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In 2005, when most NFL teams were drafting their QB of the future, Jerry Angelo was drafting a power running back from Texas. (I refuse to mention his name)
To Angelo's credit, he did draft Bear's "QB of the future" Rex Grossman in 2003, but that is also to his discredit.
Then, Angelo traded for Jay Cutler in 2009.
Jerry "I'm Fired" Angelo |
OK good. The Bear's were late showing up to the "Passing League" party, but at least they showed up. Right?
Like the Arizona Cardinals found out this year, bringing in a franchise QB won't make you better. It just unmasks your offense's weakness'.
Jerry Angleo was fired for not having an adequate back up QB the last few seasons. But he also paid that price because he lacked knowledge when it came to drafting NFL players.
Since Angelo took over as GM in 2002, he has drafted 82 players. Only 22 of them are still in the NFL.
That means he's only batting .268 folks. (Or 1 out 4 players goes on to have success)
I wish this is where the buck stopped. It isn't.
After his blockbuster trade for Cutler, Angelo failed to rebuild the offensive line, surround his QB with a top ten receiving corps, and build a defensive line around Julius Peppers.
So they fired him.
We're still digging a little deeper here.
Ted Phillips has taken a step in the right direction. It's time to get a fresh face and someone with new ideas in Hallas Hall. I'm sure the draft philosophies will change. (Fingers crossed)
Ted Phillips |
Is that going to change?
Since Angelo, the Bear's front office have stuck to drafting a WR and allowing him to develop from within the system. (Gage, Wade, Bradley, Knox)
There have been numerous attempts to bring in other team's garbage in hopes they can turn their career around in Chicago.
"Moose" |
That failed.
In his 9 years as GM, Angelo only made one "big" free agency splash in the wide receiver market.
"Moose" Muhammad in 2005.
Eh.
Moose wasn't a great pick up. But what were they (what was I) expecting from a 32 year old WR that had back to back 1,000+ receiving yards (99-00) and then a misleading 1,405 yards in 2004.
The season before he was released and signed with the Bears.
He never hit the 1,000 yard mark again in his career after that.
It will be interesting to see who the Bears will hire as their new GM. Ted Phillips has a "big" decision to make here. If he makes the wrong decision, it might be his last.
Jerry Angelo is gone, Love is staying, and now Ted Phillips is in charge of hiring a new GM. If philosophies don't change, Chicago will be looking at Phillips.
What if all the Bears issues are coming from a higher source? Will the trail of this stench lead all the way to the top??
I guess we're about to find out. Brace yourself, it's going to be another rough to ride.