The world is coming to an end. No, not really, but the decision to once again cut Brandon Rideau goes to show what we already knew: the Bears don’t know anything about wide receivers. (more…)

The last post of the week: something to ponder as you await the certain couch slouch and booze binge of this weekend.

Already in the unenviable position of being an undrafted rookie playing an overcrowded position, you would think linebacker Kevin Malast would want to do whatever he could to get a leg up on the competition. Like, you know:  see. (more…)

Don Delco of Browns blog, No Logo Needed, provides us with some pregame mini-analysis before tonight’s game (7 p.m. CST/FOX). Conversely, our effort can be read over there.

Three preseason games in and the Cleveland Browns are still holding their quarterback competition. Yeah, that doesn’t bode well for the upcoming regular season. And with Sports Illustrated predicting the Browns to finish 2-14, the outlook is grim.

Still, it’s football. It’s the Cleveland Browns. It’s exciting (Ed. note: Be kind, people). (more…)

September 5 is the deadline for all NFL teams to reach their final 53-man roster and some guys are more aware of this than others. Take receiver Devin Aromashodu for instance. He’s not relying on his combination of height, speed and excellent hands to impress coaches. No, he’s sending flowers to the entire coaching staff just to “keep [him] in mind.” You have to think somewhere Brandon Rideau has his fancy-cheese-platter game face on.

Me: Denver Broncos fans do not appreciate Jay Cutler. You: How unappreciative are they? Me: They’re so unappreciative, their insistence on vehemently booing and stomping their feet every time Cutler took a snap in the first half caused the stadium, and thus the television cameras, to literally shake. Hey! What did he ever do to you, man? (more…)

The last post of the week: something to ponder as you await the certain couch slouch and booze binge of this weekend.

You can bet “Barrel Man” won’t be the only one watching this Sunday Night when the Bears play the Broncos in the third preseason game of the year. And, now with news that Brandon Marshall has been suspended for his recent practice tomfoolery, is there really any reason not to watch?

Just in case: Kyle Orton called Jay Cutler a “nancy wancy” and Bob Babich has a major crush on Jeb Putzier. Then, there is always Todd Sauerbraun … except sadly, all that is true.

We’re out for the weekend. Feel free to use this post as your own anarchic live blog for the game, I might check in on it. Remember to send your tips to blogdownchicagobears@gmail.com. Have a great weekend, homers.

Second game: much better result. Matt Forte looked every bit of the “fantasy stud” he’s been anointed, carrying nine times for 58 yards and one seemingly effortless touchdown. One of the other team’s running backs did quite well, too … running through Brian Urlacher more than just once; which, understandably, is codeword for twice. (more…)

It’s a road bump for the resurgence of Nathan Vasher, but in a telling sign of the confidence Zack Bowman has earned from coaches, he will start at right cornerback upon his return from a pulled hamstring. (more…)

Caleb Hanie performed well against Buffalo tonight, going 8-of-11 for 87 yards and one touchdown. Yet, you couldn’t help but to feel guilty and somewhat slimy watching what became FOX Chicago’s very pixelated rendition of the entire third quarter. (more…)

The last post of the week: something to ponder as you await the certain couch slouch and booze binge of this weekend.

And that inevitably means it’s time for Mike Ditka to make a fool of himself… but in the name of good ‘ol football, of course.

The Bears first depth chart is out and if you’re anything like me, you’re paying almost zero attention to it. That’s because it’s bound to change over the next month more times than our catches leader will from game to game. And thus, the preseason games are played.

With the 2009 preseason opener at Buffalo less than 24 hours away, we give you what to watch for. (more…)

Cornerback Trey Brown and tight end Marcus Stone are the last two players to be cut from the Chicago Bears. With that, the 53-man roster is intact, ready to be reviewed, scutinized, whatever.

The final cuts also signal a new beginning of sorts for players who have secured a spot with the team. Most notably, quarterback Caleb Hanie. The undrafted free agent from Colorado State played well in preseason action and will be the third-string quarterback behind Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman.

Running back Garrett Wolfe has also made the team. He too, looked impressive during the preseason, and will be one of four Bears running backs. Kevin Jones, Adrian Peterson, and rookie Matt Forte are the other three.

The good news as far as this year’s draft is concerned is all but three ‘08 draftees have made the squad. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin, linebacker Joey Larocque, and wide receiver Marcus Monk are the three exceptions. Guard Chester Adams is likely headed for some type of injury settlement whatchamajig, and apparently isn’t on the same boat as the others. You tell me. (more…)

Despite leading the league in touchdown catches this preseason (3), wide receiver Brandon Rideau will not be a member of the Bears’ 53-man roster. If you remember correctly, I specifically lobbied for Rideau — given his tall 6′3 frame and apparent knack for the big play — to make the team over incumbent Mark Bradley. Sadly, it is not to be.

Defensive ends Ervin Baldwin and Joe Clermond, guard Anthony Oakley, tight end Fontel Mines, and linebacker Joey Larocque will also be aiming to make the practice squad or another team in ‘08.

Larocque’s release means Michael Okwo lost his job to either Nick Roach or Darrell McClover. Both linebackers are now presumably safe.