Hub Arkush 11/16/08

" The it's. Okay. It's."

" It's been -- David I'm Rick Collins Collins -- and I -- and and eleven line ringing and it's going to -- until -- but all sit -- and all of that. All about as much -- hello how the the American. I'm fine pop always great. Win or lose the -- no beer and ID at 3 o'clock and then you up. Jimenez the reinforcements to help those does when you did did your segment at 6 o'clock on last night. We all know it's more fun to talk about. Any victory but a game like this yesterday. And the fans there are meant what I what I did the first hour here hub at bonkers over pro football weekly -- assembly asked the question. To the Bears fans what made you the madness what they -- most upset the most angry. And we had so many different angles -- evident from you know lack of adjustment Bob on roster construction. The long term contract senator did touch those last night all the other Ted Phillips gave the mr. Rendell and mr. Lovie Smith -- pointed thirteen to one in twelve. Fans are mad about how important might have been re injured. He within the game even to start but much less still in the fourth quarter. There is different now -- they must be tipping things off everybody seems to know what therein Devin Hester is downward trend. I'll look at it edit those what do you ought to start what did you most -- upset or as a fan looking in and I know your Bears fan first and a journalist. Second what makes you so mad is when you look at what happened yesterday."

" Overview one thing real quick and I am not Claire wouldn't argue this part I'm not sure if Lovie is signed through eleven or twelve I'm pretty sure Angelos through third time I thought Lovie was through eleven you wait too long for too much money and and and it leads me to. It's -- I -- I -- their last night and almost an underdog you know -- and enjoy the hell out of it certainly tell myself right now your job is going to be to -- this thing -- you know because I think. If I -- your anger is the right reaction we want from from a sporting event -- I understand the passion of these fans yeah. But you start taking calls stand and it's hard you know to do to -- can't be because the more you think about it the more blame there is to spread around you know again. I don't think this team is complete disaster I don't think Lovie Smith is getting a fair shake today and last night to be honest with you I think get a bad game yesterday but couldn't continue to have a bad game and you know he's not the time -- the chickens and -- is just it's not right that is the guy halfway through his fifth year has got a better record. Then then the majority of NFL coaches never coached teams and and so you gotta take a step back and say what's really going on here. And it is stunning to me that you know I spent twenty years as part of the broadcast team with this with this club living with -- traveling with a and throughout the ninety's whenever something went wrong all of the ire was aimed Michael McCaskey there were other people who got it later but it always start with Michael. Why does curt Phillips get a pass on all I agree this is Ted Phillips football team Ted Phillips is the president and CEO. Ted Phillips is ultimately where the buck stops he is responsible for everything you're seeing right now and so. As we start constructing or deconstructing this and again I I'm I'm not angry with -- you know -- got -- they went to a Super Bowl two years and I'm a big believer imbalance let's talk about both sides with. But everything that you're looking at right now to meet is an organization that is heading in the wrong direction and that starts with the boss."

" Be our urgency phrase and again that's climbing inside someone's head to say that there's no urgency. We don't know how long the field Steve now we're not Jerry until we know they want to win and the never does the GM -- a head coach not want to win that's that's not debatable. But it always seems to me it has got to be a little Omar -- your staff. When you know that you only have a year ago or two years to golf. And after the Super Bowl loss but nevertheless after the Super Bowl you're exactly right. That's when mister Phillips. -- it from the top above him are his owner morneau is. Decided that he was going to stretch out these contracts the urgency cannot be the same for anybody in any jab although I'm not specifically I don't know all of the again and -- but the urgency cannot be the same when you know -- their for the next 56 years in regards."

" Formica here here's an example I listened to -- had to be extended there was no doubt in my mind about that I just think -- botched that I think can -- done it a little sooner which he -- of position and only had two. He could had a shorter term for a lot less money and therefore it would have more flexibility right now. Now I hate to use the Cubs as an example because we're talking about a hundred years of futility. Get this for the regular season being the best team in the National League and what's what what's the first big move they make. They send the most popular guy on the roster packing. If and when the guy was willing to take a one year contract he got to take some chances and building a what you think -- the winning formula you don't just sign up everybody. You know we can hear from Jerry Angelo since he got here that he wants to build through the draft and retain his own. Now we've talked a lot about this in my shows the last couple weeks the -- that the the big. Difference between this team and the Super Bowl team is their two years older and eight of the eleven starters on defense has gotten paid big money. You got to coach extended for a long time with big money he got the president the general manager signed forever now. I think they're professionals I think they want to when I go what we heard Marty a few minutes ago I think it was last Karbala came up. He's mad because there's no -- you know Marty I'm sorry I want to save a lot of fans to be pissed at me if you want to. We don't know that you know that's why I mentioned having lived and traveled with the football team for twenty years."

" I was demote talking about a motion -- and I'd like to believe me these guys are hurt and believe me they're upset that you see Olin Kreutz on TV -- FA don't ready to shoot somebody but. Don't -- in front of the camera doesn't do you any good. Brian Urlacher was is Donovan I've seen him in nine years in Chicago Mike Brown played an outstanding football game and -- what you. Plenty of these guys are upset that you don't feel just think it's simple all get mad. That's not what this is about this is a football team that has not been constructed properly it is not built to win right now and you've got ball good bad and mediocre players also offering for. Not constructed properly that brings me then -- gear head ball right -- in Milan distance Chicago guy -- bull dog jumped at the -- I think you want to jump on at wide receiver topic following."

" Well you don't hug you when I have not seen I -- a lot of things over the years and I'd be more willing to sit down and have a cold look at sometime when I'm open struggle -- very -- Then my yellow pad -- And you're right we can't do it took a lot of heat in the nineties. But I think the difference between the -- and now in my heat if you ever look at the tornado you do I blame Geary and blow because back in the nineties there was no PM. And and and it did go right to the top but I I would argue that stand to lose the worst GM in pro football easily. And I think this experiment with Hester public is over with I would rather have him to score 46 touchdowns a year plus provide the Bears with a good field position because. People afraid to kick off to won't happen this experiment at at wide receiver and and think about it yesterday -- If that cornerbacks are covering the tight ends and one -- slap in the face. To appear to wide receiver to do that if you've got -- what if you've got a quarterback covering Greg Olsen and and that's Guillen got on bark. And I hope I -- my near right Winfrey and."

" You know wrap your head bordello -- and wrap up."

" I don't direct -- is that."

" Home and get a big mistake I think public not bring -- back -- ten year franchise that's not not that it's seven year old covenant. Thanks -- had bought it."

" Well first of all of the corners I moved -- nothing to do with the wide receivers need to scheme by the Packers an extra corners on the field typical southern calorie Nichols all day or they only had two linebackers are confident with was -- part of it well. It is not move the look at the Bears Q what they were going to try and do it was just it was Yom -- check -- counter attacking and so what they were saying is listen we know your tight ends -- your best threats. We're just not going to send our corners running all over the field to find the wide receiver while we're going to put our five DBs five across whoever comes out that's how we're going to --"

" But I don't think it is a key. I'll move in the game the Bears have bad enough for the last. Many games splitting out wide Dez Clark and Greg Olsen and we stopped. Examples where the opposition earlier this year had confusion. Where when the Bears would have a wide receiver and Greg -- out. They didn't know the -- position exactly. If they want their safety or linebacker to cover -- wide receiver and once there was even a naked -- if you do well -- no one I've covered him. So was brad turner I guess here is where we're leading to -- was Ron turner. Prepared as far. Cornerbacks. On the -- it -- it was that not a surprise day cameras -- he -- just that he stayed basically went Olsen and Clark out all bad for Mike the but the problem is that the tight end didn't have a bad game because quarterback's recovery and quote -- I don't should win the battle of cornerbacks they're bigger they're stronger -- Ball -- it'll get rid of the ball if they receive the ball. But while -- the accounted -- I just above a ball a moment and David Potter is able to get in front and then not enough."

" onset that cover we're focused on the wrong things right. I thought the Packers had a good scheme for what the Bears were doing their five DBs across the back they're free safety is like corner it's like having four corners out there the problem is. The Devin Hester experiment never should've started at wide receiver the beauty of radio as I got two years with the tape proving to set it."

" Before they did it I verify that and and furthermore. Q when I say this team is not constructed to win you've got nothing at wide receiver end and that's where you're the best that we probably start but that's a huge party post. And the -- but you've known it for three years I don't agree that you should've brought Bernard Berrian back I wouldn't pay him franchise money and I certainly want to get in the contract they gave up. I would be going up finding other talent how bad must Earl -- be if you can't get on the football field right now Darrell Bennett third round draft there Osgood did numbers you know by the way I'm not crucified -- I haven't -- I don't know you don't -- they look like a guy who might be able to play -- First of all they don't go out and get enough talent to key positions on offense and second of all they do get guys they don't panic and so I don't know what to make."

" How would we come back and -- last night you're exactly right this team is getting old they're not all yet. But there's started you get that direction the money is knowledge you pointed I want -- turn on the defensive side of the ball. And I'll throw this out when we return of I believe the three best young players the Bears have right now. I gotta say on the offensive that's Kyle Orton Matt Forte and maybe Greg -- the best players right now. It correctly only comeback or give me your thoughts all appear to be on the offensive side of the box must. Tell known today bat from noon until two. Some on the regular slot. And you got to see Jack. Dotcom led guys Jack -- and Chevrolet this might be the best time in years to but it brand new Chevrolet they have hundreds of banks right now. Lending money. And it's financing that -- Jack. Failing yet gotta see Jeff dot com -- is Johnny Taylor Jason Taylor kept them back after this -- about all of their camp taught -- Bears."

" You think in the existence in the short existence of Devin Hester in the National Football League best."

" I'll tell you see how fleeting the return game as they have made it changed her name -- Daniel Manning in the lineup. You've got to look outside yeah. Anyone lined up on the line is. Your tight end helping -- downstairs and hey it's your head and put your head and is. Whipple but you can't even on -- then come and attack the backside so."

" Red -- a lot of responsibility. It's okay."

" I have found it highlights hello I'm really really am Greg -- and Titans tight end -- now -- not flanked out. And pitched right past them. It is a sack Murphy and how -- you can always -- other pro football weekly dot -- 1800 football. Phone lines are jammed. How about it. I'm just a fan I never know of death on the -- Greg Olson obviously you know Tommie Harris has he got to see a comedy got to recognize number -- one raided a common right past year. Is that something that you know as a second year kid there's still a lot going on out."

" There -- those things will happen. Alumni Tom is absolutely right -- pretty basic if they are keeping you -- the -- on the line you obviously got back side protection and I I'm I'm visualizing the players they are trying to describe it. And and what's and he did a stutter stepping came and by the time balls and looked he was I am already self. -- and in Olson's defense that is one of the tougher things to pick up because just because that corners up on the line doesn't mean is common and more often than not. They're going to drop back into coverage but the fact that there was no one split wide he was in a gap was kind of a tip -- and so. I think that's -- time that's old -- suffer."

" I'll -- to go to the phone listening to your great job around 6 PM usually after the conventional starts after all billion dollars you'll hear. How about -- store you're talking correctly I grid at the team they're not old yet but certain -- guys just a little older. A lot of money involved. Mostly on the defensive side. There's a lot to look at your over the next year to -- if things don't break right this year and no reason I had just said Monday that than they well. You know that this could be a bad back a couple of years come up a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball Lotta money involved. Wheldon the way I was try."

" Who approached it was to say take a look at this roster and -- unit by unit and tell me. Where you see players that you can get excited about the future and where do you see guys who who figure to improve who figure to get better. And -- you can build a winning team around you know there are none on the defensive line with the possible exception of Marcus Harrison we just don't know enough about. There are none at linebacker and end and then there's really no one in the secondary -- Corey Graham who was I think exposed yesterday as another guy. Kevin Payne is struggling big time out there that I was in -- guy that I -- there -- that I apologize though Lawrence and -- I got to know that I -- and the voice interrupted well I want apologist and I'm still a campaign very secure I mean he's young and I and I like his skill set but. But to say that he's been performing at a high level just wouldn't be true end to the way I'm approaching this -- is it I'm I'm trying to give after Super Bowl I think that's what Bears fans expect. And then go over the offense tonight I hear your point I think what you're saying is that Kyle Orton and Greg Olsen and Matt Forte. Have potentially bright futures I don't disagree with up but I would respond with a question. Do you see any of them ever -- a pro ball. I mean -- they could get better they're they're they're nice players but but to -- they don't jump on his guys under the -- the Super Bowl team around and so direct you know as I look at this roster I think my concern is more about the next year two or three it's not even right now I think what I don't know if you posted my -- or not and and and for those don't go to success this -- Communists and an opportunity -- my stuff and all kinds of this stuff up there but what I did last night after the game. Was there and the rest of the schedule the last six games for the for the Packers or Vikings in the -- you don't have the best path to the NFC north title I'm sure the Bears can do. They're they really do it isn't it if you just look at the likely outcome. -- the last six games assuming the yesterday it was an aberration that the Bears are going to be the team that played the Colts and Eagles and an even with the Panthers in the box 97 is probably going to win the division -- the Peppers with a one team I could -- six but I don't think so I think they'll be nine and seven if the Bears get to 97 and one of those wins over the Saints. They're going to win a tiebreaker with the Panthers based on best conference record so parents play nobody over 500 LE five hundreds out of Vikings ended up Packers won their one here yeah and the way I I ran the last six sizes that they're going to lose in Minnesota beat the Packers here. And then I looked at the likely outcome of all the other games are going to lose another one somewhere the key is they can't lose that Saints game because that's where they can get an edge in the tiebreaker over the Packers. And so he'll offer all the fans who are so upset I they're going to beat the Rams this Sunday my concern is is are -- going to look good doing it are they going to bounce back and I think going to be ready. It's a fight like fifteen fighting for the division when they go in the Minnesota a week from Sunday because they obviously weren't ready Austria in --"

" Crazy is that what you might have just said the -- I agree with you I can't give -- a reason but I think the Bears are gonna beat the Packers. Game fifteen here I'm -- not a game on a December -- and I'll give you real good reason -- Smith a six and three against the Packers and empire of ordinary yesterday you don't of the Packers they were for no limbo and the other guys if you're a fan of if you know anything you don't -- history on one game anybody got win that again and that's what they did yesterday. And I think again there was plenty of blame to go around but but that -- And that doesn't mean the seasons or not you know here here's the other side I'll give in 1989 Mike Ditka if they lose to the rim laying out what another man while the -- of losing the Rams Sunday they -- America and I don't think it'll lose the -- I think they're better than that --"

" I think when they get to that inverted wishbone Jeff just both as a safety for comeuppance for the lines damaged goods during that play Mike Brown approach the line of scrimmage during the game. Aaron Rodgers immediately caved in went to the last. In pain kept his distance off the lines and that's if you -- UCL inverted they're going to build back it's just need to golden."

" It's easier to sit around whenever press box. That's my -- it's okay."

" I WBBM has already up 78 smirk on his Scarlett how far can John muse a radio six on. The cheap shot on my part no wind at all. Mom and I kind of -- the Marlins didn't sit up in the that's like Tommy and guys like doing -- out there nobody is can break it down so much easier than my you're down on the sidelines I'm. Joking yeah to go to the far outlines how the yellow eyes Fred let's go to all right send dead husband -- and everybody else all we'll get job Sinbad."

" Famer and -- players nor can thank you. Hey guys my clutch like actually two quick questions -- What we're resolved with Brandon Lloyd had always been ready to go last couple weeks he would have been the best suited as a -- receiver -- got hurt. The only legitimate till the end of the game. Has there. We're just question isn't that last final drive Paul. What our -- developing every great -- got a short -- they put together a couple good plays and know -- like 42 they don't get that did not but it walked off the scale of one of the support they -- drive I don't understand obviously there's got to be the worst coach. Inning game that I've ever made because it's definitely had the super order flopped off the -- a little bit. -- after the gulf side outside -- ability aboard."

" I've been dead -- dead by the way reflecting no way many fans feel today at some specific thoughts right there Brandon allotted an odd starry of their --"

" Last because Brandon Lloyd is not guy and the reason that he is no longer in San Francisco or in Washington is because they couldn't keep him focused and he couldn't perform consistently he would have the occasional spark like he did for the Bears against the Eagles. And then he would disappear for long stretches and any reason you didn't see him until late in the game. Yesterday -- because he didn't come close to getting open enough for a quarterback to throw a ball in his direction and and and I know the Bears have been very frustrated with him the last couple weeks because well he definitely injured his knee and -- Eagles game I think there. Is a sense that is that maybe he could of come back a little sooner played through some things. He practiced the last three weeks and didn't play the last two games in LA and self. I think there's something going on there and Brandon Lloyd is not the answer to any of the bears' problems. You know as far as Lester I can't explain it to you but I will tell I also can't get too excited about the score was 37 and that's the start of the."

" And I agree let's go to the end of the first half and Ron turner in the papers which means after the game did say well you know it didn't work out. But -- this is the same team at the end of -- it mills and a half at that midfield. Yet when 17 remaining down fourteen free Pakistan around seven with a minute seven to go. Two timeouts remaining for the opposition. Here's one time the Bears fans what does that take a knee rounded out run and -- burn their timeouts and go into the locker room mates -- And I incomplete -- we know what happened next."

" You know it was a mistake there's no question in my mind it's a mistake can and I'm sure run call the play of the love is the head coach at that point that's his decision. He's got headphones on he knows what's going on and so that is that one goes on both Lovie Enron but I will tell you if you look yeah. That ball hit Devin Hester and hands."

" if he was covered fairly well -- I'll give him in the hands and if he catches the ball."

" And I here at the thirty with about 45 young fifty seconds to go a minus 38 yeah hostility and I don't know Bears -- yeah I was -- again I'm not -- think it was it was the wrong move --"

" It goes on both the head coaching the offensive coordinator."

" But it certainly didn't do with the difference the out."

" And your -- about the the -- being basically on the money but there's always risk reward but whether it's a suicide squeeze bunt in baseball what's my upside with my downside -- cost you feel going -- a touchdown and that would interest -- and I think the many fans including myself we forget. That even on the offensive coordinators headphones down in the call that play. We head coach Lovie don't -- head coach can override that any kind of he feels like it right that's what makes in the head coach you'll benefit of phone lines and or how long term contract makes it head coach Phil let's get real hot -- from blow -- joke."

" Hey -- side I think it was maybe even you want your exact show last week I -- guy on from Green Bay talking about how their offensive line. Brief bits of it has been a terrible. Also see -- end of the planet goal line with a look like they took it. Every one of the bears' defenders jock straps and Letterman at the end zone."

" I mean there was nobody."

" They're standing on you know what. -- Corey Hart's it didn't look on the line of scrimmage on the Bears defensive end and could you please tell me what Mark Anderson brings you."

" But I appreciate the call and -- your first of all the Packers are pretty good at tackle Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher they've had their problems from guard to guard the guards in the Senate or not they're not special. You know marquis Anderson obviously you brought enough and ever since then made the mistake of taking his promising situation off the pass rusher. And trying to make him every down defensive enemy that one is clearly I'm loving it was at the end of the Super Bowl season they. They almost messed up -- fortunately he's too strong character got to take it personally and decide to -- and even got a new contract out of these value every down and again. But Alex ill will round out your thought it was going to be a special pass rusher -- lord he had the first step we watched him and verve and make. He's never become that pass pressure he had that one game against the Giants with four sacks in 4. -- he's had 67 sexier but when he is -- Good rundown defensive -- as you're gonna find the Bears had three tackles for loss all day yesterday Alex Brown hit two of -- plays the run very well. And when you've got other guys creating pressure from the other spots he can create some pressure to ease the one guy on the defensive line that I don't think there's a complete write off -- Henderson with a perfect up. Compliment he was a situation especially remove them in and out his spot in the lineup and the Bears totally screwed that up by trying to reverse roles I'm not you know why. The Anderson hasn't been able rebound from second because it only lasted through six or seven weeks last year that I can't explain for a but but Mark Anderson is a valuable lesson ruined."

" Slide over to send a non prospect is under -- how about yourself football senior management has sent."

" They were sort of a job and my love my friend tejada book or talking about it is dark spots really -- me. Attitude -- up better especially the bit defensive -- over her obvious. Oh property he's gone. Bit if the -- know if it bigfoot really out there aren't that they're gone. And you can see it I'm afraid that you didn't say that -- cover girl walking out like this game they're playing. I -- walk lackadaisical because I. I into the being. Up three runs."

" Marat said he just made quite a lead player Brian Urlacher has made it very clear to any of us who would listen from the day Lovie Smith got here he doesn't like the scheme and so. Yeah and that's not quite the fact the rest of them how they feel about the scheme I don't know Brian Urlacher also knows that he used destined to win an NFL defensive MVP Award in 2006 self. Yeah I I don't agree that if their lackadaisical I don't think the problem is that they hate the scheme inside and out playing for the coaches I think the problems much deeper than that I wish it was that simple. And you can't paint of 53 man roster with the same brush he got to look at each of these guys individually got to figure out what's going on. What got my blood boiling was coming back -- break I'm here and Wally Ogunleye talked about look at the film and see who quit. We know wallet didn't quit because he hasn't started in three years you know fill me. Yeah there there are some guys who I'll get right with him let's go after him but but you don't paint the whole roster with the same brush."

" Great job two weeks ago I said what will happen if everybody is five and five and a couple weeks -- does that might not be all that bad and a few minutes -- also. Mention that stuff on the store web site on your blog at. The Bears right now next week as kids they can win next week you have above them right there in the hunt hopefully."

" Yet -- I think that it's possible the worst thing that ever happen to Chicago Bears organization was gone the Super Bowl two years ago as a team that -- wasn't good enough and they they delude themselves and think and there are some they weren't. That said we got six games left to enjoy this year and I do believe they're going to be in it down to the end I still think they got on the shot at being 971 of the division and get a playoff."

" And security and exchange commission. Is investigating a -- why is my first reaction that -- solid planet that might. I don't I don't tell us about the -- city. By the Dolphins as -- did as good thing but does give the other 29 -- chance with the -- they -- bar motel with Martha Stewart -- nine. It looks like well some insider trading. I let everyone you're the star Isabel as it develops putt. Every Monday with Murphy and now it's great to hear throughout the day is that I thought every weekend NASCAR thanks how'd I am a fan I thought about how about this. Pro football weekly dot com visit other 21800 foot volley pick up the phone and say hello to."