The Gandalf rarely blitzes. Why bother? The LBs never get to the QB in a 4-3 anyway, no matter how good their ratings, and I need them dropping back into zone anyway. MLB has to gobble up run, play diagnose, play some zone. SLB does it all (except pass rush).

E. Sub in pass-rushing DTs in the dime

F. Double-team the top WR 100% of the time, all the time. Then place your best, most INT-grabbing CB on the #2 WR. It forces more targets toward your best picker, who will usually have an advantage over the other guy's #2 WR anyway.

G. Split between BnR and 3-man zone in most running situations, with a higher leaning toward the 3-man and 4-man zone in long passing downs. Never run M2M. Ever. Zone/man mix coverages only sparingly.

More about the experimental 4-4 defense in next post ...

[sjshaw]

Thanks for doing this, rev.

[revrew]

The new 4-4 hybrid: It's not what you think

OK, here's where we start to have some fun, or as Monty Python said, "Now for something completely different ..."

The 4-4 FOF defense was actually inspired by the 2013 IRL NFL rookie draft, as my analysis caused me to drool over drafting 2 players, Kenny Vaccaro (went to Saints) and Alex Ogletree (went to Rams). I coveted building a defense with both of these players and envisioned a defense with 4 down lineman, 2 inside backers, one deep safety, and a pair of Safety/LB hybrids patrolling the outside. As many NFL teams are now moving into a nearly base nickel defense anyway, I dreamed up schemes of how this "heavy nickel" 4-4 could work.

Translating it to FOF, however, was a bit of a challenge. Still, I found a way to approximate it:

1. 4-3 base defense gives me my 4 down linemen.
2. But it plays in in the nickel nearly 100% of the time, except when we swap to Goalline or Dime, thus I have my 2 "inside" linebackers.
3. A dominating SS (ala Kenny Vaccaro) plays as the nickel back, thus giving me the safety/LB hybrid I covet. The other SS is likwise a run-stuffing hybrid. As the Gandalf also requires a solid FS, this is a VERY safety-heavy defense. Since they come cheaper than CBs or LBs, I'm all for it.
4. MLB and DTs need to be able to gobble up runners, because we're playing nickel vs. the run way too often.
5. WLB - Who needs 'em? They're never on the field, except in Goalline. So 1 decent run-stuffer can fill that role.

In experimental SP seasons, this philosophy, coupled with the Gandalf, led to very low-scoring opponents, as the offense never really caught us off-guard with the long pass. We're always in nickel!

But can the 4-4 and Gandalf win a championship virtually by themselves? Time to find out ...

[Autumn]

This is great, Rev, I'm interested in seeing how an all-defense team will do. And your 4-4 is exactly what I've started experimenting with so I'm dying to get some info on how it's gone for you.

[revrew]

This is great, Rev, I'm interested in seeing how an all-defense team will do. And your 4-4 is exactly what I've started experimenting with so I'm dying to get some info on how it's gone for you.

Thanks, Autumn! I've had some success with it in SP, though never tried in MP. Might be curious to try, however, as it uses a safety rather than LB (usually a cheaper move), and seems to be more effective against passing attacks.

We'll see if in this dynasty it can stop run as well ...

[nilodor]

Certainly enjoying your discussions of your strategy so far. It's quite interesting to see where your experience has taken you as far as gameplanning. I look forward to seeing how well it works out. You're not a browns fan are you?

[revrew]

Certainly enjoying your discussions of your strategy so far. It's quite interesting to see where your experience has taken you as far as gameplanning. I look forward to seeing how well it works out. You're not a browns fan are you?

Browns? Aw, heck no.

Though I have a buddy who's a diehard.

Truthfully, the 2nd full NFL game I ever saw was Elway's "The Drive" game against Cleveland. That experience got me hooked on the Broncos, and I've been loyal ever since. So, the Browns of olden days, with Kosar at QB, were a hated enemy.

Thanks for the kudos, y'all. It's good to see some folks still enthusiastic about FOF, MP or no.

[revrew]

Opening Day:

Given my determination to build a "Monsters of the Midway" defense and "Bad News Bears" offense, for better or worse, we take over with the Chicago Bears and immediately cut all offensive players.

Here's what we have left:

WLB Dexter Lucas from Texas Christian. In only his second year, he's rated 59/80, with green bars maxed out in Run Defense and Play Diagnosis. He's a bit low on zone defense (43), but at 6'3" 256, he can transfer to MLB or SLB nicely. This is a young, solid stud, but it will be a tough call which position he plays (sure as heck won't be WLB!).

LDE Ben Erickson from Oregon State. He's a 6-year veteran rated 72/72 overall, 100 in run defense, idolized by fans. He'd be no good as our RDE, but as a LDE he will do very nicely. A solid building block.

RCB Dexter Craig, also from Oregon State. A 6-year veteran rated 55/55, who specializes in zone and kick returning. Yessir, you can be our #2 or #3 CB.

Fan favorite RDT Timothy Emmons, 42/56 is a 4th year player who can be in our rotation, but doesn't have the pass rush ability to be a star. Still, good role player.

SS Charles Talley, 56/56, isn't good enough to captain our safety squad, but as he specializes in zone, BNR and INTs, we may move him back to FS, where his 5'10, 197 frame will be better suited.

A couple of older players still good enough I hope we can get some good trade value next season. But as the trade market is all dried up, we'll keep most of them and trade in the offseason.

And ... our kickers suck.

Summary:
Very excited to have Lucas in the fold, Erickson is a plus, and we have some solid role players. But this is far from the 4-4 Gandalf it needs to be. Rebuilding, here we come. We now have 54 million to start building from the scrap heap ...

Next post: We hire some bums off the street to play offense

[revrew]

Our new offense:

Despite a superior veteran on the roster, coach likes rookie QB Patrick Richardson out of tiny Wayne State (Neb.), who signed just for affinity. Rated 10/28 and behind a hideous O-line, perhaps only his scrambling ability will save him.

At RB, Joel Snyder out of BYU has some breakaway speed and steps into the starting role. If there was anything even remotely looking like an O-line in front of him, he might be able to put up yards.

At WR, our position leader Donnell Ellis is talented after the catch, but he couldn't run a route to save his life, so he won't see many balls tossed his way. Still, someone has to catch the ball when we're playing catchup.

The O-line pickings were bad. Really bad. We'll likely fire everyone and rebuild next year out of necessity.

On defense:

Some leftover veterans, namely CB Barry Westbrook (67/67) and SLB Jon Groh (47/52), will help out this year but be gone next year, as they're growing old in the tooth.

Managing our young stud Dexter Lucas was a question mark, but given the potential of a 100 rating at both Run Defense and Play Diagnosis, I chose to move him to MLB.

We don't have the personnel to play the 4-4 yet, but our defense has some depth.

Anticipation: 3 wins. Tops.

[sterlingice]

I know this might sound silly, but I would think having a good kicker and punter would be really important if you have no offense

SI

[revrew]

I know this might sound silly, but I would think having a good kicker and punter would be really important if you have no offense

SI

Absolutely. In fact, in the strategy post above, I wrote:

3. And speaking of field position, I need a killer punter and kicker.

Alas, the FA options were nonexistent and teams weren't really open to trade. We will get best we can get ASAP, but we're going to suffer this first season.

[sterlingice]

Whoops- totally missed that post. Sometimes I just go to OT so I miss some updates with the "new posts" arrow :(

SI

[revrew]

PRESEASON 1:

(AT) SAN DIEGO

The 44 Gandalf comes out in our first preseason game like a ball o' fire, as our opponents have their first two drives end in INTs we return to inside their 20. Rookie QB Patrick Richardson turns them both into touchdowns, and within 10 plays total, we're up 14-0.

On defense, most impressive performance comes from starting RDE Jason Tilton, a journeyman FA (5-year vet, 17/26) we picked up in FA as best pass rusher available. 1 sack, 1 blocked pass, 1 knockdown, and 4 hurries.

Defense holds them to under 50% completion, only 152 yards in air, and Bears win, 31-14.

vs. OAKLAND

Offense falls back to earth, the load spread around a bunch of scrubs.

Defensively, however, we're strong again, holding the Raiders to around 50% completion and only 155 yards in the air. No stars in this contest, but forcing punts in the fourth quarter gives us the ball at midfield twice, resulting in a pair of late touchdowns. Bears win, 20-13.

We lose RDE Jason Tilton, however, for 5 weeks. Normally, I'd say no big deal. But he was pretty good in PreWeek1.

vs. ARIZONA

The Cardinals grind us away on the ground with 37 rushing attempts. Bears offense is worse than ever, slowly losing field position, and Arizona wins with field goals, 19-3.

Best game came from star MLB Dexter Lucas, who tallied 10 tackles, a sack and a pass defensed.

at CLEVELAND

Oh, my. Bears offense nets 94 yards. Total. Starting RB Joel Snyder is actually having a decent preseason, but our passing game is so bad, we can rarely afford to give him the ball.

On an even more alarming note, the Browns rush for 286 yards in the game on 48 carries. Until we have the talent base, the 44 Gandalf will be very, very susceptible to the run.

Aging, but solid veteran CB Barry Westbrook plays a solid game with a pair of INTs and 2 more defensed, but he can't make up for the sad performance from the rest of the team. Browns win, 20-10.

RECAP

Eh, what can you really learn from the preseason? We finish 2-2, and the most points scored against us in any one game is 20. That's cause for optimism. The offense ... is even worse than imagined.

We're dead last in preseason ratings. The only glimmer of hope is that the Packers, Vikes and Lions are also ranked in the bottom half of the league.

[revrew]

REGULAR SEASON 1

Despite his excellent first outing, rookie QB Patrick Richardson apparently couldn't hold down the job after a series of miserable performances in preseason weeks 2-4. Chicago coach Rex Sullivan has agreed with me that veteran QB Preston Dean should get the starting nod in week 1. He'll be supported by RB Joel Snyder, a woeful O-line, and a group of receivers led buy undersized FL Percy Adams and even more undersized SE Donnell Ellis. Yeah, that doesn't look good.

On defense, we're without both starting DEs because of injuries, which takes all the teeth out of our pass rush. The secondary is beat up, too, so our success may come down to the play of MLB Dexter Lucas. Shortly, however, DE Ben Erickson will return from injury, and with veteran CB Barry Westbrook patrolling the outfield, we may get some big plays.

Week 1: vs. Detroit

FL Percy Adams is targeted 18 times, but only catches 6 balls. Our offense is awful, and suddenly one game makes an 0-16 record look not only possible, but likely.

On defense, CB Barry Westbrook forces 2 turnovers and the Bears hold the Lions to only 169 yards in the air, but it means little when our QB throws 3 INTs and barely completes a third of his passes.

Detroit wins easy, 31-10.

-----------------

Week 2: Chicago (0-1) at Dallas (1-0)

Every one of our possessions in the 1st half ended in a punt, with no more than 18 yards gained on any one possession. Oh, my, do we need an offensive overhaul. Well, it's coming.

Defensively, we're getting a strong season so far from SLB Jake Brock. He had 8 tackles, a sack and an INT in this contest. Rated 51/53 in his 4th year, Jake is a solid prospect that most teams would like as a role player. But he isn't good enough to play SLB in the 44 Gandalf. At least, I don't think so ...

We held Dallas to 17 points in this one, but our offense couldn't manage more than 10. Another week, another loss.

[revrew]

Week 3: Green Bay (1-1) at Chicago (0-2)

Nothing pretty to see in the offense here, but kudos to the defense!

MLB Dexter Lucas gives us 8 tackles, DE Ben Erickson gave us a sack and a few hurries, FS Charles Talley batted down 3 balls, but player of the game is CB Barry Westbrook didn't allow a single completion, defended a pair of passes and grabbed a game-sealing INT on the Packers' final drive of the day.

This is the only way we're going to win games for a while, keeping the score down. Chicago WINS! Score: 9-6.

----------------

Week 4: Chicago (1-2) at NY Giants (2-1)

Things were looking up in this one, as the Bears were winning with 3 minutes left to play. The defense completely shut things down for the Giants until their final drive, when they went 78 yards for the win.

MLB Dexter Lucas led us in tackles again, but no big plays to speak of from anywhere else. A great defensive effort goes to waste, final score, Giants win 17-12.

QUARTERLY REPORT:
Rushing: #29 in the league
Passing: #30
Scoring: #31

Rush defense: #22
Pass defense: #10
Points against: #13

Turnover margin: #7

[revrew]

Week 5: Chicago (1-3) at Carolina (3-1)

Our QB play got so bad in this one, coach yanked Preston and put in QB Patrick Richardson. Didn't matter, 3 INTs and 2/10 on 3rd downs kill us.

Too bad, too, because the defense held the Panthers to only 106 yards in the air. Of course, the 195 on the ground was enough to do us in. A pattern is clearly emerging, as MLB Dexter Lucas leads us in tackles and Barry Westbrook plays well in the secondary.

Still, a rough loss, 24-9

----------

Week 6: Seattle (4-0) at Chicago (1-4)

Seattle is chewing up the league, so we expect to get blown out. But we open the scoring with a safety, and the Seahawks passing game can't even muster 50% passing against our D, so the game is on!

Unfortunately, the offense is woefully anemic, can't do anything behind that line, and our receivers can't make plays after the catch.

Defense is sounding like a broken record, as MLB Dexter Lucas gobbles up a team-leading 10 tackles and CB Barry Westbrook hauls in another INT. Young RDE Jason Tilton gets a couple of sacks, but in the end, it's just not enough.

We lose one that should have been a blowout but is surprisingly close, 15-12.

[revrew]

Week 7: Washington (2-4) at Chicago (1-5)

This one is all field goals, 7 total between the two teams and no touchdowns scored.

But we manage a whole 8 first downs, complete only 12 passes to our guys, 2 to theirs. Only bright spot is RB Kelly Hayes, who we picked up off the waiver wire after some injuries earlier in the season. He has speed and turned out to be our leading rusher, with 93 yards, and receiver.

Defense - exactly the same: MLB Dexter Lucas gobbles up a team-leading 10 tackles and CB Barry Westbrook hauls in another INT. Westbrook has 5 picks in 7 games, and is second in the NFL.

Alas, 6 of those field goals were theirs, to only 1 of ours, and we lose, 18-3.

-------------

Week 8: Chicago (1-6) at Buffalo (1-6)

CB Dexter Craig returns from injury for this NFL toilet bowl, and RB Kelly Hayes turns in another electrifying performance, but the Bad News Bears literally fumble this one away.

MLB Dexter Lucas racks up 14 tackles, but our pass defense doesn't do it's usual job.

We drop a heartbreaker, but move closer to the #1 overall pick, 20-14.

HALFWAY REPORT
Rushing: #31 in the league
Passing: #25
Scoring: #31

Rush defense: #28
Pass defense: #1 - Yay, Gandalf!
Points against: #14

Turnover margin: #26. Youch.

[revrew]

So, the comments have slowed down a little bit. Looking for some feedback.

Are readers getting bogged down in individual games, want to move faster? Less detail?

Or do you want more narrative flair? Change format?

If you have any advice on what would make this dynasty more readable, let me know, and I'll try to accomodate.

[Coffee Warlord]

Just because I'm not commenting doesn't mean i'm not reading. It do be interesting - format's fine.

[britrock88]

No changes needed here.

[revrew]

Cool, guys. Thanks! Just for the record for everybody, I'm open to suggestions as we move forward.

[sterlingice]

Looks good to me. But the first season or two is just going to be a slog.

It's got the right amount of detail for me- get a few notes about each game so you can start to keep tabs on a few players- and get the gist of how the game went.

SI

[revrew]

Week 9: Minnesota (3-5) at Chicago (1-7)

Well, look who found an offense! QB Preston Dean completes 13 of 18 and the runningback committee gobbles up about 4.5 ypc, fueling some points on the board.

On defense, still very susceptible to the run, but CBs Dexter Craig (back from injury) and Barry Westbrook grab an INT apiece, Westbrook running his back 91 yards for a touchdown.

We play like a much better team across the board and WIN, 26-9.

Week 10: Chicago (2-7) at Miami (4-5)

Again the offense plays a bit better, but Oline surrenders 7 sacks and we lose 3 fumbles with a pick. Can't win like that.

Defense surrenders only 162 yards in air, but nearly same on the ground. MLB Dexter Lucas leads us in tackles again, and CB Dexter Craig - hmm, 2 Dexters, the "Dex connects" - grabs an INT. Nothing we can do in the face of their game-changing plays on defense, however, Bears lose, 23-10.

[MacroGuru]

Question, at the WLB are you slapping in a WLB or a true safety or is it 100% Nickel type formation?

[revrew]

Question, at the WLB are you slapping in a WLB or a true safety or is it 100% Nickel type formation?

I'm running almost 100% Nickel, per the 4-4 philosophy outlined earlier. On extreme rushing situations, I do put in a goalline with a legit WLB. And on extreme passing situations, I swap out to dime, but the base defense is a nickel.

Eventually, we'll add a couple of run-gobbling strong safeties, and we'll start to see opponents' rushing attacks brought under control. But right now, with very little talent at DT, the running backs are breaking through, and with no safeties, they're breaking big runs.

This is the big test of the 4-4. Equipped with the Gandalf gameplan, I'm confident the 4-4 will be dominating against the pass. But can it slow down the run, too, or will it just be a gimmick defense to stop the pass?

[MacroGuru]

I'm running almost 100% Nickel, per the 4-4 philosophy outlined earlier. On extreme rushing situations, I do put in a goalline with a legit WLB. And on extreme passing situations, I swap out to dime, but the base defense is a nickel.

Eventually, we'll add a couple of run-gobbling strong safeties, and we'll start to see opponents' rushing attacks brought under control. But right now, with very little talent at DT, the running backs are breaking through, and with no safeties, they're breaking big runs.

This is the big test of the 4-4. Equipped with the Gandalf gameplan, I'm confident the 4-4 will be dominating against the pass. But can it slow down the run, too, or will it just be a gimmick defense to stop the pass?

Looking at the dime you could run almost a 4-2-5 type defense and probably focus on stopping the pass.

Another question. Are you seeing fatigue as an issue with your players that are in the Nickel? Are subs happening?

Reason I ask back before the latest update, when I ran a pure nickel defense I noticed I never subbed and my starters were wearing out faster than usual.

[revrew]

Looking at the dime you could run almost a 4-2-5 type defense and probably focus on stopping the pass.

If understand your question right, you're inquiring about running a 100% dime. I would think that would make stopping the run completely impossible, though I've never tested it. My hope, with getting the right talent in the "4-4" is to create a defense stacked against the pass that can still be an effective all-around D.

Another question. Are you seeing fatigue as an issue with your players that are in the Nickel? Are subs happening?

Reason I ask back before the latest update, when I ran a pure nickel defense I noticed I never subbed and my starters were wearing out faster than usual.

I have definitely seen fatigue hit in previous experiments with this defense. Consequently, that nickel safety requires astronomical endurance. But I also set my playing time for D-linemen, LBs and secondary to 80, 85, 90, 95 %, based on individual players' endurance levels. The AI does seem to respect that and allow subs at those positions, even when they're playing in nickel all game long. But I'm not sure if the actual nickel safety ever gets subbed. After all, he has no "backup" player established in any gameplanning screen. But the other players who do have backups set in the base 4-3 screen do seem to get subbed.

[revrew]

Week 11: Philadelphia (6-4) at Chicago (2-8)

We jump out to a quick 10-0 lead, but 6 missed FGs (3 for each team) mean a bunch of points were left on the field. ANd while our running game was stellar, the passing game reverted to awful

On defense, stars were the "Dex connects," MLB Dexter Lucas leads us in tackles again, and CB Dexter Craig grabs an INT. Lucas looks well on his way to an All-Pro season. Alas, his pass defense was very suspect today, and the team as a whole gave up too many big plays, especially in the 4th quarter, where the Eagles put up 13 unanswered.

With 4 seconds left on the clock, Philly kicks the winning field goal. Chicago loses, 16-13.


Week 12: Chicago (2-9) at Detroit (6-5)

With starting speedster RB Kelly Hayes out with a hammy, RB Joel Snyder (our starter at season's beginning) rips off a 4th quarter, 72-yard touchdown sprint, giving us a late lead. His second TD of the day, giving us a chance.

On defense, CB Barry Westbrook joins the "Dex connects" as ALL 3 grab INTs. CB Dexter Craig's INT with 1:23 left on the clock seals the deal, and Chicago WINS, 20-16.

3/4 SEASON REPORT:

Rushing Offense: #30
Passing Offense: #25
Scoring Offense:#28

Rushing Defense: #31
Passing Defense: #9
Scoring Defense: #14

Turnovers margin: #24, despite our secondary

At 3-9, we're in a 5-way tie for the #2 overall draft pick. St. Louis sits at #1, with a record of 2-10.

[sterlingice]

Suck harder!

Wait- that came out wrong

SI

[Vaevictis_386]

Great read, thank you. I'm eager to see how this defensive idea works out.

[revrew]

Week 13: New England (3-9) at Chicago (3-9)

Despite losing a pair of fumbles, this was just a good ol' fashioned butt-kicking, as the Bears were on their A game, such as I didn't even know we had. RB Joel Snyder ran for 115 and a score, QB Preston Dean tacked on 21 of 27 for 3 scores and a 127.9 rating.

On defense, CB Dexter Craig led the way with a pass defense and an INT, as we held them to 224 yards total offense.

Didn't know we had it in us (or that New England was THAT bad). Bears win, 34-10.

I was going to update each week on the race for the #1 draft pick, but I think this takes us out of it for good.

The even worse news, however, is tha twe lose star DE Ben Erickson and starting FS Charles Talley to injuries. Owie.

Week 14: Chicago (4-9) at Minnesota (6-7)

Our offense comes crashing down to earth. After last week's prodigious output, QB Preston Dean is benched, but the rookie comes in and does even worse. The only positive note is WR Amos Mahoney, a bottom-feeder who had a pair of TD catches last week and caught 10 of 20 this week. 10 passes? 20 targets? Weird.

Defense gave up 3 TDs of 50 or more yards, so we're not too happy with the boys this week. MLB Dexter Lucas was in on 17 tackles and had a sack, but the rest of the crew was woeful.

Chicago loses, 24-3.

[revrew]

Week 15: New York Jets (11-3) at Chicago (4-10)

On offense our passing game is weak again, as Preston Dean completes only 20 of 53 passes. Nothing pretty here.

On defense, however, the Gandalf flexes major muscles, holding the Jets to 95 yards in the air. CB Dexter Craig defends 3 passes to lead the way.

Still, we give up WAY too much on the ground, and with no offense, we lose to the heavily favored Jets in a remarkably close one, 14-12.

Week 16: Chicago (4-11) at Green Bay (6-9)

The offense in this one just can't find a gear, but once again WR Amos Mahoney leads the way with 8 out of 10 catches for 77 yards. Odd, he's playing better than advertised. Still, woeful all around.

On defense, however, the boys found their groove one more time. CB Dexter Craig finds another INT, and this time, it IS enough. Chicago just won't let them score and WINS a tight one, 16-13.

[revrew]

FINAL SUMMARY on 5-11 season

Cincinnati plays Seattle in the SuperBowl, and Seattle wins it all.

Rushing Offense: #27
Passing Offense: #24
Scoring Offense: #27

Rushing Defense: #31
Passing Defense: #3 - (Yay, Gandalf!)
Scoring Defense: #14

Turnover margin: #26

Frankly, I'm surprised the pass defense was as strong as it was. It's not as though we were getting blown out regularly and opponents could just grind it out on the ground. Many of our losses were by slim margins. We have almost no talent at safety, and our CBs are B+ talent at best, though as you'll see below, they had unbelievably good years. Furthermore, we had absolutely NO pass rush. This unexpected success is another piece of evidence pointing to the effectiveness of the Gandalf defensive gameplan.

But until we shore up the run, we haven't really tested anything. When we can force teams into more 3rd and longs, THEN we'll see how good the pass defense is. The 4-4 Gandalf is, of course, designed to stop the pass. But unless we can slow down the run, too, it can't be considered a viable defense, but just a gimmick.

PLAYER SUMMARIES:

QB Preston Dean: Completed 53% of his passes for 2663 yards, 8 TDs, 17 INTs, 58.1 rating, which ranked him 29th in the league.

RB Joel Snyder: 3.88 average, 528 yards, 4 TDs
RB Kelly Hayes: 4.93 average, 404 yards, 1 TD

WR Amos Mahoney was our best WR, despite being rated 15/24. 50 catches, 574 yards, 5 TDs. Led in every catching stat except drops and catch %.

MLB Dexter Lucas 123 tackles, 40 assists, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 17.0 Tackle%
SLB Jake Brock 85 tackles, 39 assists, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 10 passed defensed, 14.5 Tackle %

LDE Ben Erickson 36 tackles, 5 sacks, led the team in PassRush%

CB Barry Westbrook 7 INTs, 12 pass defensed, 87.8 PDPct
CB Dexter Craig 6 INTs, 9 passes defensed, 97.2 PDPct over 9 games

Nickleback Mike Wynn also had 9 passed defensed, so he's worth keeping on the roster.

CB Barry Westbrook earns All-League 2nd team honors.
MLB Dexter Lucas gets robbed of any post-season honors. Should have been 1st team, IMO.

LOOKING AHEAD:

Our offense is going to get a total overhaul, starting with a real offensive line and a QB who isn't going to throw so many picks. Our running backs, however, are decent enough.

On defense, we have to be able to stop the run better. Utilizing the 44 Gandalf, run defense is an expected weakness, but this was abysmal.

Looking ahead, I was planning on trading CB Barry Westbrook, as he's older, but I'm having second thoughts. Perhaps he can keep playing for 3-4 years. Keeping him will also enable us the focus elsewhere.

Our top Priorities:

1. Improve run defense - look at big DT and SS pickups
2. Improve our safeties in general
3. Upgrade at Oline
4. Upgrade at QB
5. Look for major upgrades at K/P. We lost several games this year because of multiple missed FGs.
6. Get a real RDE opposite LDE Ben Erickson

It's not as though any of those are optional, though. I'll be looking to accomplish all 6 goals.

We finish in 4-way tie for Draft pick #5, but we're on top with the 1.5 selection.

[Coffee Warlord]

You still will prolly have your pick of top defensive players even at 1.5.

[revrew]

YEAR 2 OFFSEASON:

1. We hire all new staff. All 4 positions. Upgrades everywhere.
2. Aw, heck. We're down $61 million in lost cap room, meaning we don't have nearly the cap to do everything we need.
3. After renegs we have $20 million, but only 18 players signed. This is going to be tough.
4. QBs are at the top of the draft board, so we should have our pick of D-linemen, and there's a pair of DEs worth it. May go there. Also an OLB that looks tempting and a solid DT. Horrid year for safeties, however, so we'll be looking at upgrades in FA.

FA Targets:

Some very solid kickers/punters in FA and nothing on the draft board, so we quickly make offers to:
P Fred Preston, 8yr, 75/75
K Rusty Shafluetzel, 8 yr, 80/80

They both want 5-year deals, so we go for it, despite the cap hit

At DT, there's nothing worth a big investment, but we could get some cheap depth with
NT Roosevelt Taylor, 5yr, 38/48

There's no way we can afford to keep SLB Jake Brock, and I've never been sure he's really worth it anyway, so we pass on him, but find an even better fit in:
SLB Nate Hodges, 5yr, 48/65, Run D rating of 68/93. All-around solid player.

Yikes. Can we afford this guy?

At Safety, there's no superstar, but there are some possibilities. It's just a matter of how much we can afford. We place offers on these 2 for starters:
SS Kelly Macklin, 7yr, 49/49, affinity match with a 75 run defense rating
SS Glen Lofton, 5yr, 56/60, decent bars everywhere and an 88-rated kick returner

At QB, there's slim pickings, and despite my preference to go with a young guy, Minnesota's starter from last year is available, and he had a fairly decent year. He'd be a big upgrade, so we make offer to:
QB Hardy Holleran, 8yr, 33/35

Other offensive players of note:
WR Tyrone Lee, 6yr, 34/39, with a huge position leadership rating and big bars in both RR and BPR, this would be a great pickup for us. We try to sign him to 3yr contract.
C Deon Parrish, 8yr, 39/39, can run block
LG Emmitt Burroughs, 6yr, 39/39, very solid pass block
LT Kyle Farr, 6yr, 31/31, gave up 0 sacks in 8 starts last season

[revrew]

SS Kelly Macklin is the first to sign. He's rated 83 in run defense, 58 in zone and 87 in punishing hitter. While he isn't the superstar needed for our nickel spot (plus he's 5-7, 195), he is a very good fit for our starting SS position. Plus, he's an affinity match.

LT Kyle Farr also signs, hopefully giving us some decent pass protection.

Also, CB Mike Wynn, 47/47, returns to the fold. Our #3 CB, he's a fan favorite and has bars in the right places.

And while I really like SS Glen Lofton, his bars aren't in the right places and will cost too much against the cap. Have to show some restraint here, so with the signing of Macklin, we withdraw our offer to Lofton.

[revrew]

P Fred Preston joins the team. My scout likes him at 77/77, and he had a great season last year for the Eagles. He's ours now.

Both DT Taylor Roosevelt and SLB Nate Hodges sign elsewhere, however, a major disappointment, at least in Hodges' case.

We add SLB Stanley Grier, 5yr, 28/50, to the target list, but he's a sad consolation prize

[revrew]

WR Tyrone Lee signs. Yay! He gives us both RR and BPR, as well as becoming our new position leader. I like this kid, at least as much as you can like a 34/39 WR.

K Rusty Schafleutzel also signs, and our scout thinks he's 85/85. We land both major, major upgrades to the kicking game. We now have one of the best K/P crews in the league.

SLB Stanley Grier also signs, but he's only temporary stopgap measure at his position.

[revrew]

In come the O-linemen!

C Deon Parrish signs, a decent run blocker with exceptional affinity.

LG Emmitt Burroughts signs, an outstanding pass blocker.

The only major FA target left is that QB. C'mon, Hardy. Time to sign.

[revrew]

And QB Hardy Holleran signs!

Last season, he started 10 games for the Vikes, completed 64.3 percent of his passes, 11 TDs, 8 INTs, and an 84.0 QBR. Not the ideal candidate (too many INTs), he's still an upgrade.

And that's it for (meaningful) free agency. Tomorrow, we move on to the DRAFT!

[sterlingice]

Are you getting too good too fast? One really good draft and then, what, 6-10 next year?

SI

[revrew]

Are you getting too good too fast? One really good draft and then, what, 6-10 next year?

SI

Frankly, I have no idea. But with our massive cap penalty for cutting all those players, we didn't really have room to improve that much this offseason.

In FA, our big pickups were a kicker and punter. The other guys are marginal improvements. We lost a solid SLB.

So we're still 2 defensive linemen, an SLB and 2 safeties short of having the team we're trying to build. Offense is still spotty too. And as other teams build offensive cohesion, I expect we'll start to see more formidable offenses. Looking at the stats, opposing QBs were pathetic league wide. That's going to change going forward.

The bigger test to your question is the following year, when we have craploads of money to spend on FA. Then, in our 3rd season, how good will we be? That will either make this a short dynasty, or we'll discover the challenge is tougher and we may be in for a prolonged dogfight.

[revrew]

DRAFT DAY!!!!

At 1.5, there are 2 DEs and a DT we'd consider taking. We definitely need more run stuffing in the middle, and our pass rush is anemic. We just need a couple of QBs to be picked ahead of us, and we'll be set to fill one of our biggest needs.

1.1 New England surprises by taking the DE I really had my eyes on. Well, there's a reason I liked him.
1.2 St. Louis takes a QB as expected. He's gonna be a good 'un, but we can't draft his like, per the rules.
1.3 Dallas trades up to get another QB, and now we know we can get what we're after!
1.4 Cleveland takes an OT, so now we have a decision to make.

RDE Doug Conley is 3 blues and a red, the red being in the all-important dash category. At 6-6, 291, and a pass rush technique bar maxed out, he's more than worth the 1.5.

RDT Sean Spencer (let the "Psych" jokes commence) has 2 reds (dash and Solecismic) and 2 blues. Great-lookng combines. His bar for pass rush strength is oddly low (lower than his bench would suggest), and his run defense isn't the monster 100 we'd want in a 1.5 pick. Right position, right talent, but is he as good as Conley?

What's your thoughts, readers?

[Coffee Warlord]

Conley, depending on the depth at each position in the draft. Could prolly find a decent DT in the 2nd (if you don't go for say, a stud LB or S)

[revrew]

Conley, depending on the depth at each position in the draft. Could prolly find a decent DT in the 2nd (if you don't go for say, a stud LB or S)

Studs on defense are in short supply in this draft; good thing I have the 1.5.

But I'm inclined to agree with you. Conley seems a higher value (could his pass rush really top out at 100?), and with a pass rush in place, we can start forcing teams into longer downs and distance, so they stop running so much.

[sterlingice]

Considering I know nothing about FOF, I'd go with other opinions. But I do like a good Psych reference

SI

[revrew]

Considering I know nothing about FOF, I'd go with other opinions. But I do like a good Psych reference

SI

Absolutely. Have a pineapple. :)

[BYU 14]

Conley, a playmaker on the edge is key

[MacroGuru]

Conley...can't pass that up

[sterlingice]

Absolutely. Have a pineapple. :)

I didn't know about that gag for the longest time but I'm not a regular watcher of the show- I just catch it in syndication from time to time as it's a show that's easy to pick up and put down

SI

[Carman Bulldog]

Yeah, Conley sounds like the better of the two and with less risk.

[revrew]

RDE Doug Conley it is! Drafted at 1.5. Our scouts rate him 40/73 right off the bat and are very excited about his combination of size and pass rush skills.

DT Sean Spencer, meanwhile, falls to 1.22 and is selected by Miami. We flirted with trading up to the 1.21 (timing was right on that one!) to grab him, but the price Philadelphia was demanding was just too steep.

At 2.8 we have some more choices.

DT Malcolm Conley (yeah, same name as our 1.5 - brothers?) has a red agility combine (yay, run defense!) and a blue strength score, among the best remaining in the draft. His broad jump, however, is woeful, and his endurance bar looks like it matches. His red/blue combine leads me to believe he's a creeper, but he has low volatility, and his bars are pathetic. Big risk here.

DT Shawn Foreman has 4 blues, including strength and agility. Bench only 1 less than Conley. If his bars hold, he's a safer looking DT bet and would be a solid starter, but short of being a star. Also, affinity match.

CB Roderick Allman A 4 blue corner with a high position drill and zone bar, so the type we like. But he would have to be a creeper (volatility 76), because his current bars don't suggest he's worth it here. The hesitation is his punishing hitter and INT bars are also low, so despite his combines, doesn't show classic creeper signature.

CB Skip Carr A 2 blue corner with 4.49 speed. PSpec suggests he should have good zone bar, but doesn't. His punishing hitter and INT bars, however, are somewhat higher, classic sign of a creeper. But on only 2 blues (PSpec and Agility)?

No ILBs. Some curious OLBs we might look at in 3rd. No safeties worth it this high.

I'm leaning toward Foreman, the affinity match being the deciding factor ...

[MacroGuru]

I never let volatility scare me but Foreman is the one I would take with this selection out of the 4

[Coffee Warlord]

2 rookies on the line who could solve your problems there for a lot of years is hard to pass up.

[revrew]

I wonder if the way I'm writing it up is slanting the feedback, but regardless, I'm in agreement again. Thanks for the input, guys.

DT Shawn Foreman it is, with the 2.8 pick. Scouts rate him 30/67 and especially like his relentless motor.

Conley goes at 2.14. Allman falls at 2.21. Carr at 3.1. Interestingly, Denver took both CBs.

As expected, the 3rd round leads us to our experiments at OLB.

Stephen Prestbye has 3 blues, a decent pass rush strength bar and a volatility of 92, which could all add up to a creeper. But his bars at Rdef and zone are low. If he doesn't creep, he's useless to me.

Tommie Alvarado is an all-bars pick. He has 2 blues - in dash and agil - so it's not all bad, but he has 2 greens, too (bench and broad jump). Yet his run def is maxed at 100 and his zone is around 75. Play diagnosis, alas is 0. He could easily be a bust candidate.

A creeper possibility vs. a bust candidate. I do expect Alvarado will lose some of those ratings, but I can't help it. I want that run-stuffing ability.

at 3.7, Chicago selects OLB Tommie Alvarado, 6'3, 249, out of Stanford. My scouts rate him initially at 19/64.

[revrew]

Prestbye falls at 4.3 - also to Denver (do we have the same scouts?). The Denver scout's Young Talent rating is "excellent," so that feels reassuring.

Now we get to the intriguingly strategic part of the draft. According to my house rules, I can draft an offensive player for the first time in the 4th round. But after he plays out his contract, if he exceeds a 40 in current rating, I can't resign him. Of course, I can "game" my own house rules by extending his contract quick, before he hits a 40 rating, but the reality is that any actually good or creeping player I pick here on offense, I may have to just let go after 5 or 6 years or so.

But is that really staying true to the spirit of the challenge? Is it gaming my own system? Or is that just part of the fun? Aaargh, I dunno ...

I normally like to take an Olineman about this spot, but if I have to let him go after 5 or 6 years, he'll be just coming into his prime. I think these house rules are going to push me away from ever drafting Oline. QB may face a similar dilemma.

A RB or WR prospect that can contribute more quickly, however, I could grab now and use for a few years before the lease is up.

Otherwise, I may stick to drafting D. Maybe special teams players. We'll see.

And, wouldn't you know it, when the 4.6 comes around, I have a real dilemma between 3 guys.

If I stick with defense, there's this guy:

OLB Buddy Bongiovanni - He of the awesome name. Blue in agility and dash, but green in Sol and Broad. But his run D rating is sky high and his pass rush strength isn't bad either. He's similar to Alvarado, who we already took, and may give us some insurance.

But on offense ...

QB Fernando Windsor has a red, a 90 in Pspec, and blues in dash and Sol and several very high bars. His sense rush is about a 30, so not perfect, but if it weren't for my house rules this guy would be the no-brainer, easy pick. But is it worth taking a QB who might end up being good, only to lose him after 6 or 7 years?

RB Van Mason an affinity-match speedster who runs a 4.48 40. His only bars are in breakaway speed, power inside and speed to the outside, the classic markers of a breakout candidate. He might last until the 5th, and if he does, I'm taking him. But then again, he might not ...

So. What to do here?

[Coffee Warlord]

You could have far worse problems then having a QB tthat gives you a solid 4-5 years.

That or the LB - fuck the RB.

[revrew]

OK, we'll go with Coffee's prevailing "wisdom."

At 4.6 Chicago selects QB Fernando Windsor out of Clemson. The scouts have him rated 20/48 and were impressed with his grasp of the game.

At 5.5 Chicago selects RB Van Mason, a speedster out of Vanderbilt. The scouts have him rated 24/27 and believe he has a high ceiling.

At 6.8 Chicago selects C Scottie Wayne an afffinity-matching longsnapper who actually had 2 blues and a red for combines. Scouts see him as raw, however, rated 14/46.

At 7.7 Chicago selects CB Roosevelt Coffey out of Washington. He looked good in zone coverage, but is suspect elsewhere. Our scouts rate him as 10/36.

Next update after training camp!

[Coffee Warlord]

OK, we'll go with Coffee's prevailing "wisdom."


YOU FOOL!

[Carman Bulldog]

Not sure how you could pass on Buddy Bongiovanni! Great name. Fernando seems like a flake who is bound to be injury prone with a name like that. With your current setup, I'd hesitate to take a QB, as there are usually a lot of good veteran 38/38 guys that have a lot more formations.

It just seems like once you get your guy developed, he could be out the door.

Regarding contracts, are you doing no haggle, no hassle, or are you able to sign guys to whatever you like?

[revrew]

Not sure how you could pass on Buddy Bongiovanni! Great name. Fernando seems like a flake who is bound to be injury prone with a name like that. With your current setup, I'd hesitate to take a QB, as there are usually a lot of good veteran 38/38 guys that have a lot more formations.

It just seems like once you get your guy developed, he could be out the door.

Regarding contracts, are you doing no haggle, no hassle, or are you able to sign guys to whatever you like?

I'll keep an eye on Bongiovanni and let you know how he develops :) He went to Minnesota in the 4th and is rated 24/54 pre-camp.

Our new QB walks in knowing 12 formations, so he should be OK there.

As for contracts, I can sign to whatever, so long as they fit within the skill-level restrictions for offensive players.

[Coffee Warlord]

Not sure how you could pass on Buddy Bongiovanni! Great name. Fernando seems like a flake who is bound to be injury prone with a name like that. With your current setup, I'd hesitate to take a QB, as there are usually a lot of good veteran 38/38 guys that have a lot more formations.

It just seems like once you get your guy developed, he could be out the door.

True, but you might be able to get some better cohesion over Rent A QB if you can keep him locked up for awhile.

[revrew]

We go into camp with 53 players, barely enough to field a team, as our cap situation is as tight as can be.

I'm not sure whether we should emphasize offense in camp, because it's such a weakness, or emphasize defense, because it's our strength.

Post camp movers/shakers of note and rookie report, with trends current and future in that order:

RB Kelly Hayes (3yr vet) +4, +5, 35/43 - Crap. He's a solid player, but he just went over our talent cap and looks to keep growing. He'll likely play out his contract, then be gone, per dynasty rules.

MLB Dexter Lucas (3yr vet) - He's gone +23, +2 since last year to become 82/82 now. His runD and play diagnosis are both red 100, but he's barely orange on development. This guy is an ANIMAL.

SS Charlie Guillen (2yr vet) +16, +4, 47/53. He was our Solecismique League guy and broke his hand while there, so he's going to miss preseason. Good run defender, but despite his growth, his zone is too poor to really play for us long term. Plus, he looks to be nearly fully developed. I don't see him continuing to creep much. For now, I think he'll fill our key, nickel safetybacker spot. He'll be an RFA after this season, and we can evaluate then.

Rookies:
DE Doug Conley (R: 1.5) +5, -1 - 45/72 - Pass rush bar says 52/99, so jackpot! It will probably red out closer to 85, but still, we scored on this one.

DT Shawn Foreman (R: 2.8) +5, -5, 35/62 - Well, the odds of his mediocrity were high. Looks like he'll be a 50/50 player before it's done. Still, he has the affinity and the making of a good role player. For what it's worth, our other candidates at that spot are all pretty sad coming out of camp. We got the right guy in the 2nd.

OLB Tommie Alvarado (R: 3.7) +0, -15, 19/49. Ouch. Knew he was bust possibility, but this counts as a big draft whiff. Still, his runD bar is still pretty high, so we're going to use him as our goalline WLB.

QB Fernando Windsor (R: pick 4.6) +4, -3, 24/45 - Easily slides into #2 on depth chart. Biggest worry, though, is that he lost a formation during TC and his intelligence rating is way too high, leading to a major INT concern. His potential rating and bars? Perfect. Odds of him being long-term solution ... slim. Still, this was a really good gamble.

RB Van Mason (R: 5.5) +0, +2, 24/29, decent change of pace speed back, but no Kelly Hayes

C Scotttie Wayne (R: 6.8) +4, +1, 18/47 - good long snapper and growth is good. Perhaps we can resign him later before he hits the talent cap.

CB Roosevelt Coffey (R: 7.7) +3, +0, 13/36. Meh. Benchwarmer.

Oh, and for those keeping track at home, Minnesota's Buddy Bongiovanni went +4, -4 and sits at 28/50. We should have taken him in the third instead of Alvarado. Nuts.

My own draft grade: B

Conley could be a long-term star for us, and Foreman looks solid, so some props for this class. But when you're as high as the 5th pick, it would be nice to get a bit more out of the lower rounds. This grade could rise if Scottie Wayne continues to grow or Van Mason rounds out better. For now, I'm saying above average, but shy of great.

[revrew]

Just enough room after camp to sign a rookie, and FB Luther Brewington (21/47) is actually a good-looking prospect with high blocking strength, run blocking and blitz pickup - plus, he's an affinity match. Since he'll likely fall short of developing to 47, he may slide right in and be a starting FB for years to come. Glad to grab this guy.

[revrew]

Preseason 1: At Cleveland

Everything clicks for us in this game, as RB Kelly Hayes tears it up with a 4.94 per average. Rookie QB Fernando Windsor debuts with 10 for 13 passing and a 122.6 QB rating. Vet QB Hardy Holleran also puts up a 101.3 QB rating, but takes a pair of sacks.

Our new special teams aces are brilliant, the defense picks off 3 balls, and rookie DE Doug Conley debuts with a half-sack, 3 blocked passes, 2 hurries and a knockdown. Yowza.

Crushing win for Chicago, 30-7.

Preseason 2: vs. Indianapolis

Half the cylinders fire in this one, but boy, did they ever. Our QBs are in locked in a battle of GOOD performances, RB Kelly Hayes ripped it up again, and new WR Tyrone Lee goes bananas, 14 catches on 18 targets for 157 yards and a score. Hello!

Special teams actually stumbled all game long. Poor returns. 2 missed kicks.

Defense was dominating. We outgained them 372 yards to 170 total. They got 57 on the ground and 113 in the air and went a goose-egg 0 for 12 on 3rd down.

Losing a pair of fumbles and screwing up in the red zone, however, made this one close. We win by only 16-13.

[Coffee Warlord]

My kingdom for cap space!

Though it should be clearing up soon...what's your dead space next year?

[revrew]

My kingdom for cap space!

Though it should be clearing up soon...what's your dead space next year?

Lost cap this year: $62 million out of $135 million salary cap.

Lost cap next year: $0. Not a penny (though there might be some after a preseason cut or 2). As of our contracts right now, we look to be $65 million UNDER the cap next season, although I may have to look at some in-season renegs; I'm not sure just now.

[Carman Bulldog]

It might just be me, put I'd prefer to have the score listed up top on the recap, at or near the team names. Alternatively, have it in bold. Sometimes I like to read, but sometimes I prefer to just browse the results.

[revrew]

It might just be me, put I'd prefer to have the score listed up top on the recap, at or near the team names. Alternatively, have it in bold. Sometimes I like to read, but sometimes I prefer to just browse the results.

Done deal. Can do!

[revrew]

Preseason 3: vs. Baltimore

On offense, rookie Van Mason got his chance and made the most of it, with a 5.36 ave and a TD. Rookie QB Fernando Windsor continues to shine in the preseason, gong 11 for 17, 123 yards, 1 TD and 105.7 rating in limited action.

On defense, our 2nd string played almost the whole game, but #2 LDE Deron Abbott wins POG honors with 2 sacks.

Mostly our scrubs in there, a fairly even game. We gave up too many yards on the ground, yet they struggled in the end zone. We walk away with win, 21-19.

Preseason 4: at Houston

Our offense comes alive again, with the 4th straight 100+ rating game from rookie QB Fernando Windsor. Could this guy win the starting job? Not my call. That's up to coach. Once again, new WR Tyrone Lee lights it up, 9 catches on 10 targets for 127 yards and 2 scores. This guy is showing he can take over a game. Man, am I excited to see what he can do in regular season.

On defense, not much to talk about, except rookie WLB Tommie Alvarado got some experience and led the team with 8 tackles.

I wonder what this means ... Chicago goes 4-0 in preseason, tacking on another win, 30-20.

[Coffee Warlord]

Start my boy Fernando!

[revrew]

SEASON PREVIEW:

I can't say as I agree with coach, but for now, veteran QB Hardy Holleran has won the starting role. I expect speedsters RB Kelly Hayes and WR Tyrone Lee to be the real stars, however, and the Bears offense should actually have some explosive, big-play potential to it. Can we string together 1st downs when needed, though?

Rookie RB Van Mason won the #2 spot at halfback, and rookie FB Luther Brewington is slotted at the starter spot. These are guys who may contribute for a long time.

On defense, rookie RDE Doug Conley is the story. Can he come in and terrorize QBs right away? Contend for DROY?

The Packers, Vikings and Lions remain among the worst teams in the league, so expect us to overachieve again this year. But how many wins is that? Can we be good enough in our crappy division to contend for playoffs? Or do we need to cue the voice of Jim Mora here?

[Carman Bulldog]

SEASON PREVIEW:

I can't say as I agree with coach, but for now, veteran QB Hardy Holleran has won the starting role.

You should just cut anyone above Fernando to give him the starting job.

[revrew]

You should just cut anyone above Fernando to give him the starting job.

Don't think I'm not tempted, but that does go against the spirit of the challenge a bit. If I can manipulate the starting lineup by creative cuts, then how is that really all that different from just manipulating the lineup manually?

I'm going to let Holleran ride for now - to preserve the immersion factor for myself, if nothing else. But if he stinks it up this year and proves himself unworthy of the contract ... well, any self-respecting GM would just have to let him go and see what the rookie has, right? ;)

[Carman Bulldog]

It wouldn't be without precedent though. That's pretty much what happened with the Jags when they cut David Garrard.

[revrew]

It wouldn't be without precedent though. That's pretty much what happened with the Jags when they cut David Garrard.

Well, if you're looking for a precedent on how NOT to run an NFL franchise ... see Jacksonville :)

[revrew]

GAME 1: Green Bay (0-0) at Chicago (0-0)

Yes, Green Bay sucks, but ... whoa.

Offense comes alive, as RB Kelly Hayes rips off 104 yards and 3 total TDs. QB Hardy Holleran is 18 for 27, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, and 111.1 rating. WR Tyrone Lee 8 of 9 on catches, and the Bears put up the yards and points.

Our new P Fred Preston averages 52 yards per boot and downs 4 of 5 inside the 20. K Rusty Schafluetzel 3/3 on FGs, including one from 51.

On defense, Green Bay's only TD comes on a kick return. Meanwhile, rookie RDE Doug Conley gets 2 of our team's 6 sacks, and the squad pulls down 3 INTs. After we got ahead, Green Bay was held to 55 yards on the ground, while we average 5.47 rushing in a blowout.

Chicago steamrolls, 37-13.

[revrew]

WEEK 2: Chicago (1-0) at Denver (0-1)

Singsongy voice: Oh, dear ... where did our offense go?

In the crapper. QB Hardy Holleran tosses 3 INTs, pretty much killing everything we had going for us.

P Fred Preston was the bomb again, averaging 49.6 and dropping 3 of 5 inside the 20.

On defense, MLB Dexter Lucas racked up 13 tackles an a pair of passes defense, and LDE Ben Erickson gathered 1.5 sacks.

Defense did OK, but Hardy just had a rotten outing, particularly in the longer passes. Chicago loses, 21-10.

The worst news, however, is that rookie stud RDE Doug Conley hyperextended a knee and will be out for 4 weeks.

WEEK 3: Washington (2-0) at Chicago (1-1)

The defense forces Washington into a 3-and-out on their first possession, and then on our 3rd down, WR Tyrone Lee streaks 81 yards for a score. Lee finishes with 7 catches for 125 yards and a score and looks as though he may be top offensive acquisition of the offseason.

Or was it P Fred Preston? He averages 50.3 yards per punt and downs 3 of 4 inside the 20. He currently leads the NFL in both categories, yards per and downed inside the 20.

On defense MLB Dexter Lucas again leads the way with 11 tackles, and backup DE Deron Abbott puts the pressure on in Conley's absence.

Right now, the Bears are operating at an INT deficit that's hurting us, but holding the Skins to 145 in the air gets us the win, 19-13.

[revrew]

WEEK 4: Chicago (2-1) at Carolina (1-2)

Offense is horrid this day, as QB Hardy Holleran throws three picks and is benched in the 4th quarter. Rookie RB Van Mason catches his first TD pass and QB Fernando Windsor gets to see his first NFL action! His first play, a 57-yard completion! His second play, an 8-yard scramble in which he doesn't slide and coughs up a fumble.

On defense, an off day for the team, but MLB Dexter Lucas gets 14 tackles, FA pickup SS Kelly Macklin grabs 11 and CB Barry Westbrook nabs a pair of INTs.

The rest of the team played poorly, however, and Bears lose, 27-10.

QUARTERLY REPORT - at the Bye

Passing O: #18
Rushing O: #20, but we average 4.69 per carry (run more, coach!), good for #7 in NFL.
Scoring: #17

Rushing D: #21
Pass D: #7
Scoring: #15

Turnovers: #27 - Hardy Holleran has 8 INTs, second most in the league, and as many as he had in 10 games last year.

[revrew]

Now the big question: QB Hardy Holleran got benched for bad play in the last game before the bye. In IRL, when that happens, the rookie gets the reins after the bye. Unfortunately, the coach AI won't do that.

Can I arbitrarily enforce this and make Fernando Windsor the starter? Or does that violate the spirit of the challenge? Am I breaking the rules, or preserving some immersion factor for the better fun of the dynasty?

What say you, readers?

[ozias]

Keep Holleran as the QB, since that's what the coach wants.

If he continues to suck, he should still get replaced by Windsor, and that will let Windsor develop more, so maybe he can take the place of Holleran before the season ends.

[revrew]

Keep Holleran as the QB, since that's what the coach wants.

If he continues to suck, he should still get replaced by Windsor, and that will let Windsor develop more, so maybe he can take the place of Holleran before the season ends.

Maybe I'm wrong, but while that's how it would work IRL, I don't think that's how FOF AI will work.

Holleran will keep right on starting every week, and Windsor will develop all the LESS by sitting on the bench.

[Carman Bulldog]

I say it's the coaches call.

But like I mentioned earlier, you can manipulate the roster as GM in the fact that if Windsor is the highest rated QB on the roster, he will likely start. That probably means you need to cut Holleran.

[revrew]

OK, I'm hearing, "Stick to the rules of the challenge." Very good. I shall. Holleran will continue to start for now, unless coach has a change of heart. Right now, however, it doesn't look good for Holleran to be around next season.

[revrew]

WEEK 5: Chicago (2-2) at Detriot (2-2)

Hey, stupid coach: RB Kelly Hayes really needs the ball more! He rushed for 111 yards and a TD on only 15 carries, for a 7.4 average, powering an offense that racked up 4 FGs, but not a lot of points. QB Hardy Holleran stayed in for the whole game, despite throwing 2 INTs.

On defense, SS Kelly Macklin leads the attack with 10 tackles and CB Dexter Craig gets an INT, but our pass rush is really sad without the rookie RDE.

Still, it's enough to eek out an ugly one: Chicago wins, 18-13.

WEEK 6: New Orleans (0-6) at Chicago (3-2)

Strange game. On offense, we're fairly balanced. Holleran plays decent, Kelly Hayes has another good running game, our #3 WR grabs a pair of TDs.

On defense, however, the wheels fall off the bus, as the Saints torch us in the air, putting up an astounding 391 passing yards. Rookie RDE Doug Conley has no impact in his return to action.

But when it comes to the red zone, the Bears bear down and hold the Saints to field goals. We win an odd one, despite being woefully outplayed, 24-9.

The truly awful news, however, is that we've lost both MLB Dexter Lucas and #1 DT Timothy Emmons for 8 weeks each to injury. OUCH.

[revrew]

WEEK 7: Minnesota (6-1) at Chicago (4-2)

This one turns into a slug fest, as coach finally got the message about RB Kelly Hayes. The kid chews up 130 yards on the ground, averaging nearly 7 per carry and also leads all receivers with 7 catches. QB Hardy Holleran barely completes 50% of his passes, however, and throws yet another pick, leaving lots of possible points on the board.

The Vikes try to match us running, but can only grind out 3.93 per carry, and when they go to the air, CB Barry Westbrook makes them pay with 2 INTs, and FS Charles Talley grabs a 3rd. Our 4-4 outside backer/safety Charlie Guillen leads the team in tackles, and it turns into a grind.

Surrendering a third-quarter kickoff return TD, however, swings the tide against us, and Minnesota gets the points its offense couldn't find. Chicago loses, 17-12.

WEEK 8: Atlanta (4-4) at Chicago (4-3)

Once again, it's our star RB Kelly Hayes who powers the offense, grinding out tough yards on the ground in this contest, but leading us in receptions for the second straight week. His 2 TDs are critical. QB Hardy Holleran also runs one in from 29 yards out.

On defense, our safeties gobble up the tackles in MLB Dexter Lucas' absence, but we start to see some of that spark out of RDE Doug Conley, who leads the team with a half-sack, 3 hurries, and 2 knockdowns. CB Dexter Craig also has a fine game, batting down 4 passes.

Close in yards, but not in score, Chicago wins, 24-6.

HALFWAY REPORT:

Rushing O: #11 - Kelly Hayes is giving us some good yards, among league leaders at 5.18 per carry.
Passing O: #22
Scoring O: #13 in a remarkably low-scoring year

Rushing D: #18 - some mild improvement here?
Passing D: #18 - disappointing number here
Scoring D: #5 - Red zone/big play defense has been staunch

Turnover margin: #15.

Looks like we're fairly mediocre, which is also fairly accurate. I expected our D to regress a bit this year, but next year's FA $$$ should help make us the Monsters of the Midway.

[sterlingice]

I think in the long run, it's better that you're bad this year to allow for one more year to build. I think you've actually gotten too good too quick tho the injuries this season may blunt that a little.

SI

[revrew]

WEEK 9: Chicago (5-3) at Tampa (6-2)

Well, this was just a good ol' fashioned butt kicking. And our boys won't be sitting down for weeks.

Offensively, only Kelly Hayes was worth squat, leading the team in rushing and receiving. But Hardy Holleran tossed a pair of INTs and our defense was abysmal, so Hayes rarely got the ball at all.

On defense, we only had one player who even showed up: OLB Stanley Grier who led the team in tackles and got an INT. But we surrendered 468 yards, and Tampa didn't have to punt until nearly the 4th quarter. Ugh.

Chicago gets stomped, 34-8.

WEEK 10: Chicago (5-4) at Green Bay (3-6)

QB Hardy Holleran's INTs are getting old. FAST. And why the $^#&# does coach have Hardy throw the ball 44 times and Kelly Hayes, who averaged 6 per carry in this one, only run 9 times?? Dangit, coach!

On defense, the squad comes back and holds the Pack to 84 on the ground and 190 in the air. LDE Ben Erickson grabs a pair of sacks and CB Dexter Craig an INT, but it isn't enough, as Green Bay hits a last-minute field goal to hand us a loss 20-17.

Even more disturbing is superstar K Rusty Schafleutzel has missed 3 FGs in the last 2 games. The two today cost us the contest. Adding injury to insult, we also lose SS Kelly Macklin for 4 games with a separated shoulder.

[revrew]

WEEK 11: San Diego (6-4) at Chicago (5-5)

This one was all defensive slugfest and ground game. Though we gave up way too much on the ground, the Bolts were held to 97 yards in the air. Notably, rookie D-linemen Doug Conley and Shawn Foreman each got a sack, while vet FS Charles Talley picked a pair and CB Dexter Craig (he's having another outstanding year) batted down 4 balls.

K Rusty Shafluetzel breaks out of his slump with a perfect day, including the last-second kick for the win, 16-13. Now THAT'S Chicago football!

WEEK 12: Chicago (6-5) at St. Louis (8-3-1)

About time you start running, coach! We're trailing all game, until 3 minutes left, when RB Kelly Hayes busts off a 57-yard TD dash. Hayes had 152 on the day.

Defense was crazy stout. Picking a pair and forcing 3 fumbles had the Rams stymied. Team effort, but DT Shawn Foreman was our best pass rusher, the second game in a row he gets some props after being quiet all season.

Hayes' big run holds, and Chicago gets the upset win, 13-9. Bears winnin' it Bear style, baby!

[Coffee Warlord]

Dare I say...playoffs?

[revrew]

WEEk 13: Chicago (7-5) at Kansas City (8-4)

Yeah, coach. How 'BOUT you give the ball to my man, RB Kelly Hayes! First touch of the game is 84 yards for a score. Another score on the 2nd possession of the game, and the Bears are in business. Chicago rushed for 218 yards on the day. Holleran sucks.

Alas, defense was also poor, giving up a total of 421 yards. Very little to say about any single performance, but 3rd down defense was strong enough to stop any long, scoring drives. Somehow, Chicago eeks out another win, 20-16. Winning the Bears way, with LOW scores.

WEEK 14: Detroit (4-9) at Chicago (8-5)

The Lions somehow put the clamps on RB Kelly Hayes, which means we're in a world of hurt, offensively.

The good news is the defense is particularly stiff, led by DE Ben Erickson and rookie DT Shawn Foreman, who not only gets some pressure on the QB, but leads the team with 6 tackles on the day.

Alas, nothing the Bears can do with an anemic offense that also gives up a 42-yard fumble return for TD. It all equals a heartbreaking loss, 14-10.

[revrew]

WEEK 15: Oakland (9-5) at Chicago (8-6)

It's do or die for the playoffs now, and Kelly Hayes picks an awful time to go AWOL. 12 rushes, 3 yards. Owie.

But rookie RB Van Mason picks up some of the slack, rumbling for an 11-yard TD run and picking up a special teams fumble to race 33 yards for another score.

On defense, CB Dexter Craig highlights his phenomenal year with a pick 6, and suddenly the Bears are getting points from all over the place.

That helps, especially when we hold the Raiders to only 174 yards total, a pathetic 47 in the air. Our DEs lead the way, with rookie RDE Doug Conley getting 1.5 sacks and LDE Ben Ericskson getting 1.5, 3 knockdowns and 5 hurries.

An expected good game wasn't, as Chicago cruises to victory, 37-13.

In devastating news, however, rookie LDT Shawn Foreman blows out his MCL, and he'll miss time this year AND next. A promising young career now hangs in the balance.

WEEK 16: Chicago (9-6) at Minnesota (12-3)

Even with the unlikely win here, we're going to need some help making the playoffs. Our win over St. Louis earlier could be the deciding factor. Unfortunately, we go in without either of our starting DTs. The return of MLB Dexter Lucas, however, could give us a boost.

The game is fairly tight, low-scoring, back and forth ...

Until late in the third quarter. Suddenly, QB Hardy Holleran goes OFF on his former teammates. An 80-yard TD play to WR Tyrone Lee puts Chicago ahead, and the race is on. Like heavyweight boxers, the two teams start trading haymakers at the end. The scores start piling up. Holleran hits Donnell Ellis for 61 yards and a score, and K Rusty Schafluetzel saves his best for last, blasting three - count 'em, THREE - field goals from 50 yards or more.

Holleran has his best game as a Bear, tossing 333 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs and a 131.7 rating!

On defense ... MLB Dexter Lucas makes his presence felt, with 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Our DE bookends add 3 more sacks between them, but Minnesota is finding seams, breaking plays ...

Yet when our offense plays this well, no team is going to make the difference against our D.

Chicago wins! 30-22.

But will it be enough to get into the playoffs??

[revrew]

Sadly, Arizona wins their last game to finish 11-5, denying us the tiebreaker opportunity we needed to be the wild card team. Chicago misses the playoffs by *that* much.

YEAR END REPORT:

Baltimore beats Minnesota in the SuperBowl.

Rushing O: #15 - we could have finished higher, were it not for moron coach. We were #1 in the NFL in ypc.
Passing O: #22
Scoring O: #12 - having a superstar kicker helps

Rush D: #29 - this was not the improvement we were hoping for
Pass D: #7
Scoring D: #10

Turnover margin: #16 at +3 - Curiously, the Patriots have one of the all-time worst seasons in this category, finishing -32.

Individual stats:

Top QB:
QB Hardy Holleran 3180 yards, 15 TDs, 21 INTs, 67.6 QB rating, one of the worst in the league.

Top RB:
RB Kelly Hayes 1188 yards, 5.47 average (#1 in NFL), 8 TDs (#4). Also the team's 2nd leading receiver with 62 catches for 437 yards and 3 TDs.

Top WR:
WR Tyrone Lee 73 catches (57%) for 929 yards and 5 TDs. He was explosive at times, invisible at others.

Oline - they all suck

Top Tackler:
S Charlie Guillen - Playing our pivotal 4-4 safetybacker spot, Guillen got 77 tackles. This is not really all that impressive

Sackmasters:
LDE Ben Erickson 11 sacks, 19 hurries, 7.7 PRPct - WINS all league 1st team
RDE Doug Conley 7.5 sacks, 12 hurries, 4.4 PRPct

Pass coverage:
CB Barry Westbrook quietly put up another great season, 8 INTs, 17 defensed, 86.9 PDPct - WINS all league 1st team
CB Dexter Craig 5 INTs, 16 defensed, 86.8 PDPct

Rookie Report:

1.5 DE Doug Conley - 13 games, 41 tackles, 7.5 sacks. 4.4 PRPct, 7.0 TkPct - Good, but not as great as we hoped. Still, he's growing.
2.8 DT Shawn Foreman - 15 games, 29 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3.8 PRPct, 6.5 TkPct - Very solid, but recovering from major injury
3.7 WLB Tommie Alvarado - 16 games, 27 tackles, .5 sacks, 11.7 TkPct - Meh
4.6 QB Fernando Windsor - 1-for-1, 57 yards - Will probably start next year.
5.5 RB Van Mason - 413 yards, 3.65 ave, 2 TDs, 19 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD - Meh
6.8 C Scottie Wayne - 2 KRBs in 14 chances, 3 sacks - Yuck
7.7 CB Roosevelt Coffey - very limited action

Going into next season, big questions:

1. Kelly Hayes is rated 39/43 right now. Will he stay under the 40 cap so we can sign him long-term?
2. We need DT help. Badly.
3. We need the kind of safeties this defense requires.
4. Will we ever be able to stop the run?
5. Can we count on QB Fernando Windsor to take over the reins?

[revrew]

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS SEASON 3:

Last season, Chicago finished 10-6 and just missed the playoffs.

On offense, we're looking for a new QB, but RB Kelly Hayes is a superstar in the making, despite his 39/43 rating.

On defense, our CBs are dynamite and our pass rush is improving, but the run defense needs some serious help.

Staff hiring: None
Summer League: QB Fernando Windsor
Franchise Tag: CB Barry Westbrook

FA 1:

We get a HUGE break, when RB Kelly Hayes is listed as 40/44. That means we can resign him, long-term. Had he creeped up to 41, we'd be forced to let him go at the end of his contract.

We immediately resign Hayes to a 5-year extension worth nearly $30 million. That will keep him with us until his 9th year in the league, if his wheels last that long.

We don't have much to pick from for DTs and safeties in the market, however. Depth, but no stars.

Looking ahead to the draft:

Oh, my. It's the year of the DT and S. Exactly the two positions we need. There are DTs at the top that are gods among men. Some pretty hot safeties, too, which seems more likely at 1.21. Unless we find a way to move up...

[revrew]

The FA free-for-all:

Targets:

QB:
T.J. McCargo, 14th year, 21/21, mentor/kick holder

RB: No one worth pursuing
FB:
Winston Norton, 2nd year, 25/40, depth, affinity and decent run blocker

TE:
Scott Jeffries, 7th year, 39/39, better than what we have and the best we can sign, according to rules

WR:
Dusty Kennedy, 5th year, 27/33, decent BPR, but mostly affinity match
Ian Cooley, 8th year, 38/38, affinity match and special teams ace
Courtney Fleming, 7th year, 36/36, kick/punt returner

C: No decent targets
G:
Mike Kennedy, 5th year, 28/40, strong, 343-pound brute
Mel Giles, 6th year, 36/36, mentor

T:
Eric Hesse, 7th year, 40/40, decent pass protector

MLB:
Mercury Brennan, 6th year, 62/62, Major run stuffer, maybe could slide over to SLB. Would be great backup, but how high will the bidding go?

OLB:
Omar Duffy, 5th year, 53/57, mentor and former 2nd team OLB. His play diagnosis and BnR are through the roof, and his pass defending stats are stellar for a LB. I'm going to take a flyer on this guy in the hopes that he's even better than his bars would suggest.

DE:
Shannon Lincoln, 9th year, 54/54, a solid pass-rusher, he could help out if one of our starters went down

DT:
Glen Wilkerson, 5th year, 41/55 - strong, run stuffer, would give us good depth, could start
Roosevelt Taylor, 6th year, 43/47, decent all around, only bench player

CB:
Butch Garcia, 4th year, 50/50. Rated 67 in zone and 83 in BnR, plus an outstanding punt returner, this guy is a perfect backup/dime back

Safety:
Joseph Mayes, 6th year, 53/53, big pops against run, huge play diagnosis and 92 endurance. He's not all-around as good as I want for our key 4-4 safety, but his best bars are in right places. Fan Fave.
Ben Martin, 5th year, 38/44, decent against zone, but a mentor already, so may have some use, especially if we draft safety at 1.21
Joseph Keevil, 5th year, 47/49. Solid all the way around. If bidding doesn't go too high, this guy could be a decent backup.

[revrew]

Big signings right off the bat:

ILB Mercury Brennan, a 6'1, 249 run stuffer who has been playing with the Giants. Rated 60/60 and 84 in run D, he will give Dexter Lucas a solid backup and may even slide over to SLB. Surprisingly signs dirt cheap.

DE Shannon Lincoln, a 6'5, 286 pass rusher who has been playing for the Bengals. Rated 55/55, Lincoln had 7.5 sacks, 23 hurries and 26 knockdowns last season and will ensure depth for the Bears' pass rush.

S Joseph Mayes, a 5'11, 195 ballhawk with solid tackling fundamentals. Rated 51/53, Mayes may play 4-4 safetybacker or FS, depending on what happens in the draft.

Other quick signings: G Mel Giles (35/35), WR Dusty Kennedy (27/33), OT Eric Hesse (41/41 - boost over 40 after signing)

With the signing of S Joseph Mayes, Keevil loses his luster. Offer withdrawn.

[nfg22]

Just letting you know I have been following along and this is very enjoyable. I want to see more sacks though!

[revrew]

Just letting you know I have been following along and this is very enjoyable. I want to see more sacks though!

Thanks! And you're not the only one ... FA hasn't been very helpful, with so little elite talent. I may have to start trying to trade more.

[revrew]

Mid-Stage signings:

DT Glen Wilkerson, a 6'4, 299 fan favorite rated 42/55, Wilkerson has tremendous strength and shows excellent potential at run-stuffing. He could step in and start now in our base D, but is better suited to long-term rotational player.

CB Butch Garcia, a 5'11, 191 physical corner rated 50/50, Butch specializes in punishing the hitter and BnR. His 67 zone rating fits us too, and he's an outstanding punt/kick returner. This is a big signing for our special teams, and his ratings are solid enough to step in should a starter go down to injury.

Other mid-stage signings: WR Ian Cooley (38/38) , G Mike Kennedy (29/40), DT Roosevelt Taylor (44/47), S Ben Martin (37/44 and mentor), QB T.J. McCargo (23/23, mentor), TE Scott Jeffries (39/39).

With the signings of DT Wilkerson, S Mayes, DE Lincoln, LB Brennan and CB Garcia, we have secured all our big targets in FA. The question now is whether we will wait for a safety to fall in the draft or try to move up to grab a DT.

[revrew]

Late-stage signings:

OLB Omar Duffy a 6-1, 229 mentor in only his 5th year. Rated 53/57, Duffy has fantastic play diagnosis and great stats against the pass. A former 2nd-team all-pro, Duffy should play SLB in the dime for us. Our OLB corps is very deep now, and we might even consider trading one of last year's guys with the new talent coming in (alas, "deep" talent is code for no elite talent, just a bunch of serviceable guys, but hey, we're deep!)

Other late-stage signings: FB Winston Norton (26/40), WR Courtney Fleming (36/36, kick returner)

[revrew]

Fans and followers: I hate to do this to y'all, but my family and I are about to go on a big, 2-week family vacation to Florida. This will be the last family vacation we likely ever go on all together, as we expect my oldest daughter to be married next year. But this means I'm away from my computer until Oct. 25 and won't be doing any updates.

But when I return ... the draft!

[sterlingice]

Boooo!

(just kidding... mostly)

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

What you should totally do if you win a Super Bowl with defense is do a complete 180 with the team, and flip flop the rules - no defense, only offense.

[revrew]

I'm BAAAAAAAAAACK! If work doesn't completely swamp me, I'll try an update later today. If not, this weekend.

What you should totally do if you win a Super Bowl with defense is do a complete 180 with the team, and flip flop the rules - no defense, only offense.

I hear the concept, Coffee, but I fear that would be WAY too easy. Get a QB, a couple of BPR wideouts, and it's all over. Easy, peasy. Beating this game with defense, however, I thought would be a greater challenge.

[sterlingice]

Hooray :)

SI

[revrew]

At the top of the draft, there are 3 (defensive) uberstuds:
DT Mo Shaw
DT Kelly Himes
CB Zach Starks

Unfortunately, I can't seem to trade into the top 3, so we need some offensive players to grab headlines, so we have hope of trading up high enough.

If we're forced to keep our (21st) pick in the draft, the value charts say the following may be worth it:
S Zach White
ILB Kelvin Lofton
CB Dan Pretko
S Neil Speer

If we have to pick up a guy based on potential, his combines suggesting a breakout candidate, the following would be a decent choice:
S Louie Whiting

As the draft begins, we hope offensive players will start gobbling Top 10 draft spots, so we have a shot at landing one of our top targets, likely one of the DTs or S Zach White.

[revrew]

1.1 New England takes ....

And, of course, New England, who already has one of the best DTs in the game and is desperately in need of offensive talent ... takes DT Mo Shaw.

Cold man, cold.

I mean, he's best player in the draft, purely from talent level, but ouch.

[revrew]

1.2 - A QB!
1.3 - CB Zach Starks falls - no surprise there
1.4 - DT Kelly Himes is taken, and that's the last of our 3 uberstuds.

Dang. I tried furiously to trade up with Miami for that 1.4, but I couldn't get them to bite. And I'm not trading the world for a DT, no matter how badly I want him.

We switch gears now to see if we can land an elite safety, our second top priority in this draft.

[revrew]

A run on offensive players gives us hope, and ILB Kelvin Lofton falls at 1.13, which is OK. But the chance to grab a top safety is leaving me to wonder if we should trade up.

Yikes! A safety goes at 1.15! But it's neither White, Speer or Whiting. Whew. Now, I'm definitely nervous. Trading up just a few is starting to look appealing.

[Coffee Warlord]

Don't be weak!

[sterlingice]

It can't take this long to wait for a player to drop (or not drop)

SI

[revrew]

So, time for reader input ...

The situation:
We sit at 1.21, and 1.16 is on the clock. We're looking for an elite safety, preferably one who is strong against the run, with solid zone, BnR bars. We already have a pair of elite CBs, though position leader and top stud Barry Westbrook is in his 10th year.

The following potential targets are still on the board:

S Zach White - only 17% developed, but has 3 reds, 2 blues. Agility is stunning. 2nd strongest safety in draft (blue bar), but shows a run defense bar of about 50. Bars are nearly maxed out everywhere else (except KR/PR). Looks like uberstud, but ... a bit low on runD and would be an extreme conflict with CB Barry Westbrook.

S Louie Whiting - 52% developed, 1 red (agility), 3 blues. Strongest S in class, but runD bar doesn't reflect that. Bars are in fact mediocre at best. Scout says VU, volatility 74. Punishing hitter bar at about 60. Yes, I expect him to boom some, but will he ever be elite?

CB Dan Pretko - Red in dash, 3 blues, including PSpec. Strongest CB in class, plus has size to convert to S if we want. Bars very solid.

CB Rusty Davidson - Top rated CB left. Red in dash and agility, 2 blues. Top PSpec in class. Bars show strong in zone, but mediocre overall. Though combines, volatility 88 and scout rating VU suggest he could boom as well.

Zach White is clearly the most talented (per combines) player left on the board, perhaps in the whole draft. But that conflict has me a bit nervous. Pretko is an interesting prospect, as he could be a top corner or could convert to be that safety we're looking for.

So what do we do here, faithful readers? Trade up to get the guy we want? Or wait to see who falls? And if we trade up, who do we take?

[sterlingice]

As a resident reader who knows nothing about FOF:
Sounds like White is great but not really a great fit for the team you're building. Aren't run stuffing safeys key to your system and if he's great but doesn't have that- how good is he for you? And what would it cost to move up?

SI

[revrew]

As a resident reader who knows nothing about FOF:
Sounds like White is great but not really a great fit for the team you're building. Aren't run stuffing safeys key to your system and if he's great but doesn't have that- how good is he for you? And what would it cost to move up?

SI

Astute observation, but there's some reason to believe that bar is masked and may be higher. Or not. Always a risk involved.

I'll experiment with what it would cost to move up...

[revrew]

Turns out it would cost only only 1.21 and S Charlie Guillen, who is a solid player, but doesn't have a decent zone rating and we were hanging on to for trade bait.

[sterlingice]

I like impulsively buying shiny new toys! Why not?

SI

[revrew]

Trade made. Chicago on the clock.

But after much deliberation and hair pulling, I just couldn't pull the trigger on Zach White. His high volatility, low developed percentage and conflict with team leader were just eating at me. Plus, as sterlingice pointed out, I don't want mediocre 4-4 safety on run defense; I want a stalwart on run defense. (Please don't make me regret this one, White. Just be a bust, OK?)

That decision made, I looked at the remaining group. It seemed best talent available was one of the corners. And if he could make the transition to safety, all the better.

That said, with the 1.16, Chicago selects:

CB Dan Pretko - 6'0, 202 pounds out of Illinois. Pretko is a physical specimen, ran a 4.39 40 and still benched 16 reps.

Given his size, we immediately switch him to strong safety, where initial ratings put him at ...

[Coffee Warlord]

30/41. :P

[revrew]

30/41. :P

Not funny, Coffee. Not funny. In reality ...

38/82! Whoot! With a low volatility (if that actually means anything), hopefully he will simply develop out nicely and finish a 75/75 or so. His initial bars put him at 75-80 in run defense, the same on Zone D, the same on punishing hitter, with maxed out endurance. PERFECT for our 4-4 safetybacker.

Meanwhile:
CB Rusty Davidson falls at 1.18
S Zach White at 1.20 to Atlanta (we'll keep an eye on him, but initial rating is 38/77, his only weakness on run defense)
S Neil Speer, who we also looked at but decided didn't fit, went at 2.6
S Louie Whiting went at 2.10, with a rating of 28/41, but I have him pegged as a boomer. We'll watch him, too.

[revrew]

At 2.23 we have the following options:

CB Blaine Covington - Highest available CB. 3 blues, affinity match. His bars are lower than his combines, but with big punishing hitter bar, high volatility, scouted at VU, he could be breakout candidate. Doesn't look like star material, however.

WLB David Winslett - One red (agil), 2 blues. Huge run stuffing bar, would make perfect goalline WLB. No special teams. Definitely a decent choice, but is it worth it in the 2nd to take a guy who will rarely ever see the field?

CB Courtney Murphy - #5 CB left on board, 6'2, 205, affinity match with 4 blues. Not strong enough, I don't think, to play safety, but he specializes in run defense and zone D. Has very solid bars, including both PH and INT. If those bars hold, and his combines suggest they will, would make excellent dime/backup CB who could start in injury situations.

DT Mel Thomas - #8 DT left, 3 blues, including bench press and dash. Well rounded bars, with pass rush strength the highest. Not a dominant force vs. run, however, and his agil rating is black.

Frankly, these are some solid choices. Any of the 4 would make a good player, but in thinking about fit, I'm leaning toward Murphy or Winslett.

[Coffee Warlord]

I don't remember your DT situation, but I'm leaning Murphy or Thomas.

[revrew]

I don't remember your DT situation, but I'm leaning Murphy or Thomas.

Your instincts are spot on. Those are the best 2 players here, most likely.

But as good as Thomas may be all-around, he's just not special in either the runD or pass rush, and I picked up some FA DTs who I may want to try out, as they have better run-stuffing strength.

Again, I'm left with the problem that I have a whole team of solid players rated in the 50-range, but too few elite players. This is especially true at DT, and I fear Thomas would be just another decent player where I already have several decent players.

Meanwhile, if Murphy can be a 50-rated CB, that would be some good depth that I'm missing right now. We're thinner at CB than DT.

[revrew]

With the 2.23, Chicaco selects:

CB Courtney Murphy - a 6'2, 205 CB out of UCalifornia who ran the 40 in 4.47 seconds and shows good awareness for the ball. Our coaches are saying this is a kid we ought to consider moving to safety, saying it may improve his ratings. We'll consider the option. His rating now is estimated at 20/53.

[revrew]

CB Blaine Covington goes at 2.31
OLB David Winslett falls at 3.7

But at 3.22, Mel Thomas is still on the board! Again, he may be more depth than we need, but this is an easy decision.

With the 3.22 selection, Chicago takes:

DT Mel Thomas - a 6'1, 279 pound left defensive tackle out of Tennessee. Our scouts predict him at 25/49, but his strength and bench press reps suggest he may have room to grow.

[revrew]

Fourth round, we can take offensive player if we want, and there's a pair of intriguing possibilities at positions we're very weak:

WR Maurice Peppers - Blue, 4.43 speed and a decent BPR bar. Blue 26 solecismic and an OK RR bar. Seems like a slam dunk. Bars suggest the kid could be solid for a 4th rounder. But he's green in agility (which the bars don't show) and only 19% developed.

TE Ted Tillman - Blue on dash and Pspec, 1 rep short of blue on bench. He's got great looking bars on blocking, long snapping and ST. Bars look like a 2nd round pick ... except ... his RR and adjust to ball are abysmal. Not zero, but bad. He'd block for us but rarely ever see a pass. In an AI-coached offense, is that good or bad thing?

[revrew]

Our selection at 4.21:

WR Maurice Peppers - a 5'11, 185 widout out of SMU with 4.43 speed. Rated 20/57 by our scouts, he would be a huge boost to our receiving corps if he holds anywhere near those ratings. Not bad for a 4th round pick.

Fairly content with our roster and seeing Tillman still on the board in the 5th, we floated a trade past Miami that would send our late 5, 6, and 7 to the Dolphins for their high 5th. To our surprise, they bit!

So with the 5.4, Chicaco selects:

TE Ted Tillman - a 6'2, 254 Hokie out of VaTech, Tillman is a skilled blocker, special teams ace and sure-handed receiver. Our scouts suggest he could be rated as highly as 26/61. Yes, I'll take that in the 5th. Very nice.

Draft concluded!

[revrew]

ATTENTION READERS:

I'm considering a new house rule for this dynasty.

The late FA period is a sudden bonanza of defensive talent. I could sign elite secondary help that would render this last draft virtually irrelevant. In any MP or IRL environment, there's no way this kind of talent infusion would suddenly just appear on the market, and us with $28 million in cap room to play with. Just wouldn't happen. Yet there it is. I can sign a 73-rated corner and a 78-rated safety with a 100 rating in stopping the run.

On the other hand, if I sign these guys, we'll see the quality of our defensive roster soar, and we'll see just how good an all-D team can be.

Is it fair to sign these guys? Just mow down our poor rookies because better vets were miraculously available? Or shall I create a house rule that only URFAs can be signed in late FA?

[Coffee Warlord]

Up to you.

Though part of me thinks you're already trying to do the almost impossible, why not enjoy a little luck in the late free agent market?

[revrew]

Up to you.

Though part of me thinks you're already trying to do the almost impossible, why not enjoy a little luck in the late free agent market?

OK. All-out effort to win. So be it. Bring on the uber-secondary. :devil:

[Coffee Warlord]

YOU FOOL!

[wishbone]

I'll agree with taking any steps to build the defense. I will say that when I have tried "defense-first" dynasties my teams were very inconsistent. Common to see win totals of 7, 14, 12, 4, 6, 10 with 2 Superbowl wins. Riding a great QB/WR dynasties would be 12, 15, 16, 13, 15 wins every year with 5 Superbowl wins.
My point is, take what you can get on defense and see what it looks like in a 5 year stretch.

[revrew]

Late FA signings:

WLB William Shedd - 36/56 - A very strong run defense specialist who may have some breakout potential, but we picked him up primarily for his 80/88 ST rating

FS Marvin Schwartz - 79/79 - Though we'll probably move him to SS to take advantage of his 100/100 run defense rating. Also a 92 in zoneD, ST 88, interceptions 73, endurance 78 ... oh, man. Talk about shiny new toy! Don't know if he'll play SS or 4-4 safetybacker.

TE Patrick Alabaso - 36/40 - A receiving specialist, long snapper and strong affinity match. Picked him up to replace our current long snapper, but he may be more than that.

WLB Isaac Larkin - 52/52 - A perfect 100 in run defense, he'll slide into our goalline package

MLB Bucky Beaver - YES, that's really his name! - Rated 56/74, he's not a specialist but very, very well-rounded. Will likely be our backup at both MLB and SLB.

CB Donny Meadows - 67/73 - specialist in zoneD, BnR and run defense. PH rating of 98, INT rating at 75/84. Oh my. Lions and Tigers are now Bears, oh my. He'll likely bump Dexter Craig from the starting spot. At 6'0, 200lbs, he's exactly the physical kind of corner that this defense is built around.

A pair of O-lineman who may be upgrades.

Suffice it to say, I've never even seen a defense that looks this loaded before training camp. Yes, we're starting a 2nd-year QB. Yes, we don't have much cohesion built up right now. Yes, we still don't have the stars at DT I'd like. But oh, jeez. This is a D.

[revrew]

Training camp report:

Owie, owie, owie. Several of our veterans on defense took big hits, and I'm suddenly a lot less confident. Still, with the FA additions, we're upgraded overall. Here are the 2nd year players post-camp:

DE Doug Conley 55/71 --> 60/71
DT Shawn Foreman 43/58 --> 47/57
QB Fernando Windsor 28/42 --> 33/42

Rookies:

1.16 SS Dan Pretko 38/82 --> 45/82 - Yup, he's a stud, far and away the best S in the draft. Good call. Zach White, our other option with the first pick, remains unsigned. Louie Whiting, another safety we considered for his boom potential is indeed booming; he stands at 34/47 right now.
2.23 CB Courtney Murphy 20/53 --> 23/49
3.22 DT Mel Thomas 25/49 --> 27/48
4.21 WR Maurice Peppers 20/57 --> 21/49
5.4 TE Ted Tillman 26/61 --> 28/54

[revrew]

Preseason #1: at Cincinnati

We outgain them on the ground and in the air, but in the second half last year's QB Hardy Holleran comes in, takes 3 sacks and fumbles all 3 times. Oh, it's going to be a pleasure to cut his a$$.

Defensively, rookie SB Dan Pretko (that's SB for our hybrid "safetybacker" position) leads the team with 6 tackles, while 2nd year DE Doug Conley does a nice job harrassing the QB.

Still, can't make up for Holleran tossing this one down the drain. Chicago loses 21-13.

ROSTER NOTE:
After his abysmal performance in the first preseason game and last year's record of untimely turnovers, QB Hardy Holleran has been released from the Chicago Bears. Nine-year vet Wade Chandler (24/35) was signed to take his roster spot.

Preseason #2: vs. JAX

2nd year QB Fernando Windsor continues to outshine his more veteran peers, putting up a 99.3 passing rating in this game to go with his 87.8 last week. But ineffectiveness in the endzone hurt us.

On defense SB Dan Pretko again led all tacklers, while both team's pass rush was ferocious. Doug Conley led the Bears with 1 sack, 1 block, 1 hurry and 5 knockdowns.

But in the end, it was K Rusty Schafluetzel who came through in the clutch, booting 4/4 including one from 52 yards out to give us the win, 19-14.

[UK Rookie]

Been reading from the start and enjoying it very much.

Smart move to relax the sighning of stud FA defensive players as it`s an attempt to with a Championship with a great defence to fit your Nikel Scheme afterall.

[revrew]

Been reading from the start and enjoying it very much.

Smart move to relax the sighning of stud FA defensive players as it`s an attempt to with a Championship with a great defence to fit your Nikel Scheme afterall.

Thanks!

Preseason #3: at Pittsburgh

Bears struggled all day to put points on the board, and backup QB Wade Chandler's pick 6 dropped us further and further behind. But then 2nd-year QB Fernando Windsor comes in and leads the Bears to 2 FGs, a TD and 2-point conversion. WR Tyrone Lee, whom coach inexplicably benched in the first 2 preseason games, rips it up, catching 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards (and the 2-point).

On defense 2nd-year DE Doug Conley wins player of game for 2.5 sacks, a hurry and 3 knockdowns. He's having an incredible preseason. The defense surrenders only 173 yards total on the way to a 20-17 victory.

Preseason #4: vs. HOUSTON

We outgained them in this one, but backup QB Wade Chandler's 4 turnovers (2 fumbles, 2 INTs) were disastrous. Yikes. Looks like he may be a downgrade from Hardy Holleran. We may scout the post-preseason waver wire to see if there are any better options. On a positive note, WR Tyrone Lee is again the star, catching 7 of 12.

On defense, rookie SB Dan Pretko leads the squad with 10 tackles, but the guys just can't overcome the turnovers and lose a close one, 14-13.

[Travis]

Just found this thread and went from start to current. Great read and looking forward to keeping up with it from now on.

[revrew]

Just found this thread and went from start to current. Great read and looking forward to keeping up with it from now on.

Thanks! And welcome aboard!

SEASON OUTLOOK:

Offense:

Our fortunes rise and fall on the back of 2nd year QB Fernando Windsor. The 4th round draft pick out of Clemson is the only capable signal caller we have, but he's shown promise.

Thankfully, he'll be helped out by lightning fast RB Kelly Hayes, a 232-pound ball of lightning who boasts a career 5.32-yard-per carry average. If only the coach will hive him the d%&$ ball, he could carry this team far.

The receiving corps is a bit jumbled and untested, and coach's decision to move explosive receiver Tyrone Lee to the slot is not sitting well with this GM. Lee can take over a game at times, but perhaps his inconsistencies are going to limit his field time.

Defense:

MLB Dexter Lucas leads an outstandingly deep squad of young and seasoned players, including stars in the making DE Doug Conley and SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name). Beaver is a former MLB moved outside, so he has a lot of learning to do. How fast he picks up the job could be a major factor in this year's success.

But the real stars in this defense are in the secondary. CB Barry Westbrook boasts 15 INTs over the past 2 years and all-pro honors both seasons. Last year's also stud, CB Dexter Craig actually moves to the bench to make room for new addition CB Donny Meadows. All 3 CBs measure taller than 6' and weigh in at more than 200 pounds. Newcomer FS Marvin Schwartz is one of the best in the biz, and keep an eye on rookie SB Dan Pretko, a converted corner who nonetheless tackles like a load of bricks and will be manning the 4-4 defense's most critical position. It's a bold move, but the talent is there if the kid can grow up fast.

The biggest question, however, may be at DT, where the talent is deep and solid, but solidly mediocre. While we're juggling to find the right combination of talent, we wonder whether or not teams will continue to run all over us, as they did last year.

Outlook:

The schedule is both good and bad. The Bears play the AFC South, which last season was the worst in football, but also play the NFC West, which was one of the best. Seattle, which won the SuperBowl a few years ago, came in LAST in the West last year. Preseason pickers like Green Bay to win the NFC North this year, but the defense that led last season's 10-6 Bears has only gotten better. Could Chicago pull the spoiler? Or at least make the playoffs? A winning record is our goal, a trip to the playoffs is our hope.

[revrew]

Game #1: Detroit (0-0) at Chicago (0-0)

The fresh-faced rookie needed help today, but he sure didn't get it from his receivers. WR Tyrone Lee showed why coach is unhappy with him, leading the team with 8 targets, but only pulling down 2 passes. RB Kelly Hayes, however, raced for 115 yards on 18 carries, the team as a whole rushing for 5.56 per clip.

The defense today was stout up front. Very stout. Detroit struggled, rushing for only 2.81 per carry, for 59 total yards. The pass rush hurried Lion QBs 15 times. MLB Dexter Lucas led the team with 11 tackles.

Despite outplaying Detroit, turnovers and a missed field goal kept the game close, sending it to overtime. In the end, however, RB Kelly Hayes busted one loose for 20 yards and a game-winning TD. Chicago wins, 16-10.

[revrew]

Game #2: Chicago (1-0) at Houston (0-1)

A very rough start for QB Fernando Windsor with a pair of INTs in the first quarter. But his running backs came to help, and he settled down. Still not a good passing day for the youngster, but RB Kelly Hayes was on FIRE, rushing for 155 yards on an 8.61 per rush clip. WR Tyrone Lee appears to be doing just fine in the slot, leading the team in targets again. This time he caught 5 of 6 for 42 yards.

This game belonged to our defense, however, which held the Texans to 61 yards on the ground, led by SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name), who led the team with 6 tackles and added a sack and pass defensed as well. But when they went to the air, it was RDE Doug Conley who did the real damage with a sack, a block, 3 hurries and 2 knockdowns. In the end, it was too much for the Texans, who couldn't complete hardly anything over 10 yards, and the Bears roll to an easy win, 30-3.

[UK Rookie]

Hi Revrew,

Any chance of a starting player line-up for your Bears,with maybe ratings,age and top attribute for each player.

It would help me,and I`m sure other readers.

Cheers.

[revrew]

Hi Revrew,

Any chance of a starting player line-up for your Bears,with maybe ratings,age and top attribute for each player.

It would help me,and I`m sure other readers.

Cheers.

Sure! I had been hesitant to do that because, frankly, some of the offensive player really stink. Offensive line ... who cares? But I can still see how it helps the immersion factor, so here goes. By the way, when you see an extra player listed below (such as 3 CBs or 3 DTs), it's because that third player is a rotational or specialty package player.

QB
Fernando Windsor, 2nd yr, 37/42, strengths in timing and accuracy

RB
Kelly Hayes, 4th yr, 42/42 (signed before he boomed to above 40), speed, speed, and more speed, with a 78 elusive rating

FB
Winston Norton, 2nd yr, 31/41, run blocking specialist

TE
Marty Benton, 3rd yr, 40/42, getting downfield
Patrick Alabaso, 3rd yr, 42/42, RR, longsnapper

WR
Ian Cooley, 8th yr, 38/38, 6'3, avoid drops
Donnell Ellis, 5th yr, 34/34, BPR and avoid drops
Tyrone Lee, 7th yr, 36/36, BPR and RR

LT
Eric Hesse, 7th yr, 42/42, pass blocker

LG
Mike Kennedy, 34/40, pass blocker

C
Deon Parrish, 9th yr, 39/39, run blocker

RG
Mel Giles, 6th yr, 36/36, well-rounded mediocrity

RT
Jermaine Steverson, 37/37, run blocker

P
Fred Preston, 9th yr, 76/76, solid all bars

K
Rusty Schafluetzel, 9th yr, 81/81, EVERY bar is between 80 and 85

LDE
Ben Erickson, 8th yr, 57/57 (after a big TC drop), run defense is 90

DT
Timothy Emmons, 6th yr, 54/56, decent run defender with good pass rush strength
Glen Wilkerson, 5th yr, 47/55, same strengths as Emmons, only not as much so
Shawn Foreman, 2nd yr, 47/57, more rounded than the others, better pass rusher, but not quite as strong in RunD

RDE
Doug Conley, 2nd yr, 65/71, 6'6, 291-lb beast with a 91/98 rating in pass rush technique
Lincoln Shannon, 9th yr, 48/48, but pass rush technique at 89

SLB
Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name), 3rd yr, 50/75, pass rusher, zone defender, decent against run, pretty much a stud in everything

MLB
Dexter Lucas, 4th yr, 84/84, RunD of 100, play diagnosis of 100 - need I say more?
Mercury Brennan, 6th yr, 60/60, solid backup against run, much weaker v pass

WLB
Isaac Larkin, 4th yr, 53/53, runD 100

SafetyBacker, or SB
Dan Pretko, rookie, 47/82, all bars in the 30/80 range, except INT 51/62, Punishing Hitter of 86/86

CB
Donnie Meadows, 4th yr, 70/70, specialist in zone and BnR with great PH
Barry Westbrook, 10th ry, 63/63, INT specialist with 93 rating
Dexter Craig, 8th yr, 51/51, Zone defender - all 3 top CBs are 6', 200 lbs or more

SS
Joseph Mayes, 6th yr, 55/55, run defender, 75 play diagnosis
Kelly Macklin, 8th yr, 47/47, run defender, 80 in PH

FS
Marvin Schwartz, 3rd yr, 83/83, run defense 100, zoneD 100, INT 77, he's a stud

[Coffee Warlord]

My QB is a winner!

[revrew]

My QB is a winner!

Or...not

Game #3: Chicago (2-0) at Dallas (2-0)

RB Kelly Hayes struggled in this one, and QB Fernando Windsor faced pressure all day long. The youngster was sacked 5 times, hurried another 8 times and had a pair knocked down. Add a pair of drops as well, and the offense was struggling.

On defense, their RB caught 9 of 11 for 104 yards and a score, something we can fault poor performances on the day from youngsters SB Dan Pretko and SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name). Our strongest performance came from MLB Dexter Lucas, who led the team with 11 tackles and a half sack.

The Cowboys nickeled and dimed us all day, resulting in a loss, 21-9.

[revrew]

Or, maybe he is ...

Game #4: San Francisco (2-1) at Chicago (2-1)

Hello! QB Fernando Windsor comes out of his shell and puts up 3 TDs, no picks and a 117.2 rating. With WR Tyrone Lee on the bench due to injury, RB Kelly Hayes becomes the go-to receiver, grabbing 6 of 8 and 2 TDs.

On defense, the team played as a team, no big stats to report, but keeping the 49ers stymied on 3rd down gave us a 10-minute time of possession advantage. SS Joseph Mayes led the team with 8 tackles.

Props to the offensive line, who after a horrendous game against Dallas, doesn't surrender a sack and allowed Windsor to shine in a victory, 27-13.

[revrew]

QUARTERLY REPORT: Record (3-1)

Rushing O: #3 in yards, #2 in ypc
Passing O: #15
Scoring: #13

Rushing D: #1 - boo-yah!
Passing D: #21
Scoring D: #1

Turnover margin: #27

The success of our rushing game and rushing D are the reason we're sitting at 3-1 right now. The woeful underperformance of our secondary, however, is baffling. Perhaps we took a cohesion hit with the new players? But the fact we have only 1 INT through 4 games is a travesty.

A hammy pull for CB Donny Meadows is painful, but this should allow us to move CB Dexter Craig back into the starting lineup. Perhaps restoring our elite CB pair will pick up the INT totals. There's no question, however, that right now rookie SB Dan Pretko is struggling. He's been a non-factor, in fact, a liability. We might consider moving him to SS and putting FS Marvin Scwhartz in his spot. Not sure how to rectify the problem. Perhaps we'll just ride the storm a while longer and see if the rookie matures.

[Carman Bulldog]

Man, I think Buddy Bongiovanni would look pretty good in that Bears linebacker corps on the weak side with Bucky Beaver on the strong side. How about an update on how he's progressed.

Also, are you leaving the lineup totally to the coaches, and if so, how do you plan on moving Pretko?

I say keep Pretko in for now. You're still winning games and it's only going to help his development. The guy's a stud but needs the playing time to get better.

[revrew]

Man, I think Buddy Bongiovanni would look pretty good in that Bears linebacker corps on the weak side with Bucky Beaver on the strong side. How about an update on how he's progressed.

Also, are you leaving the lineup totally to the coaches, and if so, how do you plan on moving Pretko?

I say keep Pretko in for now. You're still winning games and it's only going to help his development. The guy's a stud but needs the playing time to get better.

Buddy Bongiovanni is still with Minnesota, rated 39/53, and is 61/84 in RunD with no special teams contribution. Were he on our roster, I would have cut/traded him. We don't have a spot for him.

On a similar note, S Zach White, whom we debated heavily in this last draft, is rated 43/76, with 31/62 rating in RunD, which is better than I expected at draft time. Pretko, whom we took instead, is 47/82 with 37/86 in runD. Neither player is having a good rookie year statistically, but I like the guy we got.

As for lineups, as per house rules, I have complete control over defensive and special teams lineups and gameplans, but NO control over offensive lineups or gameplans.

[revrew]

Game #5: Arizona (3-1) at Chicago (3-1)

A pair of interceptions in the first quarter gave us great field position, and RB Kelly Hayes took advantage of it, scoring a pair of TDs in the first frame. On the day Hayes was abso-freakin-lutely brilliant, rushing for 124 yards at 8.27 per carry and catching 5 of 5. QB Fernando Windsor played short and safe all day (blame our lack of playmakers at receiver), completing 20 of 30 for a meager 113 yards and no INTs.

On defense, we faced a stiff challenge in elite Arizona QB Isaac Gilmore and a coach who decided to throw the ball 65 times! And despite giving up a bunch of yards to such a determined passing attack, the defense really stepped up the big plays. Even with 3 secondary members out with injury, we defensed 8 passes and picked 3, including INTs by CB Barry Westbrook and MLB Dexter Lucas. Our pass rush, however, was even more devastating. We hurried the QB 16 times, grabbed 4 sacks, and knocked him down 5 other times. RDE Doug Conley led the charge with a sack, a block, 4 hurries and 4 knockdowns.

In the end, throwing the ball all day couldn't bring the Cardinals back from the early deficit, bone-crushing pass rush and clock-chewing Bear offense. Bears win, 23-16.

[revrew]

Game #6: Chicago (4-1) at St. Louis (3-2)

Now, there's the Bears offense we've all come to know and hate. Coach only gives Kelly Hayes the ball 9 times and Fernando Windsor, despite an otherwise decent game, throws 3 picks to bury our offense. Heck, even K Rusty Schafluetzel botches 4th quarter FG, further putting us in the hole.

On defense, however, a strong performance keeps us in the game. We hold the Rams to 73 yards rushing and 186 yards passing. SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) leads the way with 7 tackles and CB Barry Westbrook grabs an INT. 11 defensed passes, including 4 from FS Marvin Schwartz and 3 from CB Dexter Craig stymie their offense.

In the end, however, that missed field goal just burns, and Chicago loses, 17-14.

The good news is that the schedule is about to get easier, as we've already played 3 teams in top 10 power ratings, the Cowboys (#2), Rams (#4) and Cardinals (#6).

[revrew]

Game #7: Minnesota (0-6) at Chicago (4-2)

The Bears' offense came alive vs. the hapless Vikes, tallying 422 total yards, powered by 243 yards rushing. Both RB Kelly Hayes (147 yards) and last year's draft pick RB Van Mason (93 yards) had solid outings. QB Fernando Windsor, however, continued peppering his high-completion, short-passing game with way too many INTs. Three in this contest.

On defense, SB Dan Pretko finally came through with a strong performance, leading the team with 6 tackles and batting down a pair of passes. RDE Shannon Lincoln has been a very solid pickup on the bench, and now that star RDE Doug Conley is out with a hyperextended knee, Lincoln is stepping up in pass rushing duties.

The teams traded a pair of defensive TDs to drive up the score (ours was a fumble return by LDE Ben Erickson), but Bears walk away with a win, 31-20.

[revrew]

Game #8: Chicago (5-2) at Detroit (3-4)

RB Kelly Hayes had an awful game, averaging less than 2 per carry, but RB Van Mason gave us a bit of a punch coming off the bench. Once again, QB Fernando Windsor completed a decent pass percentage, but low yard totals and a pick made it tough to put points on the board. With WR Tyrone Lee out to injury and Kelly Hayes struggling in this one, we have NO big-play threat. K Rusty Schafluetzel, however, was absolute money, a perfect 4/4 on FGs, including one from 55 out.

Our defense, however, was ready to roar. 12 passes defensed and a relentless pass rush terrorized their QB, some guy named Hardy Holleran, whom you may have heard of. 2nd year DT Shawn Foreman had an outstanding game with 2.5 sacks, 2 hurries and leading the team with 7 tackles. Youngster SB Dan Pretko had his second solid performance in a row. We held them to 64 yards rushing and only 23 completions on 57 attempts.

In the end, the defense and special teams were enough to make up for our struggling offense, and Bears win, 19-14.

[revrew]

SEASON 3 HALFWAY REPORT:

Chicago sits at 6-2 atop the division, tied in record with Green Bay, but boasting a 1/2 game better in-division record.

Rushing O: #1 in yards and #1 in ypc - Kelly Hayes is carrying this offense
Passing O: #24
Scoring O: #10

RB Kelly Hayes has been the heart and soul of this offense, #4 in the NFL in rushing right now.
QB Fernando Windsor has thrown 8 TDs and 11 INTs. Yes, he's young and struggling with our dufus wideouts, but that INT tendency is worrisome for his long-term future. Nonetheless, we signed him to a 5-year extention quick, before he hit 40 in current rating.

Rushing D: #2 - And this despite playing nickel nearly 100% of the time
Passing D: #23 - baffling
Scoring D: #2

Turnover margin: #31 - And this is why we aren't kicking butt. With our rushing game firing better, you'd think we'd be all-stars, but the defense is inexplicably short on INTs and Fernando Windsor is giving them away like candy at a parade, #1 in the league right now with 11.

MLB Dexter Lucas leads the team with 54 tackles, a tad off his usual pace, but still having a good year.
SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) has been a great addition, and he's only getting better.
RDE Doug Conley is developing into a beast. We want him back from injury.

In our secondary, CB Barry Westbrook, CB Dexter Craig and FS Marvin Schwartz have been solid in knocking down passes, but strangely INTs have been nonexistent. Our SB and SS positions, however, have been a real liability. We may be looking for a new SS next year, while hoping SB Dan Pretko grows into the position.

[sterlingice]

Do you just have a macro so that whenever you type "Bucky Beaver" it's followed by "(yes, that's his real name)"?

SI

[revrew]

Do you just have a macro so that whenever you type "Bucky Beaver" it's followed by "(yes, that's his real name)"?

SI

:D

[britrock88]

Do you just have a macro so that whenever you type "Bucky Beaver" it's followed by "(yes, that's his real name)"?

SI

I've enjoyed seeing that consistently, too. :)

[revrew]

Game #9: Chicago (6-2) at Seattle (5-3)

The best two defenses in the league go at it, and we go in with only 4 healthy WRs. But try as they might, it's hard to stop our 1-2 RB punch, with RB Kelly Hayes piling up 95 yards and RB Van Mason adding another 63. QB Fernando Windsor dodged the INT bullet and TE Marty Benton was on fire, 6 of 6 for 125 yards, giving us a puncher's chance in this slugfest.

The defense was as advertised, SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) leading the way with 10 tackles. Backup RDE Shannon Lincoln stepped up, as he has all year, with 2 sacks and 4 knockdowns. DT Shawn Foreman has been on a tear, adding 1.5 sacks of his own. Seattle was stuffed, with only 49 rushing yards (to our 174) and 165 in the air.

A thrilling, gutsy win for the Bears, 16-10.

[Coffee Warlord]

Bucky Beaver needs to be joined next season by Mack Money on the weak side.

[revrew]

Game 10: Green Bay (6-3) at Chicago (7-2)

In facing our top division rival, RB Kelly Hayes breaks loose and takes the first play 80 yards to the house. The Bears would finish the day with 196 yards rushing. QB Fernando Windsor, however, had one of the worst days ever seen in a QB. Completing just 10 passes for a total of 62 yards and a pair of INTs, he singlehandedly forced the defense to win this one for us.

Welcome back from injury, RDE Doug Conley. The former #5 overall pick leads the team with 8 tackles, racks up 2 sacks, 4 hurries and 4 knockdowns. DE Shannon Lincoln adds 2 sacks and 5 knockdowns of his own, as the pass rush brutalizes the Packers. FS Marvin Schwartz and SS Joseph Mayes each add an INT, and Green Bay is on the ropes.

A stout, 3-down stand inside our own 10-yard line in the 4th gives us this nail-biting win, 10-3. Now THAT's Bear football.

[revrew]

Game 11: Chicago (8-2) at Tennessee (4-6)

Kelly Hayes ran for nearly 11 per carry and caught 7 passes, but coach didn't call his number nearly enough. The moron put the game in QB Fernando Windsor's hands. Thankfully, the kid did alright, tossing a pair of TDs to only 1 INT.

But it's our defense that had to win this one, and they nearly didn't. MLB Dexter Lucas led the teanm in tackles and got a sack, but there was little else to celebrate until overtime, when backup OLB Omar Duffy scooped up a fumble and ran it back for the game-winning score, 26-20.

Good news: Green Bay dropped another, and suddenly we have a 3-game lead in the division.

[revrew]

Game 12: Atlanta (6-5) at Chicago (9-2)

Kelly Hayes takes our second snap 69 yards to the house, then promptly pulls his groin on the next possession. The worst possible injury has just hit us. In even more bad news, backup RB Van Mason, who has had some highlight reels this year, was also injured and is now gone for the year. Our unstoppable ground game is suddenly gone.

In this contest, however, we got a boost from reserve CB Butch Garcia, who ran back a punt return in the 3rd for a TD. But would it be enough?

Heck yeah, with this kind of defensive outing. The Falcons are held to 66 rushing yards and 115 passing yards, as CB Barry Westbrook grabs a key INT and 9 different players record QB sacks or hurries. Atlanta is completely shut down and shut out, Chicago wins, 20-0.

[ozias]

It looks as though this team is playoff bound!!

Hopefully you can pickup an elusive RB in FA to take over for Mason.

[UK Rookie]

Defence,Defence,Defence!

[revrew]

It looks as though this team is playoff bound!!

Hopefully you can pickup an elusive RB in FA to take over for Mason.

PLAYOFF PICTURE

At 10-2, we currently have the best record in the NFL and a 3-game lead over division rival Green Bay.

Our remaining opponents have records of 2-10, 3-9, 9-3, and 7-5 (Green Bay). The next two games look like solid opportunities to clinch the playoffs, even without Hayes. And the stellar RB (averaging 6.75 yards per carry this season) should return from injury for the playoffs.

To help fill out our depth chart, we signed RB Kenyon Horton (22/31), a 3rd-year player originally from Hawaii. At 6'0 230 with decent speed and elusiveness, he looks like a poor man's Hayes. He'll likely get carries in our first couple of games, splitting time with 3rd-stringer RB Ellis Meyer.

At the 3/4 mark, our defense is seeing some improvement, #1 in rushing yards allowed and moving up to #20 in passing yards allowed. A closer look reveals it's even better than that. We're actually #2 in opponents' completion percentage and #2 in yards per attempt, #3 in yards per catch. But opponents are throwing the ball an average of 45 times per game against us, a whopping 5 passes per game more than the #2 team, which totals up to 201 MORE passes thrown against us than the #1 team. Suddenly being #20 in passing yards allowed doesn's seem as bad.

[revrew]

Game 13: Jacksonville (2-10) at Chicago (10-2)

Against inferior opponents, QB Fernando Windsor has done better this season, and in this one, he completed 60% for 214, 2 TDs and 1 INT. The runningback committee actually did decent in Hayes' absence, rushing for 148 yards at a 4.61 per carry clip.

But this was a game about our defense. 3 INTs led the way, including a pick-6 by FS Charles Talley. CB Barry Westbrook completely shut 'em down, no catches, 2 defensed, and 1 pick. But player of game goes to rotational DE Shannon Lincoln (wow, has he been a find this year), who tacked on 3.5 sacks, 3 blocked passes and 2 knockdowns.

The Jags are held to 188 yards total, as we win an easy one, 21-6.

The really good news, however, is that this win CLINCHES A PLAYOFF SPOT for us and puts us 1 win away from winning the division! :funkychickendance:

[revrew]

Game 14: Chicago (11-2) at Minnesota (3-10)

Slow, steady and sure for the offense in this one, as we have scoring opportunities on 7 of our possessions and punt on 5. QB Fernando Windsor played solid, if unspectacular short ball, completing 24 of 34 for and 209 yards, no INTs and an 86.5 rating. Plus, he bootlegged a TD into the endzone. K Rusty Schafluetzel kicked 5 of 5 on FGs, winning player of the game.

On defense, SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) was the man, leading the team with 8 tackles and adding a sack and INT. FS Joseph Mayes batted down 3 balls, making it miserable for the Vikes to run OR pass.

Bears win, 29-12.

AND ... with that win and a Green Bay loss, we have secured the division! Furthermore, we're guaranteed a bye in the playoffs.

Only bad news is we're getting very beat up on the injury front, losing MLB Dexter Lucas now for about 3 weeks with a stress fracture.

[revrew]

Game 15: Indianapolis (10-4) at Chicago (12-2)

Tough game, hosting the league's #1 defense and my pick to represent the AFC in the SuperBowl. But what a game - as both teams pass for exactly the same number of yards and rush for only 1 yard off from exactly the same. Statistically, this game was a dead heat.

Offensively, we had very little go our way. In fact, the best performance we saw was from P Fred Preston, who averaged 46.3 yards per punt and still pinned 4 of 6 inside the 20.

Defense, however, was where the game was decided. DE Shannon Lincoln was on fire yet again with a pair of sacks, and 2nd string MLB Mercury Brennan led the team with 9 tackles. SB Dan Pretko made his impact felt with a couple of passes defensed, but the game was a battle down the wire until, with 2:32 left in the 4th, Shannon Lincoln hit their QB, stripped the ball, and RDE Doug Conley scooped it up and rumbled 46 yards to the house!

Chicago wins! Chicago wins, 23-13.

Can you feel the excitement now? We beat one of the NFL's best without Kelly Hayes and wrapped up homefield advantage with the #1 seed in the NFC!

[Travis]

Nicely done! I'd imagine there was some cheering after the defensive touchdown? :D

Will be very interesting if this matchup pops up again to finish the post season.

[revrew]

Nicely done! I'd imagine there was some cheering after the defensive touchdown? :D

Will be very interesting if this matchup pops up again to finish the post season.

Thanks! But first another matchup that may pop up again in the postseason:

Game 16: Chicago (13-2) at Green Bay (8-7)

Offensively, this game was all QB Fernando Windsor, as no other offensive player even bothered showing up. WR Ian Cooley only caught 5 of 16 passes. Our running backs didn't play, as Windsor was the leading rusher and threw the ball 55 times. This does not bode well. Even our kicker missed a crucial, 4th quarter FG.

On defense, SB Dan Pretko led the team with 11 tackles and RDE Doug Conley added 2 sacks.

But in the end, a 95-yard fumble return broke our backs in this one, and the missed FG looms large, as we lose a game we really shouldn't have, 16-13.

[revrew]

REGULAR SEASON RECAP:

Rushing O: #4
Passing O: #26
Scoring O: #12

Turnover Margin: -5 (#25)

Rushing D: #1 (and this, running a nickel D nearly 100% of the time)
Passing D: #17 (not bad, considering we had 690 passes attempted against us. Closest other team had 634 attempts against. The least passed-on team saw only 473 attempts).
Scoring D: #1 - (and by a big margin. Opponents averaged 12.1 against us, the next team 15.4)

Despite the ineptitude of our offense, particularly in the passing game (and all the turnovers), we grind out a 13-3 record. One of the reasons we saw all the passes against us: We led the league in forcing opponents into 3rd down. That in part, because we're #3 in the league in sacks, #1 in QB hurries and #2 in passes defensed. That makes for a lot of 3rd and longs.

[Coffee Warlord]

I remember a Bears team that went 13-3 with zero offense and all defense. (Though Jim Miller is a far cooler guy than Fernando could ever be.)

Let's hope you do a slight bit better than them in the playoffs.

[revrew]

I remember a Bears team that went 13-3 with zero offense and all defense. (Though Jim Miller is a far cooler guy than Fernando could ever be.)

Let's hope you do a slight bit better than them in the playoffs.

Thanks. Before we move into the post-season, one more regular season recap:

ROOKIE REPORT:

SB Dan Pretko 45/82 --> 63/82 Started all 16 games. After a rough start to the season, he saw some improvement, moving up to #3 on the team with 65 tackles and 23 assists. Swatted down 9 passes, but allowed 43 completions and brought in zero interceptions. He's got great upside, but will need to continue making strides against the pass.

CB Courtney Murphy 23/49 --> 25/49 Played in 13 games, mostly as a spot reserve, particularly in the dime. He pulled down 1 pick and defensed 1 pass, but he also allowed 18 was generally a liability in the passing game. On special teams he forced a fumble. Still, the kid has potential and could stick around as a reserve.

DT Mel Thomas 27/48 --> 29/48 Snuck into 6 games and generally did nothing to impress. His future here is not looking good.

WR Maurice Peppers 21/49 --> 22/49 Played in 15 games, started 1. Caught 11 balls for 119 yards, no TDs, 2 drops. His future is also uncertain, but he has an upside.

TE Ted Tillman 28/54 --> 32/54 Played in all 16 games, but mostly on special teams. Still, he caught 15 of the 16 balls thrown his way. Given his longsnapping ability, Tillman will definitely have a spot next season. He may work his way into being a starter and was a real gem in the 5th round.

[revrew]

WEEK 1 PLAYOFFS

We have the bye, but that doesn't mean there isn't big news. Returning back to 100% from injury:

MLB Dexter Lucas
DT Shawn Foreman

and ....

RB Kelly Hayes!

That's like the most important bye week ever. We only have 2 significant injuries, backup RB Van Mason and CB Donny Meadows, who tweaked a hammy early in the season and hasn't seen any action. At this point, even if he did come back healthy, I'm not sure I would stick him in the lineup.

In the games, wildcard Green Bay lost to Tampa Bay, Indianapolis had a bye, and NFC West winner Arizona stomped the Eagles and will now come to Chicago.

Looking ahead:

We beat Arizona 23-16 in week 5 of the regular season. The Cardinals tried throwing the ball 65 times on us, but a pair of early INTs gave us solid field position and early scores. The Cardinals bring one of the best QBs in the game in 80/80-rated Isaac Gilmore and the league's #1 passing offense. They also have a solid, shut-down secondary, so the only way to beat them is on the ground. But beat them you can, as the Cardinals are dead last in the NFL in both rushing yards allowed and rushing yards per carry allowed.

Keys to victory: RB Kelly Hayes has to take over the game, and our secondary needs to step it up, possibly even pull in multiple INTs like we did in Week 5.

[revrew]

PLAYOFFS, ROUND 2: Arizona (11-6) at Chicago (13-3)

We started the game on fire when CB Dexter Craig picked off an Isaac Gilmore pass and set up a Kelly Hayes TD. We tack on a field goal, and suddenly we're up 10-0, and it's looking just like the week 5 victory.

Then 8 plays later, we knew we were in trouble. RB Kelly Hayes went down to injury and would not return. Key to winning #1 toast. By halftime, we had lost our #2 and #3 RB to injury also. For the entire second half we ran with our FB.

Consequently, the game turned into an aerial battle between QB Fernando Windsor and Isaac Gilmore. That's not gonna be good. Props to Windsor, however, as he threw for 241 yards, 2 TDs and 1 pick, which ain't bad.

On defense, FA pickup and bench player extraordinairre DE Shannon Lincoln hurried Gilmore 5 times. But he never actually put him on the ground. None of our pass rushers could register a sack. SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) gave up 7 passes completed without a deflection, and the Bears just wilted under the light of the playoffs.

The nail in the coffin came when our FB fumbled the ball away on our own 8 yard line late in the 3rd. Arizona went in for a score and never looked back. This was a game we could have won, but too many things conspired against us, from injury to disappointing performances. Thus, the first playoff game for the Bears is a loss, 31-24.

[Travis]

Well crap, that was not how it was supposed to go at all. That's brutal luck with all the injuries at RB.

[Coffee Warlord]

Jesus, you lost *all* three RB's? Yow.

[ozias]

That really is a crappy way to lose your first playoff game.

I see FOF conspired against you, and killed your RB corp completely.

Hopefully next year you don't have that problem.

[revrew]

Jesus, you lost *all* three RB's? Yow.

Yup. That was just cold. Our turf is Very Good, too. Just brutal.

[revrew]

YEAR-END WRAP-UP

Indianapolis and Arizona both lost in their respective conference championship games. Oakland won the SuperBowl.

End-of-season developments:

DE Shannon Lincoln, our bench player, nonetheless won all-NFL 1st team honors with 15.5 sacks, 10 blocked passes, 26 hurries, and 37 QB knockdowns. He only started 3 games for us.

P Fred Preston, who had his worst season in 3 years, nonetheless walked away with all-league 2nd team honors.

Our backup QB, T.J. McCargo, was the only Bear to announce his retirement in the offseason.

[sterlingice]

Bummer :(

SI

[revrew]

LOOKING AHEAD:

Going into our fourth year, it's clear we've built a dominating defense, a new "Monsters of the Midway." We're an elite NFL team and feel the playoffs loss was highway robbery last year.

But that doesn't mean we're as good as we could be. QB Fernando Windsor is way too INT-prone. Our receivers just aren't capable of breaking a big play. We should look to see if there are players available - in FA or draft - who can cut down on INTs and give us more speed on the edges.

On defense, our biggest problem is age, as CB Barry Westbrook - who led the team again last year with 6 INTs - has to start dropping off sometime, and LDE Ben Erickson is already starting to fade. We could really use an upgrade at SS, and our DTs are about the only position group in which we don't have elite players.

We're also in a "win now" sort of mode, so long as RB Kelly Hayes is burning up the track, so we may consider leaning toward trades, rather than draft. If that's an option.

Staff hiring:

No changes are needed from a 13-3 team with an overachieving offense.

Given our needs for wideouts and the potential of WR Maurice Peppers, he was sent to summer league.

[revrew]

FA1 targets:

LDE Albert Ross 55/55 - 6'4, 277 run stuffer. Would be solid backup/potential replacement if LDE Ben Erickson goes down

DT Deion Biodrowski 35/54 - 6'3, 308 potential run stuffer. Has potential to be solid reserve player

QB Dwight Moore 24/37 - He's a 5th year player, but knows 14 formations and is a mentor and affinity match. Not likely to push Fernando Windsor, however.

WR Gene Nelms 38/38 - A 10th year player, but he's a mentor and has a good combination of BPR, adjust to ball and avoid drops. Might help our WR corps be more explosive if his bars hold and he becomes a starter.

SS Leo McKenzie - 65/65 - He's not the run stuffer we like, but I might move him back to FS, because he's a pass defensing fiend. We could move Schwartz then to SS.

[revrew]

FREE AGENCY:

DT Deion Biodrowski 35/54 signed

But SS Leo McKenzie flew to Denver

BIG TRADE:
Looking at the safety market, we were able to see no other FA or 1st round draft pick worth grabbing. So we traded away last year's starting SS, Joseph Mayes and our 1st for a 4th and:

FS Mitch Flynn - 59/70 - In only his second year, Flynn was the Chargers' 1st round pick last year. He's a zone specialist (82/96), with strong bars in run defense (49/74) and interceptions (77/81). He's also touting a 100 rating in endurance and 93 in special teams. In other words, he's freaking perfect for us.

Picking up Flynn completes our secondary and enables us to move Schwartz to SS, where his 100 in run defense rating can really help out.

QB Dwight Moore 24/37 signs, giving us a mentor and an affinity match.

WR Gene Nelms 40/40 signs, and if he can hold his bars through TC, should give us a starter, a mentor and a BPR specialist. Score!

DE Ross Albert 55/55 is the last of our crop to sign, a solid LDE role player who is strong on run defense and punishing the hitter

[revrew]

DRAFT DAY!

Some OK defensive talent in this draft, but it's going to get very interesting around the 3rd or 4th round, as there's some solid punters, fullbacks and other players who might be worth looking at outside of the typical defensive selections. Sadly, there's almost no CB talent in this draft, so the usual 2nd round or 3rd round steal might not be there.

After the FA trade, our first pick is the 2.30, which sucks. We may look at a trade up if this guy might be obtainable:

DT Antoine Henry - Only 2 blues, but with a volatility of 1, we hope his bars hold out. He's a top-notch run defender, has great play diagnosis and very solid pass rush skills. Again, if those bars hold, he could be a starter.

Otherwise, there's some safeties who might be worth gambling on, or some backup LBs we could take. Or, we could just take one of the elite punters on the board.

[revrew]

Well, never mind that trade up. Henry went at 2.2. Nuts.

We're on the clock! Available at 2.30:

DT Vincent Caporicci - Blues in dash and agil, he's an affinity match and bars look like he'd be a solid backup. Strengths are runD and pass rush technique, which is nice. But starter? Probably not.

DT Irving Finch - Undersized pass rushing specialist. Blue in agility and a blazing, red 4.88 in dash, with the pass rush technique bar to match. Though only developed 8%, he could be a dime DT who does nothing but goes after the QB.

S Nathan Contois - His strength is runD and has a huge punishing hitter bar, which could mean breakout candidate. And in fact, he has 3 blue combines, but his bars don't show it. Volatility of 84, this guy really smells like a boomer. At worst, he'd be solid against the run, at best ...

S Dave Rasmussen - He's a tad slow and only has one blue, but it's in the place we like it, Position drill. His zone D bar matches it, and his PH bar is maxed out. If those and his other bars hold, he's the best of the players here. But his combines (outside of that Pdrill) are the worst. Volatility of 94, this could be a boom or bust guy.

Additionally, there are a pair of punters here who look like future pro-bowlers. Ratings wise, these are by far the best draft option here. Our current punter, however, is already a pro-bowler, yet in his 10th year.

Any input, faithful readers?

[MartinD]

Undersized DT with pass-rush skills usually means that a switch to DE will be worthwhile (although the 8% developed means that it'll be a while before he'll be a significant contributor).

A really good punter can be surprisingly valuable on a defence-first team, but I'd only draft one here if you really think that the guys you're looking at will definitely be gone before you pick again (particularly with there being two available that you like).

[Travis]

Contois, Rasmussen, Finch in that order would be my voting preference.

[revrew]

With the 2.30 pick, Chicago selects

2.30 SS Nathan Contois - a 6'0, 206 lb bruiser out of Middle Tennessee St. who is tough against the run and dishes out major punishment to ballcarriers. Our top scout has him rated 17/46, but some of our other scouts think he has a much higher ceiling.

The first of the punters falls at 3.13 to New England.

TRADE:

Chicago sends last year's uninspiring 3rd rounder, DT Mel Thomas, our 3.30 and 4.8 to Tennessee for the 3.14 and 4.16.

This enables us to select with the 3.14:

3.14 P Jon Shonek - a 6'3, 212 lb boot out of Tennessee. Scouts love his booming leg, and our top scout has him rated 61/86.


TRADE:

Chicago sends the 4.16 and 4.30 to Jacksonville for the 4.2, enabling us to move up to take an offensive player! While there isn't a decent QB, TE, WR, RB or even lineman left, we moved up because we saw an opportunity to grab:

4.2 FB Kris LeBlond - a 6'0, 246-pound bowling ball out of Alabama A&M with powerful run blocking and receiving skills. His combines had him among the fastest and most skilled FBs in the draft. Our scouts were super high on this guy and thrilled to see we could still get him in the 4th. Top scout rates him as 35/70.

At the 5.30, we need another safety right now like we need a hole in the head, but when a player you were considering in the second round is still there in the 5th, BTA dictates you pull the trigger. Thus, we select:

5.30 FS Dave Rasmussen a football smarts, hard-hitting safety out of Air Force. At 5'11, 194, he'll play FS only, but he specializes in zone defense, play diagnosis and hitting the snot out of people, so that's OK. Our scout has him rated 22/64.

At 6.30, we take a chance on:

6.30 RB Omar Duncan, a 5'10, 209-pound back with some speed and elusivness out of Wisconsin. Scouts see him as rated about 27/40.

And at 7.30, nearly Mr. Irrelevant, Chicago selects:

7.30 WR Donny Boivin, a smallish but speedy receiver out of Michigan. Our chief scout has him rated at only 17/31, but some of our other scouts think this kid has a higher ceiling. He broke some big plays in college. We'll see.

[Travis]

Wow, nice draft day. That's a pretty nice gift at 5.30 but even without him that would have been a nice group to be adding to the team.

[revrew]

LATE FA:

One major score! The big pickup is:

DT Casey Witt - A 7th year player rated 70/70 with a 100 rating in runD and 81 rating in pass rush strength. He will immediately slide into our starting DT spot, but get yanked in the dime. We've been looking for a powerhouse DT for some time, and now we have one.

Other signees:

FL Dean Norwood - 36/39 - He's undersized but can return kicks, is an affinity match, and most imporantly, is rated 96 in BPR. I don't know if coach will make him the starter or not, but he's got speed to burn.

RG Rick Parliman - 41/41 (was 40/40 before we signed him) - a 4th year player with exceptional affinity who scored a few pancakes for St. Louis last year. The even better news is that his bar is only orange, so he's going to go beyond that 41/41 and may become the best O-lineman we have (at least until his contract is up).

G Donnie Hawk - 40/40 - a 6'5, 354 pound beast of a guy with pass-protection specialities. I'll probably slide him over to LG, though he'll take an experience hit. Our guards were a weak spot on the O-line last year, now, they're the strength.

LT Arnie Irwin - 35/38 - a decent pass blocker who may grow some and gives us some depth.

QB Earnest Diegel - 35/35 - a 10th year player who knows 16 formations, he was Green Bay's starter last year and did fine, posting 15 TDs, 8 ints and an 82.5 rating. An affinity match as well, he gives us a decent backup option.

[revrew]

Post TC movers/shakers:

QB Fernando Windsor gained a few, up to 42/42

RG Rick Parliman gained a few, up to 45/45

DE Lincoln Shannon, after his great year last year, plummeted 10 points to 38/38

LDE Ben Erickson continued his slide, dropping 7 points to 50/50

RDE Doug Conley picked up a few, to 71/71

CB Barry Westbrook only dropped a few, down to 61/61

SB Dan Pretko moved up in both current and potential, up to 72/82

Rookies:

2.30 SS Nathan Contois showed some of the growth we expected, up from 17/46 to 22/50. His ability to play zone is still very limited, but he's a good project player. Might be trade bait after a few seasons.

3.14 P Joh Shonek stayed fairly static, dropping from 61/86 to 61/85. This creates a position battle, as I'm not sure we want to keep 2 punters.

4.2 FB Kris LeBlond didn't have as good a camp, but still looks like a great find for us, dipping slightly from 35/70 to 41/67. Starter!

5.30 FS Dave Rasmussen - HELLO! Looks like we're looking at the starter of the future, as the draft gem boomed in camp, from 22/64 to 32/66. He'll likely push 2nd round pick Contois right out the door. Rasmussen rated 100 in punishing hitter, 82 in INTs and 27/87 in zoneD.

6.30 RB Omar Duncan looks to be what we thought he was, staying pretty static, from 27/40 to 29/39. With some speed and elusiveness, he could stick around.

7.30 SE Donny Boivin doesn't look like he'll make the roster, as his 17/31 precamp rating doesn't show much improvement, up to 19/31.

Considering our first pick was the 2.30, this looks like a heckuva draft. Very, very happy.

[revrew]

PRESEASON #1: at Buffalo

The offense did OK in this game, except K Rusty Schafleutzel, who missed 3 field goals. The squad was also only 2 of 10 on third downs, which doesn't bode well. But we ran for 5.79 per rush, and you could tell our new receivers helped Fernando Windsor open up the passing game a bit. WR Gene Nelms, for example, caught 6 of 8 and WR Donnell Ellis brought in a 75-yard TD pass.

Defense, however, was disastrous. SB Dan Pretko may have led the team with 10 tackles, but the secondary was atrocious, despite all that talent, giving up 328 in the air. Oh, for a typical team that may not be the end of the world, but we expect and require better.

Those missed field goals cost us the game, Bears lose, 27-20.

PRESEASON #2: vs. Oakland

QB Fernando Windsor played pretty well, K Rusty Schafleutzel pulled it together, and things were going smoothly. But when reserve QB Earnest Deigel was put in ... wow, is that bad. Deigel finished 8 of 22 with a pair of INTs and a lost fumble.

Rookie P Jon Shonek was outstanding, and reserve MLB Mercury Brennan was a tackle machine, but with Deigel tossing the game, Oakland came back from being shut out over three quarters to score 23 in the 4th, handing us a loss, 23-12.

[revrew]

PRESEASON #3: vs. Miami

We threw in mostly backups to knock the rust off, but give some mad props to RB Van Mason, who came back from injury with a vengeance, rushing for 121 yards on 18 carries for a 6.72 per rush average. FA pickup FL Dean Norwood showed off the wheels as well, with 6 catches for 101 yards.

But the story of the game was the defense, which pressured the Dolphins relentlessly (mostly when the starters came back in) and picked off FIVE passes. Woot! Reserve SLB Damon Norton, who was really only brought in to be an affinity match and special teams ace, grabbed 2 of the INTs. Looking at his bars (34/44), however, I'm thinking it's a preseason fluke.

Still, the defense powered us to a big win, 36-7.

PRESEAON #4: at San Diego

Rushing game not so hot in this one, as rookie Omar Duncan didn't get much traction. Our 2 reserve QBs, however, played much better and gave us a decent passing attack.

The real story again, however, was the defense, which put down the clamps and held the Chargers to 153 yards TOTAL offense. RDE Doug Conley, despite not starting, was a beast in the pass rush. Game ball to the secondary, which returned 2 INTs for touchdowns, one by 3rd string CB Dexter Craig and another by 4th string and special teams ace CB Butch Garcia. Pick sixes and shutout for the big win, 34-0.

[revrew]

SEASON 4 OUTLOOK/ROSTER UPDATE:

After posting the best record in the NFL last season, we're at the point of Championship or bust. Nothing less than a SuperBowl victory will satisfy us this year. In our way, an improving division, where we expect the Packers again to fight us for the division crown. In our way, of course, is also injury and the general ineptitude of our offense. We play the NFC East, which contains top powerhouse Dallas, and the AFC North, in which ALL 4 teams last season posted winning records. Sheesh. If we do win it all this year, it will be because we deserved it. This is no primrose path.

Here's the squad taking us in:

QB
Fernando Windsor 42/42 - A fairly solid young player who nonetheless throws too many picks and stinks on 3rd down. Yeah, this is a liability.

RB
Kelly Hayes 43/43 - Lightning in a bottle with a career 5.83 per rush average. If only the coach would give him the d$%# ball!
Van Mason 30/30 - Injury took a little of the shine off, but the 3rd year player still has mad wheels.

FB
Kris LeBlond 41/67 - The rookie will only be with us a while, but hopefully he can make an impact. He's a run blocker and a receiver (not a rusher), and could one day be one of the league's best (probably after house rules force us to let his contract expire).

TE
Patrick Alabaso 44/44 - Our longsnapper is also a decent receiving target
Marty Benton 44/44 - Another on our roster of offensive bloomers that we won't be able to resign, Benton caught 500 yards last year and is a quiet chain-mover

WR
Gene Nelms 39/39 - We have much more speed now, and this guy can burn rubber, but how often will he be targeted? Our whole crew suffers in the route running department
Donnell Ellis 34/34 - Coach thinks the long-time Bear is a good cohesion fit in the starting lineup. Unfortunately, our WR crew has very poor route running skills
Dean Norwood 37/37 - The speedy youngster plays the slot this year, and he's an exciting addition

OL
I hope we win it this year, because we have a handful of guys who have boomed beyond the 40/40 house rule and their contracts are up, so we can't resign them. I'm just too dang good at spotting talent! Finding someone who stays a 39/39 just ain't happenin'.

P
Fred Preston 75/75 - He's a stud. A major stud.
Jon Shonek 62/85 - Yep, we kept 2 punters. Preston gives us a better chance of winning right now, but if we don't win it this year (spit) Shonek will be the future

K
Rusty Schafluetzel 80/80 - His accuracy took a major hit last year, we're hoping it was a fluke. He is money from downtown, however, converting on 8 of 11 from 50+ last season.

LDE
Ben Erickson 50/50 - We're starting to see some aging here, but for cohesion sake, I think he'll start
Albert Ross 55/55 - The kid deserves a shot, and he'll be chomping at the bit if Erickson is injured

RDE
Doug Conley 71/71 - He's da man. In his 3rd year, I expect all-league honors right around the corner for a guy rated 100/100 in pass rush technique.
Shannon Lincoln 38/38 - Don't let the low ratings fool you. He led us with 15.5 sacks off the bench last year and will get his reps when we're in the dime.

DT
Casey Witt 70/70 - A run stuffing beast who can move the pile. He's transitioning from a 3-4 to 4-3 scheme, so I don't know yet if he can rush the passer much
Timothy Emmons 55/55 - Do-it-all player who gives us cohesion help.
Glen Wilkerson 51/55 - Simply a poor man's version of Witt
Sean Foreman 50/50 - A poor man's Emmons

ILB
Dexter Lucas 83/83 - He's an animal. Rated 100 in runD and 100 in play diagnosis, he's only limited from all-league honors by all the talent around him gobbling up his stats.
Mercury Brennan 62/62 - He'd be a starter anywhere else, gives us good assurance and affinity match

OLB
Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) 77/77 - All-around athlete with high bars in every area, a phenomenal asset
William Shedd 58/58 - Defends run, rushes passer, special teams ace. Just don't ask him to defend the pass

CB
Donny Meadows 70/70 - Was injured all last year, so we don't know how good he is. He hasn't played up to his bars, but his bars are impressive
Barry Westbrook 61/61 - The old vet has held up very well through the years and has 21 INTs over the last 3 seasons.
Dexter Craig 53/53 - He's always played above his bars and contributes on special teams, too.
Butch Garcia 50/50 - Poor man's Dexter Craig

SB
Dan Pretko 75/82 - He showed flashes at the end of his rookie year, but he needs to step it up as a sophomore. This is his year to shine. Solid against the run, but we need him to improve against the pass.

SS
Marvin Schwartz 82/82 - He's a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with tenacity. Rated 100 against the run, plays very well against the pass, just needs to step up his INT level.

FS
Mitch Flynn 71/71 - The newcomer, he brings a 100 zoneD rating and grabbed a pair of picks in his rookie season. Like Pretko, his sophomore season will be an opportunity to be a real difference-maker

Return men
FL Dean Norwood piled up over 1,000 yards in kick returns last season for Buffalo and has 2 TDs in 3 years of return duty. He could provide a spark.
CB Butch Garcia averaged 12.8 with a TD on punt returns last year and is a solid guy for the job
CB Dexter Craig gives us depth at both return spots

[revrew]

WEEK 1: Minnesota (0-0) at Chicago (0-0)

This was the kind of game that makes me wonder if we can win a championship at all. Kelly Hayes was ineffective, we started the game with 3 straight 3 and outs. Fernando Windsor threw 3 INTs. Yuck, yuck, yuck. But QB Fernando Windsor also threw 3 TDs, including 2 to brand new receivers with speed, and one to Kelly Hayes. Speed kills.

All that was needed was the defense to show up. But ... surrendering a kick return for TD made it tough. This game came down to the wire. MLB Dexter Lucas led the team with 12 tackles, DE Doug Conley was in the backfield all game, knocking the QB down 5 times and pressuring him another 4 times. In the end, it was the secondary that stepped up the biggest, however: 9 defensed passes and 2 INTs, including one from CB Dexter Craig in the waning minute to seal the victory, 31-24.

[revrew]

WEEK 2: Baltimore (0-1) at Chicago (1-0)

The first half started out very slow, but in the second half, QB Fernando Windsor found new WR Gene Nelms, completing 6 passes in 6 attempts for a pair of scores. The 10th-year former Cowboy receiver has 3 touchdowns in his first 2 games and may be emerging as a QB favorite.

On defense, a team effort bottled the Ravens up on 3rd and 4th down, killed drives and never even let them in our red zone. SS Marvin Schwartz led the way with 13 tackles and a forced fumble. This one was never really close, as Bears win big, 30-3.

WEEK 3: Arizona (0-2) at Chicago (2-0)

On offense, Fernando Windsor was pretty pedestrian, but WR Gene Nelms again caught all the balls thrown his way and has caught 86.7 percent of his targets this season. RB Kelly Hayes provided the only spark for our offense, taking off from our 2 yard line for a searing, 98-yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter.

As expected, the Cardinals behind star QB Isaac Gilmore took to the air, throwing the ball 59 times and running it 12. But the defense put up a Herculean effort. For starters, their top WR was targeted 22 times, but only hauled in 7 catches for 43 yards. Part of the reason was the flyswatters in the secondary. CB Donny Meadows and CB Barry Westbrook both batted down 3 passes, as did SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name). 12 total passes defensed for the team. Meanwhile, the pass rush was relentless, led by RDE Doug Conley and Mr. Beaver again. Despite a very poor offensive showing, the defense shut down one of the best QBs in the game and get us the hard-fought victory, 10-6.

The rough news, however, is that we lost 2 players to injury, not only for this year, but much of next year as well. Rookie RB Omar Duncan wasn't much of a loss, but FS Mitch Flynn suffered a horrendously ugly compound leg fracture. The latter is a tough pill to swallow and may mean we end up starting our 5th-round draft pick at FS.

[Coffee Warlord]

Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) best have a Bears coaching position waiting for him when he retires. Such a man cannot be lost.

[sterlingice]

Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) best have a Bears coaching position waiting for him when he retires. Such a man cannot be lost.

Does the back of his jersey have "Yes, that's his real name" or is that just more in the program and for announcers?

SI

[Coffee Warlord]

Word is, a judge refused to allow him to legally change his last name to "Beaver (Yes, that's his real name)".

[sterlingice]

Rod Smart should help him out

SI

[revrew]

OK, you guys are funny. Love it. Keep it comin'.

Week 4: Chicago (3-0) at Washington (1-3)

Very solid outing for the offense today, with the exception of a pair of fumbles in the third quarter. QB Fernando Windsor posted a solid 102.1 rating, completing 67% of his passes for 200 yards, a TD and no INTs. That's about what we hope/expect out of him. Runningback by committee averaged 4.45 per carry, which isn't bad either. On an intriguing side note, WR Gene Nelms caught both of the passes in which he was targeted, keeping up quite the streak of catching everything thrown his way.

Defense, however, was - as expected - the name of the game in D.C. Holding the 'Skins to 238 total yards and never once allowing them into the Bear red zone, MLB Dexter Lucas led the team with 7 tackles, RDE Doug Conley racked up 2 sacks and 4 hurries, and CB Donny Meadows picked off a pass. Textbook Bears football, like I wrote the script for this one. Bears win, 20-10.

QUARTERLY REPORT: (4-0), #3 in Power Ratings

RushingO: #6
PassingO: #25
ScoringO: #8

RushingD: #3
PassingD: #21
ScoringD: #2

Turnovers: #16 (+/- 0)

Right where we want to be at this point in the season, but next week: Powerhouse Dallas Cowboys.

[revrew]

WEEK 5: Dallas (4-1) at Chicago (4-0)

Our offense played a grinding game, running 35 times to 31 passes. RB Kelly Hayes was our leading rusher and receiver, as we played a ball-possession scheme. WR Gene Nelms only caught 4 of 7, but is still having a decent season. K Rusty Schafluetzel deserves some props for breaking out of a funk and hitting 4/4 to give us some points on the board.

On defense, MLB Dexter Lucas led the team in tackles again with 8, and we got some pass rush from several sources. But the biggest game came from SB Danny Pretko, stepping it up when we neeeded him most, batting down a pass and grabbing a pick on the final drive of the game to seal the win, 19-13. Dallas was held to only 212 yards total, a testament to the power of this D.

WEEK 6: Detroit (3-3) at Chicago (5-0)

Heckuva game from QB Fernando Windsor! 3 TD passes in the first half, one to each of WR Dean Norwood, WR Gene Nelms and WR Tyrone Lee. Windsor was also 8 of 16 on 3rd down, helping us sustain drives and keep the Lions off the field.

And once again, it was SB Dan Pretko who stepped it up on D, leading the team with 8 tackles and a pass defensed. RDE Doug Conley added a pair of sacks in a bone-crushing defensive effort.

Chicago cruises to easy win, 28-3.

[revrew]

Well, the announcement of FOF 7 takes a little wind out of our sails here, but let's see if we can still win it all in the now "old" game with virtually only defense:

WEEK 7: Chicago (6-0) at NYGiants (5-1)

With a big game on the line, coach smartens up and feeds the ball all day to RB Kelly Hayes. But something is wrong with the speedster. On 28 carries, he only got 70 yards. Having a really, really off year at the worst possible time. He did score a pair of TDs, however. And with the offense balanced well, QB Fernando Windsor stepped it up with a 99.5 QB rating and a pair of TDs, including one to WR Gene Nelms, who caught both balls thrown his way and is still pulling down 77 percent of his targets for the season.

Big props on the day to our special teams, as K Rusty Shafleutzel was a perfect 3/3, P Fred Preston boomed 8 punts at a 47.8 average with 5 inside the 20 and our coverage unit forced 3 return fumbles.

On defense, big day for SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name), who had 9 tackles and 3 passes defensed, and SB Dan Pretko, who also had 3 passes defensed, while never once giving up a completion.

Giants got crushed in this one, as Chicago rolls, 37-3.

WEEK 8: Philadelphia (2-5) at Chicago (7-0)

The running game struggled again in this one, but again QB Fernando Windsor rises to the occasion, throwing a pair of TDs and running in a 3rd. Once again WR Gene Nelms catches every pass thrown his way. The special teams guys had great games again as well.

On defense, the stud of the day was CB Donny Meadows, who racked up 6 tackles, two passes defensed and a pair of INTs. Five separate players registered a sack, 2 more added INTs, and the Bears once again dominate on defense with a big win, 34-3.

MIDWAY REPORT:

The Bears sit at 8-0, and the defense is really rolling right now, allowing no more than 13 points in the last 7 straight games. QB Fernando Windsor is having a solid season, with 14 TDs to 8 INTs. New WR Gene Nelms has been an important part of that, not racking up huge numbers, but catching 80% of his passes for 352 yards and 5 TDs.

It is worrying, however, to see RB Kelly Hayes struggling to only 3.91 yards per carry.

Team rankings:

RushingO: #10 (but we've slipped to #27 in ypc, though perhaps because of nursing big leads).
PassingO: #27
ScoringO: #4 (a testament to our defense and special teams that offense has been poor and still we score)

Turnovers: #11 (+4)

RushingD: #1 (66.5 ypg, despite playing 100% nickel).
PassingD: #7 (this despite being #9 in most passes attempted against, making us #1 in ypa)
Scoring D: #1 and by a good margin, allowing only 8.1 ppg

[revrew]

WEEK 9: Chicago (8-0) at Minnesota (5-3)

Our offense was pretty pedestrian, and even WR Gene Nelms had an off game, only catching 2 of 6 targets. Ouch. K Rusty Schafleutzel missed 3 FGs, all from 50+. But RB Kelly Hayes showed some grit, running for 4 per carry and catching 8 passes, keeping us in the game.

The defense, however, had more than keeping us in the game in mind. Nine different players harrassed the QB, and RDE Doug Conley leveled the QB 5 times. 3 INTs helped stuff their offensive chances, and CB Donny Meadows, who grabbed one of those INTs, also knocked down 3 passes and took one of the picks 82 yards to the house. 8 passes defensed, 3 INTs, and a 77-yard kickoff returnd TD from WR Dean Norwood, and we win the hard way, 24-13.

WEEK 10: Green Bay (2-7) at Chicago (9-0)

Something is wrong with some of our stars. RB Kelly Hayes could only muster 16 yards rushing in this one, and K Rusty Schafleutzel missed 3 FGs for the second consecutive game. That's killer.

The defense as a unit was also slipshod, and we could feel this easy win slipping away. MLB Dexter Lucas gobbled up 12 tackles, but that's actually symbolic of others NOT doing their job. CB Donny Meadows was brilliant again, with 3 passes defensed, none caught, and 1 INT. But it's all for nought when the offense won't put points on the board, and the Bears lose a shocker, 17-14.

[revrew]

WEEK 11: Chicago (9-1) at Cleveland (5-5)

I think the boys were pi$$ed off about last week's loss. The running game is still struggling, but most of it was after a significant lead had already been built. QB Fernando Windsor came out throwing fire, completing 67% of his passes for 3 TDs, 1 pick and an 112 QB rating. WR Gene Nelms got back on track, catching 4 out of 5 for 35 yards and a score.

The defense, however, was even more determined. RDE Doug Conley was a one-man wrecking crew, racking up 2.5 sacks, a blocked pass, 2 hurries, and 3 knockdowns. CB Donny Meadows and SS Marvin Schwartz each added a pick, and the Browns were held to 200 yards offense total. Bears win with vengeance, 31-0.

WEEK 12: Chicago (11-1) at Tampa Bay (4-7)

The offense suddenly caught fire, and they were going to need to in this one. RB Kelly Hayes looked like his old self, rushing for 5.08 per and a pair of scores. QB Fernando Windsor put up 360 yards passing. 4 fumbles, a pick and 2 missed field goals, however, meant every last yard was going to be needed.

And that's where SB Dan Pretko said, "Get on my back, boys, and I'll carry you to victory." The second-year player did his best Dkembe Mutombo impersonation, batting down 5 passes in a dominating, "Not in my house" performance. Rookie S Nathan Contois saw his first action of the season and also batted down a pair of passes, the young safeties roving the middle like a pair of lions.

It was close, but a team effort. Chicago wins, 24-21.

3/4 SUMMARY: Record (12-1)

RushingO: #12 - This decline is seriously worrying me
PassingO: #21
ScoringO: #2

Turnovers: #12 (+4)

RushingD: #2
PassingD: #4
ScoringD: #1

PLAYOFF SCENARIO:

With the win over TBay, we have clinched the division and thus a playoff spot. We have a 2-game lead on the #1 seed, and no team remaining on our schedule currently has a winning record.

[revrew]

WEEK 13: Cincinnati (5-7) at Chicago (11-1)

I have nothing good to say about our offense in this one. QB Fernando Windsor was OK, 1 TD, 1 pick, but this game was entirely placed on the defense's shoulders.

Thankfully, they were up for the job. The Gandalf was in full effect - "You shall not pass!"

The Bengal QB could only complete 20 of his attempted 53 passes, in part because he was under constant pressure from 8 different pass rushers, led by RDE Doug Conley, who had a pair of sacks. Bigger news, however, was the secondary, led by CB Donny Meadows with SIX, count 'em, SIX passes defensed, and SB Dan Pretko who swatted down 3. Rookie FS Dave Rasmussen grabbed his first INT, and the Bengals were going nowhere. Bears win, 13-0.

WEEK 14: Chicago (12-1) at Green Bay (5-8)

What the bloody %$^&$#? Green Bay has our number. I mean not just a little bit, but a LOT. The only team to beat us this year, this time they smoked us, a horrifying, embarrassing loss, 55-0.

I didn't know it was possible for a team to score 55 points on our defense, no matter how beat up we are. But 239 rushing yards and 20 of 29 passing later, the Bears are humiliated.

It didn't help that we piled up a grand total of 114 yards of offense. Total.

How can any team just smack down a 12-1 squad this badly????

Thank goodness we're getting a few key players back from injury next week, but sheesh.

[revrew]

WEEK 15: Chicago (12-2) at Pittsburgh (7-7)

Two more missed FGs made this one a nailbiter, but QB Fernando Windsor kept us in it with a 103.8 QB rating on the day, helped out big time by WR Dean Norwood, the little, 5'9" speedster who caught a whopping 11 of 12 for 128 yards. Meanwhile, RB Kelly Hayes scored 2 TDs, but on only a grand total of 8 yards rushing. Yep, he's looking washed up.

Defensively, SB Dan Pretko came through again, this time with 13 tackles and a pass defensed. DRE Doug Conley did his job, with a sack, two hurries, and 3 knockdowns, the difference in this game coming down to stopping Pittsburgh in the red zone. We did it just enough to win, 24-17.

AND WITH THAT ... we have wrapped up home-field advantage in the playoffs. We're going to be very careful about who we play in this last game, as injuries have been piling up.

WEEK 16: Chicago (13-2) at Detroit (8-7)

Backup QB Earnest Diegel didn't do much in this one, throwing for less than 200 yards and only a 72.5 rating. The offense sputtered for the most part, though P Fred Preston had an outstanding game, dropping 4 of 7 inside the 20 and racking up a net 45.4 ave.

On defense, backup MLB Mercury Brennan had an outstanding game with 14 tackles and a sack, but it wasn't enough, as we lose a throwaway game, 20-17.

Most significantly, the only injury to any starter was to an O-lineman, so we kept the skill players from getting hurt.

SEASON RECAP: 13-3, #1 in power ratings, best record in NFL

RushingO: #20, as the wheels have fallen off the Kelly Hayes bus
PassingO: #25
ScoringO: #4

Turnovers: #19 (-1)

RushingD: #4 - that Green Bay game hurt
PassingD: #13
ScoringD: #1

Some other notes:
We led the league in passes defensed, and finished #3 in PassDefense%.
We surrendered more sacks than any other team in the league
K Rusty Schafluetzel, despite being rated 80/80, had the worst kicking accuracy in the league, converting a miserable 62% of his kicks, though his 11 attempts from beyond 50 led the league.
On the flip side, Fred Preston was the #4 punter in the NFL, so I don't think it a matter of just poor special teams.
Similarly, we were #1 in kick return average, #2 in punt return average and #1 in stuffing kick returns. I don't know what Schafluetzel's problem is.

SEASON STATS:

QB Fernando Windsor looked much better this year, completing 65% of his passes for 3,109 yards, 20 TDs and 12 INTs.

RB Kelly Hayes could only muster 872 yards on a 3.74 per carry clip, but he did knock in 12 TDs. He also led the team with 61 catches.

WR Gene Nelms was the top receiver, grabbing 65% of his passes for 640 yards and 7 scores.

MLB Dexter Lucas led the team with 74 tackles
SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) was right on Lucas' heels with 72 tackles and also posted an impressive 16 passes defensed.

RDE Doug Conley piled up 12 sacks, 20 hurries and 40 knockdowns, but our other DEs were of little help.

CB Donny Meadows was dynamite, eating up 7 INTs and batting down 22 passes to only 33 catches allowed.

SB Dan Pretko stepped it up this year, getting his first INT, but also coming in third on the team with 64 tackles and second on the squad with 19 passes defensed.

[bulletsponge]

moar! but the real challenge will be doing this in MP with the new game ;)

[revrew]

CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS: St. Louis (9-8) at Chicago (13-3)

The Rams are led by a top-notch young QB in Bob Moates, who also helps loosen things up for their #1 in the NFL yards-per-carry rushing average. They also have a frighteningly good DE, Emmanuael Perry, who is just freaky good. Nonetheless, they are susceptible to the pass.

Game on:
The rushing attack came back to life in this one, as RB Kelly Hayes rushed for a 5.13 average on 16 carries and RB Van Mason spelled him with a pair of rushing TDs. QB Fernando Windsor was efficient and avoided making mistakes, giving us a shot at the win. 5 fumbles, however, made things dicey.

The defense was overpowering, however, as 9 players pressured Moates, led by ... who else? RDE Doug Conley, with 1.5 sacks, 3 hurries and a pair of knockdowns. MLB Dexter Lucas had a very solid game, forcing a pair of fumbles and defending 3 passes. But the unlikely hero is rookie FS Dave Rasmussen, who picked off a pair of passes in the victory, 20-10.

[revrew]

NFC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP: Dallas (12-5) at Chicago (14-3)

We beat Dallas earlier this year in a squeaker, 19-13. The team is led by a solid Oline and superstar RB Nate Sinclair. Their defense, however, is suspect, though superstar Safety Mack Pritchett bats down every pass in sight.

Game on:
The Bears offense in this is a sudden disaster. QB Fernando Windsor throws 3 INTs and K Rusty S$%@$loser misses 4 FGs. FOUR!

Our only hope is that stellar defense of ours. And wouldn't you know it? The boys step up, completely bottling up the Cowboy rushing attack, stuffing Sinclair for only 17 yards on 17 carries.

The game is another low-scoring slugfest, until ...

Until Dallas blocks a punt in the third quarter and scoops it up in the endzone.

The score was just too much, and Bears lose, 13-10.

In hindsight: My gosh. Has a kicker ever hurt his team so bad as Rusty did this year? Just heartbreaking. Dallas went on to win the SuperBowl, and I can't help but think we were the best team in the NFL for the second year straight, only to fail in the playoffs.

Perhaps defense wins games, but NOT championships? I noticed in the IHOF, that was by and large my experience. Good enough to win games, win divisions, but come playoff time ... it just seemed never enough.

Dare we risk the heartache and move on to another season? With FOF7 out now, it is even worth it? What say you, faithful readers? Shall we ride this defense once again and see where it leads?

[sterlingice]

Yes, but get a better kicker ;)

I'd really like to see if it's possible in a reasonable amount of time (and I don't mean simming like 50 seasons). And it's a fun read.

Time to start making jokes about how he tried to hang himself but missed kicking the chair?

SI

[revrew]

Defense year 5:

LOOKING AHEAD:

There remains little that needs to be done with the defense, which is tops in the NFL. Some additional pass rush from the left side might be helpful, especially with the retirement of LDE Ben Erickson, and we're going to need to make a decision on CB Barry Westbrook, who is getting up there in age and after three seasons of averaging 6 picks a year had exactly zero last year.

On offense, the big question is big-ticket RB Kelly Hayes, whose production plummeted last season. Is he worth the price of his contract?

On special teams, improvement is always nice, and we may cut K Rusty Schafluetzel just out of spite, the rotten ba$tard.

1. No coaching changes
2. No franchise designations, as we'll see what Westbrook is asking.
3. FS Dave Rasmussen, the surprise 5th rounder from last year's draft who started most of the season, went to summer league.
4. We are in cap trouble, making Kelly Hayes' contract all the more intriguing.
5. We draft 30th.

[johnnyshaka]

Just read this entire thread...awesome stuff! Love the 4-4 Gandalf defense, great idea and nice to see it works well, too.

[revrew]

Just read this entire thread...awesome stuff! Love the 4-4 Gandalf defense, great idea and nice to see it works well, too.

Thanks! Love hearing from new fans.

And, meanwhile ...

FA STAGE 1:

K Rusty Schafluetzel and his bloated contract were shipped to Jacksonville for a future 4th. (An extra offensive player!)
MLB Dexter Lucas got capped out to make some room.
DE Lincoln Shannon, entering his 11th year after a disappointing 10th, was let go.
Despite his excellent year last year, P Fred Preston was let go to clear cap space and make room for the sophomore stud who sat out his rookie season.
CB Courtney Murphy, a 2nd round bust from a few years ago, was let go.

TARGETS:
Holy cow, there's a lot of talent out there, which hopefully will bring prices down. Turns out there's a pair of elite-level LDEs available, so we go with the cheaper and younger one:

LDE Fred Boyer, 78/78, out of New England. In his 8th year, he had 10.5 sacks last season and a whopping 56 tackles. Strong in every category, well-rounded but still a star.

To replace Rustly S#%&loser, we attempt to sign:
K Winston Gunn, 78/78, a fifth year man who kicked for the Saints last year, converting 93% of his kicks.

CB Stanley Gionfriddo, 70/70, a zone specialist in only his 6th year and comes cheaper than the 61/61-rated Barry Westbrook. We'd be content to keep Westbrook, but until his contract demands come down, we need to have a backup plan. Gionfriddo is a heckuva backup plan.

[revrew]

EARLY FA:

K Winston Gunn, 78/78, signs with us, and we have to feel good about our kicking squad.

CB Stanley Gionfriddo, however, immediately signs with San Francisco, leaving us to consider our options.We're going to keep an eye on Westbrook, but also extend a cheapo offer to:
CB Corwin Stocz, 51/51, a zone specialist with a keen eye for the INT.

Eventually, we see more come in:
CB Corwin Stocz, 50/50, an outstanding option at the dime, with big zone, PH, and INT ratings.
LDE Fred Boyer, 78/78, rated 87 in PRT and 77 against the run, this guy is a beast. Even if the 8th year player sees a TC drop, he'll still be a big boost to our D-line.

We've extended a contract offer to Westbrook, but he's slow in coming in...

LATE FA:
CB Barry Westbrook returns, and at 61/61, if he can hold those ratings, will continue to start for us, hopefully bounce back after a more mediocre season last year.

We also return some pathetic tackles and receivers to our team, as there weren't really any better options on the FA market, and grab a camp arm QB to compete for the #2 spot.

[revrew]

DRAFT:

We watched in awe as the best player in the draft fell through the first pick, the second, the third, the fourth ...

With such a stacked roster, what do we need with a 1.30 pick? He'll just be a backup. But that guy at the top of the board? Oh, man. Oh, man, oh, man, oh, man.

Couldn't resist. Pulled the ginormous trade.

Send 1.30, 2.30, Next year's 1st, 3rd, last year's wasted pick, S Nathan Contois, to Jacksonville

All for the 1.5

At 1. 5 we select:

DT Jermaine Cassidy, a 6'6, 313 athlete out of SMU, he's rolling 2 reds and 3 blues and bars up the wazoo. Scouts rate this kid 59/86, and man, is he a beast.

And as expected, by the time the 1.30 rolled around, all that was left on the board was Bucky Beaver's (Yes, that's his real name!) backup, which was about as exciting as dirt. I like our trade more and more.

At the 3.30, all the talent is on the offensive side of the board, so we opt to drop down with a trade into the 4th, giving us a pair of 4th round picks (offensive players!), hoping our guy will still be there.

It turns out he is, so with the 4.1, Chicago selects:

C Jeremy Guerra, 6'2, 276 out of Illinois. His only outstanding combine number is a red bar in the bench, the 2nd strongest center in the class. But his bars look very solid and he's a long-snapper to boot. Scouts have him rated 28/69.

At the 4.30, we have some OK options, some long shots, but it's hard to pass up the top-rated player on the board, a QB with 3 blues and decent enough looking bars. Eventually, we'll have to let Fernando Windsor go, so it's not a bad idea to groom the next candidate.

With the 4.30, Chicago selects:
QB Burt Sherman, 6'2, 227 athletic QB with a solid arm out of Baylor. Scouts like him overall but worry he's very, very raw - he's rated 14/52.

With the 5.30, Chicago selects:
T Louis McLane, a 6'0, 305 block of concrete out of California who hit 35 reps on the bench and is an affinity match. Scouts rate him 21/49. He'll need to show us something in camp.

With the 6.30, Chicago selects:
WR Leland Borders, a 5'11, 190-lb flanker out of Boston College. He was productive in college (i.e., good bars), but may not have the elite athleticism (i.e. combines) to play in the NFL. Scouts rate him at 21/47 with a little bit of an upside.

With Mr. Almost Irrelevant, Chicago selects:
DE Jerry Richard, 6'3, 256, out of Auburn. Great bars, ho-hum combines. Scouts think I blew this one: 10/47.

[revrew]

TRAINING CAMP RESULTS

1.5 DT Jermaine Cassidy 59/86 --> 65/84 - Starter
4.1 C Jeremy Guerra 28/69 --> 31/64 - with a hit to our aging starter, Guerra may see some action
4.30 QB Burt Sherman 14/52 --> 17/47 - he actually looks decent, might be worth keeping
5.30 T Louis McLane 21/49 --> 23/48 - ditto
6.30 WR Leland Borders 21/47 --> 25/46 - ditto
7.30 DE Jerry Richard 10/47 --> 14/41 - bye, bye

CB Barry Westbrook fell 9 points to 52/52, creating a real controversy over our starting CB. I think, however, that good ol', patient Dexter Craig (remember Dex Connex?), at 53/53 and our best zone defender, might have just gotten his starting job back.
2nd year, 5th round FS Dave Rasmussen boomed up to 57/69.

[revrew]

PRESEASON 1: New England at Chicago

Rookie WR Leland Borders opened up the scoring with a 41-yard TD haul, and RB Kelly Hayes looked solid, but QB Fernando Windsor threw 3 INTs in a very rusty performance. Borders finished the day with 8 catches on 10 targets for 116 yards, a stellar debut for the youngster.

The defense was just freakin' dominating, holding the Patsies to 1 of 16 on 3rd down and not a single offensive point. SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) made a name for himself with a pick 6 that frosted a cake win, 30-7.

PRESEASON 2: Chicago (1-0) at San Diego

Rookie QB Burt Sherman got his feet wet by opening the game with a solid drive and TD pass to WR Tyrone Lee, who is having a very solid preseason in the slot, but Sherman looked pretty pedestrian after that. RB Kelly Hayes looked very good and helped put new K Winston Gunn in position for 5/5 on FGs.

The defense was outstanding again, holding the Bolts to only 255 total yards and 2/12 on 3rd down. Our bookend DEs are looking very studly early, and new LDE Fred Boyer got the better of this one with a sack, 3 hurries and 4 knockdowns. Young DT Jermaine Cassidy, whom we traded up for, looked sensational as well in this battle of FGs in which Bears win, 22-20.

[revrew]

PRESEASON 3: Bufffalo at Chicago (2-0)

Our offense in this game was all about slot receiver Tyrone Lee, who gobbled up 10 catches on 14 targets for 152 yards and a score. Lee has often shown he can take over a ballgame, but just as often disappear. Maybe this year he can give us a little more? Backup QB Lamont Paulson gave a better performance than rookie Burt Sherman, which suggests he may be edging out the youngster for the #2 spot.

Young P Jon Shonek showed why we drafted him, dropping 4 of 6 inside the 20.

On defense, the top performer was newcomer CB Corwin Stocz, who batted down 3 passes as the defense shut down the Bills for the final three quarters on a coasting, easy win, 27-7.

PRESEASON 4: Chicago (3-0) vs Kansas City

QB Fernando Windsor had an outstanding warm-up first half, completing 10 of 12 for 132 yards, a TD and a 140.3 rating. Once again, WR Tyrone Lee was the main target. The battle for backup RB is intense. Our backup QB Lamont Paulson, however, played a horrible game.

The defense also played outstanding, not so much from a yardage perspective, but in the 3rd quarter, CB Barry Westbrook returned 28 yards to the house and DT Timothy Emmons rumbled 64 yards for a score on a fumble recovery. The points piled up in yet another easy win, 45-17.

[revrew]

PRESEASON OUTLOOK:

After finishing 13-3 last year and by and large improving in the offseason, nothing less than a Superbowl victory is expected this year. The Lions, Pack and Vikes, however, are on the ascendancy and will make for a tough division. Other opponents are the very tough NFC South, but the only mediocre AFC East.

QB:
Fernando Windsor (42/42) returns for his 4th season. His excellent accuracy and timing need to come into play on first and second down, because he stinks on 3rd down. Last season was his best, with 20 TDs, 12 INTs and an 86.0 rating.

Lamont Paulsen (35/35), who also specializes in accuracy and timing, is the backup for now, but rookie Burt Sherman (17/47) is nipping at his heels.

RB:
Kelly Hayes (44/44) returns for his 6th year, as the blisteringly fast back looks to rebound from a disappointing campaign last year.

Newcomer Bucky Harris (39/39), who also has decent speed but even more power will spell Hayes on short-distance runs.

FB:
Sophomore phenom Kris LeBlond (48/65) catches and blocks, but doesn't add much in the rushing department.

TE:
Patrick Alabaso (43/43) runs decent routes, but hasn't made much of an impact in his 2 previous years with the club. He is a solid long-snapper, however.

The very sure-handed Ted Tillman (35/42), who was drafted in the 5th round 3 years ago, is chomping at the bit.

WR:
Speedy Dean Norwood (38/38) gets the start after catching 70 percent of his targets last year. He's also a decent kick returner.
Tyrone Lee (385/35) will play in the slot and can turn on the jets.
Donnell Ellis (33/33), the current Bears' all-time leading receiver, returns. He's talented, but doesn't run very good routes, and so doesn't make much of an impact.
Keep an eye on rookie Leland Borders (29/46), who looked solid in the preseason, despite being a 6th round pick.

O-line:
Four years ago, C Scottie Wayne (39/48) was our 6th-round pick and gets the nod for the first time this year.
LT Justin Isakson (37/37) gets his first chance to start as well.
Giant LG Donnie Hawk (43/43), a 6'5, 354-pound monster, actually has quick feet and looks to be our best pass-rush stuffer.
RG Rick Parliman (45/45) boomed after he was picked up in FA last year and may be our best on the line.
RT Randal Almonte (31/31) has been with us since the beginning of these experience and lends cohesion. His BPct, despite his ratings, has been consistently in the 40s his entire career.

P:
Jon Shonek (63/85) gets the nod for the 1st time, as he was our 3rd round pick last season.

K:
Out with the Shankloser, in with Winston Gunn (78/78), who has a booming leg and an 84% success rate. Only in his 5th year, he could be a Bear for a very long time.

LDE:
Our biggest addition in the offeseason was Fred Boyer (78/78), a pass-rushing animal whose name you're likely to hear all season.

DT:
Rookie 1st-round pick Jermaine Cassidy (68/84) is ready to make noise early.
Casey Witt (69/69) brings a 100-rating in run defense to the table.
Timothy Emmons (50/50) has been with us from the beginning and can spell the starters with a cohesion boost.

RDE:
All our very first draft pick Doug Conley (70/70) did last year was rack up 12 sacks and 40 QBKs. His perfect 100-rating in pass rush technique makes him the ideal 4-3 RDE.

SLB
Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) returns, a 78/78-rated perfect Gandalf SLB. Bucky does very well against the pass, but needs to step up his game a bit vs. the run.

MLB:
Perhaps the reason Bucky doesn't get many tackles is because Dexter Lucas (82/82) is roaming the middle. Rated 100 in runD and in play diagnosis, Dexter is the defense's heart and soul.

Veteran Mercury Brennan (53/53) spells every LB position and is a tackling machine.

WLB:
On the rare occasion he's needed, William Shedd (62/62) plays WLB and rated 94 in special teams, he's a top tackler in the game's 3rd phase.

SB:
Dan Pretko (85/85) was our second 1st round pick and saw his play improve dramatically in his sophomore season. The safetybacker is a key position in the 4/4, and Pretko fills it to perfection.

CB:
Donny Meadows (70/70) takes over as the leader of a very deep secondary whose CBs, nonetheless, aren't necessarily as outstanding as you might expect. But don't tell Donny that. He had 7 INTs, 22 passes defensed and was an all-league 1st team CB last season.
Dexter Craig (53/53) of the famed "Dex Connex" gives us cohesion, return skills and great zone coverage as the #2 CB.
In his 12th season, Barry Westbrook (52/52) can spell Craig and keep the cohesion flowing.
Newcomer Corwin Stocz (50/50) is an INT specialist.
So is FA2 signee Dominic Fulmer (50/50), an 11th year player who is big enough to play safety and had 11 picks in one season 3 years ago. He's also a 98 on special teams.
Speaking of special teams, Buth Garcia (51/51) is one of the best punt return men in the business.

S:
SS Marvin Schwartz (82/82) is a little undersized, but a terror on defense, rated 100 in runD and 100 in zoneD.
FS Mitch Flynn (80/80) is recovvering from a broken leg, but is also rated 100 in zoneD.
Meanwhile, sophomore 5th-round phenom Dave Rasmussen (64/69) is rated 100 in punishing hitter, 98 in INTs, and he isn't done booming yet.

Quite frankly, our CBs are a bit weak, but this level of talent on defense is freaking amazing. If we aren't #1 in overall defense this year, there's something wrong. The only thing getting in our way of a silver trophy is our anemic offense or devastating injuries.

Prediction: 12-4, NFC champions

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 1: Green Bay (0-0, PR 75) at Chicago (0-0)

QB Fernando Windsor carried us in this one, tossing a pair of TDs for a 110.8 rating. The running game was abysmal until RB Kelly Hayes broke off a 35-yard TD in the 4th, but other than that one run was pathetic. CB Butch Garcia returned a punt 68 yards to the house as well, forcing Green Bay to the air to play catch-up.

Of course, that's not necessarily a good thing. Green Bay has the best receiving duo (rated 80 and 84) in the league and a 72-rated RB. Thankfully, their QB sucks. Our new dime backs brought in for their pick ability paid off big time in this one, as CB Crowin Stocz and Dominic Fulmer pulled down 3 picks between them. SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) batted down 3 short passes, and rookie DT Jermaine Cassidy got his first sack, as the Packers QB was harrassed relentlessly and imploded in this 34-14 win for Chicago.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 2: Chicago (1-0, PR 65) at Miami (1-0, PR 90)

Once again QB Fernando Windsor turns in a good game, completing 2/3 of his passes and no INTs, helped by a huge game from WR Tyrone Lee, who pulled down 8 of 9 passes for 118 yards and a TD. And, just like last year, RB Kelly Hayes can't rush for squat but still powers in the scores, racking up a pair of TDs.

On defense, SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) picked off a pass and led the team in tackles. LDE Fred Boyer spearheaded the pass rush with 2 sacks, 2 hurries and 3 knockdowns. Despite facing perhaps the best QB in the NFL, the Bears played bend and don't break, as the leading 2 receivers for the Dolphins were the FB and RB. The defensive dominance in this game was most evident in the average start for each drive: Chicago on the 50, Miami on their own 17. Bears roll easy, 30-6.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 3: St. Louis (2-0, PR 62) at Chicago (2-0, PR 63)

The offense in this game was pitiful. Absofreakin'lutely pitiful. 1.73 yards per carry and a QB who could only throw for 110 yards.

The defense, however, was a whole 'nother matter. With some Olinemen out to injury, the Rams were susceptible, and our D-line beat 'em like a red-headed stepchild. RDE Doug Conley had an all-world performance, racking up 3 sacks, 2 hurries, 5 knockdowns and 2 forced fumbles, one of which LDE Fred Boyer scooped up and rumbled 57 yards for the score. SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) neutralized the TE by batting down 3 passes, and the offense doesn't need much firepower when they're starting at their own 21 and we're starting on our 42. The Monsters of the Midway come to the rescue in a brutal win, 26-3.

[sterlingice]

What's PR?

SI

[revrew]

What's PR?

SI

The in-game "power rating." Just thought I'd add that, so you have a sense of how good the opposition is. It's a 0-100 scale, relative to all the other teams and is a complicated calculation of record, opponents' records, a weighted roster evaluation, etc., etc.

At the beginning of the season, the PR rating fluctuates wildly, but as the season moves on and more variables are factored into the equation, it gets more meaningful.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 4: Chicago (3-0, PR 78) at Carolina (2-1, PR 44)

Partway through the 2nd quarter, QB Fernando Windsor lit up on FIRE, leading the team on 4 TD scoring drives. For the game, he was 22 of 25, with 2 TDs, 0 INTs, and a 125.0 rating (yeah, their defense sucks). Even RB Kelly Hayes looked like his old self, rushing for a pair of scores and 93 yards at a 5.47 per clip. Rookie WR Leland Borders led the receivers with 5 catches, and FB Kris LeBlond caught a TD.

On defense, I'm pretty disappointed in the total yardage surrendered, but the squad knocked down 7 passes and picked 4. "Dex Connex" was in full effect, as CB Dexter Craig and ILB Dexter Lucas combined for 2 INTs, a forced fumble, 11 tackles, and a 78-yard punt return. Our bookend DEs were stellar again, and the Panthers just couldn't overcome all of our big plays as Chicago wins, 37-22.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 5: Detroit (2-2, PR 60) at Chicago (4-0, PR 88)

All of a sudden, QB Fernando Windsor is the man on fire, as he was absolutely brilliant in this one, completing 23 of 29, 4 TDs, no INTs. Leading the way for the receiving corps was the usually quiet WR Donnell Ellis, who snagged 4 passes for 91 yards and 2 TDs.

On defense, SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) led the team with 8 tackles, but it was new DE Fred Boyer who grabbed headlines with a pair of sacks, pair of hurries and pair of QB knockdowns. CB Barry Westbrook snagged an INT in limited action, as the Monsters of the Midway held the Motor City Kitties to 1 of 10 on third down. Still giving up too many yards, but still winning, this time by a score of 34-8.

[Coffee Warlord]

Good old Fernando! My draft pick from ages ago paying dividends.

And as a side, rev....bring the ZFL back. :)

[revrew]

And as a side, rev....bring the ZFL back. :)

Heh. That was TEN years ago now. Trying to remember, were you one of the original GMs?

Multiplayer FOF didn't exist back then, and we were so desperate to be able to play against one another, that the ZFL blossomed. But alas, the ZFL was housed an another computer (I think that was 3 laptops ago). I remember running that from an office that has since been destroyed by a tornado. I'd have to reinvent the entire game machine behind it.

[Coffee Warlord]

Of course I was. How can you forget the man who drafted Erik Flamebeard of the Neither Here Nor There, the heart and soul of Portland. :)

[revrew]

Of course I was. How can you forget the man who drafted Erik Flamebeard of the Neither Here Nor There, the heart and soul of Portland. :)

Of course! Erik Flamebeard. Indeed. You were even more obnoxious 10 years ago than you are now ;)

Year 5, WEEK 6: New Orleans (4-2, PR 73) at Chicago (5-0, PR 92)

Good ol' fashioned, Chicago Bear game of keepaway and ball control in this one, as QB Fernando Windsor didn't light it up, but kept the passing game uber-short and very efficient. FB Kris LeBlond had 6 catches on 6 targets, tight ends caught another six passes, and Windsor was on his way to a 29 of 39 night for only 197 yards, but no INTs. The running game was anemic, but mostly because we build a lead and sat on it. K Winston Gunn knocked 5 FGs home, including two from beyond 50 to keep extending the lead.

And sitting on a lead is a heckuva lot easier when you have a pair of DEs like the Bears. DE Fred Boyer had 2 sacks, 3 hurries and 2 knockdowns, while DE Doug Conley added a sack, a hurry, and 4 knockdowns. The defense held the Saints to a total of 210 yards, only 24 minutes in time of possession (to our 35) and 1 of 12 on third down. On the season, Bear opponents are only converting 28 percent of their 3rd downs and 8 percent on 4th down, the best combined percentage in the league. This time, it led to a shutout as Bears roll, 22-0.

[Coffee Warlord]

Of course! Erik Flamebeard. Indeed. You were even more obnoxious 10 years ago than you are now ;)

Oh it's on now.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 7: Chicago (6-0, PR 95) at Minnesota (3-4, PR 51)

The offense was pretty weak in this one, as the game droned on through 4 quarters and nearly the full 15 minutes of overtime. QB Fernando Windsor threw a pair of picks, and the running game was stifled by their excellent LB corps.

P Jon Shonek was brilliant in this one, dropping 7 of 9 punts inside the Minnesota 20, yet still averaging 44.7 per boot. Just amazing.

The defense, meanwhile was susceptible to the big play. Their #2 WR ripped off an 84-yard TD run in the first quarter, and pulled down 14 of 15 for 208 yards and a score, as CB Donny Meadows played perhaps the worst game of his career. Our bookend DEs were uncharacteristically stuffed, but this did open a hole for rookie DT Jermaine Cassidy to have his best game so far: 2 tackles, a sack, 2 blocked passes, a hurry and 2 knockdowns. MLB Dexter Lucas ran a much-needed INT back to the house for a score late in the 4th quarter, but Minnesota tied it up with 39 ticks left to send it into overtime.

The squads went back and forth in extra innings, but as time slipped away, with only 1 second left, K Winston Gunn lined up for a 59-yard FG. He'd already hit from 53 earlier in the day. Could he do it again?

He does! Nose over the crossbar, Chicago wins a nailbiter, 20-17.

Bad news is QB Fernando Windsor is a bit dinged up, and Kelly Hayes is gone with injury for a while, too.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 8: Atlanta (3-5, PR 43) at Chicago (7-0, PR 94)

With Kelly Hayes out, newcomer RB Bucky Harris had one of the better games of the year, rushing for 103 yards on 15 carries for a 6.87 average. QB Fernando Windsor had a gritty performance with a wounded wing, but still managed to toss and scramble one in for a score.

After being the big hero last week, however, K Winston Gunn missed 3 of 6 FG attempts on the day. Strange to be so clutch one week, so unreliable the next.

But with this defense against a subpar team, not even a bad kicking day can slow down the onslaught. MLB Dexter Lucas led a bone-crushing defense with his 11 tackles. The team on the day racked up 3 sacks, 2 blocked passes, 12 hurries, and 7 QB knockdowns - in other words, relentless pressure. 9 defensed passes from several folks meant their QB only completed 17 of 48 pass attempts for a miserable 118 yards and a 45.4 passer rating. Hence, they go an astounding 1 of 17 on third down, and we win a defensive bruising, 23-0.

[revrew]

HALFWAY REPORT: (8-0, PR 95)

RushingO: #13, but #27 in yards per rush
PassingO: #23
ScoringO: #2 (Say what? That's field position and turnovers for 'ya - Go BIG D!)

Turnover margin: #2 (+10)

RushingD: #5
PassingD: #19 (hm, perhaps we need to upgrade the CBs?)
Scoring D: #1, allowing only 8.8 per game

On offense:
QB Fernando Windsor is having the best year of his career, with 12 TDs to only 2 INTs and a 92.9 rating, #5 in the league.
The rushing game is pathetic.
Rookie WR Leland Borders leads the team with 35 catches for 259 yards, but has yet to score his first NFL TD.
WR Tyrone Lee has racked up the most yards, with 33 catches for 387 yards and 3 TDs.
The offensive line is playing well in most respects, but needs more production out of the Center and underperforming G Rick Parliman. Pass protection has been pretty solid.

On defense:
MLB Dexter Lucas and SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) are having very solid all-around seasons. Beaver leads the team with 11 defensed passes - fantastic for a LB.
DE Fred Boyer leads the league with 9 sacks at the halfway mark, while Doug Conley is top 10 with 6.5 sacks. Backup DE Albert Ross is also pitching in on spot duty with a PRPct equal to the guys ahead of him.
The secondary, however, has been spotty. Neither of our starting CBs is having the year we'd expect, and we need more picks out of the safeties.
SB Dan Pretko is having a solid season, #3 on the team in tackles and #2 in passes defensed, but we still want more INTs!

P Jon Shonek leads the NFL in punts inside the 20 with 24.
K Winston Gunn leads the NFL in FGs and 50+ FGs, but his percentage is down.
We have the best returners in the NFL, hands down, which is a curious and consistent development, despite their bars (mostly in the 50s and 60s) not suggesting they should be this good.

Road to the playoffs

We're sitting good now, with only a few really tough games left on the schedule, but Green Bay is right behind us at 7-1 and a 92 power rating. We've beaten them once this year, but they're waiting for us to slip up. Tough games against Dallas, Green Bay and Detroit remain on the schedule.

[sterlingice]

Good deal so far

SI

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 9: Chicago (8-0, PR 95) at Tampa Bay (3-5, PR 52)

Once again, another grinding Bear game, this one based on a heavy, steady dose of running plays (but NOOOO, coach wouldn't do that with Kelly Hayes in the lineup). We ran 58 times to only 27 passes. But QB Fernando Windsor was efficient in the short game, particularly in tosses to WR Tyrone Lee, who caught 7 of 12.

But this game wasn't about our anemic offense. The defense was merciless and relentless, only allowing the Buccs to hold on to the ball for 22 minutes, stuffing TBay on 14 of its 16 3rd down plays. In all, the Dreamsicles only totalled 149 yards. Total - 68 on the ground, 81 in the air. Their QB could only complete 12 of 42 passes, in large part because of the killer pass rush: RDE Doug Conley, 2 sacks, 1 block, 3 hurries, 3 knockdowns; and the rest of the team with another 4 sacks, 2 blocks, 6 hurries and a pair of knockdowns. 9 defensed passes didn't help either, as the Monsters of the Midway lived up to it with their second straight shutout. Bears win, 23-0.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 10: BIG GAME!!!!!! Chicago (9-0, PR 95) at Green Bay (8-1, PR 90)

What a game! Bears are down 14-3 at halftime, in large part because our running game is struggling, and the best CB in the NFL is bottling up QB Fernando Windsor.

On the other side, our bookend DEs are harassing their QB mercilessly, but can't quite get there (0 sacks on the day), and the best WR tandem in the league is burning us just often enough to get on the board.

But then ... halfway through the 3rd, Bear dimeback CB Corwin Stocz picks one off and runs it back to the Packer 13. From there, bruising #2 RB Bucky Harris (no relation to Beaver) powers in the first of his 2 TDs in the quarter. He couldn't even rack up 30 yards on the day, but he's a short-distance powerhouse.

With only 3 minutes left, the Packers are driving again, in Bear territory, short pass complete ... and CB Donny Meadows strips it away! Rookie DT Jermaine Cassidy picks it up ... and he's rumbling ... he's bumbling ... he's tackled. But not before he takes it into field goal range.

The kick is up ... and it's good! We're going to overtime!

Packers have the ball first, starting to move it ... and then, like Steve Atwater crushing Christian Okoye, SB Dan Pretko obliterates Bay's backup RB, and the ball is on the ground again! The Bears DT Casey Witt drops his mammoth gut over the ball, and when the refs unpile the pile ... Bear ball! In field goal range again, K Winston Gunn kicks 'em when it counts, and Bears win! Bears win! 23-20 in overtime. Defense FTW.

[Travis]

Wow, very nice win indeed!

[MIJB#19]

Is that three shutouts in a span of four games? Impressive, rev.

[revrew]

Is that three shutouts in a span of four games? Impressive, rev.

Yes it is, and thank you.

Year 5, WEEK 11: NY Jets (4-6, PR 36) at Chicago (10-0, PR 95)


Things were a little slow early in this one, but at the end of the 2nd quarter, QB Ferndando Windsor hit WR Tyrone Lee on an 8-yard slant that the speedster busted open for a 35-yard TD, and the floodgates opened. The Bears scored a TD on 2 consecutive drives at the end of the 2nd, and then got the ball after halftime and, after a 47-yard return by CB Dexter Craig, punched into the end zone for 3 TDs on 3 consecutive drives.

The defense was a litte wobbly in terms of yards given up, but not in big plays, as beast LDE Fred Boyer gobbled up 3.5 sacks and 5 knockdowns, and the Bears forced 3 turnovers, including INTs by FS Mitch Flynn and SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) to seal the deal. The Jets only saw the red zone once in the whole game, as Bears win, 33-6.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 12: Chicago (11-0, PR 92) at Dallas (7-4, PR 73)

Don't look past this one, as Dallas is the #3 team in Power Rating. So long as we play mistake free, however ...

Yeah.

Seven turnovers. Dropping an egg like Denver in the Super Bowl.

The offensive line was a complete sieve, as QB Fernando Windsor was sacked 6 times, fumbled 5 times and threw 3 INTs. Completely wasted Kelly Hayes' return to the lineup and WR Tyrone Lee's 100-yard receiving game.

The defense held the Cowboys to 230 yards total offense, including a pathetic 129 in the air, but couldn't stop them in the endzone and couldn't be blamed for the points their defense was scoring.

This was just an embarrassment, as we see how badly a bad offense can hurt in FOF.

Bears drop a humiliating loss, 38-10.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 13: New England (5-7, PR 47) at Chicago (11-1, PR 92)

I was nervous going into this one, as New England is the only team in the NFL with a better D-line than ours (2 players rated 90+), but RB Kelly Hayes looked like his old self, rushing for 74 yards at a 4.93 per-carry clip. Fernando Windsor kept the passing game short to avoid the sack, and rookie WR Leland Borders was the beneficiary, grabbing 7 of 11 passes. It wasn't much, but it was enough if the defense stepped up.

And holy #%@^, did the defense ever. New England amassed a sum total of 117 yards in this one, including a pathetic 57 yards in the air. Perhaps the EIGHT SACKS had something to do with that, as our boys were a little miffed, I guess, about the idea the Patriots have a better D-line. Monster LDE Fred Boyer was insane. A team-leading 7 tackles, 4 sacks, 6 hurries and 3 knockdowns, all by his lonesome. SLB Bucky Beaver (Yes, that's his real name) continued his impressive season with a sack and a pair of passes defensed.

Not much offense from the Bears, but not much needed. Chicago wins, 16-0.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 14: Chicago (12-1, PR 87) at Detroit (6-7, PR 67)

Tough division this year. Green Bay is #1 in PR, we're #2 and Detroit is #7.

And once again, when the big game comes, QB Fernando Windsor chokes: 2 INTs, 2 lost fumbles, and the Bears are behind the 8-ball. 4 dropped passes hurt, too, but rookie WR Leland Borders once again showed he may be the most reliable receiver we have, catching all 5 passes thrown his way. 63 catches on the year so far for the rook, but his YAC is awful and only 1 TD to show for all that work.

The defense put up an excellent effort with MLB Dexter Lucas leading the team in tackles; RDE Doug Conley dominating with 1.5 sacks, 5 hurries and 3 knockdowns; and SB Dan Pretko batting down 3 passes. Detroit was flustered all day.

Alas, a great defensive effort wasted by our inept offense, and Bears lose, 10-13.

The good news is Green Bay lost to Minnesota (whew! Told you it's a tough conference), so we remain in the home-field advantage spot.

[revrew]

Year 5, WEEK 15: Chicago (12-2, PR 87) at Buffalo (8-6, PR 51)

QB Fernando Winsor bounced back with a fury, completing 25 of 34 for 266 and a TD, racking up a 105.7 rating. WR Leland Borders caught 6 of 8, but once again, he wasn't the TD recipient. The offense played well on 3rd down, which helped keep the score down and the ball rolling.

The defense didn't have one of their better days against one of the better QBs in the league, who threw for an uncharacteristically high (for us) 326 yards. The D also gave up 5.7 per rush, which allowed the Bills to stay in this one. But the D tightened up in the redzone, and never more so than inside the 2-minute warning.

With only 43 seconds on the clock, dimeback CB Corwin Stocz picked off the ball in the endzone! Preserves a tight one and a major scare, as Bears win, 20-13.

Good news: With this win and a Green Bay loss to Miami, we wrap up the division and home-field advantage.

Bad news: MLB Dexter Lucas goes down with a 4-week injury. He'll be back if we can win in the playoffs. MLB Mercury Brennan (53/53) is normally a solid backup, but he's having a subpar year.