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Bears open their wallets to sign marquee free agents posted on 03/06/2010

As I tweeted during the opening hour of NFL free agency: "I'm not sure who's in the Bears front office right now, but I like him." A day and a half later, I stand by that statement. My Chicago Bears ended up going "hog wild" in free agency after all, signing defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna on Friday.

It was a complete departure from the norm for a Bears front office that is very particular about spending money on players it doesn't know. Anyone who says the Bears are cheap hasn't been paying attention. They shell out the money, but only for players they already have under contract. This year it was different. With no first or second round draft picks, Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith had to swing for the fences in free agency or they'd be on the chopping block for sure after the 2010 season. After a fantastic Friday, it's time to examine the moves the Bears made and how they improve the team going forward.

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Peppers, Taylor and Manumaleuna visiting Bears on Friday posted on 03/05/2010

Not even an hour into NFL free agency, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that big fish defensive end Julius Peppers and highly touted running back Chester Taylor will both visit the Chicago Bears on Friday. Brad Biggs is also reporting that tight end Brandon Manumaleuna will also pay a visit.

My quick reaction is that of complete shock. I'm not really sure who these Bears are. They're acting like Dan Snyder and the Redskins (who are now just sitting back and waiting on free agents). It's been a complete switch. Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith are all-in.  

We all knew Peppers was going to be a high priority for Angelo since he's head and shoulders the best DE on the market. Lovie Smith even flew to Carolina to pick him up. That's "the Bears' deal to lose" according to Peppers' agent. Done deal.

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Free Agency Preview: Chicago Bears posted on 03/03/2010

With NFL free agency kicking off at midnight on Thursday, the Chicago Bears need to make a huge splash. They have no first or second-round draft picks to spend money on and a salary cap-less year on the horizon, priming them to be major players in free agency for the first time I can remember. I'll take a look at a few positions and players the Bears should be targeting in free agency.

Defensive End

Julius Peppers (Carolina)

Undoubtedly the biggest fish in the free agent pool, the 30-year old defensive lineman would bring instant pass-rush to a Bears defense that is sorely lacking. In Lovie Smith's much maligned cover-two scheme, getting pressure with your front four is key. Adewale Ogunleye's impending departure and the death of Gaines Adams makes signing Peppers a no-brainer. When he wants to he's one of the best pass-rushers in the league. Every now and again he'll take plays off (or seasons, as evident by his 2.5 sack 2007), but he's racked up double digit sacks in six of his eight years in the NFL.

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Saints take advantage of Manning's mistake to capture first-ever Super Bowl posted on 02/08/2010

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

After getting out to an early 10-0 lead, Peyton looked primed to make the Saints a footnote on his way to history. New Orleans kept it close with two field goals in the second quarter, even after failing a fourth down conversion down at the goal line. When the second half kicked off, it was all Saints. A surprising and successful onside kick led to a Pierre Thomas touchdown, signaling a momentum shift. 

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Joe's Opening Drive: Super Bowl 44 Prop Bets posted on 02/07/2010

Can't bet against the point spread? Feel too much pressure when deciding between your heart and your head? Vegas has you covered with these completely ridiculous prop bets, covered by Esquire. Here's a few choice selections and my useless advice.

How many times will The Who's Pete Townshend do his windmill move?
Line: 5.5

My take: The over! During these Super Bowl halftime medleys, every frontman pulls off his signature move at least once, like Springsteen's guitar catch or power slide, Mick Jagger's being creepy or Janet Jackson's being naked. (Snap.) Once you start the windmill, it's hard to stop. 

How many times will CBS cut to Archie Manning?

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