Twitter Dumb, Twitter Dee, Twitter Doo

The Twitter, tweeter, tiddly do has offered the world a new way to share information. Quick 140 character expressions from the likes of neighbors, friends, media, celebrities, and politicians. Most tend to use Twitter in a responsible manner, yet the aggressive competitive nature of the media, especially sports media has turned Twitter into a must have for a sports fanatic, who also must be up to date on the most current news and rumors.

This use of Twitter has almost ruined fact finding in sports media, and area in which there seems to be no accountability to factual reports any longer. These individuals are the same guys who vote on Heisman award winners, MVP's, Rookie of the Year, and in some cases Hall of Fame inductees.

Lets get this straight, the same guy that decides not to vote for Barry Bonds as a Hall of Fame player due to character issues can also report far fetched trades or signings wrongly and not be ridiculed for it? Further, they can see kingly change their strong minded opinion on PED use, and those players, and no one holds them accountable?

Now don't get me wrong, I do not want the likes of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, or any other abuser of Performance Enhancing drugs to be in the hall as a player either. I would like the story to be told. I would like the hall to recognize it. I wouldn't mind if they had a different wing which lists the accomplishments of these players. I however do not think the plaque of one of these types be allowed to be next to the likes of Mickey Mantle, or Yogi Berra, or Ryne Sandberg, or Tony Gywnn.

The difference between my opinions and those in the media, well no one comes to me for news or information which is used to determine their own opinion. This is where the likes of Jon Heyman loses credibility. In an excerpt from a 2011 Sports Illustrated article, Jon says this:

While I do believe Bonds took steroids (whether it was knowingly or not doesn't much matter to me, though if I had to guess, I think he knows everything that goes in his body), I don't believe all steroid users should be excluded from the Hall of Fame. I'm not here to sit in moral judgment of another human being.

[...]

As for Bonds, I don't think anyone could reasonably make the case that he needed drugs to be a Hall of Famer. When Bonds signed with his hometown Giants for $43.75 million in December of 1992 to become the highest-paid player in baseball history he was already the best player in the game, and he earned that contract through only good genes (his dad, Bobby, was also an incredible combination of speed and power) and hard work. He had a small head at the time, and he maintained that, at least in the literal sense, for several years to come.

He also states famously: "a baseball Hall of Fame would be empty without Bonds."

But apparently he is on leaving the ultimate baseball shrine, empty...

This is the same guy who consistently reports on false trades or signings, interested teams, or frontrunners. His apology list is longer than his accomplishment list, well if he would actually apologize. This is a reporter with a success rate lower than your local weatherman (not counting Tom Skilling, he's always right).

This is a guy that gets to judge on your Hall of Fame players. He is a guy that gets to judge others integrity. He is one who ultimately gets to write the baseball history book of this era.

Is he the kind of guy that should wield that power? A guy that so easily says, oops I changed my mind?

The new leader, or is he?

Today Chicago woke up to a tweet from Jimmy Johnson from Fox Sports, as well as the guy that lead the Dallas Cowboys to multiple Super Bowls, but more famously known for his perfect head of hair. In this tweet Jimmy claims that the Bears have hired Marc Trestman of the Montreal Alouettes, and a man that lead the likes of Rich Gannon and Steve Young to career and MVP years.

Jimmy is tapped into the NFL and knows both coaches mentioned very well. Jimmy also has no reason to put this information out there without there having some legs to the story. However there is a lot of doubt around Chicago and the league if this is indeed accurate.

Phil Emery, the Chicago Bears General Manager, has stated a very specific interview process and he reportedly has interviews scheduled throughout the weekend with other candidates. This would completely throw out that plan. Could the Bears and Emery be so overly impressed by Trestman that they threw out the script and are jumping on a hire? Could Trestman be strong arming the Bears forcing a move? Could this be a stunt that a longtime friend in Johnson is doing to help Trestman in negotiations with other opportunities?

I can't answer that.

After initially thinking this is the worst case scenario for the Bears, and laughably the most likely. The Bears, one of the most storied franchises in all the land, go out and grab the most under the radar, least likely to succeed coach. Seems that this has been their approach on so many other occasions, Dave Wannstedt, Dick Juron, and even Lovie Smith was a relatively unknown guy. But, after looking at his resume, and seeing what others are saying about Trestman, he just might be the perfect fit for this franchise.

*Courtesy of the Chicago Sun Times and Neil Hayes

 

Trestman is an offensive genius (as described by some), a Quarterback guru, would instantly give the Bears validity on the offensive side of the ball, and by all reports elevate the play of Jay Cutler. That's the most important part right? Elevating the play of Jay Cutler?

 

Some around the league do not think that Jay is willing to elevate his play. They have decided that all he wants to do is run around, buy time, and showcase a big arm. This is especially the sediment of Troy Aikman, another Fox Sports employee, and notable QB as well. Troy has been wishy washy on Cutler over the years, at times backing the QB, and others calling him out. Recently Troy has gone on record saying Culter is who he is, and doesn't look interested in changing.

 

I take into account what some analyists say, but often times I discredit statements since they aren't around the team, haven't listened to the players, haven't seen them throughout a month, season, career. I see the Jay Cutler that goes out there and competes, and competes to win. A guy that expects excellence from his teammates, and expects them to be where he expects them to be and produce at a high level. Should Jay's lack of production be placed on those around him, or is it on Jay himself for not elevating the play of others?

 

I think there is a little blame to be placed on everyone, but mostly the finger needs to be pointed at the organization. The organization pulled the trigger on the deal to bring Jay Cutler, franchise Quarterback, to Chicago, but since he has been here they have added 1 offensive piece and subtracted multiple more. Jay hasn't had 3 consecutive seasons working in the same offense in his career. He has had multiple coaches and voices teaching him the game, which typically leaves it up to the player to pull what he's learned and interpret that information.

 

A guy like Marc Trestman instantly gives the Bears an offensive presence and identity. He would also answer the questions people have on Jay Culter. That is eventually what we, as Bears fans want.







Lovie, the search, blame Cutty

So guys, a lot has happened since my last installment of the worlds toughest to read blog. Either way here's a brief rundown.

Lovie Smith fired after 9 seasons and a 10-6 record.

Bears interviewing 13 different people to be the next Head Coach.

And as always, its Jay Cutler's fault.

First, I don't agree with the Lovie firing, not yet anyways. Here is a guy that has consistently won in Chicago. Has created a top defense in Chicago, and by all accounts is a good guy and role model for those under his wing. Sure he ultimately was held accountable for the teams offensive woes in his 9 years, but his defense was and is one of the best this league has to offer. Why is that? Well because of stability. The Bears defense has had the same approach for 9 seasons. The players know exactly what is expected of them, and if they didn't do what was expected they were gone.

That can't be said for the offense however. Lovie Smith had multiple offensive coordinators, which have brought new terminology and lingo to the team. New processes and blocking schemes, new routes and new reads. None of those offenses worked, and honesty none if them were given an opportunity to work.

We will more than likely have another offense come in (Mike Tice is still employed and has the OC job till the new Head Coach makes a decision) which would give Jay Cutler his 4th offense in a Bears uniform, and 5th in his career. Basically saying, every year the offense is learning something new, and not refining something they know.

I don't like the firing, this year. Years past and possibly next season I agree with it, but now no. Biggest reasoning, this team will NOT hire a better Head Coach this year than Lovie Smith. In fact, I will say Lovie will have better luck with his next job than the next Bears HC will have in this one. Secondly, the roster is in flux. Meaning, it is old with large dollars tied to on the fringe type players. Lance Briggs is climbing the age ladder, Julius Peppers isn't young any longer, Devin Hester has lost something. We have old dollars in the secondary and on both lines. If a new coach comes in, he will have a process of moving players out while transitioning the team to what he wants to do, and that will take time and patience (something we seem to of lost). Why not allow Lovie to finish off his contract, even in a lame duck scenario? Let him move on with his players once its done, or resign him if he succeeded.

Since I learned I didn't have a say in Lovie staying or going, perhaps I'll have a say in who is next to lead this team. We have heard all the big names, Like the Jon Gruden's of the world. We have even heard the name of an old nemesis, Mike Holmgren. I don't want those guys. They are either out of the game, used to plush lifestyles now, or will demand too much money and power. Who I want, is simple, Bruce Arians. Sure he's the hot name right now. Sure those guys rarely pan out. I am telling you though, he is the real deal.

Arians is the guy that Ben Roethlisberger was pissed at when he was let go by the Steelers. He is the guy that helped a rookie QB in Andrew Luck turn into a mature and very good Quarterback, and one that will move into elite status soon. Not only is he able to teach the Bears what a 2013 offense should look like, he has Head Coaching experience. You see, during the 2012 season he was the interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He should get a ton of respect for taking a pretty talentless team to a 10-6 record and into the playoffs. You don't have to work through those first year stumbles cause, he's already done it.

Finally, if all else fails of course we just blame Jay Cutler. ESPN's constant attack of Cutler has continued with them asking, "How much blame to you give Jay Cutler for RGIII's injury?"

Really!? Now I get the premise... Did RGIII stay in the game out of fear for being ridiculed like Cutty was. Thing is, it is always ESPN's prerogative to match Cutler's name negatively with anything. From Tom Jackson saying he's a bad guy cause he didn't say hi to someone, or this new garbage, he just can't win. This is one of the many reasons I've turned away from anything ESPN (outside of Waddle and Silvy) and just don't plan on supporting them any longer. I used to listen religiously to ESPN Radio all day, bought the ESPN Radio iPhone app, watched SportsCenter, followed them on Twitter, all of it. Now however, they push their ideas or push for their ratings. It's no longer about bringing you sports, especially teams you've never seen. They've become opinionists and no longer are reporters.

That's been my 2 cents for the week, hope to be back with more info soon!