Photo Essay From Bears Win Over Lions

I had a blast just being a fan at the Bears opener against the Lions.  The game was an emotional roller coaster!  I'm so glad they picked up the win.  Former Heritage Hills star Jay Cutler accounted for 394 total yards in the 19-14 victory.

These pictures were taken with a Nikon D5000 SLR camera from Row 4 of Section 250.  If anyone wants a high res of any pic send me an email.  The pictures below are a sample from the entire set.  You can view the entire set by CLICKING HERE. 

Thanks for looking.  I start with video from the final defensive play.  BEAR DOWN!

Bears Re-Sign Tinoisamoa

Photo Courtesy: chicagobears.comAfter a injury plagued first year with Chicago, the Bears have decided to bring back free agent linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.  He missed almost the entire season with a banged up right knee.

After being hurt twice, Tinoisamoa had just five tackles and one forced fumble in 2009.

Before signing with the Bears, he spent six years with the Rams where he piled up 661 total tackles with 10 sacks and seven interceptions.

Bears Release Alex Brown

What a shame.  The Bears release Alex Brown after shopping him around the past few weeks.  Chicago couldn't get a trade done so the team sent him packing.

The 31-year old was to make $5 million bucks this season.  As a Bear he started 107 games in eight seasons and had 43.5 sacks.

That opens the door for Mark Anderson to become the starter opposite newly acquired Julius Peppers.

So long Alex.  I'll miss you.  You were a great Bear!  Here is my interview with Alex last season after beating the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field.

What Are The Bears Doing?

Will someone that is a lot smarter than me explain what the Bears are doing?  There are many needs, but isn’t wide receiver and offensive line the most urgent?  The one position we are stacked is tight end, and pretty solid at tailback with Forte and Bell.

So the Bears are in the hunt for Chester Taylor, sign Brandon Manumaleuna, and are reported to sign Julius Peppers.

Don’t get me wrong, I will take all three, but I hope they are also in the mix for at least 2 receivers and some line help!  Last year’s offensive line handed out one way tickets to the quarterback.

Like I said, if you have a clue what the Bears are thinking, please let me know!

Bears Hire Mike Martz to Run Offense

I am pretty pumped about the Bears bringing in a dynamic Offensive Coordinator.  Chicago has hired Mike Martz.  Martz certainly comes with some baggage and a nice sized ego, but I will take that any day over some of the other choices. 

My first choice was former Broncos and USC OC Jeremy Bates.  However, when Pete Carroll took the Seattle job, he took Bates with him.

Martz has a tremendous resume.  He help design “The Greatest Show on Turf” Rams, and he took a below average Lions offense and helped them produce. (with Jon Kitna no less!)

I think Martz will do wonders with the Bears.  He will get the most out of the passing game, and I would bet he will be a heavy influence on GM Jerry Angelo in bringing in some better receivers.

I have been so frustrated with Chicago’s predictable offense with old OC’s Ron Turner and Jon Shoop.  The Martz hire should really infuse some excitement into the Bears offense.  I think Martz and Jay Cutler will have a great relationship and we won’t recognize the Bears offense next year.

So the Bears have Martz.  Add some receiver help, and offensive line help, and get the defense healthy and that could equal at least three more wins right?   

Can you tell I am happy about this? haha



Bears Lineman Gaines Adams Dead at 26

I awoke to more tragedy surrounding young athletes.  Bears defensive end Gaines Adams dies this morning.

He was taken to Greenwood, South Carolina hospital's emergency room where he was pronounced dead at 9am EDT.

Adams was acquired by the Bears from Tampa Bay in the middle of the season.  He played at Clemson and was the number four overall pick in 2007 by the Buccaneers. 

The preliminary autopsy performed Sunday indicated Adams died of cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart.

In 47 games over three seasons with the Bucs and Bears, Adams had 67 tackles, including 13.5 sacks.

Ron Turner Fired!

Thank goodness!  Now let's hope that the Bears can get an offensive coordinator that has an offensive scheme that actually suits the personnel and can compete against the rest of the league!

This decision came a few years too late!

Bye bye Ron and your predictable offensive play calling!

Cutler Finishes Season With 4 more Touchdowns

AP Photo/Carlos OsorioIt has certainly been a rough season for the Bears.  However, at least they ended the season strong and gave us a glimpse of what could happen in 2010.

For the second game in a row, Jay Cutler threw four touchdowns in the 37-23 win at Detroit.  Cutler finished 22-36 for 276 yards and the four scores with zero interceptions.  The Bears finish the campaign with a 7-9 record.

Matt Forte rushed for 101 yards.  However, most of that real estate came from a 53 yard burst that helped setup the victory.  I don’t know what it has been all season, but Forte has looked slow all year.  I think Kahlil Bell gave us more of a spark and hit the holes harder. 

For the season, Cutler threw for 3666 yards and 27 touchdowns.  None of his wide receiving corps stepped up as a true number one.  Devin Aromashodu emerged late.  He had a great pre-season too.  It’s too bad it took so long for him to get on the field.  Devin Hester had some nice games, and showed off his soft hands, but was hurt the last part of the season.  Johnny Knox started off very strong but fizzled, and Earl Bennett is a nice complimentary receiver, but not a true number one.

The Bears are certainly strong at the tight end slot.  Greg Olsen finished with 60 catches and eight touchdowns.  Kellen Davis also had some solid games. 

The defense was just obliterated by injury.  Brian Urlacher going down in week one was a sign of things to come.  Even the backups to the backups were getting hurt.  It’s easy to make excuses about the defense, but they are all valid. 

What happens now?  I think Lovie Smith’s job is safe.  As much as I was frustrated, I don’t think you fire him.  He has been a very solid head coach.  He took us to the Super Bowl, and I don’t want to start all over. 

However, please get rid of Ron Turner.  His archaic offense drives me nuts.  He never understood how to utilize Cutler’s mobility and arm strength.  His offense is so predictable.  Who would be a good replacement at OC?  Charlie Weis is intriguing with his resume at New England.  He was garbage at Notre Dame, but he could jumpstart the Bears offense.  A loyal reader mentioned to me about Mike Martz.  I had not thought of him, but that could be a great possibility as well.  I just want someone with a 21st century offensive scheme!  Is that too much to ask?

I hope all of the national media analysts enjoyed taking their shots at Cutler all year.  I hope they got it all in, because I promise when Jay gets the ride personnel around him and a better offensive line he will lead the Bears to the top!

Cutler's 4th Touchdown is Overtime Winner!

Photo Courtesy: APCan I breathe yet?  Oh my goodness that was the most stressful meaningless game I have ever cheered through!  Jay Cutler outduels Brett Favre in a Windy City Classic.  Cutler threw a 39-yard bomb to emerging receiver Devin Aromashodu in overtime for the 36-30 victory.  Aromashodu finished with 7 catches for 150 yards.

It is the first time Cutler has had a four touchdown game in his one year Bears career.  In a season full of gloom...Chicago shows a lot of heart in putting it to one of the best teams in the NFC.

How great are Bears fans?  Only 5-9 going into the game...a sold-out crowd was rocking Soldier Field like it was a playoff game.

Cutler has gotten bashed all season, but he's had no protection and no receivers.  I am not trying to make excuses for him, but he is a helluva quarterback and it will show in the future in Chicago.

Cuter was 20-35 for 273 yards and the 4 scores.

Thanks for the late Christmas present!  It never gets old watching the Bears beat Favre.

BEAR DOWN!

Jay's Journey: My Relationship with Bears QB Jay Cutler

I have known and covered Jay Cutler since he was a sophomore at Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln, City, Indiana.  The Pro-Bowl quarterback for the Chicago Bears recently asked me to help put together both written and video stories for his brand new website: www.jaycutlersix.com. 

This is the first installment of Jay’s Journey.  It is an overview of my relationship of Cutler, and the real side of Jay from his high school days until now. 

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Jay Cutler made his first varsity start at quarterback for his high school as a sophomore on September 18, 1998.  Cutler led Heritage Hills to a 27-0 victory over a conference rival.  Since that day, I have had the great opportunity of watching Jay’s journey from a tall skinny high school sophomore into an NFL Pro Bowl quarterback.

My connection with Jay really started with my relationship with his hometown.

Heritage Hills High School was one of my first beats as a young sports reporter back in 1993. I worked then, and still to this day, for WEHT-TV in Evansville, IN which is an ABC affiliate. I learned quickly that the communities that make up the high school are extremely competitive, and fiercely loyal.  Those are two qualities that burn inside of Jay to this very day.  

In my first years on the job, no one from the Evansville media market covered the Patriots on any kind of consistent basis.  I was the new guy, and my bosses would saddle me with the hour long drive to the Patriots home field affectionately known as The Jungle.  I was told often from my peers how much they dreaded making that trip. 

To my surprise, I instantly loved this beat.  These were my kind of people.  I would roll up in a TV news van, and the great folks at HHHS would trip over themselves in making me feel at home.  The more I covered the Patriots and put them on TV, the more great friends I would meet on my return trips.

A few years into my career I was named Sports Director which meant I was making the calls on what games we would cover and who would report on them. Instead of staying close, I kept going back to Heritage Hills.  I became very close to the entire coaching staff, and I met some really great friends that I am still close to today.  I am supposed to be objective as a reporter, but back then I could not help but get caught up in Patriot Fever. 

I live by the golden rule.  I treat people just how they treat me.  I never intended to show over the top favoritism to Heritage Hills during my sportscasts.  However, the Patriots were so dominant, that all of my coverage was easily justified. 

I spent a considerable amount of time at Heritage Hills during the Jay Cutler era.  I interviewed Jay countless of times.  I also got to know his father Jack who was a well-respected Indiana State Trooper at the time. 

I always had a tough time getting Jay to talk about himself.  He always deflected any praise.  I would bring up some great play he made, or some stats that he piled up, and he would lower his head diagonally and rock back with a look on his face that was in between a smile and a smirk.  He then gathered his thoughts, and would give credit to his teammates and his coaches.  To this day, I see that exact same look when Jay is addressing a press conference on TV.

1999 NEWS 25 Home Team Friday MVP Banquet Picture -- Evansville, INIn 1999, I started a player of the week type of award at the TV station.  Every Wednesday for 13 weeks we would do a profile called the MVP on the best players from around the Tri-State (SW Indiana, SE Illinois, and NW Kentucky).  As a junior, Jay Cutler won one of the first MVP awards.  That winter our station held a banquet to honor all 13 MVPs, and to recap their great seasons.  Jay’s family has always been extremely supportive, and of course they attended the banquet as well.  It was a great time to get to know the Cutlers away from the gridiron.  Jay was one of the few underclassmen at the banquet.

In 2000, Jay had one of the best seasons in state history.  He was simply by far the best player on the field for all 15 games as he led his Patriots to the school’s only State Championship in any sport.  He was remarkable to cover that year.  He would make plays that were just not typical of a high school player.  His cannon arm, quickness, and incredible football instincts put him so far ahead of his opponents. 

Even when I would go cover a practice, Jay was taking each snap, and each drill as serious as in a game.  There is no sympathy for mistakes under Heritage Hills head coach Bob Clayton.  Coach Clayton simply never then or now tolerates errors, sloppy play, or being unprepared.  Cutler bought right into that philosophy.

Cutler scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime at the RCA Dome in the State Championship game.  In an instant, he solidified himself as a hero to his community, and one of the best athletes in any sport that I had ever covered. 

It was so much fun getting to know Jay during that magical season.  He always treated me with the utmost respect, and over time he trusted my news judgment on stories. 

2000 NEWS 25 Home Team Friday MVP Banquet -- Evansville, INA month after winning the State Championship, our station held our second annual MVP Banquet.  There were some amazing players in that room.  Justin Miller was a second round draft pick by the Jets, Jake Schiff led Mater Dei to a 15-0 record and the 2A State Title, and then there was Jay.  Cutler won the 2000 MVP of the Year, and he and his family were so appreciative of the whole night.  After the banquet, Jay came to the station and was live during our 10pm sportscast to talk about the evening.  I even had him do some sports casting at the end of the broadcast.

Jay’s college recruiting story is well documented.  I have heard and read many different versions, but I will tell it as I remember it.

All during his senior season, Jay was set to play for the University of Illinois.  It was a given that Champaign was his destination.  Former Heritage Hills’ standout and Indianapolis Colts Tight End Ken Dilger also played for the Illini.  There really was not even any big secret about it.  Jay was going to Illinois.

Then during the winter months after Cutler’s senior season ended, I got a call at my desk.  It was Jay’s father Jack.  As I remember, Jack told me that Illinois wanted Jay as a safety and not as a quarterback.  He said that the family is pretty much back to square one with recruiting, and he wasn’t sure where Jay was going to go. 

Then Jack said that out of the blue Vanderbilt had called and inquired about Jay.  Jack said that it was odd, because it was the first time ever that Vandy had showed any interest in the entire recruiting process.  Since the season was over, Jack said that Vanderbilt wanted a highlight tape of Jay, and he asked me if I could help. 

After my 10pm show that night, I stayed at the station looking over 3 years worth of video tape.  I finished up around 3am, and sent the tape fedex to the Cutler’s house.  A few days later Jack called me back.  He said, “Lance, I have great news.  Vanderbilt offered Jay a scholarship!”  I was so thrilled!  Jack told me that the Vandy coaches were really impressed with Jay in the video I made.  I am not about to take any credit whatsoever for his scholarship, however, I will say I was doing back flips when I got off the phone knowing how it all worked out.

During Jay’s press conference at the school to sign with Vandy, he thanked me publicly for helping him out.  It was such a kind gesture, and it goes to show you how grateful and well-raised Jay is.  I always enjoy covering our local players when they go on to college, and sometimes even the pros, but this connection with Jay at Vanderbilt was so exciting.  I couldn’t wait to watch Jay’s college career start.

Our station covered Jay down in Nashville.  He really exploded on the national scene his junior season.  It was so amazing seeing him play on national TV down in The Swamp at Florida, or at Death Valley at LSU.  I slipped in quick stories whenever I could in my sportscasts.  We really got some great video of him playing for the Commodores.

After his college senior year, there was no doubt that Jay would be drafted.  In typical loyal Jay Cutler fashion, he did not go to New York for the draft, but instead stayed in Nashville with all of his family and friends.  Of course I went to the Music City to cover the draft.  The banquet room at this restaurant was overflowing with Cutler fans.  I remember how well Jay spoke on the stage they had setup, and how he really had transformed from a kid in high school into an adult on the brink of a professional career.  He genuinely thanked everyone from his heart for all of their support, and he said that this day of celebration would never have been possible without them. 

Then when he was selected eleventh overall in the first round, the place exploded with joy.  I saw his high school coach Bob Clayton in the back corner.  We were both taking the excitement in.  Clayton was so proud.   Heck, everyone was so proud.

Me and Jay in Nasvhille on NFL Draft Day 2006It was a whirlwind for Jay after he was drafted.  He had to speak to the national media, and then he had to speak to the Nashville media, and then fly out to Denver to meet his new teammates and coaches and speak to the Denver media.  Through the craziness, always being loyal, Jay gave me a one on one interview in a back room of the Nashville restaurant.  In an extreme act of unprofessionalism, I couldn’t help but get a picture taken with him.  I probably shouldn’t have done it, and I never do anything like that normally, but I don’t regret it for a second!

Since Denver was so far away, it was hard to cover him as much as I would have wanted.  I have the NFL Sunday Ticket, and I haven’t missed a single game of his (not even pre-season).  During the off-season I have interviewed him when he would come back home.

I am an enormous sports fan.  Obviously, that’s why I chose my career path.  My favorite team of all my favorite teams is the Chicago Bears.  Since I was a kid, I have lived and died with every single game.  I have screamed at the TV and thrown remote controls during losses.  I have gone to games at the old and new Soldier Field, and even some Bears road games.

I cannot even begin to explain my elation on April 2, 2009.  My man Jay was now on my team!  I literally ordered a Cutler Bears jersey that day.  That night I also emailed the Bears to find out when I could interview him.

It turned out the first time Jay met the media in a Bears uniform was during an OTA in May.  I made the seven hour drive to the Bears practice facility.  It was such a sight to see the same kid I had covered since 1998 now in a Chicago Bears uniform. 

At Jay Cutler's hometown of Santa Claus, IN 2007There were so many reporters on hand that afternoon.  I am not used to that massive media setting at all.  I was not sure what to expect.  Once, again, Jay gave me a great one on one interview.  Despite the craziness of the media circus surrounding him, Jay and I had a great conversation touching on quite a few subjects both on and off camera.  We talked a lot about his high school days, and he told me how some of his former Patriot teammates are doing.

To the day I die, I will never understand the insane media scrutiny over Jay’s trade from Denver.  I am not naïve enough to think it’s not an enormous story.  Of course it is.  However, I just cannot fathom how so many national analysts have taken so many shots at him.  I guarantee you; none of them have even spent 2 minutes with Jay.  Of course I am biased in my opinion of Cutler, but I also know him pretty well.  I know for certain he is nothing like some have portrayed him.

The ultimate reply to all of the critics is winning, and if there is one thing I know for sure, Jay Cutler is a winner.  I look forward to the day when I continue covering Jay’s journey and interview Jay holding the Lombardi Trophy.

Jay’s Journey will continue with Part II when I take a look at Cutler’s magical high school senior season in which he led his team to the school’s only State Championship.  It is a story that is right out of Hollywood that starts with painful losses and ends with a triumphant crazy play in overtime to end a 15-0 season.  Click here to read Part II.

Feel free to leave a comment below.  If you would like to contact me directly, email me at lancewilkerson@gmail.com.