2011-12 NFC North Division

[mugrad2006]

It's a big risk and I don't see the Pack doing it (I think there is a very good chance they'll franchise Finley) but there is precedent with Cassell and the Patriots/Chiefs trade.

Here's an article by the JS that explains in more detail how you might do this. 

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/flynn-departure-may-not-aid-packers-k43ld06-136557403.html


In my book it's still a very risky strategy.  The Cassel trade was a little unique in that Pioli went from NE to KC and already had a desire to grab Cassel and had seen him on a daily basis.

[MUMac]

I think the article stated the situation fairly well.

The one way that the Packers could get it done is to sign Flynn before the start of FA.  Work out an arrangement with Flynn that they will sign him to a contract worthy of a starting QB, perhaps even a one year contract to allow Flyn some negotiating flexibiliy with his new team.  They would then need to work out a trade with a select group of teams that Flynn would be able to go in as the starting QB.

Now, for that to work, Flynn would need to show loyalty to the Packer organization for developing him and giving him the opportunity.  His agent would also need to be on board.  It is less risky that the Franchise designation, but still a risk to both parties.  It also requires a type of willingness on behalf of a player/agent that we don't see in pro sports very often.

[tower912]

BTW, pursuant to Scharz's meltdown on Sunday.   It was appropriate.    The officials had so completely messed up the call, and had compounded it in that situation by not taking the safe, default route of simply calling a touchdown and letting replay sort it out.   Watching other games this year, it has appeared that they are taking that route more often, as it is the path of least resistance.    Call it a TD and let replay confirm or overturn.       Sometimes coaches lose their minds.    Basketball coaches get technicals and ejected, baseball managers get run, it happens.   
    Bigger picture, is he a hothead?    And to answer that, I refer to my previous post. 

[MUMac]

BTW, pursuant to Scharz's meltdown on Sunday.   It was appropriate.    The officials had so completely messed up the call, and had compounded it in that situation by not taking the safe, default route of simply calling a touchdown and letting replay sort it out.   Watching other games this year, it has appeared that they are taking that route more often, as it is the path of least resistance.    Call it a TD and let replay confirm or overturn.       Sometimes coaches lose their minds.    Basketball coaches get technicals and ejected, baseball managers get run, it happens.   
    Bigger picture, is he a hothead?    And to answer that, I refer to my previous post. 

I agree completely they botched the call - in all regards.  Unfortunately, it was far from the only call they botched.  I also agree with Billick (did I really say that?) who said the NFL should review all plays within the end zone envelope. 

Actually, I prefer the NFL would go to the college version of replay.  I know some sentiment is that they tried that approach and it did not work.  Now, though, it doesn't seem that college reviews take quite as long, nor do they disrupt the flow of the game as much as the NFL's replay system does. 

[MU B2002]

Actually, I prefer the NFL would go to the college version of replay.  I know some sentiment is that they tried that approach and it did not work.  Now, though, it doesn't seem that college reviews take quite as long, nor do they disrupt the flow of the game as much as the NFL's replay system does. 

The NFL could do that, but would probably have to eliminate some of their commercial breaks to allow for the added replay time.  We know that will never happen, as the NFL loves money more than it cares about pissed off coaches.

[RJax55]

Looks like Jerry Angelo's reign as Bears GM is finally over. I wonder if Lovie is done as well.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-jerry-angelo-out-as-bears-gm-20120103,0,3365211.story

[MU B2002]

Looks like Jerry Angelo's reign as Bears GM is finally over. I wonder if Lovie is done as well.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-jerry-angelo-out-as-bears-gm-20120103,0,3365211.story

Jeff Fisher to the Bears...

[MerrittsMustache]

Jeff Fisher to the Bears...

I was thinking that same thing.

While I do like Lovie and believe he's an underrated coach who's accomplished  a lot without having the most talent-laden rosters, I wouldn't be heartbroken if he were shown the door.

[MUMac]

Jeff Fisher to the Bears...

As a football fan, I really like Lovie.  I think he is a very good coach.  Always has the Bears playing at a high level.  If injuries to Cutler and Forte did not kill this offense, no way anyone talks about replacing him.  He is one year removed from an NFC Championship.  I enjoy the Packer-Bears games in part due to Lovie's comments when he was hired.  Taking a shot at the Packers - then he has backed it up.

If he is let go, Fischer is another coach that I like and respect.

[Benny B]

Someone will pay Matt Flynn some money this off season, and he will be a starting QB.

Care to place a bet on this?

Hards --- swear to God, I hope you took this bet.

[Hards Alumni]

Hards --- swear to God, I hope you took this bet.

Nope, I always feel bad taking people's money.

I just like knowing im awesome.

[Hards Alumni]

As a football fan, I really like Lovie.  I think he is a very good coach.  Always has the Bears playing at a high level.  If injuries to Cutler and Forte did not kill this offense, no way anyone talks about replacing him.  He is one year removed from an NFC Championship.  I enjoy the Packer-Bears games in part due to Lovie's comments when he was hired.  Taking a shot at the Packers - then he has backed it up.

If he is let go, Fischer is another coach that I like and respect.

Lovie is a mediocre coach that has had a great defense to work with.

[RJax55]

Jeff Fisher to the Bears...

Would Fisher really be all that different from Lovie? I mean, he is a veteran head coach with past success, that's defensive minded. On a quick comparison, Fisher and Lovie are extremely similar.

If Lovie is replaced, time to go another route and go with a guy from the offensive side of the ball.

[jesmu84]

Nope, I always feel bad taking people's money.

I just like knowing im awesome.

glad you didn't. my crow is a little on the rare side for my liking...

[MU B2002]

Would Fisher really be all that different from Lovie? I mean, he is a veteran head coach with past success, that's defensive minded. On a quick comparison, Fisher and Lovie are extremely similar.

If Lovie is replaced, time to go another route and go with a guy from the offensive side of the ball.

1 big difference I see is emotion.  Lovie appears to display none.  Not saying I need Rex Ryan or Schwartz screaming on the Bears sideline, but give me something. 

I think if available the Bears would be a perfect fit for Fisher: established QB, solid (but aging D), all pro RB.  Martz will most surely be gone I would think. 

I think it all depends on the GM. 

[RJax55]

1 big difference I see is emotion.  Lovie appears to display none.  Not saying I need Rex Ryan or Schwartz screaming on the Bears sideline, but give me something. 

I think if available the Bears would be a perfect fit for Fisher: established QB, solid (but aging D), all pro RB.  Martz will most surely be gone I would think. 

I think it all depends on the GM. 

IMO, emotion is highly, highly overrated. It's something of a lot of fans like to point to, but I don't think makes a bit of difference when it comes to winning and losing. If anything, it can be a negative (See Ryan or Schwartz).

I will say this about Lovie, he doesn't have that outward passion, but in his 8 years with Bears, his teams have never quit on him.

[DegenerateDish]

Surprised by the Angelo news, but not shocked. Believe Ruskell is gone too, but have not gotten full confirmation.

Hearing Reggie McKenzie's name, a lot, in the last hour. If it is McKenzie, I believe Lovie will coach at least the next season, but that's a lot of speculation right now. Can't see the Bears going after a Parcells type (not that they'd go after Parcells). They won't want to spend that kind of money (with Angelo's buyout) and they already have Phillips in place as team president.

[MU B2002]

I will say this about Lovie, he doesn't have that outward passion, but in his 8 years with Bears, his teams have never quit on him.

Agree.

[MUMac]

Surprised by the Angelo news, but not shocked. Believe Ruskell is gone too, but have not gotten full confirmation.

Hearing Reggie McKenzie's name, a lot, in the last hour. If it is McKenzie, I believe Lovie will coach at least the next season, but that's a lot of speculation right now. Can't see the Bears going after a Parcells type (not that they'd go after Parcells). They won't want to spend that kind of money (with Angelo's buyout) and they already have Phillips in place as team president.

McKenzie would be a very nice fit for the Bears.  I would hate to see it, and prefer he go to the Raiders as has been speculated.  Any way you look at it, though, he is well overdue the opportunity.

[MUMac]

IMO, emotion is highly, highly overrated. It's something of a lot of fans like to point to, but I don't think makes a bit of difference when it comes to winning and losing. If anything, it can be a negative (See Ryan or Schwartz).

I will say this about Lovie, he doesn't have that outward passion, but in his 8 years with Bears, his teams have never quit on him.

I agree with all you stated in your past two posts. 

As for emotion, for an NFL coach, that is far overrated.  There are ways to get it done without showing emotion.  Fans always want to see more than the coaches provide.  The fans, though, are not the ones that get fired.

[Dr. Blackheart]

ChiTrib article...Lovie to stay.  Presser at 4

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-jerry-angelo-out-as-bears-gm-20120103,0,3365211.story

[MUMac]

ChiTrib article...Lovie to stay.  Presser at 4

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-jerry-angelo-out-as-bears-gm-20120103,0,3365211.story

Lovie to stay ... for now.  Whoever the new GM is, unless that has already been decided and they signed off on Lovie, will ultimately decide the fate of Lovie.  Or else they would be fools to accept the job.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Lovie to stay ... for now.  Whoever the new GM is, unless that has already been decided and they signed off on Lovie, will ultimately decide the fate of Lovie.  Or else they would be fools to accept the job.

This is the Bears...Virginia thinks of Lovie as her son. He stays.

[jmayer1]

Packers won a Super Bowl w/o Finley.  I don't think he's worth franchise money. 

$5.5 million for a year looks pretty reasonable to me.

[Blackhat]

TT might franchise Tim Mashtay.