Off Season Questions Bears Must Still Answer

On April 2nd, 2009 Chicago Bears management made a series of roster moves that will heavily impact the 2009 - 2010 NFL season.  A day later, the organization still has questions that need to be attended to. 

1.  Did the Denver altitude inflate some of Cutlers statistics?

This question has been applied most to baseball statistics, and only occasionally to football performances.  Though field goal kicking afficianados will recall Jason Elam currently holds the record for longest field goal at 63 yards, kicked where else?  Denver's Invesco Field. 

A little "back of the envelope math" will reveal the difference in altitude is signficant between Denver (5,281 ft) and Chicago (583 ft.)  Will this result in errant passes that otherwise would have been completed in the thin Denver atmosphere?  That will be up to the strength and condition staff, and Cutler to resolve.

2.  What is it going to take to get Rex Grossman in camp?

Grossman is an unrestricted free agent, and has yet to sign with an NFL team as of April 3rd.  While there has been some interest shown by regional South American semi-pro teams, his availability provides Chicago an opportunity to sign a quality quarterback to compete with Jay Cutler for the top spot in 2009.  Bears fans changed their tune on Grossman, who was universally reviled after the loss in SBXLI, after he led the beloved to a hard fought victory during a week 9 inter-division grudge match against the up-and-coming Detroit Lions.

If this scenario plays out, would the Chicago brass allow an "open competition" when the final result most likely have the new guy riding the pine?  Unlikely.

3.  Will Orlando Pace be able to contribute on a revamped O line?

It could be argued that the Orlando Pace signing raises many of the same questions as the John Tait signing did 4 years ago.  Both are Mormon's.  Both secretely despise children, and both weighed over 600 pounds at the time of the deal.  Google searches on orlando+pace+ideal+playing+weight didn't provide any specific numbers, but I have to think that he (AND THE BEARS) will be best served playing somewhere in the mid 400's.

4.  What can the Bears do in this year's draft?

 Sure, Jerry Angelo has made a career out of the middle rounds of the NFL draft.  With 8 picks this year, he's got his work cut out for him to further shore up the offensive line, defensive backfield and wide receiver corps.  Names like Johnson, Richardson, Ade-Kobaki and Lawrence have been thrown around as possible picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, but can any of them make an immediate impact? 

Not likely.  Which is why I would like to hear Roger Godell announce, "With the 49th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, The Chicago Bears select Lebron James."  Hear me out.  Basketball players are easily the most athletic members of the sporting community, and former hoopers have made significant impacts on the NFL.  Names like Antonio Gates, Bo Jackson, "Neon" Deon Sanders & Michael Jordan should ring a bell. 

In the 3rd round I would pick up Alex Rodriguez and in the fourth I would select Martin Broduer. 

5. What's for lunch?

Culvers Deluxe basket, no pickles with fries & a Mountain Dew.

Comments

[JPFootball]

Bring it on, Speedy.