Bears
- Bears guard Roberto Garza did a nice interview with George Vondracek at Corpus Christi Caller Times. Interestingly, he thinks his job might be in jeopardy:
“‘Anytime you give up more than 55 sacks a year obviously there are some changes that are going to have to take place, and we’re ready for that,’ Garza said. ‘Obviously, my job’s going to be up for grabs. So I have to go out there and prove to them that I’m going to continue to be the starting right guard.'”
- Neil Hayes at the Chicago Sun-Times says that the competition committee will not change the rule that resulted in an incomplete pass to Lions receiver Calvin Johnson in the first game against Detroit last season:
“If you read the rule, it’s not a catch,” [Giants president and competition committee member John] Mara said told the paper. “The reason it’s not a catch is you’ve got to control the ball when you hit the ground. It makes it easier to officiate. It’s a bright line that you can draw.”
Though its not a popular decision, I’ve made it clear that I’m with Mara on this one. If Calvin Johnson or anyone else doesn’t like it, all I can say is get up and hand the referee the ball next time. That’s what receivers on good teams are coached to do.
- ESPN‘s NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert disagrees with me.
- Pro Football Weekly‘s Nolan Nawrocki has a new name for you to consider for the Bears in his latest mock draft:
“Orlando Franklin | OL | Miami (Fla.)
“Although GM Jerry Angelo might prefer to find a replacement for Tommie Harris with this pick, the board could be more favorably filled with OL talent. Franklin could be the most physical blocker in this year’s draft and perfectly fits the nasty disposition that OL coach Mike Tice seeks in the trenches.”
Elsewhere
- The Green Bay Packers are on the clock:
- And so are the Pittsburgh Steelers:
One Final Thought
Is Brian Urlacher the best #9? Pro Football Weekly provides an answer: